Patterns for New Quilter, that has never sewed
 

I need your advice, my friend wants to learn to quilt. I thought I might start her out on a lap quilt. Thing is she has never sewed. I guess first I'll have to show her about the sewing machine.
What pattern would be good to start with, no triangles, please.

I was thinking the same thing with my best friend. I came up maybe with Warm Wishes or Falling charms. I am not sure if D9P is good for a beginner since she bought some charm packs at MSQC.

For learning how to sew - my suggestions:

Basic instructions on how to thread and run the machine, for starters.

Then a fairly easy project - and potholders is NOT on my list.

A pillow case
Pajama pants
Place mats
Table runner
Tote bag

Do you know what her expecations are?
Her aptitude?

I would have to say nine patch or rail fence are great ones to start on. My first was a nine patch. You might consider looking for websites that are for beginners. Not just quilts but sewing. Tutorials for learning the machine etc.

I would go with a rail fence. Sew all the stratas, then measure the widths. If her seams are not consistent, you can either trim them all to the same width or unsew any that are way too narrow. Use this same measurement to cut the blocks and she will be working with squares for the final assembly.

I would suggest a simple rail fence, with just a three strip block. This would only entail sewing three WOF strips of fabric together, then cross cutting into blocks and sewing the blocks together. If you used 3 1/2" wide WOF strips, the blocks would be crosscut at 9 1/2" to finish at 9" square, and a nice lap quilt size would be 5 blocks wide and 6 blocks long, only 30 blocks. I make some like these for charity and they go together really fast.

I had my 4H girls each do a 9 patch then sew them together for a donation quilt. They did fine with that. We also did one, I don't remember the name, a rectangle maybe 2.5 x 6.5 sewed onto a 6.5 sq. These are sewn into vertical strips. These are then laid every other direction. We only used 2 colors but I have seen all the squares 1 color and all the rectangle scrappy. Clear as mud? Sorry.

excellent advice... i vote for rail fence, too. it was one of my first attempts

There's nothing wrong with squares for a first project. I started my 4-H girls out on stitching 6 1/2" squares together to make a lap sized quilt. When trying to learn to sew straight, maintain a 1/4" seam and get the rows to line up, there is enough learning going on without adding any additional complications. We did Rail Fence as a second project.

I would try to find a pattern that doesn't require matching seams. A brick fence type pattern comes to mind. A pillow case would be a good first project. It would teach her stitching a straight line to begin with. Also, all the patterns that Jenny Doan shows on YouTube are fairly simple to do. I believe that a useable finished product would encourage a beginner to continue with a new wonderful hobby.
Sue

I actually would not do a nine patch to teach someone to sew, I did use it thinking the same thing with my niece and she hated it because she couldn't get the points to match. After making a few blocks we decided to make a rail fence instead and she loved it I know she still has it and is now a young woman. She is not an avid quilter but still sews.

I like Yellow Brick Road to teach new quilters. I have taught quilting at my home school co op a few years now. We start with a needle case next is a bag followed by a pillow case and then they start their quilt top. We also meet up for a field trip to LQS and Joanne's. My favorite thing about Yellow Brick Road is that it has no seams to match so even when they make mistakes they do not get discouraged. Good Luck and enjoy the time you get to spend with your friend :-) 17 years ago a new friend started me on this quilting path, she is now my BFF and I cannot ever thank her enough for teaching me this craft.

Perhaps have her do a couple sample pieces to see how her seam allowances are. Then maybe sewing big 4-patch blocks. Rail fence next. Best to you with your new student. :)

I love Boxed Squares! It is incredibly easy, but can be impressive when there are a lot of colors. I have made it twelve times.

I always recommend rail fence for a first quilt because there is no need to match seams within the block, plus it looks more complicated than it is.

Boston, *love* your boxed squares! This too would be a great first quilt, especially with wonderful batiks!

How about a wall hanging?

Rail fence is super easy

Split rail fence is super easy for a beginner.

Rail fence has very little seam matching and is instant gratification.

I have often taught people who have never used a sewing machine to quilt. It can take a lot of time.

