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Welcome to Paisley U

Whether you are watching this to replace a single class you missed or participating entirely virtually, we are glad you’re here.

Paisley U has content that will give something to every quilter, from beginner to experienced. When people who are passionate about something come together, learning and growth is bound to happen.



Handouts are available to download at the end of this page. 

Required Purchases utilizing your 20% Paisley U Discount:

•Two Yards of Focus Fabric
•7 Coordinated Fabrics ¼ yard each at least

Shop online with and use your Discount code PU20DUCK

Questions: email Melissa – melissa@paisleyduckquiltings.com









Measure to test your seams, use a ruler on the top.

Find the mistake before it becomes a bigger problem.

We aren’t targeting perfection, but seams need to be close.

Unfinished block is a half an inch bigger than a finished block

Unfinished 12.5-inch block
Finished 12-inch block


Seam size is different 5/8 versus ¼

Methods for lining up ¼ inch seam

•Guide
•Foot
•Painters Tape
•Use a needle guide

NO BACKSTITCHING – no raw edges in quilting.

Fat Quarters – 18”x21”

Quarter yard – 9”x40”

Fat Eighth – 9” by 21”

Eighth yard – 4.5”x40”

Precuts

•10-inch Squares
•2.5-inch Strips
•5-inch Squares
•2.5-inch Squares

Estimate yardage on a bolt - 2 folds is 1 yard, count only one side of the bolt.


Fabric you love – project in mind or not

2 ½ Yards for Background
1-2 yards for Small Prints
1 yard for Large Prints
½ yard of accent color

Directional? - More than the above
Fabric can be viewed as upside down.

Fussy
Cutting? – More than the above
Cut out a specific element you like

Many reasons to prewash:

•Bleeding, Shrinkage Etc.
•Dislike crinkle in Finished Quilt


Reasons not to:

•Ways around concerns
•Need to wash, dry and iron
•Like crinkle in Finished Quilt


Bleeding Solved:

Shout Color Catchers – At least a dozen in first wash. Wash again if color catchers don't come out white. Don't worry about using "too many" as they're inexpensive and save so much heartache!

Press to the dark side. Do not press your seam open. Instead press the seam to the darker fabric.

Pressing not Ironing – Press and Hold, versus moving and pushing the iron stretching the fabric.

Set the seam – A little touch of heat to shrink the threads

DO NOT STARCH – alternates like Best Press is OK and about personal preference.


Fabric is cut with rotary cutters because of accuracy.

Seam rippers – Get a good one you like. Embrace that it is your friend.

Acrylic Rulers - Size that you want for the cuts that your doing – Large to cut it off the bolt. Smaller to create smaller pieces.

Pins – Dressmaker, Flat head and Ball head

•Use any to help make nested seams

Lint Build up causes many issues.

Polyester thread is not used in quilting.

Thread thickness that we use in quilting is 50 wt.

Cross wound works for both vertical and horizontal thread posts.

Straight wound should only be used for vertical thread posts.

The higher the number on thread, the finer the thread. For example: silk thread is 100 wt, 50 wt is what we typically sew with.

Monofilament thread is clear, it shouldn’t go in your bobbin. 


I like to use a Universal 75/11 needle when sewing on my machine. This is smaller than what is mentioned in your handout. 

The first number (75 in this example) is the European method of needle size, the second number is the American. They increase/decrease together so pay attention to either. 

When you sew your pieces together, match raw edges and sew your perfect 1/4" seam. 

Remember: don't give up! This seems so simple, but it can be very frustrating. Try and try again, give yourself lots of grace! If your seam guide isn't giving you what you want it to, try using a piece of painters tape. The goal is to FIND your perfect 1/4" seam. 

Please don't forget to call me if you need words of encouragement! I know you can do it- just keep practicing!