Well said :) :) :)

Welcome to the world of quilting and quilts! There are so many choices to make and directions to go. You will find some great advice and help here on this board. No matter what you decide to do quilting really requires few rules since every time you turn around someone is doing it different. However accurate cutting and sewing 1/4" seams are a must. Then pressing your seams no tucks or folds every thing must be perfectly flat. I like rail fence as a first timers pattern. There are lots of tutorials and u tubes available for that. I wish we lived closer I would love to quilt with you. Make sure your sewing machine is clean and in good working order with a new needle. Hope to see pictures of your progress posted here. My grand daughter is 13 as well and she has made 2 quilts so far. You can always hand piece until you get a sewing machine. Draw your sewing line on the fabric and do a very short running stitch. Good luck!

Step 1: Go to the library and get several books on quilting, read them all. Find out what appeals to you.
Step 2: Pick out an easy quilt like a 9 patch or a 4 patch, look at the tutorials on this board how to make them.
Step 3: Buy some fabric of good quality: Hobby Lobby or Joann's or even Walmart that you really like.
Step 4: Look for coupons for 40% off Hobby Lobby in the newspaper: buy a ruler, rotary cutter or mat with these.
Step 5: Using a book from the library, start cutting your fabric according to directions. Watch the fabric grain lines.
Step 6: Sew seams using less than a 1/4" seam and then press the seams to one side before sewing over them.
Step 7: If you want a quilt, read the rest of the instructions about the quilting/sandwich process.
Step 8: Relax and enjoy this whole process the rest of your life.

I agree that you need to go to a local quilt shop and talk to someone there. They can show you what you need to begin. Then you can get lined up with a Sampler beginning class. In the mean time, ask around your family and friends for a sewing machine. People here sell fabric very inexpensively.

Well we all have rulers and rotary cutters and cutting mats. They aren't necessary but they make cutting out your blocks so much easier. If you don't have a machine you'll have to hand sew. Not many of us do this anymore. So start off hand sewing first. You tube has videos. Then make something simple like a potholder using a four patch ornine patch pattern. As I tell all the beginners I have taught......the one thing that never changes in quilting is an accurate 1/4 inch seam. I can't stress that enough especially as you gravitate to more complicated blocks.

So go find an old cotton shirt, cut it up and practice your hand sewing.dont use a knit or t- shirt. Too stretchy and hard to sew. Good luck!

Go to the library for books.

Your first step is not to over think it lol. Kind a nice easy quilt there are a lot out there some look hard but when you see how the block is done it not all that bad. gl

Someone else mentioned Craftsy classes. They have two Block of the Month (BOM) classes (one for 2012 and a new one for 2013) and they are free. You learn a new block each month and you watch the video whenever you want and as many times as you want. You learn how to cut and sew each one and at the end you have a quilt top. The last class shows you how to put it together. It would be perfect for your schedule and budget. Have fun.

let it be known at church that you want to learn to quilt and sew. If your church is anything like ours, some kind older person will have a sewing machine that they aren't using. i have several since i have 5 daughters and i bought used ones at Thrift stores and sewing machine stores for them. Your grandma's foot pedal machine if she has one, works great for quilts. i went out and found one just to have something when the power is out.
now i wouldn't give up any of my machines unless i knew the person was serious, so be prepared to learn that someone might want to have you come by their home to learn to test out your commitment. i started young and did things by hand. Learning how to keep small regular stitches for hand piecing helps when it comes to small stitches for quilting as well. Start with a pot holder or more fun, a cell phone case or laptop case. You can find patterns free online for those.

Welcome to our little world. Ask for gift cards for your Birthday from everyone. You may get many that way & will start you out nicely for getting the supplies you want or need. I would suggest a 6X24 inch & a 12 1/2" square ruler, cutting mat, rotary cutter & a good pair of scissors. Oh yes, & a seam ripper is a must also. You can do almost anything with these supplies. Just be aware that at some of your quilt stores, they will try to talk you into buying lots of other supplies that are a waist. The 12 1/2 square ruler, you can use to cut all other size squares. You can find anything on line. By all means, keep coming back here & we all will be tickled to help get you started. I started out with used clothing & old blankets for batting & sheets for backing. I have also used sheets for my background fabric in my quilts. Just remember not to let anyone tell you there in only one way to do quilt. Everyone has there on way doing it & you will find what works best for you. Good luck & we are all behind you.

I found a really neat Kenmore with attachments in a cabinet at a Habitat for Humanity (thrift-style) store for $50. I had to work a little oil into the joints to get it running again but I love it and the cabinet makes a nice smooth surface to sew on. I have other machines but this Kenmore continues to be a favorite. :-)

Mary

Hey Craftyperson - you can probably tell that a lot of your responders would love it if you lived close by. I think the best thing you could do is find a patient and enthusiastic mentor. You might be able to find someone through church or school. I learned to sew in 4H club when I was your age... Do you have that in your area? I've been quilting for two years now and everything I learned was from books and the people here on the QB.

