Brand new quilter needing elementary advice!
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,334
I get bored with cutting 100 or more pieces so I cut a few strips and sew, then go back and cut a few more strips, then sew again. Other people cut everything at once and then sew. I would recommend washing everything first, as Dayle suggested. And, whatever you do..... enjoy the process. Welcome to the joy of quilting.
#12
definitely prewash all fabrics to help prevent bleeds and get rid of leftover chemicals used during manufacturing processes......actually cutting 112 pieces all at once won't be that bad....since they are all the same size, you can fold your fabric lengthwise so you have the selvages together then fold once more so you have 4 layers (being very careful when folding to get a crisp fold, I use a ruler)....you can cut either the 6.5" or 3.5" and then cut the other dimension....it will go quite fast....cutting a 6.5" strip will yield approx. 10 3.5" pieces and if you lay 2 strips on top of each other you will reduce your cutting time by half!
#14
Yes, I do have a rotary cutter and a mat, and two different sized rulers. This is the pattern I'm making:http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/?p=1016
It seems like it shouldn't be too bad for a beginner!
Thank you for the advice! Cutting 112 pieces in a row seemed so overwhelming! Just cutting enough for one row seems like a much better Idea!
It seems like it shouldn't be too bad for a beginner!
Thank you for the advice! Cutting 112 pieces in a row seemed so overwhelming! Just cutting enough for one row seems like a much better Idea!
What I saw was a variation of the disappearing nine patch. A nine patch is an ideal block to begin with and an ideal block to do with chain piecing. Each row of the 9 patch can be stitched from a strip then cut into the 3 squares across. Then each 9 patch can be cut to make what you'll be using.
#15
Yes, I do have a rotary cutter and a mat, and two different sized rulers. This is the pattern I'm making:http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/?p=1016
It seems like it shouldn't be too bad for a beginner!
Thank you for the advice! Cutting 112 pieces in a row seemed so overwhelming! Just cutting enough for one row seems like a much better Idea!
It seems like it shouldn't be too bad for a beginner!
Thank you for the advice! Cutting 112 pieces in a row seemed so overwhelming! Just cutting enough for one row seems like a much better Idea!
#16
Glad you are with us. Not an answer to your particular question but having been there many years ago I would like to say that if you get frustrated you can buy something precut so as to concentrate on your sewing rather than trying to make your first pieces fit together easily, or you might find someone with an accuquilt cutter to cut you some pieces. There are so many ways to do things and as you learn you will see them all. Enjoy yourself and don't hesitate to ask. These fine people here will share what they know with you willingly. They're great. Enjoy!
#18
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Keene, New Hampshire
Posts: 4,211
Welcome from New Hampshire
And, thanks for the link - makes a great summer quilt, easy to enlarge.
I agree with those who said - cut one block and sew it up, to make sure it's working, before you cut alot
And, thanks for the link - makes a great summer quilt, easy to enlarge.
I agree with those who said - cut one block and sew it up, to make sure it's working, before you cut alot
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mechanicsville, IA
Posts: 1,497
definitely prewash all fabrics to help prevent bleeds and get rid of leftover chemicals used during manufacturing processes......actually cutting 112 pieces all at once won't be that bad....since they are all the same size, you can fold your fabric lengthwise so you have the selvages together then fold once more so you have 4 layers (being very careful when folding to get a crisp fold, I use a ruler)....you can cut either the 6.5" or 3.5" and then cut the other dimension....it will go quite fast....cutting a 6.5" strip will yield approx. 10 3.5" pieces and if you lay 2 strips on top of each other you will reduce your cutting time by half!
#20
that's a lovely quilt and the instructions for keeping the blocks organized seems great. be sure to ask any questions you run into.... we're more than happy to help, no matter how elementary
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12-01-2012 04:16 AM