Newbie from Georgia
 

I've been sewing since I was a little girl (a million years ago), but am very new to quilting. My first attempt was a rag quilt for my granddaughter. Any suggestions for what is needed? I have a sewing machine and basic notions and accessories, but are there any special items needed? Have collected some patterns and a bit of fabric, but am lacking in the confidence needed to actually get going .....

Welcome from Vermont!

Greetings from Mableton

Welcome from South Louisiana. The first pattern I made when I started was "Just Can't Cut It". https://www.pinterest.com/pin/43136108902579589/

I didn't buy the pattern, because I have been sewing for a million years too. I looked at the block and saw that if I made it a finished 12" block, one side would be 2 6" finished sized squares (cut each square 6.5"), unfinished sewn together, 6.5" x 12 1/2". And the other side was 3 pieces that had to finish at 6x12. I cut them at 6.5" x 4.5" each and sewed them together. The neat thing was that I only had to have 5 colors. I could do that. It turned out nice and I got a lot of confidence with that project.

JUST DO IT! It's only a quilt. The first may not turn out the way you really wanted, but it get's better. I've been quilting for many years and still have things not turn out the way I wanted. You will gather more things as you go along. Welcome for Newnan. Good luck with quilting. It can be addictive!

Thank you!!!

Howdy from Texas. You are going to love quilting & also this quilting board. It's full of information & friendly people. Here are a few essentials you will need:
Self healing cutting mat
Rotary Cutter
Acrylic ruler
1/4" foot for your sewing machine (this is not necessary but very helpful)
Walking foot for your sewing machine (for when you actually begin to sew all 3 layers together....quilting the quilt)

For me, if all I had were those items I could make a quilt. Actually, the mat, the cutter & the ruler are the only true essentials in my mind.

Patterns & tutorials are free all over the internet. Quilter's Cache ... http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html is a great place for free block patters in all sizes.

I would say start with a simple block & make something small. Maybe a pot holder or a table runner to get the hang of matching seams & piecing.

You can do this & on top of all that...it's great fun!

Welcome from SW Missouri. With a sewing machine, thread, ruler, cutting mat and rotary cutter you will be good to go!!! Hop in and have fun. We all learn by doing and what could be more fun then putting colored fabrics together any way we want to!

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*** Hi! Y'all from the upstate of South Carolina.
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Welcome from NJ. I agree with what many others have said...self-healing mat; rotary cutter; ruler. Only suggestion I would make is, if you are shopping for these items, try placing different brands of rulers on different fabrics that you generally find appealing. We all prefer different rulers' colors and markings. Find one that works for you. I would also recommend that as you go along - stick with the same brand ruler as you acquire different sizes so your measurements will be consistent. A good ruler to start with is 6 x 24 so you can cut a full, folded width of fabric. If you can get/afford a wider one - say up to 8" - that would be even better.

But basically, just jump in and have fun! Enjoy the process - it's not a race!

Welcome from SC Texas. I always make a practice block with a new pattern as some time the pattern is not right. This was a lesson I learned the hard way when using a pattern from a quilting magazine after I had everything cut. The others have given you great advice on what you need to get started. Just take your time and have fun with it.

Welcome from Michigan!:)

Hi grammie27 welcome from NE OHIO

Welcome from New York state! I agree with those who've said the bare minimum you need would be; ruler (6x24), rotary cutter and mat, fabric, a pattern, scissors, thread. Years ago I bought a set from JoAnn's that cost $45 when not on sale...but they always have coupons you can use!

I took a beginners class, Quilting 101. It was amazing and at the end (if you did your homework) you had an Irish Chain quilt. I was very happy I took a class at a local quilt shop (LQS). I learned a lot! I took lots of notes during class. I acted like it was my job at the time. I'm glad I did!

Welcome to the wonderful world of quilting.

I know how you feel! I am new to quilting and new to the boards as well. Nice to meet you :)

Welcome from western NY and happy quilting :)

:) welcome from se TX

Welcome from Virginia! You will find a treasure of info, patterns, and ideas here. Honestly, there is not much need for books anymore. Maybe an old standard like "Quilts, Quilts, Quilts" by McClune or a basic book by Fons and Porter to get you started. Search "Scrappy Quilt Show right here" on QB and you will find close to 200 pages of pictures and comments. I could spend all day just enjoying all the eye candy. Enjoy!

Welcome from Central Florida!! You have already started in the right direction (here at the QB). :-) I make most of my quilts from free patterns off the web, my go to rulers are 6"X12" & 6"X24". I use a 45mm rotary cutter & an Olfa cutting mat. I use the dollar store plastic cutting mats for template plastic as it holds up forever & is easy to see through for tracing patterns. Plus they cut easily with scissors. (Not your fabric scissors! LOL!) That fits my budget & lets me enjoy the quilting process over & over. :-) I call it quilting on a budget. LOL!! You could spend a fortune on special rulers you'll only use once, but there's a satisfaction from making your own template to make a lovely quilt!