HELP! I've been quilting for about 3 years now, but have yet to actually quilt the quilt. I've made a King size 9 patch variation, a Queen size Dresden, a Full size Snowball, and now, a Sunbonnet Sue / 9 patch combo for my DGB. I'm terrified of the quilting process :-o Where do I begin??? how do I begin???any help / ideas / suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Beckie

Hi Beckie...

Start small. Finishing a few small projects will make you comfortable and give you courage. =) You can do it!

Are you talking about machine quilting or hand? For hand I chose small-doable projects on a large round hoop. My stitches aren't perfect or small. Machine quilting is fun and easy....pin sandwich, walking foot, start in the ditch or diagonal if there are lots of squares. FMQ can be done with the right machine. I do all my quilting, never have sent it out. King quilts can be challenging, but not impossible. i have large harp old black singers for those jobs. Next, I'd like to use a template for my machine quilting. Have fun!

Quilting a quilt is not for everyone.

I would start by making a sandwich (12" square) and practice quilting on that. If you like what you're doing, then go onto bigger things. If not, you may want to send your quilts out to be quilted. I don't mind doing the quilting, but I absolutely don't like doing the binding - I can do the front by machine, it's the back side by hand I don't like doing. Instead, I trade with a friend to do mine.

You may find that you don't like doing the quilting part at all. It can be very intimidating. Only practice will let you know. Wishing you luck as you try with a practice piece! {{{hugs}}}

If you've been piecing for 3 years, you're ready for the plunge!

Start with a small project and a walking foot and/or stitch in the ditch foot. Once you are comfortable with that, you can try some FMQ. I prefer a spring foot for that. Make some practice sandwiches if you don't want to risk your other projects. There are lots of quilting videos on YouTube.

I found that the large wandering stipple was pretty easy to do for me. Then I added wandering loops, hearts, leaves, and marking and following lines.

You can do it! Find out what works for you and enjoy the process.

Definitely start small and gain some confidence before you start in on a larger project!

I agree with all that has been said. YOu can do it.

I am new at the quilt part the problem I am having is the thread to use. Say it is orange and white or black and white if I meander what color of thread. I am reading that the clear thread may not be the best in the long run and some groups don't what it.