Everyone gave you lots of good advice. One other source for inexpensive sewing machines, supplies and fabric is too visit garage and estate sales. Vintage sewing machines are wonderful and can often be found for Very little money... We have several we picked up for under $15 that only needed a good cleaning and oiling (the old manuals tell you how to do this and dozens of people here in the vintage sewing machine section would be happy to guide you.

The last thing is that sometimes folks here post "Pay It Forward" or PIF items in the sale section. You could keep an eye on those. Then someday when you are more established, turn around and pass the PIF to someone else.

Congratulations on beginning this wonderful adventure!

I got into quilting by accident. I wanted to socialize so I took a beginning quilting class when I was beginning to learn to sew, it was after my beginning sewing class.

The class was for a sampler quilt, and I use it as a wall hanging over my bed. I really enjoyed it, and here I am! There is a lot to learn on this board, and everyone is really nice if you get stuck (ask how I know...)

I only sew on the machine, and got a great deal on ebay. I have a lot of admiration for people who sew and quilt by hand, but I don't have the patience for it. I get tired of my projects by the time I'm done sewing them, lol!

Good luck, you'll have fun!

Hi CraftyPerson, welcome and G'day from Australia. You have already taken Step 1 and 2, Step 1 you were interested enough to find out more information about your chosen craft and Step 2 you have joined this board.

The tools I used for my very first quilt was a pair of scissors and a needle, as well as the fabric and thread ofcourse, and some cardboard (old birdthday cards and Christmas cards). The design I did I now know as Grandmother's Flower Garden and the method is English paper piecing and all hand sewn. You only need small scraps of different fabrics and you don't need to have them all at once, so you can buy when you can afford. "Google" Grandmothers Flower Garden and click on images and have a look at all the different combinations that can be achieved with just one shape.

Keep a check on your local newspaper or other media for Quilt Shows in your area, these can be a gold mine of information, you usually have a large collection of stall holders all with different ideas,and the quilts that are on display will give you a bucket list that will keep you quilting for years to come.

Please let us know how you are progressing, maybe with pictures of that progress along the way.

All the best.

Go to your local library and look for beginner quilt books. No charge!!! Your local Wal-Mart's sell Brother sewing machines. They are excellent sewing machines. Start off small and have fun!!

Check Joann store locator.

Well, looks like you have gotten some really great advice. . . I like it all. As a beginning quilter, I can only welcome you and encourage you to jump in and have fun. Keep reading the QB - because it is full of some very experienced quilters with fantastic info. H A V E F U N !

Go to a quilt shop and see if you can get Alex Anderson beginner book on quilting. It is one of the best I have read.

Hi Crafty Person:

Welcome and congratulations on trying to expand you horizons by trying your hand at quilting. I, too, was an avid crafter at your age. There have been some great suggestions made here already for you and NO it's not bad for a beginner to machine quilt!!!! Are you kidding? I'm 70 and machine quilt. My carpal tunnel won't allow me to hand quilt any longer and machine quilting is totally acceptable.

To get yourself started I like to suggestion of cutting a few squares (or circles if your brave) and layer some flannel or an old blanket between the squares and try your hand at hand quilting by just doing straight lines like graph paper. You can bind it with seam binding if you know how OR you could sew around the edges with right sides together and turn it right side out (like a pillow case) BEFORE you "quilt" it. Then you don't have to try sewing on binding.

There's nothing you can do that would be wrong.....only a learning and design opportunity.

GOOD LUCK and Happy Stitching!!!!

Crafty, welcome to the Board. You will find some wonderful mentors ready to help you with your adventure in quilting.

The teacher with Craftsy.com who taught the 2012 Block of the Month 'club' learned to quilt when she was 13.

Craftsy.com has a 2013 Block of the Month 'club' or group. It is free of charge, as is the 2012 which is still available. I would encourage you to watch and follow the 2013 presentation first. The teacher gives lots of basic quilting and sewing information.

Remember that pioneer ladies didn't have all the fancy tools that are available today. Improvise to get the desired results. The tools will come in time. Scissors = rotatary cutter Needle and thread has never changed. Hand stitch or use a sewing machine.

Keep us updated and thanks for posting.

I absolutely second this book nomination! I've been slowly blogging my way through the book. I am now reading volume 2 and volume 3 is on my shelf.

As to your recent questions:

Hey everyone. Sorry if I have a lot of questions but here are a few more.
1. Do using precut squares of fabric make beginner quilting a lot easier?
2. Is ironing necessary for making quilts?
3. Are precut squares more or less expensive than buying yards of fabric?

