4-H Needlework – QUILTING Beginner Level Leader/Teacher Guide

Growth & Development Expectations . Machine straight stitching and cross hatch or echo technique quilting  Teach skills according to development . level of 4-Her. This project is for all age Identify hand needles and appropriate to the selected fabric levels. and project  Some assistance with fabric selection will . How to thread a needle and knot the be needed at the point of purchase for thread properly successful completion. . Start and end quilting thread for hand  Some assistant with choosing block quilting design will be needed. . Hand quilt  Leaders should help the 4-Her have a . To use a when quilting. positive experience by encouraging and motivating them. Project Pointers  Depending on age, motor skills may still be developing. Be aware of left or right  It is strongly recommended that the handedness. Beginners make a practice project such as the scented sachet pillow to help Competencies develop their skills before they begin their final project. (Patterns for the At the close of this project level, each Practice/Service projects can be found in 4-Her should be able to complete basic skills the 4-H Needlework Notebook.) needed to construct a simple machine or hand quilted/tacked project with guidance  Ideally if working with several in a from leader/parent/teacher. These skills project group, have everyone make the include: same item having four 4-Hers to one . Select fabric and batting appropriate to adult. One machine per 4-Her if possible.

the project  Supply parents with guidelines for . Select and fabrics for patchwork quilting project. This could be discussed design during the organizational meeting when parents are present. . Straighten and prepare fabric

. Basic use and parts  4-Hers are encouraged to choose a 100% cotton fabric. . Assemble and piece design together by hand or machine stitching  It is a good idea to have extra basic sewing supplies on hand. Leaders may . Press seams to distribute bulk also choose to have extra fabric . Sandwich fabric, batting, and backing available.

together  All of the skills suggested for this . Hand or basting project should be taught. It is important

. Tacking by hand or machine that a good foundation be laid on which

future skills can be taught.  Select a few simple block patterns for  Depending upon the age of the 4-Her, the 4-Hers to select from. Multiple block rotary cutting skills and safety can be patterns may be combined as individual introduced. This can be done either by skill levels allow. Pre-cut fabric kits demonstration or application. may be prepared for them.  Ideally an adult should supervise the  Teach and work with youngsters to keep pressing area. their project equipment and supplies  The project to be completed for this together and in good condition. A copy level is a 1 x 3 four-block patchwork of this is also in the 4-H Member’s runner “quilt” that measures 12 inches Project Guide. by 36 inches. Dimensions are based on  Leaders should be sure the 4-Her is finished block size, not including familiar with the following terms: allowance. If the project has a binding, it Terms to Know will likely be a measure a little larger because the binding extends beyond the . Woven fabric block. Each 4-block unit must include at . Grainline least two 6-inch pieced patchwork . Bias blocks made with square and/or . rectangle pieces (straight of edges, . Raw edge no bias or triangle pieces). It may be . Batting pieced my machine or by hand and . Backing quilted/tacked by hand or machine. . Sandwich Options for finishing the edges include: . Machine quilting thread 1) sew around and turn right side out, 2) . Hand quilting thread fold raw edges to inside and stitch edges . Basting together, 3) self-binding by folding . Running stitch backing over the front, 4) applied . Machine quilting binding – square corners are acceptable . Walking foot for either binding techniques. . Quilting hoop . Quilting thimble

Clutter Control

Equipment and supplies have a tendency to get lost. Here are some suggestions for each student to help keep everything safe. . Use a 1 gallon bag with a zip top for your quilt project, put your name on it. . Use a small container to hold your basic sewing kit. . Use a cloth or sturdy bag with handles to tote all supplies. . Use a pocket folder/binder to hold handouts and patterns.

Revised by: Marjorie M. Baker, January 2015

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