wanna be quilter
 

I am new at this.....want to learn how to quilt. Any suggestions on where to start?

Have you bought any books yet. What about a sewing machine and tool?

Check with a local quilt shop, craft store, and/or fabric store - they often have classes for all levels of quilters. Find out if there is a local quilt guild or groups that quilt (meet at churches, senior centers, etc.) Sit in a few times to see what the different groups do - hand quilt, make charity quilts, etc. LISTEN TO EVERYONE! They all have wonderful stories, tips, and different ways of doing things. Remember what ever works best for you is what you should do. I have been with a hand quilting group for about 5 years. I love the process but am slow in getting things finished. Don't be intimidated by people who produce quilt tops rapidly, they have probably been doing this for years & years.

Craftsy.com has awesome classes, even a few free beginner classes. They are as good as the real thing to me and you have them forever to watch when you want. I would just get the basic supplies, mat rotary cutter, scissors seam ripper, and good beginner machine and just dive in with a simple pattern. The new BOM on craftsy is done by hand sewing if you do not have a machine yet

like rhilkey said, a class is what help me get started. Something like piecing 101 where they give you the basics for precise cutting, 1/4 inch stitching, and "quilt talk" like quilt tops, backings, borders, binding, shashing and blocks. Once you know the basics then a you would be able to get a book of patterns and go from there. Go for it.!!

I would add to check out youtube - some good tutorials on youtube.





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Some books from your local library are also a good source of info. Even if you don't read them cover to cover, they are great for terminology; inspiration; etc. As well as this site. Tons of great info. Welcome from NJ.

I tend to leap before I look, and I confess that my first quilt attempt frustrated me so much that it was 10 years before I tried it again. Then I saw a you tube video about jelly roll quilts, and they were great first projects and offered fairly immediate gratification.

They are also a good way to practice sewing straight seams at 1/4 inch. Very important for the end results.

I started with PBS and watching Eleanor Burns on Quilt in a Day. You can find her videos on You Tube, I still go out there and watch - she is pretty funny. Start with a simple pattern like log cabin or court house steps. My first quilt was pretty bad but I loved the process and was so proud of my creation. Just remember it takes time and practice but it so much fun to create.