1. While they seem easier, not all precuts are alike, and some are cut off square. Your basic toolbox should include a rotary cutter, mat and one or two rulers.
2. I think ironing is a very important part of creating accurate seams (as is the judicious use of starch). At the very least you will want to be able to press the creases and folds out of fabric as you are getting ready to use it.
3. Precuts are often more expensive than yardage, sometimes substantially so.

Cheers, K

CraftyPerson, I wish we lived closer (I am in New England). I teach sewing and quilting here and would love to teach you. We could trade lessons for something. I have machines and fabric and all the tools. I would really enjoy teaching such an enthusiastic young lady. Since I'm not there, try youtube.com and your local library. Also ask questions at your local craft/fabric or quilt store. I made my first quilts using my old clothing - can you do that? Just be sure the fabric is the same, such as 100 percent cotton OR use a foundation fabric and do a string quilt. If you are interested in a string quilt, say so and I'll find more resources for you. A jelly roll race quilt, or another name is the 1600 quilt, is easy. You can google jelly roll quilts or string quilts for ideas; if I knew how to attach photos I'd show you some of the ones I've made.

Is there a grandmother in your neighborhood or an older neighbor that would trade you sewing lessons for vacuuming or mowing the grass?

Cricket

Ask someone who quilts, they would probably be glad to help you get started. I would in a minute. You an do it. I started with squares and arranged them, not too good at that, and sewed them together.. It is still one of my favorite ev en if it as not very good.

First of all, any advice I would give from my personal experience, you wouldn't want to hear. Not knowing how to do something never stopped me. Whew. That's out of the way.
I would go to the library and pick up The Quilting Bible. It's an easy step by step book that will show you what to do.
Keep it simple to start.
Ask lots of questions here. Quilters are a wonderful group and you will get a lot of support and advice.
Start with a small project. You might like to join the Doll Quilt Swap group.
Or .. you can do what I did. Just do it.
Find fabrics that make your heart sing.
Cut and snip to your heart's content.
Stitch away. Be happy. Experiment.

Alex Anderson's book on beginning quilting is wonderful...that's how I got started. JoAnn's may have it or any quilt shop. Also a beginning quilt class at your local quilt shop is a good way to get started. I took about 3 classes.

Jenny Dorn from Missouri Star Quilting has great get started tutorials. And they are free and you can watch them when ever you have time. Have you checked with your schools FACs Teachers. Some teachers are really good and they can either lead you some good get started projects or maybe get you into a class at school. Does you area have a 4H. They have some great classes in sewing and quilting. Good luck and don't give up, there are a lot of places and people to get your started.

Is there a 4-H in your area? Check into quilting with them. You'll be with students more your own age and get a good solid basic start. After that the sky is the limit.
if no 4-H, I'd check with your church for a quilters group and lessons.
Remember to have fun and enjoy your new adventure.

Getting started
 

Go to your local quilt shop and sign up for beginning quilting classes........I believe that is the best way to get started. Then you can go on and seek out other learning opportunities. Good Luck

When I started quilting 2 years ago I stumbled upon Jenny Doan's tutorials at Missouri Star Quilt Company. Her tutorials are really good and now that my daughter has started quilting she is doing them. I have a Janome QDC3160 which I like a lot. Happy quilting!!

I am a self taught quilter. I am also disabled, in a wheelchair and only have use of 1 arm/hand. If I can do it ANYONE can. I took up quilting after I was disabled. I started out on line reading about a free block a month. I started with some used clothing and disassembled it and ironed it. I used a discarded flannel sheet for backing , an inexpensive sewing machine (mail order) and a well used bed topper for filling. That was 8 years ago and I am still learning new techniques and the rest is history.

Also check with your area high school to see if they offer Adult Education classes. I teach both fall and spring adult ed classes in my area. Beginner and intermediate/experienced are offered for both sessions.

I was a clothing maker, so had some experience in tailoring and home dec. When I started machine embroidery I had lots of designs I was testing for my designer friend on denim. I made a quilt just by the hair of my chinny chin chin (not so funny now I'm getting older!!) I didn't know how to square up, so I took a beginning quilting class and the rest is history. You do need help no matter how much sewing you have done because things are done differently in quilting. And reading and I didn't have youtube. Just try simple at first and then branch out. I started Bonnie Hunters first mystery Carolina Crossroads - had I known how complex it was I would never have started it. But it turned out gorgeous and I was so proud. I have made everyone of Bonnies mysteries and I learn something everytime.

Learn to machine quilt. I hand quilted my first quilt and then dropped quilting for years because it took much too long to complete a project. Both methods are great, it just about what you are looking to do.

