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No, Jacquie. The skills to be creative or how to design or not taught in how to sew a 9 patch block or a similar type. They are taught in a design class, a color theory class. Those classes are university level and many of us have had several of them. What we are talking about here are the basics quilting skills in manipulating fabric so that points don't end up in your seam, that flying geese fly in only the direction you want to send them. So that if you want a curved seam, it will lie flat and not bunch. You are talking tricks and tips so that a beginning doesn't spend 5 years learning how to keep the beginning of their fabric from being eaten and pushed into the needle hole. You aren't talking about how to be creative, how to develop an eye for color, to learn shades, tints, hues, tertiary values, complimentary colors, etc. You're talking about how to use your sewing machine or your needle, your iron, your cutting tool, etc.
But most LQS don't teach these things. They teach "Do this, do that, if your block looks somewhat like mine it is a success. Next class we will make a quilt out of another book.'"Now you are a quilter. Come for another class." |
When I learned, it was assumed machine quilting would be done, so for me I'd like to master hand quilting. Two other areas I've had to seek out info on was mitered binding and correct way to square up your blocks and quilt top. It's wonderful you plan to teach.
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Many will disagree with me and that is okay, but I feel color is worth taking a few minutes during your refresher course to discuss. I see so many quilts that would be absolutely gorgeous if more thought had gone into fabric selection. I am not talking about a graduate course, but I would discuss the basic color wheel elements.
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Agree with the binding suggestion and the squaring up. I can square up the small blocks but the large ones still get to me. Borders are important to take the three measurements (top bottom middle).
The tough thing about teaching that I have found is that you often have opposites in class. the one who is way way too nutty about being exact (important to be precise but don't go crazy) and the other one who says, "Oh you know me, I don't want to worry about being exact. Close is good enough." Hard to balance those two out. The exact one gets hung up and the 'not-to-worry' one can't finish because nothing fits. Good luck. Dot in Oregon |
I think it is important to point out and then emphasize that all rulers and cutting mats are not created equal. That was a real eye opener for me. The variation in my personal mat and ruler is a lot. Without this knowledge, all the care in measuring and cutting is for naught.
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I learned with the scrap make it work method. Mom wanted quick and warm, being very poor we used old anything fabric. To make a little money to do better I started with sheets and made what I call two tone everyday quilts. Some of them are still around nearly ten years later. I started learning the Heirloom Quilt making about three months ago . Here and library books.
I would like for a teacher to see whats available at the local library so you can spend a few minutes filling in what is NOT there with advice on where to find whats missing. Maybe a handout sheet? |
Originally Posted by Hinterland
(Post 5006601)
I never took a class, so I probably don't have the best suggestions, but I think learning how to draft a quilt block would help a lot of new quilters.
Janet Great idea. It's simple for me seems to be foreign to so many here. |
Originally Posted by Tartan
(Post 5007019)
I have found most of my skills from either trial and error (lots of error) or in tutorials that are now available on the computer. Trying to teach or improve my math skills this late in life for me would be a lost cause. If I was lousy at it when my mind was young and fresh, I can't see me getting better now.
If you could offer different lectures to go along with what level people think they are at, that would be helpful. I do know some stuff and would be bored with a lecture teaching the basics. For people just starting into quilting, "the basics" would be invaluable! If you're going to learn, you might as well learn correctly from the start. Perhaps you sell yourself short by thinking you can not learn math skills late in life. Maybe if you look at it as cooking------a cup of this, a half a cup of that--------you might discover you have the skills tucked away somewhere, unused. |
Another hint is to remind students how to look at almost any quilt block as a set of components that are in themselves quite simple. For example, the carpenter's wheel is simply a bunch of HST with a few solid blocks. That's where to start, ONE section that is a simple HST.
Also, perhaps, how to convert a fairly simple block of HST to a much more complex looking log cabin blocks. I've done this quite often with baby quilts. Quite simply, if you can make a log cabin block, you can do this easily. |
I have trouble squaring blocks...still do not totally understand it.
