Quit reading and start quilting! The more you read, the more confused you will get, and it's really quite simple. If you can sew a straight 1/4" seam, you can make a quilt. Cut a couple of squares the same size, sew them right sides together, press, and you're started! Don't worry about the size of the finished project, the binding, the backing, the quilting, etc. etc. . . . That will all come in time.

Just cut accurately (rotary cutter and mat is the easiest), sew on the 1/4' mark, and you're good to go!

This is what start my newbies on....they have all made it and are doing great..just keep going..maby you just need to jump in with something small..like maby a table runner ......hugzzzz

Hi Furza Flyin, It may have already been mentioned in one of these 11 pages but can you tell me where to find the tutorial on using the Elmers glue? Thanx so much, in advance.

Esther

There are amazing quilters on here....don`t think i`ll ever get that good , but it doesn`t stop me because i find quilting very relaxing, and rewarding...start with simple squares...you will soon become addicted too....good luck!!!

I just did a D9P with the center block bright green and the other 8 are black and white. Cut horizontal and vertical and put together in random order. So cool and so easy. My first quilt top and I just love it. Not quilted yet. Just go for it!!

Hello. Please don't get discouraged. It is hard to take the first step doing anything new. Start small and simple. When I was teaching I usually gave the first block as the 9Patch. It is just 3 rows of blocks,any size that you want to use. I prefer 3 1/2 inch sq. They do not have to match. You will need 9 sqs for the block. Lay them in front of you and move them around untill it pleases you. Then sew the top row of 3 together side by side. Then sew the second 3 oieces the same way,and finally the 3rd row. Lay they down like you had them Lay the first row on top of the second row, Pin the seams,thensew. Spread what you have sewn out and lay the third row over the pieced section. Pin the seams and sew. Lay it face up. You have just made you first quilt block. That did not hurt
In a store that sells fabric, or even some grocery stores sell quilt books, They have a section of how to . Also you can check at the local library and find a lot of books on quilting. Good Luck.

Don't get discouraged. Buy a couple charm packs and then material for a border or two. It is very easy as they are 5" squares and just lay them out and sew them. It all takes time and we all started from the beginning. I have been quilting for about 5 years and still don't know everything or able to sew perfectly. Have fun and enjoy

Oh please, don't get discouraged! You are just having 'information overload', LOL.

Take time to breathe and relax.

If you only want to do squares, then do it... 4 patches, 9 patches, or even single blocks in a simple quilt, maybe 'I spy' quilt. Very easy, no fuss no muss.

Now, if you want to do a bunch of 4 patches, scrappy or otherwise, you can try Billie Lauder's 'Ultimate scrappy 4 patch' tecnique ... ala video tutorial ...

http://www.quilterstv.com/channel/video/0?video=1415

I love the quilts in her video and I've been cutting my scraps into 5" sqs for this technique or even the disappearing 9 patch.

I hope I'm not 'overloading' you again!

Just have FUN!

You can do this. Just cut the squares all the same size and start stitching. If you want a real design go with "A Trip Around the World." It is the same concept just placement is different using certain colors. Go for it!

Look up the quilt called potato chip. It is blocks with sashing around each block, very easy. Things seem overwelming however jump right in and give it a try. We learn as we go. A bought quilt will not give you the satisfaction of making your own. This board is here to help and boy are they right there to do so.

nothing comes easily to me...i gripe very often and feel discouraged, but things have a way of working out and i do learn from my mistakes...i read somewhere that most quilts can be broken down into the basic patterns that you're bored with, it's just a matter of how they are put together..i think if you focus more on the pattern (end goal) and the beautiful fabric you're working with, you may enjoy it or you can make a quilt that uses applique if you know how to do that...hope i contributed something :-) good luck either way..

Please don't give up!!!! The following link will take you to a tutorial that is really easy.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Missouri...25/dEjZOXxPazg

I just love Billie Lauder. I have ever since I saw her on Simply Quilts. Her video looks like a great one but I can't get it to play right. It stops and starts over and over again. What I did see, looks like something I'd like to try.

GailG, sorry the Billie Lauder video is giving you problems, maybe it is a 'computer' thing ... I can view it straight thru with no problems at all.

Maybe give it a try another time?

It is a wonderful tutorial, I'm working on making lots of scrappy sqs to use her technique.

Simply pick a size block you would like to use; cut several; sew them together and you have a quilt. If you like add strips between the blocks (sashing) and a border. Example: cut 20 block size 5 1/2" square; sew 1" sashing strips to two sides (ie: top and left) using 1/4" seams with the end squares getting the extra side sashed; sew all these rectangles together and you have a quilt top. Good luck

We are all here to help you so don't be afraid to ask any question at all.

I just love Billie Lauder. I have ever since I saw her on Simply Quilts. Her video looks like a great one but I can't get it to play right. It stops and starts over and over again. What I did see, looks like something I'd like to try.[/quote]

I had problems with quilters tv yesterday too. A box kept popping up and I had to delete it if I wanted to see the video.

Don't be discouraged. There is so many patterns out there that it is hard to choose. If you don't want just one type of squares, make a "sampler quilt". This is a quilt that you can use all different types of blocks and then put them in one quilt. You can find block patterns on the sites mentioned. Hope this helps.

I understand just how you feel. I am new to quilting (less than a year) and was overwhelmed at all the information.

I found a group of wonderful ladies who make charity quilts. The patterned they use is called "Wicked Easy Quilts". You sew 6 pieces (square or rectangle) together and you have a very large block. We make the crib size and it only takes 6 blocks (2x3).

