• What is a Patchwork Quilt?
• Patchwork Quilting Tools
• Patchwork Quilting Guidelines
• Patchwork Fabric
• Anatomy of a Patchwork Quilt
• Patchwork Piecing Methods
• Quilting Techniques
• Rotary Cutting

• Buying Patchwork Fabric
• Choosing Patchwork Fabric
• Patchwork Fabric Properties
• Quilt Wadding Materials
• Jelly Rolls and Layer Cakes

• Introduction to Foundation Piecing DVD
• Cathedral Window & Secret Garden DVD
• Making Kaleidoscope Blocks DVD
• Trip Around the World & Bargello DVD

Pre-Washing Patchwork Fabric

One school of thought advises that you pre-wash all your fabric before piecing since 100% cotton fabric will shrink by about 3%-5%. However, once washed, the fabric becomes slightly more difficult to handle. Try one project without pre-washing and one project with to see which you prefer. Try not to mix the two in one project or you may get uneven results.

Grain of the Fabric

The fabric grain is slightly stronger parallel to the selvedge than it is across the width, and is most flexible on the bias (diagonal). Most patchwork patterns should take this into account when telling you how to cut your fabric, especially when cutting triangles. The rule-of-thumb is to ensure that the outside of each block is cut on the straight grain.

Cutting Fabric on the Bias

There are times when you want to cut fabric on the bias, usually with certain appliquéd designs where you want the fabric to curve, or when making binding for a circular quilt or one with curved corners.