sewbizgirl

Oh, I'm so sad that you are so discouraged. Don't let it get you down! Is there a JoAnn's store near you? You can take some basic quilting classes there. And we are all here to help you too.

My tips would be to keep your lines and measurements accurate and straight. If you aren't already using a rotary cutter, get one. They make nice neat straight cuts. Just line your ruler up and cut carefully along it. Then in sewing, take your time and keep your seams lined up perfectly with the edge of your pressure foot. Most are the perfect 1/4".

If you have trouble with binding (it is hard on a small piece!) just do the "birthing method", where you sew the backing right side down on top of the front and batting, sew around leaving an opening, and then turn inside out through the opening. Hand stitch closed after pressing that little bit of seam allowance to the inside as a guide.

And always, pin-pin-pin like crazy so your fabrics can't slip around while you are sewing them. Sew slowly and remove the pins as you come to them.

When done, trim thread tails away, as Lynnie said. You'll only get better the more you practice.

Sewing with a more experienced seamstress, whether a friend or a teacher in a class, will help a lot too. If I was close to you I'd love to have you over to sew with me!

(edited to add): Don't forget to press and if necessary, trim, after every seam you sew. If something comes out wonky, pick it out and try again. I've been sewing for 35+ years and I constantly pick out seams to re-sew them better.