I tell them that we make a log cabin first because no matter what mistakes they make, I can fix them. I do it in my home because I have everything they'll need. That way they don't have a huge investment to make (other than the fabric!) to get started. Also, if they find they really don't like quilting they won't have spent $$ on notions. If they do like quilting, then they know what things they'll want to buy first. I go to the store with them to help them pick out fabric and at the same time I can teach them how to get the right amount and keep track of what fabric will go where, and teach them about batting. I use Eleanor Burns Quilt In A Day book. It already as the fabric charts and great instructions and yardage already calculated for them. Sometimes a picture is easier for them to see what to do than my telling them. It usually takes someone who know how to use a sewing machine about 18 hours to completely finish a quilt. If they don't know how to sew, 24 hours. I tell them that if they bring a friend along, it goes faster...as long as they can sew and talk at the same time! I have them tie the first one they make too.

As I only teach people I like. It's a lot of work and I gladly give my time to someone I actually enjoy being around. We pick a day that they have 7 or 8 hours that they can work. I set out some grapes and cookies and ice tea so they can snack, and I buy a variety of Weight Watchers meals that I microwave for lunch. Yes, it is an expense for me to do all that, but I enjoy it!

I have a large dining room table and counter. I set out one or two sewing machines, an ironing board, and cutting mat. The first thing I teach is how to fold and cut fabric. I tell them that the only thing I can't fix that they might do wrong is to cut themselves with the rotary cutter. I don't do blood. I show them how to measure, line up the fabric, and cut it with the cutter. The rotary cutter usually scares them a lot!!! I make sure that they close it immediately after each cut. I cut the strips for the Log Cabin a little larger. That way I can trim/square up the fabric as they go along so that they don't don't have exact seams, I can fix it.

After cutting a few strips, I have them use my easiest machine and teach them how to use it. Stop, go, seam guides, keep your fingers out of the way, and straight stitching. I give them some old strips to practice on. After 10 minutes or so they are ready to go. I show them pictures about how to line up the fabric from Eleanor's book, and demo for them. Since they are new to sewing, they sew very slowly! So while they are stitching their first strips together, I finish cutting more strips. Then I show them how to cut the strips apart and square them up and iron them.

Now, it could take a month if they had to do everything themselves since it is all so new to them. But after showing them how everything is done, while they sew, I cut fabric, and iron for them. If they have a friend, all the better. Before stitching all the blocks together, I make sure that they are the same size. Since I cut the strip a little larger, it is easy to cut them to fit. Putting the back, batting, and top together is fairly simple.

Yes, I put a lot into this, but it is fun! Some people decide that they really don't like the process, and others go on to buying their own machines and making more quilts.

So I am almost finished (just need to do the binding, which I am going to do tonight) with my first quilt. I had no sewing experience, and had never made a quilt. Taught myself using Youtube tutorials, this forum, blogs, and a book. I made a one block wonder. I know you said no triangles, but I am just going to suggest this one, because I found it to be a great first project for the following reasons. 1. you can see each kaleidoscope coming together as you sew, its immediately satisfying, which gives you the drive to want to continue. 2. Its repetitive so you can practice a lot. 3. Because it is so busy, it is very forgiving of flaws, so I can look at my quilt without cringing, which is a great feeling, and makes me want to do more. 4. I found it really FUN to make, and I say this as someone who was NOT expecting to like quilting at all. Seriously. I really think a big part of the reason I like quilting is because I chose the right style for myself.

That said. I think the best advice is have her look at pictures of quilts and ask her what appeals to her. Find out what she likes in a quilt and then try to find an easy pattern that she likes the style of, because when you make something you like and fits your style, its easier to survive the frustrations of being a new quilter.

I just started quilting last June with no previous sewing experience and no one to teach me. The first thing I made was a jelly roll race quilt top. It was super simple and was good practice sewing straight lines and 1/4" seems. I didn't have to worry about choosing fabric or cutting it, all I had to do was sew. It was a good test to make sure I would like doing it. Plus I had a finished quilt top in a fairly short amount of time.

The next thing I made was placemats. I picked up a package of fat quarters so this time I just added cutting the fabric to what I was learning. I just made 3in squares and sewed them together 6 across and then made 4 rows and then added a border. I didn't really follow a specific pattern but wanted something small to do the quilting on, and just stitched in the ditch to start. I think starting with something simple is good so they don't get overwhelmed. Once I finished those projects I did a the free 2012 Craftsy Block of the Month class which was great because I learned so many different techniques and I could go at my own pace. Good luck, I hope she loves it as much as I do!

