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Our Top 9 FREE Graduation Quilt Patterns

It’s graduation season which means it’s time to make a graduation quilt! Typically for a graduation quilt, we suggest aiming for a twin quilt size. A typical twin quilt measures around 66” by 88”. And if your grad is heading off to college and bunking on a twin XL mattress, look for quilt patterns that are around 66” by 96”. We’ve pulled some of our favorite patterns to help you make the perfect graduation quilt. In the Garden Kaffe Fassett 74” x 92” This pattern by Kaffe Fassett makes great use of big prints. That could be anything from

May 21, 2024

In Makers Blog

How to Fussy Cut Big Squares

Have you ever done fussy cutting for a block before? Fussy cutting is when you cut your quilt pieces so that a fabric motif is in a precise location. For some quilt patterns, you can use this to create a secondary pattern or kaleidoscope effect. For other quilts, you can use this technique to ensure you are getting the wow factor with alternate blocks or big pieces. We’ve put together a tutorial to show you how to fussy cut for a large square, one where your ruler doesn’t cover the entire piece you need. Let’s

May 7, 2024

In Makers Blog

Masculine Apparel Pattern Round Up

I think we can all agree on one thing; sewing and quilting are for everyone. For quilting, that’s easy to put into action. Big or little, masc or femme, a quilt is always a perfect fit. But when you jump into sewing clothes and garments, finding the perfect fit becomes a little more complicated. Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes, and the indie clothing pattern companies tend to focus on femme patterns and bodies. The industry is working to change that. We put together a round up of our go-to patterns for all

April 17, 2024

In Makers Blog, Sewing Machines 101

The Best Thread for Your Longarm

:We’re confessed thread heads here at Quilting Mayhem. We know how important the right thread is to make your sewing machine and your projects perfect. We even wrote a blog post about our favorite threads for your domestic sewing machine here. Now it’s time to give you our ultimate guide to threads for your longarm quilting machine. Why does longarm thread come on a cone? Thread cones are generally cross wound instead of straight wound. This means that the thread is wound in a crisscross pattern across the length of the cone. A cross wound cone gives

April 6, 2024

In Makers Blog

Kona Color of the Year 2024 – Mint Julep

The Kona Color of the Year for 2024 has a decidedly springy bent to it. This is the year of Mint Julep, a very pretty pale blue-green that looks as pretty with pastels as it does with neons. We’ve put together 7 patterns, including a couple of free quilt patterns, for you to make your own Mint Julep quilt. Corolla By Sew Mariana 55” x 68” Go high contrast with the Corolla pattern from Sew Mariana, with pinks and oranges. The four petaled flowers seem to float against the Mint Julep background. Duality - FREE Pattern By Elise Lea for Robert

March 1, 2024

In Makers Blog, Sewing Machines 101

The Best Threads for Your Domestic Sewing Machine

If you're a quilter, you know that the right thread can make all the difference in your project. Accurate points and intersections, lumpy seams, a dusty machine, all of these things are down to the thread you choose. That's why we've put together a list of our favorite threads for your sewing machine. The Solids Aurifil 50wt Solids: Description: Aurifil's 50wt/2ply thread is a favorite among quilters for good reason.This premium cotton thread boasts strength and durability while maintaining a remarkably thin profile. It produces flat and crisp seams, making it ideal for piecing. Uses: This thread

February 19, 2024

In Makers Blog

What can a serger do?

There’s nothing like sitting down at your sewing machine and knowing that you have everything you need to make exactly what you want. But do you ever look at your sewing space and think to yourself, ”something is missing.” We know exactly what that is. You, my friend, need a serger. Whether you make garments or quilts, this versatile machine is a game-changer that will make your projects not only easier but more polished and professional. What is a serger? At its core, a serger, also known as an overlocker, is a specialized sewing machine designed to

January 31, 2024

In Makers Blog

How to Go On A Fabric Diet

Ah, the smell of fresh fabric, the sound of silky threads running through your machine needle, and the thrill of a stack of patterns waiting to be brought to life - for a quilter, these are a few of our favorite things. Yet as we start a new year, many of us are considering a unique resolution that might initially sound like taking all the fun out of quilting: a fabric diet. What is a fabric diet? We’ve all heard that strict diets are the hardest to keep and most likely to fail. So let me assure

January 16, 2024

In Makers Blog

Creative Habits for Temperature Quilts

We’ve talked before about our Top 5 Tips for Planning Your Temperature Quilt, but let’s look at it from a different perspective. As we step into a new year, full of possibilities and resolutions, a temperature quilt helps you make room for a bit of daily sewing time. It’s not only about tracking your days, but keeping your days creative. Choosing Your Color Palette The first step in planning your temperature quilt is to decide on the temperature range for each fabric. Usually, each color represents a five-degree temperature range with purples, blues, and cool tones as

December 28, 2023

In Makers Blog

Create Your Quilting Wishlist: A Step By Step Guide

Create a holiday wishlist at Quilting Mayhem to add a touch of magic to the holiday season. With the wishlist, you're in the driver's seat, or rather Santa’s Sleigh, and you can fill your wishlist with every sewing and quilting item you want. No more awkward surprises – unless you want them. You’re in control of organization so you can easily prevent duplicates and the easy sharing options make spreading the holiday cheer a breeze. It's like sending out a letter to Santa, only this time, your loved ones get to play Santa. Here’s how

December 1, 2023

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