New to quilting and a little freaked out! Haha
 

Hey everyone! I am new to quilting, well new to sewing actually! I have been watching my boss make quilts for years and have been longing to make my own. I am finally graduated from school, settled in a steady job and, gotta be honest here, have some extra money to spend on a new hobby, so I decided to jump into the pool!

I had never touched a sewing machine until a few months ago. I didn't even know what the bobbin was for! (I knew it existed, but I had had no reason to ever think about what it did! Haha) so I bought a machine and took a basic sewing class and started buying fabric! I have been making a few little things and I managed to make a cool Mug Rug for my mom and a Christmas table runner for my boss.

But......I am totally paralyzed to start another quilt project! I have bought a few craftsy.com classes, watched some youtube tutorials, i have a few books and I have big plans and ideas that i want to do. but i am totally stuck! I keep researching and reading blogs and reading the QB forums ;) just hoping that I can find the all of the info that I could possibly ever need! My main issue is that I am really freaked out about the cutting. I mean the squaring up of fabric, cutting a straight line, cutting the right size etc. I can only cut with my right hand on the right side of the ruler (my left side is really uncoordinated!) and it seems like the only video demonstrations I have been able to find, and even my boss, are lefties!

Does anyone have any advice? Anything that helped them out when they were just starting to learn?

Craftsy has a 2012 block of the month still up with video tutorials and is starting a 2013 BOM on Jan. 1. Maybe they would help you get started on a few blocks.

Have you looked at www.quiltinaday.com ? There are many videos there. Also YouTube has many, many good videos on everything quilting related.

Mostly you just have to do it. You will mess up. Think of those as opportunities to get more creative! Or you could start with some precuts. There are many patterns for charm packs and jelly rolls.

Hi from Pennsylvania,
I love the craftsy classes.
Try the craftsy block of the month class. The class will teach you several techniques for 20 different blocks. You can view these classes over and over again. I made a complete quilt and also machine quilted the project. You can also go to your nearest fabric store and see what classes are offered. I suggest start small, like a lap quilt and work your way up.

Thank you ladies! I just need to build up my courage! :)

Welcome from NJ! Just take the plunge! Find a small (lap - like lap size) pattern you like, buy your fabric and go for it. Your local quilt shop is your friend. They will help you. Look at some samples in the shop. You will make cutting and sewing mistakes - we all still do regardless of how long we've been doing this. You are in the majority being a right-handed cutter. Your LQS should be able to give you some pointers there as well. Enjoy the process and don't sweat the small stuff.

you are not going to be picasso with the first quilt. I promise you will not cut perfectly, you will make a ton of mistakes, the quilt will still be usable and loved.The second gets better and so on!!Enjoy!!

Welcome from NE Ohio.

Welcome to the QB from North Carolina :). Glad you could join us.

I looked on the internet for ideas / tutorials / etc. and you could always check out your local library for how-to books.

Beckie

Hi from Ohio!

Just be patient :thumbup: Welcome from Adrian, MI

Hi and welcome to the board! :o

I'm thinking you could start off using pre-cuts (jelly rolls, layer cakes) or fat quarters. If you use jelly rolls, the cutting is done for you and there are a lot of blocks to be made with 2 1/2" wide strips. Start with something easy (like a rail fence design or a 4 patch) and small (like a lap quilt or a baby quilt).

Hi from New York. I still get nervous when I begin to cut the fabric :) You just have to think about it for a wee bit and then, when in the "right mind" go for it. If you get lost or make a boo boo - just post! Everyone here will help you out. They are all great at helping one with boo boos big and small.

Can't wait to see your first project.

find a local quilt shop & see if they offer a beginner class- even if they don't they may be willing to spend some (slow time) showing you how to use your ruler, cutter, ect...but a beginner class can really help you along- if they have a sampler program going on those can be a good learning program too...then generally have monthly get togethers- demonstrate new techniques & tools, and help you learn one block at a time.

You are all so kind. I guess I just have to let go and just do it! I have been buying per-cuts and I have a jelly roll that I have been planning to use and I have even set it out on my desk. Thank you for the advice!

Welcome from Michigan!:)

Hi from The Royal Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, England. I am quite new to quilting, took a small course to get to know the basics and I am just about to sew the sashes on to my quilt. It is only 9 blocks and it was meant to be for Christmas for myself, but didn't get round to do much of it. So New Year, New Me (hopefully). I love making craft things. I retired from work in September due to ill health and need something to ocupy my hands. So here's hoping I can complete the quilt by next Christmas. Looking forward to reading your lovely blogs.

:) welcome from se TX

Another welcome from Michigan. I'm not new to sewing, but haven't done it in YEARS. I recently took a Quilting 101 class at a local fabric store and it was very helpful. You might want to check out something like that, or as mentioned your local Quilt Shop.

I just started my first quilt, a baby quilt and have pieced together some pieces and have them laid out on the table and now I'm nervous about joining them all together. Taking a break from that right now.

Baby steps - we'll get there. Good advice here.

If you are nervous about cutting..invest in one of those quilting gloves that fOns & Porter wear on their show. Protect your hands whenn using the rotary cutter. It can be scary.

I learned to qult by choosing a pattern from Nickel Quilts by Pat Speth. She is the queen of the 5" square!

Have fun with our hobby!
Sandy

welcome from Minnesota!!

Hello, welcome from Oklahoma!!!

Welcome from Southern California! Sure wish we lived closer - I would have you come over and help you cut your fabric. A friend of mine was that way, she was always afraid to make the first cut, so she would come over, because I have a cutting table which is high enough to be comfortable and we would set up the fabric and she would cut it. Sounds to me you need a quilting buddy. Don't be afraid of making a mistake, we have all made plenty of them. The important part is having fun doing it.

Welcome from Minnesota and happy quilting :)

Hello and welcome from Minnesota!
Whatever you do....have fun!!!! :)

Hello and welcome from Leicestershire in the UK. It can be daunting cutting fabric for the first time (and especially if you are left handed like me), but if you take your time you will be ok. I started going to a quilting course in June to learn the basics and take each step from there. It's really worth it to learn the basic skills plus its really good to learn about the different blocks that can make up a quilt. I'm addicted now and go to my class once a month. Everyone on here is so helpful and supportive too! Good luck and happy quilting.
Anna Marie x

Welcome from Colorado!!!

Welcome from Andrews, NC. Have you asked your quilt shop for help? I own a quilt shop and I help people all the time. they come in with a question and we have a mini class on the spot. Quilters love to help one another.
My best advice is to jump in there and do it.

Hello, welcome from Nevada!

Hello and welcome to the board from the friendly State of Alabama