A quilting kit is a bed covering made out of quilt top, a layer of batting, and a layer of fabric for backing. The technique used to combine the layers is called quilting, hence the name quilting kit. Usually the top layer of the quilting kit is designed in numerous squares and of different pattern, and the bottom is just plain fabric joined with a fine soft layer of fabric in between. Of course, quilting kits provide comfort on cold nights, but many quilts are made with decorative purpose, in fact some them are not even used as bed covering at all, but instead, they are made to be hung on a wall or otherwise displayed.
Quilting kits can be made by hand or machine. Both methods can be durable. As with anything, the quality of the work-spacing of stitch lines, thread used, and placement of quilting will all influence the life of the quilt as will how it is used, stored, and laundered. Quilts will generally show wear first along the edges of the binding. Therefore, it is preferable to use double fold binding to provide some reinforcement along these edges. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, the machine quilting is faster and some think it is more durable, can hold up better wash after wash and the threads don't come out and have to be repaired. On the other side, hand quilting is more relaxing and there are hand made quilting kits that are almost one hundred years old and still look pretty and people use them.
The top of the quilting kit is created either from one large piece of cloth or from a number of smaller pieces of cloth called blocks that are sewn together, either edge to edge, or with separator strips of cloth. Those blocks can be embroidered with an image. To make the whole quilting kit stronger and more durable, borders are added and then a binding is added to edge the quilt after the quilting is done.
To be able to create an excellent quilting kit, you must choose the right fabric for the project. The choice of fabrics is very important. It determines whether or not your quilting kit will be long lasting and good looking. The material should not shrink and clasp when washed, and colors should not fade. The chose fabric must be able to withstand excessive use and abuse, as well as several washings and drying. The general rule is that a fabric that has added threads for every inch is suitable for quilting. The most widely used material is cotton, because it has all this necessity, it is light, yet durable and very comfy to the touch. Cotton also holds pleats well and is very easy to handle making is easy to sew on designs. |
