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I have such a hard time making blocks, I have good tools I have mostly worn out. I have spent this whole day working on two blocks and just got them done. I think the basics are what I need to know. I will work and work until I get things right, but it sure would be nice not to have to go through this wasting fabrics and my time!
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Charlottemarie, if you don't mind, you need to share just what is so hard for you - just which step gives you the most trouble? I'm sure you aren't alone in this, and this type of trouble is the info that he is asking to find out so that he can teach how to overcome or avoid it. If you can help him, perhaps he or others can help you.
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I struggle with binding and mitered corners.
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I would emphasize the consistency of 1/4" seam, the 'art' of pressing and the importance of careful cutting!
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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 would like to learn more of the math part...and designing from scratch (I took a class years ago, and even ended up teaching that class, as it's about the very basics).
I know a few who don't know how to read a ruler.."how many tics after the one is 1/4"?". That's something the basic class should go over. Also, it should include how to check the ruler against the mat...are the measurements the same? What is the best thread to use, what needles for hand and machine? Picking the best batting to get the desired result. I've learned via trial and error...but having information from the getgo would have saved many a project's outcome. |
Not a question, Holice, but a suggestion - which may not be the answer. I learned drafting at school and learned to draft patterns in my first quilt lessons. I think this basic knowledge helps a lot, as I can 'see' how something should fit together. I am sometimes frustrated with patterns that require you to make something and then cut it down to the correct size. I would rather make it correctly in the first place and not have waste. Even if people drew the design on grid paper first, I think it might give them a better concept?
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Just wanted to add briefly - First, knowing about the straight of grain is probably one of the most important pieces of knowledge - your blocks won't stretch. Pins, starch, and my iron are my best friends. I pin, no matter what - it keeps things from moving. I remember Fons & Porter doing a segment about triangles and the importance of knowing which side has your bias cut side. That made triangles go together better - less stretch - and starch when pressing!
To help w/ my 1/4" seam allowance, the magnetic seam gauge that I bought at Joann's is essential to helping me keep a consistent seam allowance. |
[[[QUOTE=Holice;5006593]I am developing a class to refresh/renew knowledge and skills in those techniques and/or information about quiltmaking. In reading the posts here and other sites it appears that there is a gap in certain aspects of quiltmaking that one was not either exposed to or perhaps forgot. Back in the early days of the revival of quiltmaking we learned quiltmaking from the very basic to advanced. It was the days before all the develpment in technology, supplies and euipment so we had to do it all ourselves.
What information do you find lacking today. What do you wish you did or could learn to be a better qultmaker. It is almost like learing complex math or science without having to do the calculations because the gadgets will do it for us. Yet we don't know how the gadget arrived at the right answer. So I'm asking.......what would you like to know.]]] WOW HOLICE, I would love to be able to purchase this as a booklet or even a homemade Video, once you have it compiled. I would love to learn the basics, I'm self taught ( :( ) with very little of the basic knowledge, have looked through books and articles, but so many out there, it's confusing on whats good and whats not. There is one LQS about 45min from me, but buying fabric is a hassle because the chick that is running it right now appears put out by any and all questions. I have been reading this thread, and it has been awesome.......actually even ordered a couple of the basic books that members have suggested (last night). Wish I lived near you so I could take your class!! Best of Luck to you! And thanks for all the tips so far from the other members..........keep them coming, please :) |
I began to quilt a year ago after watching some YouTube videos. There were some basic skills I just could not get right until I was able to take a few basic classes, and some quilt making classes at my favorite quilt store that is now closed.
The shops I can drive too are quite a distance and are a driving adventure. So no more classes and I am on my own at 74, not much time left to conquer every element so I stay with simpler designs. But I hear in my mind the voices of my teachers guiding me to match corners, cut carefully. I suppose it is much like hearing the voice of your quilting Mother as you work. It is an encouragement and something to be thankful for. In a class setting I think I would encourage students to make regular, but small quilts-not doll quilts with small pieces, such as you do Holice, to learn basic skills, to practice as many patterns in depth to gain confidence - churn dash, 9 patch, D9P, stars, square in a square, flying geese, set in triangles, layout blocks in straight rows and diagonal. Then move on to full size quilts. In a quilt when a number of squares are to be created encourage the student to learn to develop a personal routine to move them thru with success....chain piecing, completing a segment on several squares before getting up to press. and the virtues of using a design board for layout. |
I learned in one class that I took, that all rulers are not the same, they may be all good but just measure slightly different, after using two different rulers to cut pieces, they didn't fit properly together. I never thought about that, now I know.
