Nervous Beginner
#32
I suggest just jumping in and making something. I tried hand and didn't like it but machine went better. My first quilt was really really ugly and still is not truly finished. My next one was a baby quilt for my son when he was a baby. It was a simple pattern. Just a bunch of squares. It helps to do something small and simple. Then work to larger more elaborate projects. I also have never taken a class so if classes are not for you just watch videos and make sewing friends. I agree with borrowing a machine till you get a chance to get your own. They do make simple cheap machines to start out with. The are good for other things as well as sewing. Good luck.
Last edited by sahm4605; 05-27-2014 at 03:46 PM.
#33
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
I am totally new to quilting and very nervous about where to begin. I was wondering what the best project to begin with would be. I don't have a sewing machine so I will be doing the stitching by hand until I can get one. Also, what brand and type of machine is suggested?
I used to teach beginning quilting, the first projects I taught were the 4 patch and 9 patch blocks.
I suggest you stay away from the new Singer machines. Older machines from the early 70s and older are great, they will last much longer than a cheap new machine. A Singer 237 is a good starter machine, it has 2 stitches; straight and zig zag. My machine was electric, but the motor didn't work any more, so its a treadle now.
Sharon
Last edited by purplefiend; 05-27-2014 at 06:32 PM.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 983
I'm still learning how to quilt although I have 4 machines. I had the slight advantage of knowing how to sew on a machine by making clothes. For a machine look at Estate sales, Goodwill, Salvation Army ect...I always have a ziplock baggy in my purse with a machine needle, thread, and a piece of fabric to test out the machine before I buy it to be assured it works and then I take it to my sewing machine repair place for a check up & tune up. Walmart has great easy to use machines at a fair price for what they do. Do watch a lot of Jenny Doan videos via Missouri Star Quilt Company, I have learned more from there and this board than I have anywhere else. This board is awesome with any question you can come up with, just ask them a question and you'll get quite a few helpful answers! needless to say I LOVE this board and learn something new EVERYDAY from it! good Luck and welcome to the beautiful bounty of the board!
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Manteno, IL
Posts: 1,621
OF COURSE NOT! But I doubt there is anyone who would 'want' and 'like' to sew a whole quilt w/o a sewing machine. I sew by hand what I cannot sew easily with a machine. I wonder if those who quilted (or sewed) by hand for centuries wouldn't have welcomed a sewing machine 'centuries' ago?!!
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
Laura,
I used to teach beginning quilting, the first projects I taught were the 4 patch and 9 patch blocks.
I suggest you stay away from the new Singer machines. Older machines from the early 70s and older are great, they will last much longer than a cheap new machine. A Singer 237 is a good starter machine, it has 2 stitches; straight and zig zag. My machine was electric, but the motor didn't work any more, so its a treadle now.
Sharon
I used to teach beginning quilting, the first projects I taught were the 4 patch and 9 patch blocks.
I suggest you stay away from the new Singer machines. Older machines from the early 70s and older are great, they will last much longer than a cheap new machine. A Singer 237 is a good starter machine, it has 2 stitches; straight and zig zag. My machine was electric, but the motor didn't work any more, so its a treadle now.
Sharon
#37
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
OF COURSE NOT! But I doubt there is anyone who would 'want' and 'like' to sew a whole quilt w/o a sewing machine. I sew by hand what I cannot sew easily with a machine. I wonder if those who quilted (or sewed) by hand for centuries wouldn't have welcomed a sewing machine 'centuries' ago?!!
#38
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,430
buy 1 book: Better Homes and Gardens
Complete Guide to Quilting. It has marvelous photos and copious directions for most every quilting techniques. Study it as you piece. I would look for an older machine which will be cheaper. I sew most on my Singer 401A slant needle) 58 years old). Sews like a dream and will embroider, etc. You just have to adjust manually but it will do most everything the newer ones will do. Welcome to the Board and welcome to quilting. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Complete Guide to Quilting. It has marvelous photos and copious directions for most every quilting techniques. Study it as you piece. I would look for an older machine which will be cheaper. I sew most on my Singer 401A slant needle) 58 years old). Sews like a dream and will embroider, etc. You just have to adjust manually but it will do most everything the newer ones will do. Welcome to the Board and welcome to quilting. I hope you love it as much as I do!
#39
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 4
Laura,
I used to teach beginning quilting, the first projects I taught were the 4 patch and 9 patch blocks.
I suggest you stay away from the new Singer machines. Older machines from the early 70s and older are great, they will last much longer than a cheap new machine. A Singer 237 is a good starter machine, it has 2 stitches; straight and zig zag. My machine was electric, but the motor didn't work any more, so its a treadle now.
Sharon
I used to teach beginning quilting, the first projects I taught were the 4 patch and 9 patch blocks.
I suggest you stay away from the new Singer machines. Older machines from the early 70s and older are great, they will last much longer than a cheap new machine. A Singer 237 is a good starter machine, it has 2 stitches; straight and zig zag. My machine was electric, but the motor didn't work any more, so its a treadle now.
Sharon
#40
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
OF COURSE NOT! But I doubt there is anyone who would 'want' and 'like' to sew a whole quilt w/o a sewing machine. I sew by hand what I cannot sew easily with a machine. I wonder if those who quilted (or sewed) by hand for centuries wouldn't have welcomed a sewing machine 'centuries' ago?!!
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