gacountrygurl

Hello y'all! I am in the process of beginning my first quilt, but I need some suggestions! It has been a long time since I've even used my sewing machine, and I have never done a task this big before. I have a book with patterns and detailed instructions that are really easy to understand. But I am wanting advice on multiple things.
First off, I have some "scrap" fabric that I am going to use to get used to using my machine again, make sure its in perfect working order before I make these quilts. I have read that it is good to pre-wash fabric, especially with cotton. I think it would be a good idea, but I don't want anything to get messed up in the washer/dryer before I even get to use the fabric.
When it comes to making your quilt, what is your process? I would assume getting all of your pieces cut first, "mach" assembly to make sure everything look like it will fit correctly and you have enough pieces, and then you start sewing?
Do I have to have a fancy sewing machine to do the sewing that keeps the batting in place (I forget the technical term for it, sorry!)? I have read mixed opinions on this. I have a basic Singer sewing machine that was a birthday gift from 10 years ago. She sew's well but doesn't do anything super fancy.
I am making these as gifts, and was thinking about doing them either twin or queen size, any opinion on doing a larger size when your just starting? They are going to be Christmas Gifts, so there isn't a huge rush.
I will upload pictures of the fabrics I have selected, as well as 2 of the patterns I am looking at doing from the book I have.

maryb119

Sounds like you are ready to go. I will look forward to pictures on your progress.

gacountrygurl

Thank you! I sure will! I am very excited!

gacountrygurl

Here are the Fabrics I have selected, and the two patterns that are in the book. The dark grey color in both pictures is what I have for backing and binding.
I did find a pattern on Pinterest that I like but the pattern size is for baby, and I want my quilt larger for sure. Here is the link to that one (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1055599897542721/)

pocoellie

First, I want to welcome you to the wonderful world of quilting. You don't have to pre-wash your fabrics first, it's a matter of personal preference and the look of the finished quilt. You don't need a fancy pants sewing machine, many of us sew on antique/vintage machines. As for your approximate age Singer, that might be a problem, the modern Singers are not the well made machines the old ones were. The top, batting, backing is known as a sandwich, there are various methods of basting the sandwich, pin, thread, spray, glue, which needs to be done, before quilting, you just need to decide which method. How "easy" the actual quilting will be, depends on how big your quilt is, how much throat space your machine has.

Starching or using something like Best Press is very helpful, make sure though that you use the starch properly or you'll end up with a mess.

Your patterns are very nice but there's no way that I would attempt them as a beginner quilter, but others have started with what I would call "advanced" patterns and done okay.

gacountrygurl

Thank you Pocoellie! I am curious as to the state of my sewing machine. I recently moved and I haven't gotten it out of the box yet (mostly due to space in our small apartment.) I figured I would spend a day cutting the fabrics and assembling them, and the next day sewing them together, etc etc.
Which method of basting the sandwich lasts the longest? I am thinking thread, since it would seem the most durable option? The machine has the "average" space I would say, I know my mom has used it (more than myself since it was my 12 year old Christmas present) and she made quite a few elaborate costumes for my siblings and I on it and it seemed to work well. I may look as see if they make a "table" for the model I have, that would give me some extra room?!
I do have another bolt of fabric that I have for my personal use, I want to make a babys blanket out of it, maybe I should start with that one? lol! It is super cute as well, and I have a TON of it, I got it on clearance and it was so cheap I bought the whole bolt!

wesing

I love your patterns, but I have to agree with Ellie. They are more challenging than I would recommend for a new Quilter. If you have experience in other types of sewing that may make them less of a challenge, but you have to be the judge of that. Making samples out of scraps first is an excellent idea. That should let you know if you want to attempt the whole quilt.

I Love your fabrics. As a matter of fact, we've used two of them for a quilt for our niece: Molly's HS graduation quilt

If you do the quilts you've picked out, I would recommend a lot of starch, and slow, careful sewing. I normally don't cut everything at once. I cut enough for a sample block or two and finish the cutting if I get those assembled correctly. You definitely want sharp blades for your rotary cutter, sharp machine needles, and sharp pins. Please post pictures of your work.

Oh, and welcome to the board!

gacountrygurl

I love the quilt you made Wesing! Its beautiful! Yes, I think I may find a simple pattern and make a baby quilt first, so I can learn the ropes again, Its been a while since I've used the machine! I will have to post a picture of that fabric so y'all can help me pick a cute pattern! My husband is going to think I am crazy for making/saving another Baby item lol! We've been married 6 months (dating for a year and a half before we got married) and I keep having to fight off baby fever lol ! It will be a while before we have kids, so maybe this will help curb it lol!

Teen

Welcome to the board and quilting! Pretty fabric and the selections blend beautifully...so you've got an eye for color. The patterns you've selected look more advanced than a beginner but go for it. I did the same with my first quilt and learned a lot in the process. When you approach the clamshell quilt pattern, you may want to YouTube some tutorials on curved piecing. That can be helpful and maybe provide an alternate technique then the book for you to chose what best works for you. I recommend you attempt to do a block or sample of each quilt pattern using spare fabric just to see if it is what you are able to do easily without getting frustrated. We don't want you to give up and turn away from quilting because you may chose a pattern beyond your ability...you know what I mean?

I do not pre-wash my fabric. It is a personal preference. I do, however, wash the completed quilt once before gifting. When you get ready to do that step, come back to the board for suggestions and recommendations.

good luck and share your results. Have fun and ask for help if needed.... So many talented people here...

gacountrygurl

Thank you! I love color, and matching color, contrast, and patterns! I am excited to see how I can bring that to Quilts! I know exactly what you mean Teen! I don't want to get frustrated either! I love the quilts I grew up with, but those are my momma's and I cant steal them lol!
I think making a simple pattern baby quilt will be my first move, then I will make the ones for gifts ! I will upload a picture of the fabric so yall can help me find a cute pattern and matching fabric!
Oh, I will be on the forum a LOT! I am not afraid to ask questions/for help!