I'm going to put together something to help all the new and aspiring quilters out there. Thus, I need to know what is, or was the biggest question you have or HAVE had making your first quilt.

No question is a dumb question, if it keeps you from making your first quilt! :D

Martha

Being a very very new newbie, let me first say that is a great idea!

I think my first questions had to do with quilting terms, fabric sites and beginners tools (supply list). You know what else I think would be nice a list of beginner projects.

Wow....that is a loaded question and I could fill a book with questions and I have questions that I don't even know I have yet...LOL. I will tell you that just going through the posts today I have had a few:

1. What do the acronyms stand for (ie: UFO, WIP, etc.)?
2. What is the difference between applique and paper piece?
3. What are some EASY and FAST 1st projects for a newbie?

I would also include the basics:

1. How do I get 1/4 inch?
2. What does my machine have to have to quilt (ie: walking foot, etc.)?
3. A list or reference to a list of all the different patterns for the blocks would be good.
4. How to square the fabric up to cut it?
5. How to properly rip stitches....I didn't know this one and totally messed up a square...ripped the fabric :(

I know there are TONS and I will add as I think of them. If you decide to do this maybe it should be in a topic that stays at the top like "What every Newbie ask" or something.

Thanks!!

I would probably have to say one of my #1 questions is thread -- what kind/what brand? Cotton, polyester, monofiliment? What's the difference? Does it really matter? What color do I use? Do I match it with the top or use a contrasting color? Do I use the same in the bobbin as in the needle? Wow, who knew there could be so many questions about thread.

I couldn't tell you what I didn't know. Everything was so foreign to me, I didn't even know what the question was.

1. Where do I start? What supplies do I need?

2. What are some beginner patterns?

3. What type of fabric/thread?

4. What type of battting?

5. What quilting methods to use?

How to deal with conflicting advice?

Fantastic idea!

I'm a newbie and my biggest questions right now are:

What is paper piecing and how do I learn to do it?

Where can I find a tutorial video for applique?

I guess mine is "But why not?" I never accept that something can't be done.

The colour wheel confuses me. I've read a few tutorials on it, and I still don't get it.

FAQ's about batting - types, loft, what kind is best for what kind of project, what kind is best for machine vs hand quilting.

Jargon list - when I decided to make a quilt, I had a friend ask me if I was piecing or quilting right now...huh? Piecing what now? I hadn't even cut my fabric yet. lol

I spent a lot of time trying to understand the difference between straight vs bias binding, and which I should use.

Hmm...if I think of any more, I'll add them...

LOL. Thats pretty cute!

When I first started quilting, I would have loved to have a list of useful quilting books, the "must-haves" for a quilter's library.

I need to know about washing a newly completed quilt. Some say do so, some say don't. I'm afraid if I wash it, it will shrink or distort or run or fall apart. I'm afraid if I don't, and the recipient washes it, the same thing will happen and I'll be VERY embarrassed.

When I started, I couldn't find anyone who could tell me what a "scant" quarter inch was.

Marking quilts and what to use can be very confusing...

I also think its important to let them know that a Christmas quilt may not be done til Easter! Just enjoy the journey and don't stress about end date....

The importance of cutting. you can have great fabric and a great pattern but if you cut wrong it gets ugly real fast. stitches can be taken out, borders changed, pattern rearranged, but one ugly cut and the whole quilt is cattiwhompus!

For me, the binding part is really intimidating, and any tips on making sure you cut properly would be great. I have these all in a book now, but a tutorial that contained everything would be great (lots of pictures too!)

Also, maybe a sampling group of pictures for easy patterns. I never know what to pick, except that people here have really helped me!

With my first quilt - about 12 years ago, I didn't even know about rotary cutters, or mats. I hand sewed my first 3 quilts. They were quite primitive looking I think.
A good tutorial or good basic book would have been very helpful. The most inspiration I still receive is getting together with other quilters, of all levels. And I have a friend who is a gifted quilter who is patient and encouraging not only to me, but to all quilters.

If the fabrics and batting are washed before cutting - then distortion, shrinkage, and fabrics bleeding would not be an issue.

The only remaining issue would be on how the sewing was done.

:oops: Guess I should wash before I start from now on. I think I will fluff it in the dryer with a damp towel, press, and give as is and let them worry about washing. And, of course, pray that it is OK. My last one turned out OK when washed, but who knows about the book panels... Live and learn. Thanks so much for your comment.

My advice to Newbies? Get a few decent books! Libraries usually have them. Most magazines have some instruction. There are thousands and having one or two around is great for running to look up something. Take a few classes. I'm assuming that, like me, you don't know any quilters that can teach you.

Ask us questions! That's what we're here for! But just one or three at a time, please! Many, many resources and tutorial can be had via the internet, also!

Start with a very easy pattern, maybe a kit and you'll learn a lot by "doing".

Go for it!

Wow...my problem as a newbie was picking out the fabric. I would spend hours in the store and come out with nothing. It was really an overwhelming experience. Any advice, tips, hints, in how this area would be wonderful.

Wow. These are all great questions! I never would have thought of so many of these questions that new quilters face! :-)

ok i got a couple of questions
1.
when your sewing the pieces together why do we not do a back stich to hold the thread i mean wont the stitches come out without the back stitch
i have been wondering this
HUGS dora

Dora, if another seam will be crossing over the first seam that will "lock" the first seam. If that doesn't make sense I can draw you a picture. Welcome to the Wonderful World of Quilting!

Wow many # 1 questions here, have Quilted for years and still have Questions, amazing how many turn out OK without following the Rules, yes there are general rules / methods, but remember no Quilt Police !! Any newbie can probibly PM another member and get an anwser, "Know it wouldn't bother me." also a spot for adoptions, Sign up, or use the "search button" so many posts here to learn from,and often several options/opinions :)

Remember Have Fun with it !!

tahnk you Kitsie
i was wondering about the back stitch , and so now i know it was worrying me i was thinking now i am going to sew these pieces without a backstitch and my luck its all going to come undone thank you for clearing this for me
HUGS Dora

Strangely, I get answers on the QB daily to questions I didn't even know I had.

As a newbie I would want to understand the terms of fabric (straight of grain, cross crain, and the dreaded bias)

For traditional sewers, it would be important to learn about the new tools (rotary cutter instead of scissors, strip piecing instead of templates.)

My very first mistake was to NOT change the needle in my sewing machine for a LONG time. So basic machine maintenance would be a good topic to cover.

Try this:
[url]http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-51632-1.htm[/.url]

1. how to figure out how much material to buy
2 How to use a rotary cutter and mat
3 best off the quilting books for newbies, lots of pictures are very helpful
4 quilting terms
5 how to find a mentor.

Suggestions/Reminders -- like 1) there are NO quilt police and 2) dive in, don't be afraid.....if you're nervous about the first quilt, go to thrift shops and buy old sheets or fabrics cheaply and 3) ENJOY!