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I agree with you. I hate those but still get them!
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As a beginner and with the type of person I am I want to know it all. I dont understand somethings and really want to.I'm like a kid and have to know all the "whys" lol. Why do you cut this way and not that or why do you have to put a binding on something? How do you know which is right? How do you pick fabric? I can go on forever but like I said I need to know it all lol
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Susan so which ruler is the best
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I am sure this has all been covered. But if I were to teach someone quilting I would start with the "old fashioned" way. Drawing around templates and putting together by hand and do a sampler like I did. Yes it takes a long time but I can pretty much guess how most quilt blocks are put together now. I didn't learn how to draft patterns but if someone is going to start making their own designs its a plus to know. I wish someone had thought to teach that when I was starting. I had a very basic class. Taught like a mom would have taught her kid. But it was well worth it.
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Rulers - how to use them, how to read them, how to apply them to the particular block you are working on.
I've never had anyone show me how to use them. |
I think a good thing to learn is that you need to measure twice and cut once. Also another good thing is to make sure that you are sewing a 1/4 inch the way that the pattern is asking you to do. That can be the difference between a really nice looking block that is the correct size and a block that is totally wonky. Also would be good to maybe include simple instructions on how to do the really simple blocks, like 9 patch, 4 patch, rail fence, ohio star, half square triangles, a pinwheel block, and maybe a square in a square block or something. that is how my mom did a class one time. oh another thing that I just thought of you may want to include a list of all of the supplies that you would need to have to be a successful quilter. self healing cutting board, rotery cutter, scissors (good quality), snips, small hand held rulers, a larger rulers for cutting and at least a 6inch square ruler, a small cutting board to put next to your machine, a sewing machine of course, and needles, (tell them what each size is used for and which ones are the best for certain things), and what thread works best for which project. and don't forget that they will need a seam ripper unfortuantly, what sewer can say honestly that they haven't used our bestest friend at least once or twice. well that is the end to my disertation. :)
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You are absolutely right in your assessment of skills lacking. As a teacher since 1976, I find that quilters take technique classes to make a specific class, but the instructor never goes into basics. When I teach my basic class, I include "use a sharp needle (and provide one for each student) and it is threaded with #50 thread, knotted at the end that is cut.' I also talk very specifically about needles, how they differ and when to use each type, then talk about different threads. Any help I can provide, let me know. You are certainly on the right track to cover the missing areas of quilting. When there is a problem, I ask, "Show me how you do it." That's when I learn how the quilter has gone astray. One lady only measured from her cutting mat!
SandyQuilter |
Being fairly new to quilting, I have been encouraged by many sweet quilting ladies, as well as the many tutorials available on-line, classes in LQS's, patterns and books available. It's such a fun process. And I so appreciate it when even the "elite and experienced" quilters do not look down their noses at us "newbies", but consider us to be sisters in the pursuit of creating a heritage of giving gifts of love and energy, and keepsakes for our loved one's. Thank you to all who encourage.
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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 learned back in the 'olden' days and believe me I like making quilts the 'modern' way. I think all blocks would be perfect if made larger and trimmed down. Most 'experts' do not make quilts, just think they know the 'right' way to make them. I make my quilts to suit me, pattern or not, colors I like, etc. I have not made any heirloom quilts and I don't plan to. My quilts are for warmth, I thought that was what the whole idea was.I think the most important thing is to make them to please the maker.
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For me it is making sure to measure every step of the way, recheck cut pieces before and during block construction because material stretches while sewing, pressing no matter how careful you are. If your pieces are not accurate during construction, they will also be off at completion of blocks. Check and recheck is my motto.
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My beginning quilt teacher in California taught us to look at a block and decide which pieces you could put together easily with straight seams and do that all the times they appear in the block, then decide which pieces you could add to those, etc. and because of that teaching, I have never been intimidated by any complicated block, and I have used that method in teaching my students, too.
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Originally Posted by janRN
(Post 5006661)
I started quilting in the "olden days" and learned with templates and scissors. Still do this occasionally. The thing I have the most trouble with is cutting long, straight strips. After years of fighting those crooked areas (dog legs?) I still get them. I fold, refold, press, line up, square up, pray, cut, and they still show up. Maybe this is too basic for your class but wow, would I like to know the secret of straight cuts. Especially when the strips are narrow, say 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" wide by WOF or LOF.
The first class I took, was not long enough to go over everything - only 3 classes - 3 hrs each - we had to do a lot of quilting at home to get it done - quilt project was very basic - various stipes sewn together than cut into 12" blocks. Next quilt made me realize the power of the 1/4" seam |
On binding, it took me a long time to accomplish a good binding on a quilt.
