Today there are many fabrics of different structures, colors and shapes on the market. Each type of material, for example, satin, tulle, silk, cotton, has its own purpose.
It can be used for sewing clothes, interior decoration, at home, etc. This article discusses quilted fabric, which is most often used to make blankets, pillows, mattresses, and bed linen.
The meaning of quilting material
What is quilted fabric
Many housewives often wonder what quilted fabrics are? This material consists of several (most often three) layers: two outer layers and a filler between them. All layers are fastened together throughout the entire area of the canvas.
On padding polyester
Bulk fiber is usually used as a filler, for example, padding polyester, cotton wool or batting, bamboo fibers, thermal membrane or other materials, depending on the required properties of the material.
There can be more than one inner layers, for example, padding polyester can be supplemented with a layer of down, artificial or natural fur, a thermal membrane or moisture-wicking fabric.
Quilted material on padding polyester
However, most often a single layer of filler is used. Therefore, quilted fabric made on padding polyester turns out to be quite soft.
History of the fabric
It is believed that quilted material first appeared in Ancient China, where it was used to sew silk kimonos or capes. Like other innovations, quilting spread to neighboring countries and then reached Europe.
During the Crusades, knights used quilted clothing to protect their bodies from the cold, as well as the heaviness and rigidity of their armor.
Note! Polycotton ceases to be exclusively utilitarian. Each stitch on padding polyester acquires the character of decoration; it is made with contrasting threads and decorated with cords.
When did fabric first appear?
Quilted padding polyester was produced in the form of light, warm blankets. Multi-colored pieces of fabric collected into one cloth were quilted by hand; cotton fibers, wool, and even dried grass were placed inside the blankets. This fabric was actively used for sewing clothes and household items. It makes an excellent quilted jacket, horse cape, bedspread, furniture cover.
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Required Tools
Sewing a blanket begins with measuring the bed. The product should completely cover its entire area and hang slightly on three sides. To sew a blanket you will need:
- roulette;
- centimeter;
- awl;
- pins;
- spool of thread with needle for basting;
- chalk or a sharpened piece of dry soap;
- sewing machine.
Sewing tools
Characteristics and properties of quilted materials
Ultrastep is a method of producing quilted materials without the use of threads; the joining of fabrics is carried out using ultrasound. Just as once upon a time all duplicating machines began to be called copiers after the trademark of the company that produced them, so ultrastep in Russia got its name, which a little more than ten years ago became a pioneer in the production of new fabrics.
Characteristics of matter
When figuring out why quilted ultrastep is good, you need to know what it is made of. Ultrastep technology, or thermal stitching, is the effect of ultrasound on textile fibers. A prerequisite for its use is the presence of synthetic threads, the proportion of which must be at least 30%. Under the influence of ultrasound, they are melted and then securely fastened to each other. The advantages of this connection method are the absence of punctures of the canvas, resulting in:
- insulation fibers do not move and do not penetrate into the resulting holes;
- the integrity of matter is not violated;
- The quilted product retains its appearance even after repeated washing.
Features of the technology
The main areas of application of materials quilted using ultrasound are:
- blankets, mattresses, pillows;
- decorative bedspreads, blankets, children's “envelopes”;
- warm clothes and hats;
- bags and other accessories;
- upholstery for furniture.
Ultrastep consists of three layers, which are selected depending on the purpose of the products. For bedding, microfiber, polycotton, satin or satin are used for the top, and polyester fibers, fiber, shervizin, and “swan’s down” based on polyester are used as filler. In decorative textiles, the top layer can be satin, satin, jacquard, tergalet and other elegant fabrics.
Types and uses of ultrastep
As for quilted fabric for outerwear, synthetic jacket material is usually chosen for the outer covering, and fleece, rayon, or microfiber are used as the lining. A lining is also required, which most often consists of padding polyester, sherstepon, Thinsulate, or ecofiber. They make durable and comfortable clothing.
Unique properties
Today, there are several ways to industrially produce quilted fabric. Depending on the stitching method, the following types can be distinguished:
- Stitching fabric with threads. This is a classic, familiar type of stitch. It is performed with threads that stitch through all layers of material and form a pattern on the fabric;
- Ultrasonic stitching. A modern type of stitching in which the layers are joined using ultrasound. The seams are very durable, and with this production method there is no need for threads, shuttles, needles and other sewing paraphernalia;
- Thermal stitching or stitching using high temperatures. Layers of material are compressed in special presses with convex patterns heated to high temperatures, which melt the fabric fibers and solder them together. This stitching method is only suitable for synthetic materials.
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Important! Today, the use of quilted fabric is very wide. It is used to make sports and casual outerwear: jackets, coats, parkas, vests, overalls and trousers. Quilted fabric has even come into high fashion - designers offer quilted skirts, dresses and jackets. A more common use of quilted fabric is in the production of bedspreads and blankets.
