meldmac

Hi everyone! I'm new to quilting and wanted to ask a few questions, first off do any of you do only hand quilting and if so do you have any tips?

Also I bought a quilting kit with a rotary cutter and mat, does it take practice to use right because I can't seem to cut very straight?

ckcowl

it does take some (practice) to learn to use a rotor cutter & mat- line up your ruler using lines on the mat to help get everything straight- hold the ruler with your fingers well away from the (cutting edge) i place a finger along the outside (opposite edge of cutting edge) to hold it from moving- place cutter along edge of ruler & roll cutter up the edge of the ruler- away from yourself- you do not have to push hard (as long as you have a good sharp blade- if you are making long cuts- stop and move your hand up on the ruler as you go along-keeping the ruler straight as you go...with practice it will be (second nature) as for hand quilting---many of us do hand quilt= many of us do both- machine quilt some projects- hand quilt others.
when learning to hand quilt consistancy is more important than stitch length- practice making your stitches as close to the same size as possible- with time you can work on making them smaller.
some people use very short needles for hand quilting (between's) some people prefer a longer needle (sharps, milner's, straws) try out a few until you find the one that fits your hand, makes it possible to create the stitches you want. Basting is important and quilt from the center out toward the edges- some people use a frame, some a hoop and some just hold their basted (sandwich) on their lap to quilt.
you may want to check the local quilt shop or guild for beginner classes, or groups to help you begin....there are also many videos & tutorials, here on the board, on u-tube and pinterest

Buckeye Rose

Welcome to the board! There are a lot of hand quilters out there, but I am not one of them....no patience for that kind of thing. But someone will come along and have some great help for you. A rotary cutter and mat require a straight edge or ruler to cut against, helping to ensure a straighter edge. There is a bit of a learning curve to using the ruler and mat, but once you get it down, you will be zipping that process. YouTube is a wonderful place to find tutorials on everything quilting and I am sure there is one that can guide you in using the rotary cutter and mat. The best tips I can give you are to keep those fingers out of the way of the cutter, and press hard enough on the ruler to keep it in place....if it slips even a tiny bit, your edges will not be straight. Have fun quilting!

Treasureit

Hi and welcome to the best place to learn a lot about quilting! I have found so many good answers here.

I can't offer any hand quilting help, but would suggest a class to learn the basics about quilting. Check with your local community college for classes or quilt shops. My first class was with the adult ed here in CA....that was before all the budget cuts...so that might not be available any more. Sewing machine stores and quilt shops and quilt guilds offer good help.

mighty

Welcome form S CA!!! It does take some practice to cut straight. Just keep at it you will get it. I have learned so much here on this board!!! Many classes are available out there both on line and in quilt stores, Joann's ect. You might want to check out Craftsy on line they have a lot of free classes as well which help alot.

dakotamaid

This is just one of many youtube videos to help you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ebyZrgkIbk

QuiltnNan

welcome to the board and happy quilting

dunster

Welcome, new quilter, to the board and to quilting as a hobby (or an obsession). The one thing that keeps me quilting more than any other is the quilting community. Find other people to quilt and you will become instant friends. Join a guild and you will have activities to keep you interested. Go to quilt shows and you will come away with so many projects in mind that you will always have something to do.

karenpatrick

Hi and welcome from Indiana. Everything having to do with quilting takes practice. Keep at it and I'm sure you'll do well.

gabeway

Practice on old clothes to get good with rotary cutter. There are places you can get clear slip guards to put on bottom of rulers to keep them from slipping. I actually took a hand quilting class at LQS an learner a lot. Also can start with something like a cathedral window that can be all easily hand quilted.