How about a strip quilt using scraps sewed onto a foundation back? That's what I did as the lady didn't have any scraps so let her dig into mine since they procreate during the night, then we got her a correct foot for 1/4" sewing. She just had to be close to perfect on that very 1st strip and the rest could be close but not as perfect. And if she goofs up, they're only scraps. I consider them freebies anyway. This will give her practice on getting a1/4" seam without all the stress.

I think Yellow Brick Road is a great first quilt. No seams to match and fun to do.

I learned on the Nickle Quilts book by Pat Speth. She might as well learn triangles. Not that difficult, imho.
sandy

As a longtime quilter and teacher, I also suggest rail fence as the best beginner pattern.

Jan in VA

Look for the Bricks or laying bricks block. It has no intersecting seams at all. A very easy starting pattern.
peace

My favorite when teaching a beginner is a rag quilt. They are very forgiving. Minimal accuracy. Minimal quilting and no binding. A good way to find out if it is something they enjoy.

Rail fence was my first. Matching corners sucks when you're starting LOL (ok ok, I'm still not good at this!) Maybe a sampler?

After teaching her basic sewing machine skills, I would teach her a four patch, have her put a border on three sides of each block and then set them together. That way she has to match fewer seams, but gets the experience of sewing straight seams, matching them, pressing them, etc. Keep it simple so she will experience sweet success as soon as possible. froggyintexas

One that comes to mind for me is the Turning Twenty.https://www.google.com/search?q=turn...w&ved=0CDwQsAQ

Here is one I made

[ATTACH=CONFIG]508600[/ATTACH]

Yes, a rail fence lap quilt is a great way to introduce a beginner to the wonderful world of quilting! Pretty colors and prints will add to the fun.

I thank all of my Quilting Buddies for their suggestions. I think I will let her come to my house to sew the quilt and see if she likes doing quilting before investing money for supplies. Also, I will have pictures of the Rail Fence, Yellow Brick Road, Boxed Square and One Block Wonder, let her choose. I hope she likes quilting, I need a quilting buddy, plus she works at Hancock's. LOL

When my girls (ages 11 and 13) made their first quilts just before Christmas, the youngest chose all squares, but arranged them into a pattern, the oldest chose to alternate 4 patches with coordinating larger squares. Both turned out really well, and gave them practice matching points.

Here's on of my Brick Wall type quilts. https://www.flickr.com/photos/391684...57639978717914

Here's the link to the free pattern.
http://www.thelinusconnection.org/20...cks-quilt.html

Sharon in Texas
one of the Linus Connection's blanketeers:D

Rail Fence or even a Jelly Roll Race (without the race). Good luck

Good advice from bearisgray. When I was in my required 7th grade sewing class (required oh so many years ago!), I was advantaged because my mom had already taught me to sew several years before. But I was still required to sew what was called our "gym bag," to hold our tennis shoes, socks, shorts and blouse. It was a simple one-piece creation with a draw-string closure. Perhaps you can do such a first project in which she can carry her sewing items. It will get her comfortable with the machine before have her tackle matching seams and such. :)

I always start my students out with "Rail Fence" they learn the basics (aligning fabric, rotary cut, 1/4" straight stitching) FQs are easy for the beginner to handle. My goal was to teach the basics & get a really good finished lap quilt & if they quilt it you have the sandwich lesson, types of basting & the quilting or tying. Then the binding.

Pennyhal and I are on the same page when it comes to teaching beginners. We could have been looking over each other's shoulders during my two efforts at teaching Texas granddaughters (and others) to sew and quilt. My first year was spent teaching all of them to use the rotary cutter, measure WOF, close the rotary cutter, sew a 1/4" seam with a painter's tape on the sewing machine.

This year was a little more advanced--we used 2-1/2" rolls (I forget what they are called); everyone made a strip quilt, placing them long ways and side ways, or cutting into 2-1/2" squares and sewing them, matching all corners. Needless to say, some of them, found the four matching 2-1/2" squares too hard to deal with. But, all in all, we had a wonderful time, lots of wine, good music, and fun cutting and correcting mistakes.....