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I need a jump start...

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....

Yep we all did I'm sure it can be either your cutting or your 1/4 inch seam isn't consistent.Measure twice cut once. Have fun don't be scared, nothing in this world is perfect.
Welcome to the board from mid Missouri.

Hi TLC. Welcome aboard from NCal.

The one thing that I have learned is that you get better with practice. For those of us that obsess over perfect points and straight lines, it's hard to just jump right in and let it go. But you know what, when I look back at the stuff that I worked on when I first started quilting, I can really appreciate how far I have come...and I practically learn something everyday on this fabulous board! Good luck, happy quilting and jump right in!

BTW - some things can be fixed (the seam ripper will be your BFF) and some things cannot. It's the things that can't be fixed that will try your patience as well as your creativity. :)

Welcome from Wisconsin

Welcome from Ontario, Canada. I don't know what pattern you are working with but some are easier than others. Fold your fabric and cut your patches carefully with your rotary cutter. Once you have enough cut to make a block (if your pattern is in blocks) sew it together using exact 1/4 inch seams. A 1/4 inch piecing foot helps but you can run a piece of painter's tape on the throat plate for a guide. It is hard flying solo so if you can find a beginner's class at your local quilt store, that may help you get over the fear.
As for, "what if I mess up?" There are solutions to any problem you come across just come on Quiltingboard and ask.:)

Welcome!!

I would cut two 3 1/2" blocks with your 1/4" seam (using a fabric that is similar in weight to what you will use in the quilt). Sew the blocks 1/4", press and measure the result. Do you have a block that is 3 1/2"x6 1/2"? If not, then either adjust your needle or mark the 1/4" spot with tape and try it again. This is slow but helpful figuring out where your 1/4" is.

I would also starch your fabric -- that will keep if from stretching (especially if you have to "reverse sew" -- something all of us do when we make mistakes).

Also measure twice!! I use June Taylor cutting system. Made a big diff in cutting accurately!! Sometimes my seams still don't match!! That's what makes it homemade. Not suppose to be perfect!! Join a class, get a quilting buddy, relax and have fun!! Keep u's posted!

You can do it! You can do it! You can do it! Just jump in with both feet and have fun. lol

Oh my, you can't be afraid to try. Just jump in - I promise you it will get easier. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone has to rip seams out. I would say that the main thing is to be consistent in what you do. 1/4 inch seams are the norm for quilting and at some point, you will want to practice it till you get it right. I use an adhesive strip on my machine plate to keep my seams in line. You can buy one or just use several layers of painter's tape. If you are like me however, and want to plunge ahead before perfecting your sewing skills - do it! Get your feet wet and make your first quilt. What is the worst case - that you are not 100% happy with the first one and you end up keeping it for yourself? Think of all you will have learned by the time you finish that one. You will be so proud of it because you finished it and everytime you use it, you will remember how hard it was to get started.

The blocks from my first quilt did not exactly match each other in size. At that point I decided to trim them up so that they were all the same to finish the quilt - and I made myself practice the 1/4 inch seam so that my next project would be easier.

You certainly landed in the right place, because this board has the most fantastic members you can imagine! I look forward to seeing pictures of your progress; please keep us posted! :)

Welcome from Upstate NY!!