I am thinking about learning to quilt. Is the paper peicing the way to go when first starting? Any suggestiions. I have never quilted anything before. Just looking for a new hobby, and new friends.

Hello and welcome from Idaho. Everyone has their own individual preferences. I like to piece and don't really enjoy PP, but there are many, many people that just love to do it.

One of the first blocks I made was paper pieced.
There are different levels of blocks, I like it because it is easy to get precision.
Square in a square or pineapple blocks are a couple of good ones to get your feet wet.
If you have any questions feel free to ask here :D:D:D

I took a paper piecing class with two newbie quilters. They really struggled because of terminology. Since I have been quilting for a while it was much easier. It was really fun.

Welcome to the board from Northern NY.

Welcome! I don't like paper piecing. I think I'd start with a simple patchwork (squares) or a 9 patch or 4 patch. Or better yet, a brick pattern-that way you don't have to worry about matching seams. I would avoid triangles for now. (I still avoid them-I'm a beginner too).

Hi from Ohio!

I think the best way to start is to take a beginner class. You get to try lots of different ways of doing things and then you can find your favorites! By the time you finish, you will have a completed quilt and plenty of knowledge to do your next one on your own!

Run, don't walk to your nearest quilt shop and take aa beginner class. So many things to learn and you should at least know the basics. It is so much fun and very addictive.

Hi from Australia!

My first quilt was all scrap squares, and I progressed from there. Paperpeicing I cant get my head around, tried it twice and failed twice. Cant do it to save my life.

Beginner classes are great, or if you have a friend who can shw you the basics, then let your imagination run wild!

Hello and welcome from Texas! I agree and a beginner quilting class is great for beginners! JoAnn's has some monthly!

Welcome from Tennessee! I love to paper piece and one of the first classes I took was in paper piecing. Not to scare you off, but I really struggled. I would suggest a nine patch or something along that line - either way, just have fun!

Welcome! I would try something scrappywith squares, but thats just me.

Welcome, so glad you joined us. I love paper piecing, but I would definitely NOT recommend it for a beginner. My opinion.

Welcome from Kansas. I agree that a beginners class is your best bet.

If you have a good teacher learning paper piecing is fun. I suggest Carol Doak's paper piecing DVD. It's the best way to learn paper piecing on your own. I find it on sale at many online shops.

http://www.caroldoak.com/store.php

Hello and welcome from central Alabama. I'm afraid if I had started with paper piecing I would never have completed a quilt. I would start with a simple pattern like a 9-patch or rail fence.

Welcome.

OMG, DO NOT start with paper piece unless you want to pull out your hair by the roots and your toenails out with plyers! Work up to it. I'm a fan of paper piece, but if you don't pay attention it can be really frustrating. Start with a basic patchwork quilt and see if it's something you like doing before jumping off into the deep end. Good luck tho - give yourself permission to make mistakes and enjoy the journey.

Hello and Welcome from East TN.
I am not a fan of pp myself. I prefer scrappy mainly because I don't have time or patience to match up corners and seams. The main objective is that you are doing something that You enjoy. Looking forward to seeing your first project.

I would suggest not starting with PP (paper Piecing). As has been suggested, start with some squares or strips. The important parts are accurate cutting and accurate 1/4 seams! Go from there.

I showed a friend how to sew a charm pack into 4 placemats & she was hooked. I would start simple and take a class. Also study the tutorials online.

Hi from new york.....you will find all kinds of ideas and friendship here....welcome aboard!!!!

Hi from Eagar, Az. I am fairly new as well, I have been making square block quilts and have ventured to making triangles. They both seem fairly easy

I agree that a basic beginner class would be good. It will give you a basis in everything from cutting, piecing to even the quilting of the quilt. Having said that I love paper piecing so maybe try it for your second quilt.

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!!

I would suggest regular piecing for your first try. I like paper piecing and it is fun, but could be frustrating without some basic knowledge of quilting

Hello, welcome from Minnesota!

I took a class for a sampler quilt and learned a lot of new techniques. Some I liked and did again, others I sat aside. While I can paper piece (pp), it is not my favorite method. Whoever said for you to run to a LQS or craft store had a good idea.

I am so glad I asked. You all have been very helpful. I am definetly headed to Joann's to sign up for next class, just as soon as I am finished with this! Thanks so much for the warm welcome, and I definetly love your advice and opionions, I know I will learn alot from all of you. Have a great evening (or morning)! Talk to you soon.
Sherrysue

Glad to hear you'll be taking a class. That's a great way to start. I'd also recommend a good basic quilting book. I started with Fons and Porter "Quilters' Complete Guide" and still refer to it. They take you thru a bunch of basic blocks.

Have fun and enjoy the board.

Thank You so much, very appreciated. I will look for the book online. Thanks Again
Sherry

Thank you for the advice, I don't want to pull my hair out for sure, (you sound like you know me,) I definetly will start with a class and something small for sure. So glad I asked, you are great people. I will be in touch often I am sure, I love the great responses from everyone, I have already learned more here than talking to relatives that do some quilting. I love it...

Hello and welcome from Suisun, CA.
Where in the Bay Area are you? There are a few
other quilters in this group from the SF Bay Area.
You'll love this group! They're friendly and helpful
and very talented!
Don't hesitate to ask a question.
And we all LOVE photos! :D :roll: So be
prepared to share pictures of your work!!

Hello and happy quilting classes are fine but read read read. There is also a lot of info on this internet and of course this website. Start with just a simple block quilt. -i have been quilting for 20 years

Hello and happy quilting classes are fine but read read read. There is also a lot of info on this internet and of course this website. Start with just a simple block quilt. -i have been quilting for 20 years

May I make a suggestion? I started with the book Quilting for Dummies and still refer back to it many quilts later!

id not like PP at first.I didn't want anything to do with it...but now, don't want to do anything that is paper piecing.

Definitely invest in the
"add a 1/4" and "add a 1/2 rulers.........I believe that they are a must.

Once you get the knack of it, you will love it.

wow..did I ever screw up that above reply........

Meant to say.......

I didn't like PP at first and.......

now , I don't like to do anything that is not PP

Hi, from England! If, like me, you keep tuned in to this board, you'll learn heaps. I agree with some of the others that you should leave paper piecing until more confident of what you are doing. Try nine patch squares first.