1. When piecing, as you sew each strip to the strip set, alternate the end at which you begin sewing. This helps control the ‘curving’ or distortion that is so common is strip piecing. Use a 1.5 stitch length and press stitching line to set threads into balance, then turn to right side and gently press back against the seam.

2. To avoid stretching, apply a light spray of Crisp Spray Starch to each of your strip sets before cutting into segments.

3. Place a sheet of fine sandpaper under your fabric to keep it from shifting and stretching when you mark sewing lines or when tracing around appliqué shapes.

4. There are numerous tools available to make patchwork and quilting easier. Check you local quilt shop regularly to see what new gadgets are on hand to make marking your quilt and other tasks effortless.

5. When you need to clean a quilt you have hanging on the wall, just vacuum it right where it is.

6. Cut the thread on an angle before trying to thread your needle. Always thread in the direction the thread comes off the spool. To make sure you do, thread your needle before cutting it from the spool.

7. As rulers do not all measure the same it is important to use the same ruler all the way through a project. It is best to stick to one brand of ruler or template as the accuracy varies between brands.

8. To set dye in fabric soak in hot water with ¼ cup vinegar and an eyedropper of iodine. Let soak for one hour then rinse well.

9. There is no such thing as too much fabric. As it may take awhile to complete a project and fabric sells out quickly, it is always wise to buy extra fabric. You don’t want to get caught short.

10. Always select good quality 100% cotton fabric. It is false economy trying to save money by buying cheaper fabric as it won’t stand up to wear and washing.

11. Keep the blades on your scissors and rotary cutter sharp. This reduces pressure on your hands and wrists.

12. You will improve accuracy and save frustration if you change both your rotary cutting blade and your sewing machine needle on a regular basis.

13. Have on hand a good selection of grey threads for piecing as it blends in with any colour. Rasant, which has a strand of polyester wrapped in cotton, is a recommended thread for piecing. The thread has that little bit of give and won’t cut the fabric fibres.

14. REMEMBER -Your time is the most valuable thing you will put into a quilt, so be wise and don’t use cheap products.