grandma Janice

start with easy patterns and learn the fundamentals, straight seams, and accurate cutting,

Pat G

Emma, I so agree with you. The process is my biggest thrill. I lose interest in it once a piece is finished.

canuckninepatch

Make sure, when you do your borders, to measure across the MIDDLE of the quilt, not along the edge, to get the measurement. This will save you many heartaches/redos when you look at your rippled-edged quilt.

Luv Quilts and Cats

Do Not Be Afraid!

Poodles

My biggest problem is squaring the material. Like I have a lot of material that friends have sent or just given too me around here. Well one was a 100% cotton fitted sheet and I don't know where too start. I can's seem too hold the template down and not let it slip. AND I can only turn certain ways since I don't have a left hip so therefore the whole thing slips and slides and today I cut one piece so many times that it is down too nothing. Yet it started out at 6in. How do you know how too turn your material too start and I really think that this sheet is not 100% cotton but I didn't look at when she first gave it too me in a bag of skirts too cut up. Just like these skirts. Where do I start or know how too turn my fabric too cut squares. Sometimes I get so stressed that I just walk off and leave it and think I may never be able to master this. the sewing I can do, but really having a hard time cutting my patterns. Any suggestions!

Annz

Take your time. Be acurate and enjoy every minute of the process.

Jory

I'm a beginner, too, and experienced some of the same problems.

Re the sheet: it may have some kind of sizing in it that makes it slippery; also, I read somewhere that sheets are hard to hand-quilt.

Re the slipping ruler: you can put little circles of extra-fine sandpaper on the backside to help hold it in place. There's also a plastic called "InvisiGrip" that can be put on the back of the ruler: JoAnn's has it, I'm sure other places do also.

Also, slow down, cut a little, stop, move your other hand ahead, then cut a little more, etc. I find that the ruler seldom slips right where my "holding" hand is, so I've been moving it more often to avoid the slipping.

Don't give up! It takes time to learn how to cut accurately, but it saves time if your pieces are "right" to start with.

Jory

cooper

walmarts precut pieces will shrink, therefore you wont have enough fabric. its a cheap cut if fabric. they are going backwards in that dept. now to cut costs, and cut personnel.
the pits! anyways

for a new quilter, buy the basic supplies, do not buy every ruler or rotary told about, weigh your needs and options, like i have 5 rotarys brands, like only one of them, dont buy just cause its on sale, but be aware of sales and coupons. lots of things you dont need, but if you need scissorss get the best-ginghers about 40.00, they cut like butta-no advertiser. always keep yiour fabrics in order and away from light. sort your scraps. read quiltville.com also ask, dont be afraid to

Annya

I would suggest you read as many quilt books as you can so you can understand different techniques. Make the first quilt for yourself no matter how bad it will look when finished. Ask questions form other quilters. Wash your fabrics until NO dye is coming out. Iron all your fabric with plenty of starch, PRESS every step of the sewing not iron. check and square up as you go and above all ENJOY BEING A QUILTER. WELCOME TO THE CLUB.
When you buy your rulers make sure they are all the same brand with the thin lines if possible.

quiltermomo

Take your time and you will have more success. Choose small projects with colors you love. Remember all mistakes are learning opportunities. Have fun. :-o