With the abundance of quiltmaking rulers, templates and gadgets out there, it can be difficult for beginner quiltmakers to ldecide where to start. Using the concept of the 4 most common patches we learned about in Chapter 1, I give my recommendations for essential tools for the beginner quiltmaker.
If you haven't watched the Chapter 1 video, you should start there. Watch it below.
Cut Size vs Finished Size
It is important to distinguish between the finished size of a patch and the cut size.
The finished size is the part of the patch that appears on the quilt top after other patches have been sewn to each side. When we design quilt blocks or quilts, we use the finished size to determine the finished size of the block or quilt.
The cut size includes a 1/4" seam allowance on every side of the patch. The seam allowance provides extra fabric to hold the patches together through many years of use.
The image below shows the four most common patches with seam allowances. The seam allowances are not accurate but you get the idea!
Common Patch Sizes
If we look at the most common sizes for patches, we get three finished sizes: 2", 3" and 4". The chart below shows the 4 most common patches and the 3 most common sizes. There are seperate charts for rotary cutting and AccuQuilt cutting.
Watch the video below and download the free instructions in the video description. Look for the grey box under the video on YouTube and click "more".
Essential Tools For Beginner Quiltmakers
there are lots of tools out there, but for the beginner quiltmaker, these will take you far. Click image for more information.
Rotary Cutting Essential Tools
Accuquilt Essential Tools
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