Hi everyone,

I just finished by first quilt a week or so ago (it was a rag quilt). I know very little about quilting. I figured a rag quilt was a good quilt to start with as it seemed pretty simple.

I am wondering what my next project should be..... The only quilting experience I have is the rag quilt. I am trying to learn as much as I can online, etc. I am just stumped on what I should try next . . . maybe just another rag quilt . . . . what would you suggest?

Thanks!

It just depends on what you want to try next :lol: I would still keep it on the easier side :wink: Who will this quilt be for ? and..

CONGRATS on finishing your first quilt :lol:

one of my first quilts was a log cabin from the Quilt in a Day book...Eleanor Burns

I would try a basic nine patch. They are easy and great practice.

Triple Rail Fence is a nice and easy pattern.

I would get some magazines I just picked up one from QFC called Best Weekend Quilts it is a premier issue I have never seen it but it has a lot of very easy to do quick quilts. I will be making quiet a few of these quilts. It was $10 more than I would normally pay but I was not paying attention. I can send you a pic of the front I would really try that route.

Don't forget to check out your local library. And don't be afeared to try anything! But keep it on the simple side..the worst thing I ever did was pick a project that was way over my head and then I was afraid to finish it because I wasn't quite sure what I'd done wrong...(1/4" seams) and you need that instant success! A wall hanging maybe? Try something with triangles! When you get that down there is really no fear!

Try paper piecing. Easy. Lots of patterns on line. Try Quilter's cache for free patterns.

If you have a LQS nearby they may be of help. I've only made one quilt but part of it's success was that I told the woman helping me what my skill level was and so she helped me pick out a pattern that matched that and it also had great directions. I had brought my focus fabric with me so she also helped me pick coordinating fabrics. She also gave me some pointers as I went along...and bingo...a lap quilt done...and I couldn't have been happier. I'm working on my second quilt and it's a nine patch with the sashing done in 3 piece strips with corner posts at each intersection. GREAT practice for mastering the 1/4 inch seam and getting all the pieces the same size! Good luck! This quilting sure is fun and is becoming quite addictive! Sew much fabric...sew little time! ;-)

I have a few free very easy quits on my blog with video tutorial...I also am very new at quilting. I love, love the disappearing nine patch.

I just rec'd that book in the mail. I can't wait to make one!

Great book! I'm working on 2 right now. My 2nd and 3rd tops!

Just Google "Free quilting patterns" and you will find more than you could ever believe. Also try http:/www.allpeoplequilt.com. They have lots of easy ones. For me, I usually choose my fabric first and let it speak to me as to what it should become.

There is a tote bag pattern in that book too for the log cabin. I think I will try that first after I am done my other topping.

Maybe try a 9 patch ... or Yellow Brick Road ... or Take 5. Those are three simple patterns...

I teach the Disappearing 9 Patch to new quilters. It teaches good 1/4" seaming, matching up "corners" and fabric selection. It's really easy and comes out so pretty.

Ask.com/quilting has some free easy patterns and good instructions. Look for patterns without too many small pieces, while you are learning, bigger pieces will make it easier for you.

Congrats on your rag quilt!! If memory serves me, I think my first quilt was a rag quilt, too. Do you have a pic to show us??

I agree about the disappearing 9 patch. It's so easy and quick!

you could make a four patch block or perhaps a nine patch. that has more seams to match.

Do an easy pattern. rain fence, and some that have been sugested under another posting related to jelly rolls.
Do a simple one next until you get comfortable with piecing. Don't be too complicated until you fee a bit more sure.

Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions! I'm most worried about doing the binding on the quilt. I think the next one will be for me - maybe to use as a lap quilt......

retired2pa - here is a pic (the quilt was a surprise for my daughter after she returned from Cispus - I made it in 4 evenings when she was gone):

Excellent Job!!!

Im a beginner too. Right now, Im working on the doll swap, but I have materials for this picked out.Seems like a good beginner quilt, great instructions too

http://www.stitchedincolor.com/p/col...ilt-along.html

I would suggest the D9P (Disappearing 9 Patch). Easy and goes quick! When I first started someone suggested the Log Cabin as a great pattern for a beginner...NOT.

Congrats on your pink rag quilt. Love it!

I am debating on the log cabin...it does seem to be on the harder side! I have only done Around the world quilt, nine block and two disappearing nine patch quilts. My favorite....the disappearing nine patch...I am doing one with a sash right now and that is harder than just putting on a border. Oh and I did a border quilt...that was the easiest but not my favorite. I don't like the looks of it that much. Its ok but the others look so much nicer and look harder even though they were not much harder.

REALLY nice job on your quilt. I'm a beginner also and my first project was a sampler wall hanging. That worked great because I got to learn so many different things and which blocks I liked best. My favorite is the Log cabin.

I like log cabins too, but I think it is too easy for them to get wonky; then you end up with a kind of trapezoid instead of a square, and then hard to square them up and still have equal size strips. I think a rail fence is a good start. And as far as binding I would suggest just making the backing larger than the front and wrapping it. We all can help you as you go along.

I would try a basic nine patch also...maybe baby size...great for matching seams...and back it with fleece. That way you can quilt it easily and have a very nice gift for the next little one on your list.

A nine patch is a great easy quilt.

I'd tend to warn against the log cabin, too unless you have that quarter seam perfected,..Think big blocks, simple lines, happy colors.

Thanks for the pic...you did a great job!!!