Art Quilting 101: Design Basics

Introduction

Meet your instructor, Wendy Butler Berns, as she introduces you to the fascinating world of creating art quilts with a combination of originality, spontaneity and inspiration.

Getting Started

Art quilts are about playing, combining colors, shapes and textures. Wendy will walk you through what you need to create your masterpiece, from selecting the background materials to applying fusible webbing to your design pieces. Then arrange, re-arrange and learn to play again on your quilt.

Thread Embellishments

It’s time to doodle; not just on paper, but also with thread and yarn. You will be introduced to free-motion quilting, the process of moving around your quilt with colorful and unique thread to bring out your creativity.

Thread Talk

Beware: This session will cause addiction to thread! Learn the best sewing thread to use to attach the design elements to your quilt. Then see the vast array of threads to add color, shine, design and texture to your artwork. Wendy also talks about bobbins, needles and general troubleshooting while quilting.

Texturing Ideas

Now it is time to add texture and depth to your quilt pieces. Go beyond standard thread designs with yarn couching and bobbin drawing to make your pieces pop. Create a collage to add interest and definition to a section of the quilt.

Principles of Design

Wendy reviews some of the principles of artistic design to help you incorporate drama and interest into your art quilts. She reviews the aspects of balance, unity and variety, and shows examples of how these are used in other artists’ work.

To Border or Not To Border

Wendy gives you guidelines on whether to add a border, binding or other finishing technique. Then follow her step-by-step methods for adding a border, such as auditioning materials and squaring up the quilt.

Machine Quilting and Binding

After deciding on the batting and backing, learn techniques to machine quilt all the layers together. Learn how to prepare and attach the binding to your quilt and a rod pocket hanger for a wall quilt. Finalize your masterpiece by adding a quilt label.

Postcards and Finishing Details

You are not limited to a fabric binding for your quilt. Learn some novelty finishing techniques, such as yarn bindings and zigzag edging, while creating quilted postcards. You can even mail them to your friends to show off your artistic talents.