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I agree!! It was,only when I understood how fabric was woven and the diferent grains movements or lack of that my cutting and sewing became more accurate. I also still appreciate knowing how the different processes used in the manufacturing of fabric affects the final product i.e batiks etc
Originally Posted by valleyquiltermo
(Post 5006937)
Holace, I agree with they first need to learn the fabric grains, how to line up the fabric so they get a straight cut, and cutting templates. and the color wheel. How importan it is to have a consistent 1/4 inch seam, and yes reverse stitching as in using a seam ripper.Just my 2 cents.
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I think jackuie really said it all I also started quilting when it came back and started with a sampler quilt that we started by drafting the patterns and making templates and cutting with scissors was some very wonderful quilts in those days usually all hand quilted today everything is for speed not the most fun or relaxing whatever happened to the good old quilting bees
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Teach them the basics about fabric and how to cut accurately and importance of quarter-inch seams. Then if you teach them how to make HST's, quarter-square triangles, flying geese, you've pretty much taught them most everything they need to make a beautiful quilt that is easy but looks terrifically (sp?) hard!!!
Also, tell them they don't need 20 different rulers. Maybe if you could have a selection of different ones they might try. And I used to work in a quilt store and people would come in to buy a 6" square up ruler and then a 9" and then a 12". My advice to them was to buy the 15" or 16" and then they could square up all sizes. Of course you need a smaller square to cut other things but do tell them not to get sucked in to all of the "specialty" rulers. Some of them really don't make things easier. |
I'm a new quilter without access to a LQS. This thread hits home. There is so much I'm having to learn by trial and error (and reading QB). I've got a good quality cutting mat and rulers. However, I don't know what half the markings on them are for. I like the idea of going over the math and how to design squares. Right now, I only use patterns that someone else has made. I have enough trouble cutting and piecing from these. I don't want to totally frustrate myself by trying to design my own block/quilt from trial and error (most likely error- math was never my strong suit). I have learned that accuracy in cutting is key. I'm not too sure how to square up - especially with triangles. I tried that one day and frustrated myself so much I didn't sew for a week. If techniques have changed so much, I agree that maybe a little comparison between the two would be good. That might help someone like me who needs to be spoon fed see different ways of doing things and choose which works best for me. Just my 2 cents.
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My biggest mystery is the 1/4 in seam. Never have been able to get a block the right size using a 1/4 in seam, what is the secret? Always have to go scant by several clicks.
This is such a basic and important need, yet is the hardest to achieve. |
and yes reverse stitching as in using a seam ripper. REVERSE STITCHING.... love it...
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Holice, I am in a class now, but learning conflicting information about quilting techniques; i.e., whether to quilt from the center out, spray basting vs. pin basting, etc. I also need to learn how to square a quilt or... what I can do about preventing having to square it. Last but not least, I'd like to know how to quilt my own large quilt on my home machine. I've been sending them out to be quilted, but with retirement, that will have to stop. Hth.
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I am amazed at just how many people go into quilting prior to learning how to sew. I have sewn for 45+ years. I could make just about anything with or without a pattern. When I decided to learn about quiltmaking, I had this basic knowledge to work from. I knew you need a seam allowance. I knew you need to work with the grain of the fabric so as not to have the whole thing distorted. It would be like learning to read words before learning ABC's.
I guess teaching a basic class would not appeal to many people but it would sure give them a foundation to work from. |
Being a longarm quilter, the most important things are: teach them to put borders on correctly, easing them in, not just cutting a strip and sewing to the sides at lightening speed. This causes wavy, wonky borders and a wavy, wonky quilt, and a longarmer's nightmare. Also, tear off those selvages... this is what comes to my mind foremost. We have a beginning quilting class here in town and I get quilts from many new students, and they never explain to them about borders. I have a regular sample and hand out ready, and after the first wonky quilt, I teach them myself how to avoid this. I have had to take tucks of as much as 2 inches on each side!!! Horrors!