Types of DIY blankets
Blanket with cover
There are several common types of bedding that you can create yourself:
- the most practical ones are quilts. The frequent curly stitching catches and fixes the filler, preventing it from bunching up.
- In addition to them, there are products sewn like old feather beds. The filling is punched into the bag cover and a duvet cover is put on top. Sewing a padding polyester blanket with your own hands using this principle is simple and quick. The only drawback is that the liner inside it often gets knocked down; you have to remove the cover from the duvet cover and straighten the filling;
- A separate group includes blankets sewn from scraps of fabric and padding polyester into separate small pillows, which are then connected to each other.
Product use and care
Products made using the thermal stitching method are practical and reliable. However, to maintain their beautiful appearance, they must be washed very carefully at a low temperature. You need to choose a gentle mode, as well as neutral detergents.
How to properly care for products
Note! Spinning is done at low speeds, and drying is done away from heat sources and with good air flow.
To produce quilted bedspreads, inexpensive calico or poplin, wear-resistant, durable fabrics are used. Products with ultrastep and stitching are especially popular.
Expert advice
How to sew a quilt with piping around the edges
The easiest way to make a edging for a blanket is from bias tape. It must be purchased at the rate of: 2 perimeters of the product + 30% of this amount. This means that for a blanket 2.2 m by 2.2 m you will need (8.8 X 2) + 30% = approximately 23 m.
Bias tape
Step-by-step instruction:
Bar tack stitch
- The bias tape is divided into two equal strips and sewn along its entire length.
- The front part, lining, and back are folded on top of each other the way the blanket should look in the finished product.
- Several fastening basting lines are applied through all three layers. Then, using a tape measure and chalk, the stitch pattern is applied to the front side.
- Then you need to quilt the fabric with padding polyester.
- The product is aligned along the cuts so that all layers have an even, uniform edge.
- Along the entire perimeter at a distance of 0.5-0.7 cm you need to sew a tack stitch.
- The cut is covered with finishing tape made from bias tape.
First, attach the binding to the wrong side
. Important! Craftswomen with extensive experience can do this in one line. For those who still find it difficult to lay a single line, it is better to secure the edging with two lines, that is, sew one side of the bias tape to the wrong side, then the second to the front of the blanket.
The second line is used to sew the binding to the front of the product.
Cut the jackets
From this master class you will learn how to sew a jacket with a hood according to all technological rules.
Cutting details
Front and back (back without middle seam)
Sleeves and hood
Cut out the linings
Already using the finished parts of the jacket, cut out the details of the lining. But do not forget to leave a 1.0 cm allowance in the center of the back for freedom of movement.
Machining allowances
Jacket:
- along the side seams, sleeve seams and reliefs 1.5 - 2.0 cm;
- along the edges of the sides, shoulder seams 1.0 - 1.5 cm;
- along the armholes and sleeve caps 1.5 cm;
- along the neck 1.0 cm;
- at the bottom of the jacket and sleeves 1.0 cm;
Hood:
- along the joint seams 1.5 cm;
- at the bottom 1.0 cm;
By machine or by hand
How to make quilted fabric if the volume of the product does not allow it to be pulled under the sewing machine? In this case, you can fix all three layers manually. It's much easier than creating a stitch pattern on a machine. The blanket in this case is sewn like this:
- All three components of the blanket (front part, filler, lining) are laid out on the table on top of each other.
- The attachment points are marked with chalk.
- A hole is pierced with an awl.
- A needle and thread are used to make several stitches through it; you can sew small buttons on the front side at the attachment point.
Decatation
Artificial velvet does not need to be decatified, but if your fabric contains natural fibers, this step should not be skipped.
Decating velvet is possible in several ways. Place a piece of cloth over a bathtub filled with very hot water and close the door. Leave the fabric in this “steam room” for several hours and then let it dry.
Another method is vertical steaming without touching the iron to the fabric itself.
You can also fold the fabric with the right sides inward and, barely touching, iron it with steam.
Quilted bedspread: stages of work
When sewing a bedspread using this technique with your own hands, you need to take into account many nuances. First of all, you need to decide on the type of fabric, prepare all the necessary materials and make a pattern for the future product. Only after this can you begin cutting the fabric and sewing directly. Before starting work, it is recommended to draw up a detailed action plan. This measure will protect you from possible mistakes and will greatly simplify the production of the bedspread.
Model selection: simple and beautiful
The simplest and most popular bedspread model is a rectangle. This option is recommended for beginner seamstresses. For experienced craftswomen, the choice is not limited to any boundaries. In this case, you should take into account not only your sewing experience and personal taste, but also the style of the interior of the room. So, a bedspread with frills will look like an alien object in a minimalist room, but it will fit perfectly into a bedroom in a romantic style.
