
Not all quilters are created equally. Everyone has their own unique personality and style, and this shines through with every quilted creation. There are however some common problems all quilters face at one point or another. If you are a beginner quilter, or even a more experienced quilter looking for a handy tip or two, read on to learn about some of the common problems quilters may face and the quick and easy ways to fix them.

Related video: Tips for Determining Quilt Measurements

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Related blog: Keep Your Thread Long and Strong

Related video: How to Hang a Quilt on a Wall

Related video: Choosing the Right Quilting Thread
Armed with a few quick fixes, you’ll be well on your way to tackling those annoying and sometimes frustrating problems that quilters often face. We want to hear from you now – what are your best tips for quilting fixes?

I have had every single mistake here. Number 2 is especially frustrating and happens a lot… I guess it needs practice…
I need help with the binding of my quilt. I am very confused on how to make my own and how to sew it on my finish quilt!. Please help!
Hi, Debbie. We have many videos on binding that may help you. Here is a great one to start with as it goes over all of the binding basics:
http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/quilt-binding-basics-003553/
[https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/quilt/content/uploads/2014/12/05192746/003553f_K3013u_c.jpg]<http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/quilt-binding-basics-003553/>
Quilt Binding Basics – nationalquilterscircle.com<http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/quilt-binding-basics-003553/>
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Finishing a quilt with binding isn’t a difficult thing to learn. Check out these quilt binding basics from National Quilters Circle
We also have an entire video category on bindings that you may find helpful as well.
http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/videos/binding/
Quilt Binding | National Quilters Circle<http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/videos/binding/>
http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com
With the assistance of these quilt binding videos, binding your quilts will be a piece of cake. Explore these helpful videos to bind your quilts.
In terms of measuring, I have often wondered whether the line on a ruler should sit ON the edge or BESIDE the edge of the fabric? I know it might only be a whisker difference but should I only see fabric beneath the measurement line?
Hi, Penny. I prefer to have my ruler sit directly ON the edge of the fabric as opposed to beside it. You are correct that it would only be a tiny difference if any at all, so I would just recommend consistency. However you choose to line up your ruler, do so the same every time.
Thank you for the tips … Especially the one about keeping your thread moisturized ?
I sew a lot of baby quilts. I find that using a low or med weight batting is best. Also, I don’t like to do all the fancy tight, close together quilting. I find a quilt is warmer if there is air between the stitches of quilting.
I am having a problem with getting the block size 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 squares are accurate and seams are accurate but I am always off on completed square H E L P
Hi,
The most common problem people have when their blocks don’t turn out the intended size is with piecing. You need to ensure that you are piecing with an accurate 1/4″ seam allowance consistently. Here is a good video explaining more about that and how to check it:
https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/seam-allowance-quilting-%C2%BC-seams-012111/
[https://www.bing.com/th?id=OVP.akomHbEHkyEZAImx8E_pYgEsCo&pid=Api]<https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/seam-allowance-quilting-%C2%BC-seams-012111/>
Seam Allowance for Quilting: All About ¼” Seams | National …<https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/seam-allowance-quilting-%C2%BC-seams-012111/>
http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com
Quarter Inch
Hope this helps!
I started quilting some years back using a (purported) 1/4” foot – the kind with the guide on the right hand side. My blocks never came out right. Turns out that 1/4” for was more like a 5/16” foot, which is enough to make a huge difference over several pieces per block and several blocks per row. I tried a lot of different ways to get the elusive scant 1/4”, but the best way I found was to put a 1” piece of tape (blue painter tape or day-glo ruler tape) very carefully on the 1/4” mark of my bobbin cover. It needs to be replaced every so often, but my seams are finally and consistently a scant 1/4”.
I am quilting a queen size quilting a Juki 2010 q machine my thread is breaking and bobbin thread is knotting up what am I doing wrong?
Hello Debbie,
There could be several issues- first, insure that your machine is threaded correctly. Even if you think it is, it’s always a good idea to re-thread it to check. Next, change to a new sharp needle. If neither of these solutions fix the problem, check to see that your needle tension is in the right place and did not get bumped and is too tight or too loose.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Ashley
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I found you need to use the same ruler for cutting everything of the same project. Each ruler, including the cutting mat is slightly different, enough to make your block off in size when putting it together. There are several interesting rulers out there to square up the blocks and to cut strips evenly for a project. There are sewing guides to attach to the machine for long lengths of stitching evenly. Much more accurate than the blue painters tape as it doesn’t allow the fabric to slide past the measured scant ¼ inch. Also CLEAN your feed dogs and bobbin case between each bobbin replacement. 50w cotton quilting thread does leave lint as well as certain fabric. Adjust your needle position within the presser foot you are using to get the perfect scant ¼ inch seam. Change your needle often as they dull quickly. This will keep your stitches even. Change your rotary blade for even cutting.
These tips are really helping me. I wish you printed a newsletter.
I really hate it when I’m piecing and the ends always get pulled down into the bobbin casing. I hate jumpers leaders and enders and I have seen where a lot of videos they don’t even back-tack when piecing but that makes me nervous. when I don’t back tack at least the ends don’t get chewed up. any ideas or helpful hints out there for me? I’ve been quilting for many years and this is the one big issue I have repeatedly
Holding your threads behind the foot will help. The bit of fabric used as a leader holds your threads so they do not rotate down into the bobbin case thereby pulling your fabric into the case.
What can I do when machine quilting and the machine does not always pickup the bobbin thread. I sew several stitches before I realize it did not pick up. It does pick up after 3-4 stitches.
Hi Mickie,
Skipped stitches are generally caused by a dull needle. I would recommend changing the needle and see if this fixes the issue. Also, I would recommend going back and stitching over the areas where there are skipped stitches and then removing this bits of unstitched thread.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
hi i am trying to get to grips with satin stitch,any tips?
I have a problem with my stiches on the reverse of the quilt looping not sure why this is happening