Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Introduce Yourself (https://www.quiltingboard.com/introduce-yourself-f3/)
-   -   I need a jump start... (https://www.quiltingboard.com/introduce-yourself-f3/i-need-jump-start-t175779.html)

Gramyx7 01-16-2012 11:57 AM

Oh don't be scared :) we all have been there and done that and still do it. its a 1/4th seam. do you have a 1/4th foot for your machine? if not get one... it will be a life saver for you and your seams. plus the grains.. you should learn the grains of the fabric, width doesn't stretch, length does, bias does. aboutquilt.com has a lot on grains and seams.

anyway welcome from Oregon

SueDor 01-16-2012 12:01 PM

Hi from Ohio! Try something small for now like placemats or a wall hanging!

Kazahleenah 01-16-2012 12:24 PM


Originally Posted by TLC (Post 4878255)
I am new to the quilting world. But I want to make some for my children. But I have hit a wall. I bought the material, and all the supplies that I think I need. If I should run into needing something else. I will just go buy it. This is what I am telling myself.

Here the problem: I can't get myself started. I am scared of messing it up and I want it to look right. It is a simple pattern. I did do some sample patches. And the seams didn't match! What if the quilt does the same thing? How will I fix it?

Any suggestions? I am sure that some of you went through this on your very first quilt. Please help....

I'm a beginner as well, but I found that when I was worried about sewing straight, if I took one of those fabric pencils and used a ruler to mark my 1/4 inch seam, I relaxed more and sewed MUCH straighter. Nothing is perfect anyway, just have fun with it! I always say that my quilts are a little "off"... just like me! :D

soosan 01-16-2012 12:34 PM

A friend tells me that if you cannot see the mistake from a galloping horse, it won't matter.
Cutting accurately is good, but I had trouble getting a "perfect one quarter inch seam" Someone suggested that I mark one quarter inch left of the needle on my machine with painter's tape. In fact someone else told me to put several layers so that fabric cannot shift by it. :) Good luck! It does get easier. And when it gets too easy, you will find a complicated pattern that will stir you to try it!

KarenK 01-16-2012 02:53 PM

Welcome from Minnesota!

cowgirlquilter 01-17-2012 07:47 PM

It will be just fine and there are plenty of friends here who can advise.......welcome!

DebbE 01-17-2012 08:09 PM

You're focusing on making mistakes instead of what is really important - you're creating something out of love for those you love. Do your best and know that its a process. I guarantee you that your children will love their quilts because you made them, and you'll be look back on this time and realize that it was a bonding experience with your babies. You'll also realize that quilting is exactly like life -- we learn a little bit more every day, that we're surrounded by good examples to follow and that we learn much more from our mistakes than our successes! Have fun and post pictures!

jaciqltznok 01-17-2012 08:35 PM

welcome from OK....like I teach the kids...practice, practice, practice...nothing like a rail fence to help you learn!

Gladys 01-17-2012 09:13 PM


You absolutely can do it! I have tons of seam rippers.

blueangel 01-19-2012 07:34 AM

Welcome from Kansas


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:34 PM.