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I took my first class through a class at an Adult school. It was 6 weeks in length and 2 hours per evening. It was meant to just give an introduction into quilting and then if you liked it, move on to classes. It was suggested that we begin with the Quilting 101. The adult school class was superb! We began with the very basics and then made a hand pieced 9 patch block. It truly was the art of quilting!! It served as a foundation to moving on to bigger and more complex blocks. While many fell in love with quilting and could do the basics, they needed a class (perhaps 6 weeks to do the series of blocks. I am one of those people. I began quilting in the mid-1980's and that's the way we were taught. Let's get back to the art of quilting, teach the basics and work with those who want and need the classes for the more complex blocks. I remember taking a monthly class in how to do the hand applique Baltimore album blocks, how to hand quilt, how to choose fabric, battings, threads, acccurate seaming and piecing, 1/4 inch seam allowances, moving on to machine piecing, etc.
I thank those instructors who provided such a rich foundation. Hope we get back to it. |
WOW....you were so lucky. THey just don't teach these classes at Adult/Continueing education classes any more. NO painting, pottery, or arts of any kind. THey only teach computer and social networking classes, or digital photography. I MISS the art classes!
Also want to add that I think we are going to see a more defined/detailed return to quilting due in part to the costs of making a quilt. If the LQS/industry wants to gain new customers and keep the old ones, they must adapt. Very few people I know can afford to take classes that render a $300 baby quilt! For those who have built their stash during the "flush" years of the late 90's early 2000's, we are lucky/blessed and should carry on the art of passing on our knowledge to the ones who are just learning. It is fine to learn how to "make do with what you have", but it is also going to be in vogue to learn the art so that when you spend the $ to buy the materials to make a quilt, it will be of heirloom quality!
Originally Posted by QuiltingNurse
(Post 5009766)
I took my first class through a class at an Adult school. It was 6 weeks in length and 2 hours per evening. It was meant to just give an introduction into quilting and then if you liked it, move on to classes. It was suggested that we begin with the Quilting 101. The adult school class was superb! We began with the very basics and then made a hand pieced 9 patch block. It truly was the art of quilting!! It served as a foundation to moving on to bigger and more complex blocks. While many fell in love with quilting and could do the basics, they needed a class (perhaps 6 weeks to do the series of blocks. I am one of those people. I began quilting in the mid-1980's and that's the way we were taught. Let's get back to the art of quilting, teach the basics and work with those who want and need the classes for the more complex blocks. I remember taking a monthly class in how to do the hand applique Baltimore album blocks, how to hand quilt, how to choose fabric, battings, threads, acccurate seaming and piecing, 1/4 inch seam allowances, moving on to machine piecing, etc.
I thank those instructors who provided such a rich foundation. Hope we get back to it. |
Originally Posted by Sadiemae
(Post 5008906)
Many will disagree with me and that is okay, but I feel color is worth taking a few minutes during your refresher course to discuss. I see so many quilts that would be absolutely gorgeous if more thought had gone into fabric selection. I am not talking about a graduate course, but I would discuss the basic color wheel elements.
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Originally Posted by Rose Marie
(Post 5009564)
My biggest mystery is the 1/4 in seam. Never have been able to get a block the right size using a 1/4 in seam, what is the secret? Always have to go scant by several clicks.
This is such a basic and important need, yet is the hardest to achieve. |
What are dog legs?
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For me, the most important skill is cutting the fabric correctly with the grain, and making sure that seam is 1/4 inch. Then squaring up the block is important too. You HAVE to be accurate.