I agree with a previous post on the Big Book of Quilting. I got it out of my library and it really helped me learn things like how to make and sew a quilt binding. You should be able to get some great introductory books on quilting from your local library.

My two favorite tips are: Iron! and get a 1/4" presser foot. Sewing a scant 1/4" seam and proper pressing are critical to getting your blocks to look right.

As a former Family Studies teacher for Grade 6,7,8 (Home Ec)--my first advice is the machine if that is where you are starting. If starting by hand--then ignore this.
It took time for the kids to get to know that machine--the ins and out of threading, winding a bobbin, turning the hand wheel towards you, how to change a needle, stopping when needed -not 3 stitches later.
Then came being able to sew a straight line--some it comes naturally to but for many it did not. I had them sew on lined paper and then hold it up to the light--when they could do 2 well-they then tried without lines to sew 1/4" and 5/8" lines straight. We tried letters, curves,etc on paper. Then when they were comfortable using the machines they moved to fabric. It moves differently so we made pillows to start --nice straight lines. Cutting is another issue altogether. We did not use rotary cutters in school--scissors only. Cutting a straight line there requires practice as well.
I think if you are starting on the machine, mastering the above will put you in good stead to start the free crafty course or something similiar. It took me awhile to get the terminology down and I was a maker of clothes for many years. Still it took time to get seams to match,etc. Rag quilts are good as they are forgiving and hide a multitude of errors:) I would just be concerned that if you are not comfortable with the machine, that you may get frustrated and not continue with the quilting.
But its a great past time! Come on and join us. Its addicting:)

There is a great beginner book by Alex Anderson. I would recommend that.

Hi, I jumped in head over heels about 4 years ago, I spent a lot of time checking out library books, I quickly learned what I did and did not want to do. This group is great always helpful and many great tutorials.
Good Luck in your endeavor.
Pat

I hear you; remember feeling exactly as you described the overwhelming sense of so many terms and expectations that you had a working knowledge to start the first quilt. I "lurked" here for quite a while, watched quilting shows on t.v., and went to my 1st local quilt show. There I talked with one of the participating quilt shops and got super advice from the owner about selecting the proper pattern for a beginner. Haven't stopped quilting since (going on 1 1/2 yrs of quilting and hoping for many more). I did a quilt called "strip cocktail" for my 1st. Best of luck to you!

Hi, When I was your age my mom had a sewing machine. I went to the Winns Store(variety store that sold everything) and used my allowance to buy a pattern(10cents) and a yard of fabric(50cents) went home and read the pattern and the sewing machine book(Singer) and just followed the directions and did it. My mom was supprised when she came home from work and saw what I had done. If you live near a Senior Center or even your Church Senior Classes you could go and ask the older ladies(grandmas) if any one could help you. I had a mentor(97yrs) when I was about 36 yrs. and had my grandmothers sewing machine she taught me alot about piecing and fabric. But mostly--I read the pattern and follow the instructions and just do it. I use the brain God gave me. My first real quilt was when I was about 20yrs and I just took fabric and cut into squares and sewed them all together for a top-took my old blanket and used it for the middle and a sheet for the back(not much money back then),sewed it all around and turned it rightside out and had my quilt for living in the hill country it was cold. It worked. Have fun with it; try what you want to! Get into a bind just get back on this board and we will all help you. Welcome to the World of Quilting.

I think you could find someone who would want to volunteer their time to give you a beginning sewing/quilting lesson. If there is a quilt guild in your area, you could contact people the people in charge and see if they can help you.
If I were near you{ i live in Massachusetts} I would teach you myself:)
Also your school maybe able to find a quilting teacher.. Some of your friends mothers might have quilting friends who could help you. A good machine to start with is the Janome Gem. Hope this helps
Best wishes!

If you have good access to the internet, the site www.Craftsy.com has online courses, which you can watch over and over. There are quite a few that are free. You may need your Mom or other adult to get setup (it's been a long while since I was 13, so....) but once you are logged in, there are sewing and quilting classes. there is a BOM (block of the month) class, I think you can still access the 2012 series and for sure can sign up for the 2013. Without a sewing machine, piecing a quilt might take longer, but there is no shame in that! You will learn how to assemble and quite a bit of the language that goes with quilting. And if you make a square or two, that would make a really nice bag (Craftsy has at least 2 classes for free on bag making!)

I started sewing when I was 8 years old, my Grandmother was too terrified of me injuring myself to teach me, so she found a local sewing class and "fibbed" about my age! My Great-Grandmother was a wonderful resource, but believed in learning by observing, so that was a little hard as a young beginner. Long and short, KEEP UP what you are trying to accomplish. You will remember this your entire life, and you are learning more skills than "just" sewing! Congratulations and WELCOME to the Quilting Club!