Based on many of the questions posted on the board, many novice quilters have little background in any type of sewing. So I would try to cover the basics. What are fabrics made from and how are they made? aka why you should cut your borders on the lengthwise grain, why bias edges will stretch, why the outside edges of your block should be in grain. Then what are the basic techniques used in quilting, with examples of each--applique, piecing, paper piecing and foundation oiecing, to name some. How are pieced blocks constructed? Why do you usually press the seam allowance to one side and when would you not do it? Graph paper and pencils to design a block or two that is relatively simple can teach a lot. Templates may be old fashioned, but they illustrate why you use a square 7/8 bigger than the finished size to result in two sets of half square triangles. Once you understand what you're doing, you can use the tools much more effectively than just hearing "Line it up on this line and cut". A sampler is perfect to teach a variety of techniques.

And then is machine vs hand piecing and quilting. Oh, and how to put on a binding.

I think it is important that people understand the grain of the fabric, what cutting fabrics on different grains does for a quilt, cutting borders on the wrong grain, etc. Also important not to use the salvage as part of the cut block. Learning the correct way to press, correct process of which direction to press etc. Safety is an important process also, wearing shoes not barefeet or sandals when using rotary cutters, changing rotary blades, closing the blades, etc. I also wear safety glasses (yes, over my glasses) when I sew due to problems with broken needles or all the embellishments I use.

I learned to quilt without anyone else, no quilting store, no books, etc. and then I had to relearn. When I learned by myself, I was handstitching and I had a very fine stitch, no way to take it apart. I had no idea what a fat quarter was, how to use a rotary cutter, no idea 1/4" seam was required. I survived, but the quilt police were out for me <G>.

I started quilting about 1991 but was overwhelmed with how much there was to learn. I agree that fabric grain is so important. What I finally learned about color, is find a print that you love and pull the colors out from them and sometimes the smallest bit of color in a print will be what makes it pop if you include it. One of my beginning classes I had a shop owner help me with my fabric and she chose a yellow polka dot. I didn't like yellow nor polka dots but that was what made the wall hanging pop!

thread --- there's too little information in quilt books about what good thread is, how to buy good thread, and why thread quality is important. I recently did a cost analysis of popularly used threads and the "expensive" ones, to show that what looks like a better buy is actually costing us more. I shared it with my guild. If quilters settle for what the chain stores offer and don't request better thread, it won't be made available.

I am a newbie and have enjoyed this discussion so much. Some say that the accuracy isn't critical because they are just making utility quilts. But I think it's like building a shelter: It's true you can just throw something together and it might keep you dry but if you know why and how to use your tools and materials you'll have a stronger more stable (and hopefully prettier) home for the same amount of time and money. Most people can't play music by ear, most of us have to learn the basics before we can make up our own tunes. Although I've made garments for years, I still want to learn the basics of quilting (quilting seems heavier in math) and I appreciate the tutorials and instructions offered here. Thanks to all of you I'm learning a lot.

I just LOVE all of your analogies! I always tell my kids, "just because you can, does not mean you should"! This applies to so many things in life! I believe everyone does what they can, but IF you learn the basics, the math, the science, then you can go play! BUT, it pays to know the ins/outs, rights/wrongs, etc...so that when play time is over you can rely on your skills to make something heirloom if you so desire!

When I started I would have like to know about the following: grain of fabric, bias edges, pressing instead of ironing, how to use a rotary cutter, how to use a ruler (with all the markings), 1/4 in seam, starching, squaring up blocks, pressing blocks so they lock when sewn together, pinning, mitered corners (both for sashing and binding).

Along with all the basics of quilting i would stress not to skip a step. Pressing seams to side or open and measuring /squaring up as you go are very important.
I am taking a class where everyone is making their own project but with many teachable moments. When someone doesnt know how to do something the teacher shows the whole class how. We learn a lot that way.

!/4 inch seams, 1/4 inch seams, and 1/4 inch seams. Over and over and over till we get them right. This one thing is so importaant, and when we forget to do it, the whole quilt is messed up - wavey edges, puckery piecing, points that don't match, and we spend way too much tie with our 'favorite' tool doing the frog march. Teach that it's smarter to sew slowly. Piecing a quilt is not a race to see who finishes first. I make many more mistakes when I 'step on the gas than when I sew slowlly but sweetly! As soon as I put pressure on myself to 'get the done,' I'm going to be in trouble.