I highly recommend Eleanor Burns , QUILT IN A DAY Patterns, they are so easy and user friendly. and fairly fast to make, you dont get so discouraged. and each one becomes a little easier Even if you cant finish it in a day , Its ok. cmaras1234

Take a beginner's quilting class and then jump right in.

Yes, there is a lot to be learned from a class... and don't overwhelm yourself with buying fabric and patterns right away. Buy just enough to finish your first project before going hog wild on buying bundles of fabric and patterns.

There are lots of gadgets out there to buy. Don't...get a good mat, good rotary cutter and a 6 1/2 x 24" ruler and a basic sewing machine that will let you drop the feed dogs. If you can take a basic rotary cutting class from your local quilt shop. Learn how to make the scant 1/4" seam on your machine. Not every machine is the same. There are some tips on how to do that on utube and other beginning books. I took a basic rotary cutting class a couple of years after I had started piecing....wish I had not waited...made a big big difference in my cutting. Bad cutting and bad seam allowances will make you crazy. I recommend the Yellow Brick Road pattern or one similar as a first quilt pattern. There are others. Personally, I do not like precuts. But many people do. I like to make my own choices and combinations....not use all in one collection...personal choice... You will figure out what you like if you choose to continue quilting. Good cutting and good sewing will solve lots of problems!!!

patience and taking things slow and as perfect as you can get them. Frustration comes.........put it away till the next day or hour and try again. You will be a happier camper that way

1. Find a local quilter or a friendly guild to meet with for help and encouragement. Ask questions!!
2. Learn how to cut accurately and to keep the 1/4 in seam allowance.
3. Don't quit because something is not perfect. No quilt is perfect but that is part of its charm.
4. There is no single best way to do anything. There may be a good ways and a best way for YOU!
5. Enjoy the process, explore and experiment, laugh and revel in your creativity.
Last, give your self time to learn all of the little tips and skills. We did not not learn them all with our first attempt either. Welcome, welcome, welcome to this most exciting world of fabric, colors, patterns and warm end products.

Being I was completely new to any sewing 3 years ago I think I will tell you where I started.
I went to a quilt meeting, fell in love, went out and bought enough material on sale to do a
table scarf to see if I could do it and if I liked it, I never looked back. i went on the computer found the quilt board.
I looked for other sites to learn from. I found The Missouri Quilt Co. and lots of free patterns on other sites. One more thing don't be afraid to try and of course you have to buy the tools needed to do a good job, material is an easy fix.

Good luck to all newbe's
Mia

I totally agree - most problems seem to evolve from lack of precision. It becomes even more important as one tackles more intricate patterns with lots of pieces. Too many teachers fail to stress how important the 1/4 inch seam is to quilting - and as a result many newbies have disappointing first results. How do I know - I learned the hard way.

jump in with both feet and just do it!!! Its only fabric, perfection is overrated. Have fun!

Having the right tools to help you is important. Basic tools you need: at least a 12" X 24" cutting mat, a 45mm rotary cutter, a 6" X 24" rotary ruler w/ light markings so you can see using both dark and light fabrics and has 30, 45 and 60 degree lines on it, a seam ripper, an iron. ironing surface (preferably a hard surface- not a squishy puffy ironing board cover), sewing machine w/ either an accurate 1/4" foot or a moveable needle so you can set it in the right spot to get an accurate or scant 1/4" seam allowance, starch, washable school glue with a tiny tip and good light over your work surface and sewing machine. I have several Ott-Lite lamps and they make all the difference and let me sew at night and see what I'm doing easily.