before i set myself up for failure.... is quilting very hard? just wondering

Can you sew a straight line?

Can you follow directions?

Only way to know is to try.....

Like almost everything worth doing, it takes some practice. and some trial and error. I love it. both the sewing part and quilting part. This is the best place to be for learning.

Depends on what you start out with and how ocd you are. I think that some things are. Harder than others. I would start out simple with just squares and then move onto some things that are more difficult. It's kinda like skiing. You have bunny slopes and black diamonds with every sort of terrain in-between.

depends on the pattern you try. If you start off with sewing small pieces then yes, it will be hard learning to get your seams right and your pieces cut.
However if you start with a large pattern, simple squares. Then NO, it is as easy as can be!
So long as you can sew to pieces together with a mostly straight line (you get better as you go) then it is worth trying! Most of all have fun with it.

You can always start out with a very simple pattern consisting of squares that are all the same size, like 4 1/2 inches, with a simple quilting pattern. Then when you see how easy that is, you can try more challenging ones. Even simple ones can be beautiful. Choose the colors you love and go for it!!

We will all be here to help you all the way :D

That isn't really a stupid question. One of my college professors told me "Easy is what you know and hard is what you don't". Knowing how to sew a seam with some sort of needle and thread helps (by hand or machine). I would start with something small like a placemat with a simple pattern.

By the way, I think cooking is hard and quilting is much easier. :-)

Start small-ish. Find a block you like the looks of at

http://www.quilterscache.com/

The site is set up to show difficulty level. Make one block. If you hate doing it, turn it into a hot pad and forget the whole thing. If you enjoy it, make a different block. As long as you pick block the same size, it will easy to turn them into a sampler quilt when you are finished.

Don't worry. There is plenty of experience on the board to get you through if you really want to do it. :)

I'm happy to see you have an interest in quilting. Hang out here on the board and get some inspiration. There are lots of tutorials here and on youtube. Welcome from Louisiana:)

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!!

It is not real difficult. Just start of with an easy pattern with no triangles in it. There are lots of tutorials on here and if you have a friend who can stand by you it helps too!!!

The most important thing about quilting is to do what you love while you are learning. This includes colors and types of fabrics. The same with patterns. You should see my first quilt. It was for my son. Well my first finished quilt. The first real one is the ugliest you will ever see.

There are no stupid questions.

The beauty of quilting is that the piecing can be as simple as squares or strips of fabric sewn together to the most elaborate stars, curves and applique you can imagine with embellishments of laces, beads and crystals and everything in between. As one progresses in the craft there is always a challenge down the road. It all depends on how far you want to challenge yourself or not challenge yourself at all and just have fun putting together bits of fabric in a way that pleases you.

The actual quilting process also runs the gammet of simple tied quilts to big stitch quilting to elaborate hand quilting designs and machine quilting has just as many options including the option of sending your completed quilt top off to a longarm quilter for them to complete for you. The beauty of quilting is there is something for everyone. It all depends on how far you want to go with it.

If I can do it anyone can. Start with something easy and work your way up.

Start with an easier pattern and do a table runner or baby quilt. This way, you won't be too upset with mistakes. It will be easier to handle under the machine and you will finish quickly. Jump in. It is fun.

Quilting can be very complex or very simple. There are different styles and techniques. It is something most anyone can do. The important thing is to try and to try on projects that appeal to you. Start with something simple that you love and go from there.

you need a lesson on cutting, measuring and sewing a straight line. Its hard to start without it. They have lessons online but local quilt shops usually have beginners classes. Try it and see if its something you like. Its very rewarding and theraputic for me.

No, not really. I only started quilting 5 years ago and I am hooked. Most folks are that begin. I would however; strongly suggest taking a basic quilting class, you really learn alot. I hope you give it a try. Keep us posted. BTW....that is not a stupid question :)

See I am not one to take a class. I didn't take one to learn when I started I just jumped in one day. It was kinda fun to figure things out on my own. But this board has all sorts of great help and stuff.

there is never a stupid question, just inquiring minds. :)

Oh and welcome to the board :)

Welcome to the board! Just jump in and try it!