Selection of materials (fabric, filler, threads, etc.)
When choosing fabric, it is recommended to consider the following nuances:
- the material must be dense and wear-resistant;
- for sewing a double-sided product, it is better to choose fabrics that have similar characteristics and an identical structure, since they will be easier to sew;
- It is better for a beginning seamstress to avoid velvet, velor, linen, jacquard, tapestry, matting - these materials are quite difficult to work with;
- to make a bedspread for a children's room, it is recommended to choose flannel, calico, or flannel;
- when choosing the color of the fabric, it is necessary to take into account the color scheme of the interior of the room;
- For lining, it is better to choose a wear-resistant material with a rough surface - this will protect the product from slipping.
You should also prepare a padding polyester. Its thickness plays an important role. So, a thick padding polyester will make a beautiful and airy blanket. However, when using such padding polyester fabric, it should be taken into account that it is quite difficult to work with. In addition, the work will require a sewing machine, thread, needles, scissors, and tape for edging.
Preparing for work: sizing, cutting, assembling and bonding layers
To correctly calculate the fabric, you need to determine the dimensions of the bed by measuring its length, width and height. The last parameter is determined taking into account the level to which the bedspread will fall. When measuring, you should not make allowances - they are included when cutting the material. For clarity, it is recommended to draw on paper a schematic representation of the future product in the shape of a rectangle, to the sides of which stripes are attached with a width corresponding to the height of the bed.
To be able to correct the pattern, lines of intended stitches should be drawn on the drawing. For sewing, it is better to use fabric 2.8 m wide. To determine the material consumption for the front surface of the product, add a few centimeters to the length and width of the bed. When calculating the amount of fabric required for sewing a bedspread with a frill, the length of the fabric must be increased by 1.5 times.
The fabric is cut in the form of a rectangle, one side of which is equal to the sum of the length and height of the bed, the other to the sum of its width and double height. In order for the product to form graceful folds, it is recommended to round the corners on the opposite side of the headboard. When cutting, you need to add 2 cm around the perimeter of the canvas. Using the same pattern, you need to cut the back fabric. When cutting padding polyester, allowances are not made. By hand or on a sewing machine, sew all 3 layers along the edge.
Quilting a product on a sewing machine
Before quilting the fabric, you need to mark it for the future pattern. To do this, use a square or diamond cut out of cardboard to mark the entire canvas on the front side. It is recommended to do this as follows: starting from one of the corners of the product, apply the cardboard form to the material, “circling” it with a basting seam. In this case, you need to sew all 3 layers. Having moved the template of one side close to the stitch made, and the adjacent one to the edge, again “circle” it with a stitch. The steps must be repeated until the form is in the opposite corner of the canvas.
Sewing
To sew velvet, use thin needles and threads, both for hand basting and for machine stitches. A machine needle number 70 or 80 is suitable for this work, and if you sew velvet with elastane, take a needle for elastic materials. Loosen the thread tension slightly and slightly stretch the material while stitching. You can also use a Teflon or walking foot. Recommended stitch length is 3-3.5 mm. Be sure to try the stitching on a scrap piece of velvet.
Place the basting in two rows using oblique stitches, on the sides of the seam. This method will prevent the fabric from shifting during stitching. After completing the seam, immediately remove the basting by cutting every 10 cm and carefully pulling out one stitch at a time.
All stitches must be done in the same direction, along the pile. Remember that you cannot undo the stitching on velvet - stitch marks will remain.
In order to beautifully make welted loops, place organza on top and bottom, which you then carefully cut with scissors with rounded tips.
High-quality edge sealing
Processing the edge of a quilt using a machine
There are many ways to create a beautiful edging, the most common is “cheesecake”.
First of all, leave a few centimeters free at the back of the bedspread; if you skipped this step, use a separate wide fabric tape. The backdrop (or tape) needs to be folded over to the front side and a seam made around the perimeter of the product, trying to get closer to the edge of the folded area.
Processing a blanket with bias tape We pin off the corner of the edging We attach the tape, checking how the needle catches the lower half of the tape on the wrong side
Stitch pattern
The stitch can be any. The degree of its complexity depends on the experience of the craftswoman. The simplest and most common pattern is diamonds or squares. On the sides, each segment can have a width and height from 3 to 20 cm. It is better for a novice master not to embroider waves and zigzags on a blanket; straight lines are easier to sew. The biggest difficulty is dragging a large volume of material with padding polyester under the machine.
Note! Even experienced craftsmen do not always know how to quilt a blanket using padding polyester on a machine. To prevent the product from deforming during sewing, quilting the blanket begins from the center to the side sections.
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