It seems like every day there are new quilters wanting to know the “rules” of quilting. They want to know if it’s okay to do this or if doing it that way is allowed. What happened to our ability as artists & crafters to thumb our nose at the mainstream population and actually be creative?
One of the first things I figured out way back when I was learning to quilt, is that there are very few hard and fast rules for quilting. They are as follows:
- Use a “scant” quarter inch. It REALLY does make a difference.
- Test your marking utensils on scraps before writing on your pieces/tops.
- For every quilter out there, there is a different method for doing things.
- It doesn’t matter which sizing/starch you use, you will end up with the same result.
- Not all quilting needles are created the same. Buy quality. Trust me.
- Keep your coffee close, but your seam ripper closer.
When I asked my quilting friends what they considered to be the rules of quilting, the overwhelming response was: “There are no quilting rules”.
There’s a popular saying amongst seasoned quilters.
“There aren’t any quilt police.”
It’s supposed to be a fun hobby. Yes, you need guidelines for the basics, especially if you are new to sewing. Just relax and let your creativity flow. I would imagine that Picasso and Monet had a few canvases that they painted over before they were satisfied with the final product.
It’s okay to make mistakes, to start a top and realize that you don’t like how it’s shaping up, and to curse when you’re frustrated with a new technique. We’ve all done it. Welcome to the sisterhood of quilters.
Do you have a quilting rule that you would like to share? What kind of absurd “rules” have you heard?
