MNQuilter

I'm sure someone on here can answer! I think it has to do with pressing after sewing. Next time I'm going to try to dry press, rather than use steam.

Mplsgirl

I always had good luck sewing strips together (if more than 2) in opposite directions. Did this when I did a Trip Around the World and they came out fine. Don't know if this helps.

BellaBoo

Practice getting an accurate 1/4" seam. Be sure and not veer off at the end of the seam. Using the leader and ender method is a great habit to have.

http://www.quiltville.com/leadersenders.shtml

I sew strips together by reversing the stitch order from top to bottom and then I press the seams open. If I have a lot of strips to sew together I sew from the middle of the strips to each end. That stops the bowing.

MadQuilter

If you press each set so the seams in each individual row nest into each other when sewing the rows together, that makes the corners match better. (It may include pressing a seam toward the light fabric rather than the dark.)

When you sew the rows together, mark the side you nees to sew. If you sew the wrong sides, your pattern will be off. Ask me how I know. lol

cminor

How exciting! Good luck - and watch this board - it is amazing what you can learn here!

Elisabrat

Friday Joanns is having a huge black friday sale even better than the average sale. I agree, a rotary cutter is a MUST and ALWAYS roll away from you and when its not in use LOCK IT, its a real sharp blade and if your putting pressure down to use it its a weapon. Great on fabric not too great on bodies. The olfa matt another must and at least one omnigrid for cutting (placed over the fabric it makes measuring exactly super easy). The harder part? picking your fabrics I think. Or worse only picking the ones your planning on using.. this time.

jljack

Some tips.

1. Change your cutter blade after every other quilt.
2. Change your sewing machine needle after every quilt.
3. Oil your sewing machine after every quilt.
4. Don't hesitate to ask for help. No question is stupid when you're learning. We're here to help!!!

Above all........HAVE FUN!!! No quilt is perfect, and only you will know where the little oopsies are!!! Don't be hard on yourself. You'll get better and better as you go.

Welcome to the Board, and let us know when we can help!! :lol:

Bottle Blonde

I would add a pair of small sharp scissors to the list, make certain you have a good iron (doesn't leak water and the metal surface is clean) - buy a little more fabric than you need....mistakes do happen. Sharp hand sewing needles as well as new needles for the machine, more than 1 pincushion can be handy, ... if you can, buy an Ott light, they are great, I also use a goose neck desk lamp in my sewing area. A design board is very, very helpful and a must in my studio. I made mine with long panels of hard styrofoam that is actually construction insulation... I bought it at Lowe's or Home Depot. I duct taped the panels together and covered it with fleece - it is sturdy enough to lean against the wall without any other support. Happy Shopping - Happy Quilting - I'm excited that you are excited - keep us posted.

Susy

Gee, I'm learning lots from your question! All I can say is to not beat yourself up every time you make a mistake or something isn't perfect the first time, I actually quit quilting at one point, deciding maybe this was something that I could never do. Still not fantastic but hey, I love it and every time I do a little bit better! So, have fun!

amma

If you can afford it...by a couple of 1/4 yards of fabric to practice cutting strips and blocks. sew the strips together and practice cutting pieces out of them and sew them into blocks... When you are comfortable doing that...then start on your son's quilt :wink:
This will give you practice on cutting, 1/4 seams, nesting seams, sewing strips that aren't bowed, pressing your seams to the side, and getting used to your machine... You will have a little quilt started and more confidence when you start cutting and piecing your son's quilt. You can always finish your practice quilt and your son can use it as a car quilt :wink: