Welcome to the Quilting Board!
I had my 4H girls each do a 9 patch then sew them together for a donation quilt. They did fine with that. We also did one, I don't remember the name, a rectangle maybe 2.5 x 6.5 sewed onto a 6.5 sq. These are sewn into vertical strips. These are then laid every other direction. We only used 2 colors but I have seen all the squares 1 color and all the rectangle scrappy. Clear as mud? Sorry.
Blessed are the quilters, for they are the piecemakers.
There's nothing wrong with squares for a first project. I started my 4-H girls out on stitching 6 1/2" squares together to make a lap sized quilt. When trying to learn to sew straight, maintain a 1/4" seam and get the rows to line up, there is enough learning going on without adding any additional complications. We did Rail Fence as a second project.
Shelbie from the High County in Southern Ontario
I would try to find a pattern that doesn't require matching seams. A brick fence type pattern comes to mind. A pillow case would be a good first project. It would teach her stitching a straight line to begin with. Also, all the patterns that Jenny Doan shows on YouTube are fairly simple to do. I believe that a useable finished product would encourage a beginner to continue with a new wonderful hobby.
Sue
I actually would not do a nine patch to teach someone to sew, I did use it thinking the same thing with my niece and she hated it because she couldn't get the points to match. After making a few blocks we decided to make a rail fence instead and she loved it I know she still has it and is now a young woman. She is not an avid quilter but still sews.
Maria
Always be true to yourself!
Here's on of my Brick Wall type quilts. https://www.flickr.com/photos/391684...57639978717914Originally Posted by susie-susie-susie
Here's the link to the free pattern.
http://www.thelinusconnection.org/20...cks-quilt.html
Sharon in Texas
one of the Linus Connection's blanketeers
After teaching her how to thread a machine and sew a straight line, and a few basics in cutting etc...I would test out her skills to see if she is a natural or someone who needs to learn from the ground up. I know I started with zero skills in quilting...even had to buy a machine and with a couple of hours in the way of a "crash course" to get me started, I went on to make a king sized quilt with fabrics on the bias and literally a thousand triangles used to making blocks called Crown of Thorns, and it came out good enough to make me go further. We all learn at different rates and with varied skill sets and just because some of us started at the lowest rung on the ladder does not mean everyone should. For many the pendulum swings both ways...start us with something too complicated and we quit...start us with something too basic and we quit from boredom. I think a runner with some challenges, especially if you are along to view the progress and help with the mistakes, gives her a "sewing vocabulary" and not something so simplistic that it will likely end up being her one and only. If she is a friend, you more than likely know her temperament and that would be the deciding factor for me as to what I teach her and at what pace...or I would"politically"suggest the LQS for instruction...so you remain friends.
I like Yellow Brick Road to teach new quilters. I have taught quilting at my home school co op a few years now. We start with a needle case next is a bag followed by a pillow case and then they start their quilt top. We also meet up for a field trip to LQS and Joanne's. My favorite thing about Yellow Brick Road is that it has no seams to match so even when they make mistakes they do not get discouraged. Good Luck and enjoy the time you get to spend with your friend :-) 17 years ago a new friend started me on this quilting path, she is now my BFF and I cannot ever thank her enough for teaching me this craft.
Perhaps have her do a couple sample pieces to see how her seam allowances are. Then maybe sewing big 4-patch blocks. Rail fence next. Best to you with your new student.
Be a blessing to others, as you may entertain angels unaware!
I love Boxed Squares! It is incredibly easy, but can be impressive when there are a lot of colors. I have made it twelve times.
Life is not a movie. No one is going to yell "CUT" when you make a mistake. - Anne L. Fulton
I always recommend rail fence for a first quilt because there is no need to match seams within the block, plus it looks more complicated than it is.
Boston, *love* your boxed squares! This too would be a great first quilt, especially with wonderful batiks!
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
