I'm a beginner. All the quilts on the site are beautiful. Being a beginning quilter now when I see fabric, I see it differently. I'm starting to see the light and dark. Oh, I can't forget the feel of the fabric. One thing I'm not clear on.

Do you pick a pattern first and then pick out material or do you pick out the fabric first then try to pick out a pattern?

Oh boy, have you asked a question where you will get a lot of different answers. I have made quilts both ways. I go the fabric store and see fabric that I cannot live with out then go look for a pattern. Other times I see a pattern that I just love and have to go buy fabric for it. For a beginner, I would suggest selecting a simple pattern first, like a nine patch then select the fabric. Use the search function for pattern ideas. Whatever you select first with quilting doesn't really matter to me.

i think many of us do it either way, depending on our mood. When I think back to my first quilt, however, I think it was easier to settle on an easy pattern like a Rail Fence, then pick the fabrics for it. After you've finished a couple of quiilts, you might find that you are ready to branch out and develop the pattern after you've found your perfect fabric. JMHO

It totally depends. When I was a newbie I took a sampler class so I would learn how to do different blocks. I made them from scraps so fabric/color didn't really matter. The sample blocks helped me learn new skills and build on skills. They also helped me figure out which blocks (or types) I like and dislike.

After that experience it was much easier to pick a pattern and match the fabric OR pick a fabric and find a pattern.

You are going to hear it now!!!

There are some people who see a need (gift for someone) search for a pattern, and then take it to the store and choose JUST the same colors if possible, and JUST the amount of fabric for that project. And THEN, they MAKE the thing. Complete it even, before they LOOK at another piece of fabric or dream of their next quilt.

I am not that person! :mrgreen:

I sometimes am inspired by a fabric, sometimes dream about a pattern....rarely have someone to give it to in mind....
There is no RIGHT way!!!
Just enjoy!

Usually I fall in love with a pattern and then seach for the material.

For instance I saw a pattern, fell in love with it and then decided it would be great done in black/white. So I have been on a mission to collect black/white, white/black fat quarters to make it.

But..on the other hand, I fell in love with civil war repro fabric but have yet to find the right pattern for it.

There is no right or wrong, just what you want :) And I have been quilting less than a year but closing in on my anniversary :)

Don't forget those mid-tones!! They are what ties it all together. :)

When I first started quilting, I would buy the fabric after I chose a pattern. One thing I did do, was buy too much. This served me well when I went to do a scrap quilt for my son and others. I can look at it and remember when I made something for one of my girls or for him when he was a baby. The scraps are as good as pictures to me. Sorry, I went a little off topic. I guess my point is, whichever you choose first, buy a little extra of each fabric if you can. Scraps can create memories of these days!

We all do the light and dark for contrast but you also need a PUNCH color to make the quilt stand out.

I do it both ways, sorry I can't help. Since you're a beginner and probably don't have a "stash" to do scrappy, why not go to Quilter's Cache and look through her patterns or try Goggling easy free quilt patterns, you'll get a ton of ideas, then try buying your fabric with a favorite color and get colors that will compliment it, if you need help, ask one of the clerks where you're buying the fabric at.

Sometimes I am given fat quarters and whole cloth to work with, a wished pattern stated....sometimes a quilt pattern will be remembered, and a beautiful quilt will result.
I do both...start with fabric.........start with a pattern. I learned originally to start with a pattern first with a DVD. Some friends talked about colors, which I purchased. Then, I worked with fabric, and looked at patterns. I prefer to find the pattern first, the find the fabric. Both methods have produced great quilts. There is no "right" way.

I find patterns, then fabric. i LOVE the disappearing nine patch...it is an easy one for beginners and has so many combinations of fabric that you can do!

I have to agree with this. Sometimes while I am browsing the fabric at any place I can, (much to DH sorrow), I have to have some fabric-be it color, design, feel....and sometimes as stated above...I wake up in the middle of the night beacuase a pattern has popped into my dreams and then the search begins for the perfect fabric for it. Welcome and just remember which ever way you do it...it will be perfectly fine.

I buy the fabric then worry about a pattern later. Generally the fabric just goes into my stash to be used at a later date.

I, too, buy fabric and save it, then I go and buy some more! Then I just need one more color. I love the fabric, yes indeedy-do.

I do both!

Normally fabric first, then many time might need 1 more color, don't always have a specified pattern in mind, but do have favorites. Good Luck and Welcome Enjoy !!

There is no right or wrong way to choose.

I do both.

Gosh, you sound like me. I buy, buy some more and then add something else to go. Then I find a pattern to use it in!!!

Mostly I start with a pattern and then buy the fabric. There have been a few times when I started with the material.

Yes!

I like to have a pattern in mind and then go get the fabric. When I first got into quilting, I went to www.quilterscache.com and selected several EASY 12" block patterns. I got some new fabric and used some that I already had from other projects. Then I made a sampler of those blocks. I make 2 blocks from each pattern but used different fabrics for the 2 blocks. Then I could really SEE the difference on using lights and darks, etc. Love my sampler quilt.

I almost always have fabric on hand so when I find a pattern I like I "shop" at home. I have been quilting long enough, and buying fabric long enough, that at this point I may have to buy fabric for the border or something like that. I very rarely buy they show in the pattern because it is usually new that year or season and most likely won't be on sale.

Funny thing about me. It kind of happens at the same time. I start thinking of a pattern and immediately think of some fabrics for it. Sometimes they stay the same and others, it might evolve to something slightly different.

I usually find a pattern first. But I have lots of fabric I bought because I loved it so I need to find patterns for those.

