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d, e, f

Darning foot - A darning foot is an attachment for your sewing machine. It can be made from plastic or metal. Usually a small square or circle is at the base of this foot. Aside from mending socks, a darning foot is used for free-motion quilting.

How does this foot work? When using a darning foot, your feed dogs must be put out of commission. (On some machines they are lowered and on other machines a plate covers the feed dogs - consult your manual.) Because the feed dogs are no longer working, there is no machine control for the stitch length. Your hand moving the fabric and the speed of your machine will now determine stitch length. To keep stitching consistent while using a darning foot requires practice.

Decorative Stitches - Decorative stitches are stiches that .... decorate! Most embroidery stitches are considered decorative stitches. These can be done by hand or by machine (today's sewing machines often have a number of these stitches built in ).

Design wall - The design wall is where you lay out your quilt. It is much easier to see the overall design of your quilt when it is vertical and viewed from a distance. (Think of an art gallery - most people view art from a distance of about 10 to 15 feet.)

Most design walls are made by attaching large pieces of flannel, felt or batting to the wall. Some quilt shops carry 'design wall fabric' with grid systems that can be fastened to the wall. An old flannel sheet pinned behind a door will also work. Cotton quilt blocks will 'stick' to a wall lined with one of these materials; thus eliminating the need for pins. You can move pieces quickly while playing' with your quilt layout.

Your design wall can be located anywhere you find space; behind a door, in a guest bedroom or on a movable screen. If space is at a premium, 2 large sheets of foamcore (4 inches by 8 inches) taped together and covered with flannel will make a temporary design wall. When company comes this design wall can be folded and stored under the bed.

Diagonal set - 'Set' refers to the way you set up the blocks in your quilt. A diagonal set means the blocks are turned 'on point' (squares turned into diamonds).

Diamond - The diamond shape is quite often used in quilt making. It is not a beginner's shape. A true diamond will often need a y-seam in its construction. This is a more difficult seam to master. Also diamonds will always have at least 2 bias edges that need to be handled carefully.

Dominant color - The dominant color of a quilt is the color that stands out the most when viewing.

Echo quilting - Echo quilting refers to a pattern of stitching that is used to hold all the quilt layers together. This pattern 'echoes' the design in the quilt.

English piecing - English piecing is the same as foundation piecing or paper piecing. It is a technique that was (and still is) quite popular in the UK.

Even feed foot - The even feed foot is another name for the walking foot. You need this foot for machine quilting. It helps to keep all the quilt layers from shifting. See walking foot for more info.

Fabric - Any fabric can be used in a quilt. Just be aware of the fact that some fabrics won't sew as easily as cotton. Quilters usually use 100% cotton fabric in their quilts because this is one of the easiest fibers to work with, it's washable and will 'hold up' over the years.

Fat quarter - A fat quarter refers to a cut of fabric that is a quarter of a yard in area. It differs from a regular quarter of a yard by its shape. A regular quarter of a yard of fabric looks like a long skinny rectangle - 9 inches by 44/45 inches. A fat quarter is close to square in shape - 18 inches by 22 inches. Some quilters often prefer the fat quarter because they can use it to cut larger shapes. For example, if I need to cut a 10 inch square, a regular quarter of a yard would not work because it is only 9 inches wide. I would have to buy more material or ask for a fat quarter cut.

Feed dogs - The feed dogs are located on your sewing machine under the machine foot. The feed dogs have little teeth that help to grab and pull the fabric through your machine. Their movement establishes the length of your stitch.

Filler - Batting is sometimes referred to as the filler; same thing, different words.

Finger cots - Little rubber covers for your fingers will help you hold and move your fabric when machine quilting. These can be purchased at a medical supply store, drug store, or quilt shop. Some quilters use one on each finger. I only cover my thumbs and middle fingers because I like my index fingers free. Usually I use these a few times and then replace them with a new set.

Finger pressing - You do not need an iron to finger press; only a finger! Sometimes you will not want to get up from your machine to press a little seam. So you put the piece on the table and using your fingernail, you press hard on the seam. Hand quilters can also use this method. It works quite well on small seams but shouldn't be used for long seams like borders. Finger pressing can distort the fabric if not done properly.

Focal fabric - A focal fabric is used to pick out other fabrics for your quilt. The focal fabric is usually a multi-colored patterned fabric. It sets the mood of your quilt. It's a fabric that you love. Often quilters will use this fabric will end up in the border. Quilters may use all of the colors in the focal fabric or just a few.

Focus fabric - Another name for focal fabric.

Foundation - Quilters sometimes sew fabric on top of a foundation. Foundations are used when the fabric (bias-cut fabric, knits, silks, velvets, and other specialty materials) in the quilt top is difficult to sew and keep straight. The foundation can be fabric or paper. Muslin works well as a foundation because it is cheap and does not have a pattern. Beginners like sewing on a foundation because this helps with accuracy.

Foundation piecing - Foundation piecing is a method that quilters use to sew blocks together. Beginners find this quite useful in helping with accuracy.

Four patch - A four patch is a block based on four equal units. The most common or basic four patch is a block made up of four squares.

Free motion quilting - Free motion quilting can be done on your sewing machine. Using this method you can easily write your name, draw curly Q's, or color in an area.

Freezer paper - You can buy freezer paper in your neighborhood grocery store. It is on the shelf by aluminum foil and plastic wrap. One roll usually costs under $3.00. The paper has a shiny side and a dull side. Quilters use freezer paper for many things. Applique patterns can be cut from this paper and then ironed to the fabric. This can be used as the foundation for paper piecing.

French fold binding - This is the type of binding that I prefer to make for my quilts. It will hold up to a lot of wear and tear. It can be cut from the straight of grain or the bias. I usually cut fabric strips 2 1/4 inches and sew them together into one long length (based on the length of the sides of my quilt plus 2 feet). Next, I fold the strip in half, wrong sides together, and press it. The binding is now ready to be sewn to the quilt.

Full size quilts - A full size quilt will cover a full size bed. The standard dimension of the mattress is 52 inches by 75 inches. The standard full size quilt is 80 inches by 104 inches .

Fusible - A fusible is an iron-on product that fuses to fabric and other surfaces. There are many fusible products on the market. Some can only be ironed on one side. Others are two-sided. The weights of the different fusibles vary as do the directions for applying the different products. Always read the directions before using this on a project.

Fussy cut - A fussy cut refers to cutting out a particular design in the fabric. Usually a template is positioned over the design area. The template is traced on the fabric and then the design area is cut out. It is almost impossible to fussy cut designs when using rotary cutting and strip piecing methods.