Then they only use the the large border and not the smaller.

I used this pattern to help a someone make a quilt that had not sewed a stitch.

This is a link to the pattern.

http://www.orgsites.com/il/projectli...s_patterns.pdf

I hope this helps.

I have a ton of books , magazines, etc but I think the internet is the best place to find patterns. Search for 4 patch blocks or 9 patch blocks. Both are simple and will get you started. Will also get you used to lots of the terminology which can be frightening for someone trying to learn about quilting.

Please don't be discouraged. This is my first reply. Turning Twenty and Turning Twenty again are great and simple. Also when my friend started me in my journey to quilt the first thing she told me was to look at it 1 block at a time not the whole quilt. I still do this. I enjoy it so much, you will too.

Most of us started with patches. Beware, though, once you sew a few simple patches together and see how beautiful they are, you're hooked for life. Quilters TV has a video by Billie Lauder on making four patches. Also on you tube Missouri Quilt Company gives tutorials for beginners. Don't worry too much about everything being perfect, just start sewing and the more you do, the easier it gets!! Good luck. You can even buy the patches all cut out already in a charm pack if you're too nervous about cutting them. That would be an easy way to start too!!

I took a look at this one and agree. This would be the perfect one for you to start with. Just cut out your squares of fabric and sew them together according to the pictures. It is lovely, and as simple as it gets. Don't worry yourself thinking about all the other stuff. Just start off real easy. Soon you'll be ready for a few more steps like the four patch and nine patch. It's a building process. Don't allow yourself to be discouraged! If the ladies from times long ago could do it with only a pair of scissors and a needle & thread, think of what you can do!! If the thought of quilting it scares you, simply tie it, nothing could be easier. Best of luck!!

8-)

Don't give up..I will be happy to talk you thru every step...Lets do squares...If you don't have enough, I will send you some...Start with a 4 or 5 inch square...It will be fun...Lets get started...

I feel discouraged just like you ....I don't know how to set colors to make it attractive and don't know much fabric to buy. I want to make
a full size easy peasy quilt..well two of them by Christmas for granddaughters...ugh..I am feeling pressures.
One of them needs to be b/w with a touch of red and the other needs to be red, black and tan.
I have looked at kits but the size and colors do not coordinate.
So, here I sit...looking through books and magazines to get something to grab me.
Time is getting shorter and shorter...I need to buy and get started. I know how to hand quilt, but have never put one together. I love hand quilting..it is so relaxing to me.
Good luck hon.
Hugs, Dee

D don't get discouraged...is there anywhere close to you where you can take a class or a quilt guild? they will be a great help. I did my 1st quilt out of the rail fence pattern. It was so easy. Don't give up!! If I can be of any help send me a PM and I will try and help you in anyway I can..
Happy Stitchin' Linda B.

Hang in there. A simple pattern is a 4 patch or a rail fence.

I have been quilting for a long time, but I don't do elaborate in intricate patterns. My favorite is the dnp (which was explained earlier). I have just found one that has pieces that are rectangular (3x6, 4x7 maybe). Sew them into a strips. Off set the strips so that you aren't matching seams. That's the one I'm going to try next.

Also, don't get stuck thinking big. I make placemats and hot pads. I make table toppers and runners and wall hangings. It's easier to try something new if it's not huge. Good luck and hang in there!

Pinwheels are really easy if you use the two square process. Take one light and one dark square right sides together. Sew a quarter inch seam all around the four outer edges. Now cut on both diagonals. Lay them out to form pinwheels and sew them together. No sewing little triangles.

Sure hope you don't quit. there have been some very good ones named here that use only squares.

There is a tutorial in the tute section of this board. Just look for "Easiest Pinwheels" and you will find it.

Julie...I loved your response and thought it said it all!!!

I am cutting my 1st quilt tonight. Like you I didn't know where to start. I have a family occasion coming up, I picked a pattern & material for that. Even though I sewed extensively, it was 30yrs ago. This is so different! because of a surgery, my right hand is numb & weak, so I couldn,t feel the ruler thing moving. My 1st cuts look like I was drunk.LOL. I decided to use a marking pencil on the wrong side of the fabric to help me keep straight, it worked! The point is , you don't have to be conventional. You have to laugh @ yourself & HAVE FUN. You didn,t ride a bike the !st time you got on, & didn,t read the 1st book you held. It,s a new skill have fun .Do it for you! LUV D

You must not give up. Start small like the one below. If you use the search here and elsewhere, you can see how many varieties can be made with this simple pattern, called Irish Chain. Eleanor Burns wrote my first pattern book about Irish Chain quilts. Try ebay to find a copy?
Here is one I made recently. Good luck.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-73306-1.htm

Don't get discouraged my dear, don't look no more, just
look for a simple block and start. The more you search ,the more doubt. I bet once you get started you will make bunches.

How about just sewing some squares together? No pattern, just cut and sew. You'll be surprised what you can come up with! Take a deep breath and begin. :thumbup:

like an irish chain maybe.........

quilt in a day has a scrappy 9 patch...............

My first quilt a rail fence which looks difficult but is only some strips sewn together then arranged in steps. I would send you the info if you are interested. Don't get discouraged, we all had to start somewhere. I was 58 when I took up quilting, add quickly, 11 years of quilting or sewing. lol

Please dont give up I did`nt start to patch until I was 66. . my work is NEVER perfect but that dos`nt worry me at all . I get the greatest pleasure from simlpy having a go.If it isint perfect the world wont end . Enjoy the challenge.