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MelChi522 03-08-2011 11:28 AM

Hello everyone I am brand new to quilting and was hoping for some advice on what are the essentials needed when starting quiltmaking. I can sew a bit, not the greatest and my 6 year wants to learn to sew so I was hoping we could learn how to make quilts together. Any help would be greatly appriciated.

LyndaK 03-08-2011 11:42 AM

Good for you starting to sew and quilt with your youngster! Get them going young, I say!

Do you have a basic sewing machine yet? Look at used ones, depending on your budget, but stay away from the cheaper ones sold at Walmart etc. You can often get a good used machine from a sewing machine shop that will last longer and has more features.

Next, rotary cutter and rulers. I'd get a 45 mm rotary cutter and blades, and a 6 x 12 and 12 inch square ruler. I like my 6 x 24 inch ruler too. A cutting board, the largest you can afford and accommodate is good. The cutters are very very sharp. Keep away from kids and clutzy husbands!

A decent iron and ironing board are needed, or pressing surface of some sort. Once again, depends on budget and sewing space.

Basic sewing kit for me includes good scissors, thread snips, 6 inch ruler, tape measure, long pins, handsewing needles(get an assorted package for now) and a pincushion(I like magnetic ones, that's a personal choice.)

As with most things, buy the best you can afford, or budget and save a little for the better quality items. That really is important for fabric and sewing machines IMO.

Depending on where you're located, sales at places like Joann Fabrics, or in Canada, Fabricland are great for some of the basic tools.

I started out with an iron, ironing board, sewing machine, scissors, pins and tape measure. We didn't have rotary cutters. We used cereal boxes to make templates for our quilt patterns...primitive huh!:)

I also found the Eleanor Burns made easy books to follow. I think her Log Cabin was one of the first full-sized quilts I made, after a basic 9 patch. There ya go. One person's opinion. Have fun!!

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter 03-08-2011 11:43 AM

Don't go crazy and spend a ton of money until you find out if you even like the quilting process. Since you want to quilt with your daughter, maybe starting with a doll quilt would be a good idea.

Buy a medium sized cutting mat, ruler and rotary cutter. Pick a few fabrics you like and start with a simple pattern. 4-patch or 9-patch might be good.

If you are really a beginner sewer, you might even want to start with pillowcases. They are very easy and statisfying to make.

Look at Missouri Star Quilt Company for videos ideas. They explain things very well.

Sadiemae 03-08-2011 11:59 AM

Hello, and welcome from Idaho!

Aunt Patti 03-08-2011 12:01 PM

Welcome from Michigan

CarrieAnne 03-08-2011 12:04 PM

welcome!

LAB55 03-08-2011 12:06 PM

Hello from Western Mountain Maryland !!

rusty quilter 03-08-2011 12:07 PM

Welcome from Michigan great lakes region. You are doing a great thing by including your daughter in your quilting quest. Take your time, enjoy the process. I promise you that in the end, it will be worth the work.

Lakeview Quilting 03-08-2011 12:50 PM

Hello and welcome from Nevada!

Borntohandquilt 03-08-2011 01:10 PM

Hello, welcome and happy quilting from Germany!
I am a handquilter, not a piecer - but I am sure you will get a lot of help and support here on the board.


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