I realize all the other skills mentioned are very important too, but this would be my top priority. Sounds easy, but it's not. |
I am just glad that I learned how to sew before I learned how to quilt. Knowing the quirks of working with fabric which is not a finite medium goes a long way toward making any finished cloth product. I learned to sew on my Mother's Featherweight. Making a straight consistent seam is a skill necessary for any kind of sewing. By the time I got to High School I was making a lot of my own clothes. I went to school before pants were allowed for female students. Working with clothing construction quickly shows how important things like grain, texture and proper "pressing" can be. While I have almost entirely pieced by machine I am a mostly handquilter. While I have done some hand embroidery I much prefer to have some handquilting handy when I sit down to watch TV or gather with friends to chat. I worked in a shop for about 18 months that did custom dressmaking and alterations. I often ended up doing the handsewn hems etc. because of my skills learned as a handquilter. I think having a desire to handle "pleasing" fabric makes it easier to do the sometimes tedious steps necessary in the creation of anything.
It is important for the student to have a machine that they are comfortable with and that they know the basics of stitch length etc. Knowing which feet are most helpful with different aspects of construction of anything is also a good way to instill confidence in students. If the students are able to complete a project within a reasonable amount of time from start to finish, a pillowcover or small wallhanging, they will be more eager to proceed past that point to a complete quilt. |
Originally Posted by jaciqltznok
(Post 5006794)
the science and math ARE what is missing. Knowing the "why's" of using chemicals, straight of grain, etc. These days quilting is more about slapping things together and calling it a quilt, instead of "learning" the art and enjoying the process of making something worthy of our time and money! While I do appreciate the fact that many are without Mentors, like elder family members, quilt shops, etc, I also realize that if they can sit for hours at the computer reading this forum, then they can also read the books that teach these skills. Perhaps not the newest books that just teach how to whack at the fabric with no regard as to what is really going on, but the older books that take your through the WHOLE learning process. I see people offering/taking beginner classes that last 4 hours in ONE day. WHAT??? How can you learn a complex art like quilting in 4 hours? A TRUE beginner class should take 10 times that! I teach 3 hours a day, two days a week for 8 weeks and often that is not enough! Those who really learn bring back more questions, which lengthens the learning process..which is always a good thing! Also there are more techniques today, more tools to learn and understand, more videos to watch, more books to ponder, etc, etc, so I think that has added to the " done is better than perfect" thought process we see so much of in today's fabric manipulators. They see pretty, they want pretty, so they start their journey knowing nothing more than that. THose who have NO prior experience with textiles will have the hardest time being self taught quilter's that is for sure! This forum does help with that in one way, but hinders it in another. Example, everyone here has "their" way of doing things, right, wrong, quick, simple, etc...so how does a novice pick their way through the info? Just what is the best way to bind, cut straight, baste, etc? Being on this forum is a lot like being a member of Congress without the paid lobbying! Everyone knows what they want, and no two want the same thing..hehehe
I admit to being a bit biased, in that I prefer things done the more traditional ways. For longer lasting "skills" anyway. If it were not for those traditions we would NOT have the industry we have now! I was lucky enough to learn at my grandmothers' knees. Both sewed clothing and household items like curtains, one made basic quilts and the other was a master at any quilting technique or pattern. I began learning more than forty years ago and learned the basics - from drafting blocks to cutting templates to sewing perfect blocks. I learned early that a seam ripper was my best friend and still strive for perfection in my blocks. For a new quilter, I think that learning to draft the traditional blocks and how to construct them offers a firm foundation. Maybe they'll end up liking to do the newer patterns that have few corners to match and fewer pieces, but they'll have a firm foundation and hopefully an appreciation of the techniques that go into the more complex patterns. Along with learning to draft a block, the basics of the fabric itself - warp, weft, bias - and why it matters is important. The more basic information a new quilter has, the easier it will be to learn the specifics of the different styles of quilts that they ultimately want to make. Like you, I still lean more to the traditional but have updated to use some of the new supplies like rotary cutters that make the prep for construction much quicker. My favorite technique books are by Sally Collins and after all of these years quilting, I still pick them up occasionally. |
I'm not sure I have the years left to teach all you have written about. However, there is a common thread coming through. ACCURACY in all aspect of sewing/quiltmaking appears (no is neccesary) to be the "rule" in good quiltmaking. I am reading every word you all write.
