I have never sewed a quilt I’m
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,108
Welcome, Doug! May I suggest that you look for a quilting guild near you? If possible, join, and tell the members of the guild that you are a 'newbie' and that you want to make a quilt for your friend. You will likely get lots of help and tips from members of the guild.
I agree with the suggestions that you start with a very simple quilt. The 10" squares idea is good, as it is both basic and classic.
To make it, you can buy pre-cut 'layer cakes', which is just a name for a collection of 10" squares cut from a particular fabric line. Since the layer cake is pre-cut, if you can manage sewing the 1/4" seams fairly well, your quilt is much more likely to come out 'squared'.
Squared means that the vertical length of the quilt is the same on the right edge as it is on the left edge, and that the horizontal edges of the quilt are the same width on the top and the bottom of the quilt. That is extremely important when it is time to actually quilt the quilt.
Sewing mistakes happen. So make sure to get the most important tool a quilter owns - a seam ripper. You won't be sorry.
Good luck on your project, have fun, and be sure to post a picture of the quilt when it is done.
I agree with the suggestions that you start with a very simple quilt. The 10" squares idea is good, as it is both basic and classic.
To make it, you can buy pre-cut 'layer cakes', which is just a name for a collection of 10" squares cut from a particular fabric line. Since the layer cake is pre-cut, if you can manage sewing the 1/4" seams fairly well, your quilt is much more likely to come out 'squared'.
Squared means that the vertical length of the quilt is the same on the right edge as it is on the left edge, and that the horizontal edges of the quilt are the same width on the top and the bottom of the quilt. That is extremely important when it is time to actually quilt the quilt.
Sewing mistakes happen. So make sure to get the most important tool a quilter owns - a seam ripper. You won't be sorry.
Good luck on your project, have fun, and be sure to post a picture of the quilt when it is done.
#12
Welcome to this board As you can tell from the posts there are a lot of knowledgeable people on here.
The Double Slice quilt Barb referred you too is a great pattern. I have made many quilts in the pattern. I love it, fairly fast and not too many seams to match.
Good luck with whatever quilt you decide to make.
The Double Slice quilt Barb referred you too is a great pattern. I have made many quilts in the pattern. I love it, fairly fast and not too many seams to match.
Good luck with whatever quilt you decide to make.
#14
Hey Doug, you got some great answers here already. If you don't get too complicated you will have a much better experience.
I think it's a wonderful thing to do for your friend! Please keep us posted.
I think it's a wonderful thing to do for your friend! Please keep us posted.
#16
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Havelock NC
Posts: 187
After doing a little more research very little I might add. I had only considered the top side of the quilt not the actual quilting process. I definitely understand that duck cloth would be a horrible choice. I’m not looking to invent a new quilt design. All I have ever looked at is a bunch of squares sewed together. Not the actual quilting part. I have been sewing simple seams since 1980. But only occasionally. I decided to see what it would take to get my family 1901 up and running last month. I ended up with 5 extra machines. [ATTACH=CONFIG]607377[/ATTACH]
#17
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Havelock NC
Posts: 187
since I’m kinda new to quilting when you say rotary cut quilt ; are you talking about the pizza cutter thing I have to cut fabric? I have used that thing for so many other tasks it wasn’t designed for. Boat carpet bad idea
#18
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Havelock NC
Posts: 187
Looking at more tutorials etc. this will not in any way be a US Navy themed quilt. My friend has had enough Navy after almost 30 years. Layer cakes yes silly psychedelic patterns yes. I want this to be the throw blanket from hell. Comfortable but loud.
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
Yes, it's the pizza cutter thing, but you need a new one for quilting. I recommend the Olfa 45 mm one.
Are you anywhere near a bona fide quilt shop? If so, I'd highly recommend taking a beginner quilting class. You'd be so popular as a guy, so good for your ego. LOL Sure you could learn on Youtube, but you can't get quick answers to your questions as you do with a live teacher while making your first quilt. I just think with a deadline of May, you need help. Beginner classes have easy blocks.
Are you anywhere near a bona fide quilt shop? If so, I'd highly recommend taking a beginner quilting class. You'd be so popular as a guy, so good for your ego. LOL Sure you could learn on Youtube, but you can't get quick answers to your questions as you do with a live teacher while making your first quilt. I just think with a deadline of May, you need help. Beginner classes have easy blocks.
#20
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Havelock NC
Posts: 187
Yes, it's the pizza cutter thing, but you need a new one for quilting. I recommend the Olfa 45 mm one.
Are you anywhere near a bona fide quilt shop? If so, I'd highly recommend taking a beginner quilting class. You'd be so popular as a guy, so good for your ego. LOL Sure you could learn on Youtube, but you can't get quick answers to your questions as you do with a live teacher while making your first quilt. I just think with a deadline of May, you need help. Beginner classes have easy blocks.
Are you anywhere near a bona fide quilt shop? If so, I'd highly recommend taking a beginner quilting class. You'd be so popular as a guy, so good for your ego. LOL Sure you could learn on Youtube, but you can't get quick answers to your questions as you do with a live teacher while making your first quilt. I just think with a deadline of May, you need help. Beginner classes have easy blocks.
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