1. I wash fabric as soon as I bring it home on light cycle and dry in dryer. Remove dried fabric and fold the fabric in half opposite the way it comes off the bolt..salvage to salvage edge holding the fabric at the center of the cut. let it hang loose, and when it is hanging straight from the center..thats where you make your center line press. The ends maybe uneven thats ok. Once you have pressed the fabric with Spray Starch you can cut the bottom of the fabric on the straight of the grain at the bottom. then fold the fabric in half and in half again. you are now ready to cut your strips and the will be straight. 2. cut strips to desired wideth. I use 2 1/2 in standard cut. 3 double the fabric and spray starch and iron. I put the fabric wrong sides together on pressing matt and put in thru a large safety pin which holds your fold more easily. spray starch before you press. hold fabric with left hand and pull thru under the iron on the other side of the safety pin with fabric coming thru it. 4. USE A WALKING FOOT to sew down the binding right sides together onto the front of the quilt 1/2 inch from the straight edge of the quilt. Start sewing 5 or 6 inches from the corner, also leave as much slack in your binding to work with when you get back to the beginning. { You must square up the quilt before you apply the binding} 5.Corners can be mitered by sewing up to the corner of the quilt to 1/4th inch. Flip binding up to top of quilt. turn quilt. lay down binding to go the new direction of the quilt. Start sewing again coming down the edge 1/4in., back stitch a few stitches to the edge of the corner and then continue down the the next corner and repeat for all the corners. 6Iron the binding seam like you would any other seam. back and front the mitered corners will fall into place when you press them out with iron. 6 Hand stitch your binding down to the back of the quilt. I use a invisible applique stitch. Hope this may help some one else. |
Hi Holice,
First, I love the wholecloth quilts that you design. I have made several, and have a couple to go. I guess that I would like to have down to earth hand quilting classes. I keep hearing even now that the stitiches must be like 9 - 10 stitches to an inch, and that overwhelms me, and I imaging a lot of others that do hand quilting. I have an Amish imspired top to quilt by hand, and want to do the best I can so that it becomes something of an article to pass down for posterity, not just something that I 'whipped' together because I could. Thanks much. Anita |
I would like to visually see ALL the steps that are involved in converting a quilt top into a quilt. No one actually shows the various basting methods and their pros/cons for use in a home. It's somehow assumed that you know this in the directions, "Quilt as desired." I greatly enjoyed Holice's "Quilt as desired" video. Now I'd like something similar for basting a quilt.
- straight pins with protector (e.g. Pinmoors), safety pins, spray/glue, thread basted with thread, wash away thread, etc). - on table or floor (using tapes & various kinds of clamps or pins), basting in a frame, with pieces of wood like Sharon Schamber, etc). - how do I physically handle all of this? I guess there could be a series of classes just on this topic. I also like the idea of learning about drafting quilts and quilt blocks. |
When you fussy cut fabric to get just the right pattern in your piece, frequently you have a bias piece although the piece might actually be a square. Tell us how to best handle that.
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Yes for sure how do you get them straight all the time without the fuss or fight?
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I am completely self taught and have picked up different ways of doing the cutting, sewing, and general quilt making. I have learned a hodge podge of techniques but not enought of anyone to be consistant to create a great quilt. Would love to know the basics on accurate cutting, drafting, color, and piecing. It would be so nice not to have mismatched pieces, or elbows in the long strips. I couldn't go to classes but I could certainly take an on-line class if offered at a reasonable price.
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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>. |
Originally Posted by Lori S
(Post 5006898)
One aspect that confuses and is a lesson often learned the hard way .. is the understanding of fabric grain and how and when its important.
The other issue I see with beginners is color... They finish a quilt but wonder why theirs does not have the "zip" of what they see either hanging in the shop , magazines, shows etc. It was a HUGE light bulb moment for me in my quilting journey after attending International , was color and using it effectively. |
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.
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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.
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Originally Posted by jeanharville
(Post 5014812)
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.
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Originally Posted by janRN
(Post 5006661)
I started quilting in the "olden days" and learned with templates and scissors. Still do this occasionally. The thing I have the most trouble with is cutting long, straight strips. After years of fighting those crooked areas (dog legs?) I still get them. I fold, refold, press, line up, square up, pray, cut, and they still show up. Maybe this is too basic for your class but wow, would I like to know the secret of straight cuts. Especially when the strips are narrow, say 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" wide by WOF or LOF.
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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).
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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.
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