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One thing I must add, don't insist there's only one way to do anything. When a student discovers a different way that works better for them than the way you have insisted is the only one way to do it you lose respect and diminish in their eyes.
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As a relatively new quilter--difference in 1.4" seams--scant 1/4",etc. How to square your fabric as well as the block itself before putting the piece together. Just exactly how to use that ruler with all those lines:o) Pressing not ironing and why. I learned the hard way. Type of foot to use--walking foot and just what is does vs the regular foot or the 1/4"foot.
These are things that I now have some idea about via a LQS class and the free quilting tutorial on Craftsy. |
Basics
I took a basics class and learned a lot. BUT when I finished the quilt I hated the colors. For me, that is what I needed the most but it wasn't taught. I did have the quilt shop person help me with the colors. I guess that was her weak area also.
We all need different things and it can't be taught all in one quilt course. I did hang it up and study my mistakes all the time to see how I can improve. I have others help me with the colors is the bottom line. I am quite impress with my binding!!! This is my strong area. |
straight grain
I had wonderful Home Ec teacher who taught us how to wash, dry til damp, and then have a friend help pull the material on the diagonal, both ways until the grain was straight. Then, while the material was still damp, you would iron it to set the grain. Everything seems to lay straight after doing that. Does make the DH laugh when asked to help but then he asks me to help do things working on vehicles that make me scratch my head too.
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What a great Idea, I sure would enjoy the information. I am always trying to find things out. I hope when you are finished with your project I will be able to find it. Also I have always been told "their is not such thing as a dumb question" ;`) Looking forward to the information you are gathering.
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I'd like to say that my color sense and what skill I have come from memories of my great Grandmother. Her quilts were scissor cut and sewn on a treadle. She used what she had but somehow they were beautiful. Some of it was from over dyeing with local weeds. If she wanted a mostly green we went for a this weed. and so.
you might mention the old dyeing process versus the new ones? there isn't much about this in my local library. and I also do not have a LQS. |
I wish i could take your class!! learning so much from this thread!! Great Job Teachers!!!!
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Need Help in Basics of Quiltmaking
I agree with all of the above. The only instruction I have had in quiltmaking was one class at JoAnn's. We selected the fabric an made the quilt all in a rush to get it all in. It came out well, but what did I actually learn? Someone before me said it best, the aim in most classes is to have the cash for the course and to complete the course, no matter how much one may have to rush getting it done. I can see now that having the proper training in the beginning would have saved me lots of headaches.
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So many of you have mentioned problem with getting a true 1/4 inch seam. Also, why do we use a 1/4 inch seam? On Saturday, I was watching a quilting show on PBS and they mentioned that the industrial factories only use a 1/4 inch seam. Also, that it is so helpful in easing in curves. It states that for instance, why use a 5/8 seam when after you fight to ease in a collar, you only have to trim to a 1/4 inch seam anyway. Sounds logical, but I never did find out why in quilting we use a 1/4 inch seam.
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One of the things I have learned on Project Runway is that in haut couture sewing all seams are one inch so that adjustments are easier. It doesn't matter if there is a collar, ruching, draping, long train, etc., the seams are one inch. Of course when you pay for that type of fashion you expect the seamstress to be able to stitch magic.
I always thought that the 1/4 seam was started centuries ago when cloth was so expensive to purchase and so labor intensive to weave at home. It was entirely a method to save the amount of cloth used in a quilt. |
All wonderful advice! I think too if you have a sample of a well-pieced quilt along-side a poorly pieced block, you can explain what could have been done differently on the poorly done one.
Also explain it is not necessary to have every new ruler/template/cutter that is out there. You can do a lot with one 6"x18"ruler. I am one who took a beginning class at my LQS and had nearly zero sewing experience. (My mom won the class) I did feel like the others were speaking a foreign language because they had sewed for years. |
I think it would help everyone that the people making videos and teaching in this manner sew and cut properly in their videos and pictures in magazines. So many are learning from these and can pick up some very bad habits. Just because someone teaches or makes videos or is published doesn't make it right.
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