Just start with something small. I remember someone here saying their friend had tried quilting and hated it....and the reason was she "started with a quilt the size of Egypt!" Don't start out with a bed sized quilt...save that for your second quilt. :)

I'm going to say yes. Now prove me wrong ;-)

depends on the pattern, there is easy medium hard, you get better as you go, Its not hard, but some is not easy either, just start off with an easy pattern. It is fun no matter how many mistakes you make. I say go for it, you'll never know until you try. I recommend going to your LQS or Joanns and taking a beginners class

Go for it! You will never learn any younger.

I enjoy quilting a lot. I am fairly new to it and love it. I am not a seamstress or clothes sewer or any of that, but I really wanted to quilt. If you really want to create a quilt you will begin and hopefully enjoy it. Pick a very easy pattern at first and let the fabric make the quilt. There is a lot of help here so don't hesitate to ask; there are no stupid questions. Welcome to the board from Iowa. You will love it and love quilting soon (smile).

Quilting is a wonderful art. It teaches patience, perseverence, and practice. You may not want to make museum pieces, but you can surely make quilts to keep someone warm. Don't hesitate to read all the information you can get regarding beginning quilting. If you have a friend who quilts ask them to help you get started. Start with a very easy pattern (such as Jelly Roll Races pattern) and take your time. You will be so surprised at how nicely they turn out and how useful they are. If you have never used a sewing machine before use pieces of lined paper and sew on the lines until you feel fairly confident that you can sew a reasonably straight line. Start with baby steps. Good luck. Let us know if you need help....

No, it's so easy even a (you thought I was going to say Cave Man) - my 7 year old did it. Here he is with his first quilt. That was 2 years ago. Last summer he went to a camp and in a week made a twin size log cabin.

If I can quilt... YOU can quilt!! There are techniques that will make it easier... if possible, take a class from a friend or from a local quilt shop (LQS)... makes ALL the difference!!! I never knew how much I would LOVE quilting until I "jumped in with both feet."

Have fun!!!

ABSOLUTELY NOT. A Early American Living Intertupter told me once, "If a Colonial lady could do it at the end of a hard day with just scissors, thread and fabric... YOU can do this!"

I have held that in my mind many years. Once you get the idea down pat, the rest is just doing it. Itis a SIMPLE craft!

JUlie

You can make very simple designs and it won't be hard. I recommend taking a class. It is sew much fun getting together with others and will make it sew much easier for you to begin. Have fun, above all else! Don't stress, it is for you! The older I get, the less complex my quilts have become, I just want to have fun with them.

Hi - one investment that really helps, if you can get one for your machine, is a quarter inch foot, helps keep that seam to a 1/4 inch which lots of quilting calls for. If you cannot have one right now, measure really careful, and use masking tape to give you a guide. These folks on this site are wonderful helpers and before you know it, you will have a square done!!
Linda

I agree with going to quilters cache. I got most of my beginning blocks there and they have good instructions too. You can't go wrong with some of their easy blocks, good luck and remember to have fun.

PS, I have a good assortment of pot holders, different colors and patterns.

:thumbup:

its not as hard as you'd think it would be.

Welcome to the board from Kansas. Start out with something small and easy. There are lots of people on here to help.

Welcome from Illinois!!! Start with a pattern for beginners so you can be successful without alot of stress. You will learn the basics and see how the process works.....you'll be hooked in no time!!!

Just jump in and do it! Ask LOTS of questions.Definitely pick a pattern that doesn't require matching up seams and has pretty big pieces.

I just explained how to make her first quilt to my niece over the phone/ over the Internet using nothing but a straight line stitch, big pieces, and using her computer to print pictures onto material. She got an A in her class from the quilt she made. It was an English/history project on Shakespeare. She used freezer paper to print a picture onto material using her computer printer, then added strips and a border to the squares and finished it off by hand tying it like the the picture above from SharBear.

Send me a personal message by clicking on my name to the left if you want more details.

Try it. You'll love. You will soon have an addition!

Practice, experiment, and even if you can't sew straight don't give it up.

There are many little gadgets on the market to help you keep a consistent straight line, for example magnets, pads, tape, sewing machine feet, etc.

And start with something SMALL.
When you're comfortable, advance to making a pattern, but begin with your basic squares (any size) then continue to experiment.
Your experiments, practice, and patience will mold you to your expectations.

Good Luck!

Nike, welcome to the board..take a class if at all possible. Or join a guild if there is one in your area. Good luck, don't get discouraged!! It takes time and patience to get started. crafty_linda_b