Quilting.

Quilting is one of the popular survivals of the old-time needlework. It may be worked by hand, or stitched with the machine. For small pieces of work such as cushion covers, pram covers, and sachets, sewing by hand produces the best results. The quilting of a large piece of work, a bedspread or lining of a dressing gown, may be done with the machine—unless one has plenty of time to do the work by hand.

The best materials to use are soft silks or satins. Taffeta is inclined to split, and springy artificial silk is not satisfactory, as it is hard to manipulate. Linings may be of various materials. If not to be seen, thin muslin may be used, as it is easy to work on. For small articles use a lining of paler or contrasting shade. The best padding to use is fleece or flannelette, but wadding tacked to the lining very evenly is good for small articles as it is soft and of light weight.

Quilting is usually done diagonally across the work. If you are making a square article, such as a cushion, draw a straight line on the lining from corner to corner with a sharp pencil. Then draw lines at equal distances parallel with the line already drawn. To make diamond-shaped patterns draw lines in opposite directions.

Before beginning the quilting, the three layers—silk, padding and lining—should be tacked securely all round, then a few rows of tacking threads across the work to keep them all in place.

To do the quilting use a pure silk thread to sew with, as it is strong and the work must be pulled tightly so that the lines will be clearly defined. Work from the lining side, following the tacked lines with running stitches. Turn the work frequently to see that the stitches are going through to the right side. A few parallel lines to form a border will make a nice finish for your work.