You are about to learn how to make your own quilt. This video and directions are designed to teach the beginner the basics of quilting from start to finish. The directions are divided into steps, which coincide with the steps of the video. To achieve the best results, watch the video and read the instructions before you begin. Take your time, plan your steps and most of all have fun!

Cutting & Pinning

1. Cut out the batting, flannel and fabric to the desired quilt size, using the chart if needed. All three layers will have the same dimensions.
2. Lay the batting down, bonded side face down. The bonded side is the side with the subtle stripes. Note: not all batting is bonded. Un-bonded batting will cause your quilt to become ‘lumpy’.
3. Lay the flannel on the batting. The side of the flannel that you want exposed is also called the “right” side. Lay the “right” side of the flannel face up on the batting.
4. Lay the fabric on the flannel. The fabric needs to be placed with the “right” side face down. Or ‘right sides’ together. You will eventually turn the quilt inside out, like a pillowcase. Thus exposing the correct or “right” sides of your fabric and flannel.
5. Pin the batting, flannel and fabric together with quilting pins. About 1” from the edge and about 5” apart. Pin all around the quilt leaving an opening in the middle on one side of the quilt. The size of the opening depends on the size of your quilt and the thickness of your batting. A 12” opening is for sizes ‘Twin’ or smaller. For quilts ‘Full’ size and larger use at least a 24” opening.

Sewing the Edges

1. Sew around the entire quilt starting from one end of the opening to the other.
2. Flip the quilt inside out like a pillowcase exposing the “right” sides of the fabric and the flannel. Use blunt nose scissors to push out the corners if needed.
3. Shake the quilt to even it out.
4. Pull and crease the edges of the quilt using the edge of a table. Using an iron may help.
5. Pin the quilt again. This time there is no opening you need to plan for, so pin the entire quilt along the edge. Fold the edges of the opening inside.
6. On a sewing machine, stitch all the way around the quilt about 1/4” from the edge.
7. Make a second stitch along the entire edge of the quilt, but this time about 1” from the edge.
   

Attaching the Quilt to the Frame

1. With a staple gun, staple the center of one side of your quilt to the center of the framing board. Then secure the corners to the framing boards with clamps.
2. Do the same on the opposite side of the quilt.
3. Secure the entire quilt to the 4 framing boards with staples, about 6” apart.
4. The quilt should be stretched tight.
5. If you prefer, many people use ‘quilting tacks’ instead of staples.
   

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