I'd go with a pattern first, at least then you have an idea of how much fabric to buy, and have an idea of the ligths, darks and medium vaues.

I love making Sampler Quilts. I swear, one of these days I am going to pick out the best block and make a quilt out of that block design. Then I end up making a full sampler. I love the way they turn out and the personality they have. Oh, yes they do! Quilts have personalities. I am working on the first matching colors sampler I have ever made. It is fun, but not as much fun as finding the different pieces of fabric that make the block, that makes the quilt, the fussy cutting. I am in the process right now of making a coverlet sampler, 12x12" blocks, and my sister and I have "Show and Tell" at the local coffee shop where we show each other our new fabrics and share. She had one with cats on it and I was able to cut out a cat that will serve as a center square in a block for a relative of ours that has a cat. This particular block will mean something to her. I think I have mentioned this before, but I made a "Memory Quilt" from one block design (Antique Tile - Quilter's Cache) and there were 21 squares to each block and each square had a different design which was hand picked and then each block had its own story. Now I am more concerned that everything matches - colors being burgundy, pink, forest green, medium forest green and cream. My next quilt is also a sampler, but will be done in three color blocks (teal, cream and tea-dyed muslin. The two main patterns are from the Clara Barton Birthplace Museum. I am hoping it will be quite striking. I have already picked out 35 blocks to make. Isn't it fun to quilt? I say this honestly as I am in the process of ripping out "Another Nine Patch Star".

Good luck to you and have fun! Edie

For my first quilt I bought 1/4 yards of this and that, went home made a block, or two, back to the store more 1/4 yards, I kept doing that till it was big enough. Now I buy what I can afford if I like it, with no plan in mind. I tend to go with 2 yards. Sometimes I find a pattern and then get certain fabric for just that quilt.

I really don't think that there is a right way or wrong way. Sometimes I find fabric that talks to me about the pattern it needs and sometimes I see a pattern (not necessarialy in a book or on a web site but maybe in the bricks in a building, a rock patteren, a carpet or rug ... you get the idea) and just have to find the right fabric for it. Don't stress about it, it will come to you as you look around.

It also helps to look at the "values" of the colors. I never knew about that til I saw it on a quilting show on TV. I got a value finder (which is simply a piece of see through red vellum) & examined my scraps. I was amazed to find that some colors that I thought were light were actually dark & vice versa. That can make a big difference in the looks of a quilt. I take it with me when I shop for fabric. They do make value finders but in my opinion they are too expensive. I did buy one but found my red vellum works better. (not sure if vellum is spelled correctly)

I too have done it both ways - it all depends on which I see first - Sometimes I see a line of fabric that just call s my name or I see someone working on a pattern at a quilt retreat and just fall in love with the pattern.

If all else fails get yourself some cinnamon candy wrapped in red Cellophane it will work too!

I used to pick the pattern, then the fabric. But now I have the fabric and then wait for the right pattern to come along. No matter how whimsical the fabric, the right pattern eventually shows itself.

EITHER WAY....If I see fabric that I LOVE - I will buy 3 yards of it........if it is part of a collection, I will buy additional yardage of other coordinating fabrics..........at other times, I find a pattern that I just HAVE TO MAKE..........and then have such fun locating just the right fabrics for it.......

I am a fabric-a-holic. I go into a store and fall in love with a fabric and home it goes (of course with one or two great coordinating fabrics). I do occasionally see a pattern that I have to make. Sometimes I buy all the fabric for it at once. But, I tend to make first, the ones where the fabric was my driver because I can't wait to see it made into something. A lot of my patterns with fabric are still waiting to be made.

I remember as a newbie - I could see a quilt in everything. Someone's floor, a graphic somewhere, a rug, the coolest thing I think is that there is inspiration every where. You can't go wrong. As we say here, there is no Quilt Police. Have fun!

My first quilt was made during a beginner class. Our teacher started with fabric choices first and that's good b/c I had no clue. We made samplers. It was the best class I ever took.
Once you get going you will find what works for you. In my case the teacher made all the difference.

I Quilt to by Fabric. I don't by fabric to Quilt! :)

That's like which comes first the chicken or the egg..... I personally do both. And it is usually at the same time. If I find a pattern I love, I go get the fabric, but while buying the fabric for that quilt, I will find material I just have to have and will worry about a pattern later. I guess it all depends on who or what you are making the quilt for. How simple you want it, or how much work you want to put in it. There again I do both. Some times I just like to do something simple with pretty fabric, sometimes I want to do both hand and machine quilting, and need to take my time. So the answer has to be....do what ever turns you on!

I have done it both ways, picked a pattern then bought fabric, but I have also bought fabric then found a pattern. When I buy fabric without a pattern in mind, I usually get two to three yards of the fabric and coordinating fabrics so I know I will have enough. I don't make king size quilts though, so not sure if 3 yards of every fabric is enough for that sized.

There are days that I am "annointed" to shop, or in the zone. I pick out the focus fabric with several colors, usually at least 3 focus fabrics. I then start pulling lights, mediums and darks that will harmonize with all of the focus fabrics. I lay the focus fabrics crosswise on top of the cart so I can hold individual bolts up to each to see how I like them. If they audition well with all three, then they go into the bottom of the basket. There are times I need two baskets. I will study these fabrics together until I'm satisfied. Sometimes the more I look, the more sure I am, when I'm doubtful I don't keep them. I plan on several hours when I'm doing this. Have to be by myself. You should see some of the looks I get from both customers and staff. Thanks for letting me prattle on. These are some very happy hours for me.
Hugs to you all,
Joyce in MI