MadQuilter

Most of us use 100% cotton fabric which is really predictable. Using clothing in comparison provides a level of the unknown. Mixed fiber content, different thicknesses, stretchiness, odd shapes.... that can be quite a challenge. It is not something I would recommend for a total newbie. Once you understand the basics of quilting, I'd say go for it and enjoy the memories. If you use a fusible interfacing to stabilize the stretchy and thin fabrics, you'll do just fine.

quilterpurpledog

Someone above mentioned Craftsy. I recommend that very much if you do not have a quilt shop near by. I realize that there are some who are self taught and have had other sewing experience. However, I think there is greater opportunity for success when you seek instruction from a class or even books for beginning quilter. I hope you love it and have a great personal journey with it. And, yes, save the baby clothes for a project down the road a bit.

christy81

Thank you everybody so much for all your words of wisdom.

Bree123

I agree with the others. Since I had taken sewing classes in the past, my first "quilt" was a table runner using the kits they sell at Jo-Ann. I didn't need a rotary cutter -- just thread, sewing machine needles, pins & my machine. If you are sewing by machine, a 1/4" foot (sometimes called a "patchwork foot" or a "piecing foot") makes it a lot easier, but it's not a deal breaker. You can measure 1/4" from your needle to the right & use a stack of 10 post-it notes to make a little guide so you know exactly where to feed your fabric through. If you plan to quilt it, you'll also definitely want to get a Walking Foot for your machine -- unless you plan to hand quilt it, which takes a LOT of time to learn ... I'm trying to learn that now & it is not easy! Oh, also, you definitely want a working iron & either spray starch or sizing. Quilting involves a lot of pressing.

Good luck on your project & welcome to the wonderful adventure of quilting!

The more practice you get, the better -- but I'd at least try to make a small quilt before taking on a quilt with recycled clothing. That way you learn the basic techniques before adding in more complicated steps like adding stabilizer to the backs of the pieces of clothing & such.

Jane Quilter

welcome to the forum. Head to your nearest quilt shop. They always have beginner classes, helpful people, and you will make great friends. But we are glad you are here , too.

pbraun

I too am new to quilting. I started with a basic class at Joann Fabrics. The fee included the rotary cutter and other tools. After about 10 squares I went to a class at a local sewing shop where the instructor took us through the entire process resulting in a completely finished three square table runner. Both were good and I feel like I can quilt. About 4 years ago I made a t-shirt quilt with the help of a friend who quilts. I had to send it out to do the quilting. Most recently, I joined this Quilt Board and read the posts often. Had a question about my cutting board and received several suggestions. Sometimes the answers to questions on this site send us to web sites with free tutorials which are very helpful early in the morning when I cannot go to a friend. At any rate, I truly enjoy the quilting, and I hope you will too.

Reba'squilts

Check out some of the comprehensive quilt books, I have one from Better Homes that is fantastic. I still go to it with questions. As previously mentioned you tube has many tutes. Hope you enjoy quilting as much as we do!

carolynjo

Welcome to the board. You have asked some good questions and have received some thoughtful answers. I would take a beginner quilting class so that you can become familiar with all your tools and all the terms you will encounter. You will learn about fabric, grain of fabric, and lots of other terms. Do a simple pattern where you will learn most of the things you will need to know. I would not begin with your sentimental clothing. Wait until you have some experience under your belt. Find a local guild to join also. Their advice and fellowship will be priceless.

EmiliasNana

I just saw an interesting offer for new quilters on MSQC. It is a complete package of quilting supplies for a small baby quilt, including the backing and they will quilt it and bind it for free. I think it comes with an instruction booklet, online video references for back-up information, rotary cutter, mat, thread, ruler, scissors and all the fabric for the small baby quilt. I thought it sounded like a great deal for a newbie to get their feet wet. Has anyone taken them up on this?

Here is the link: https://www.missouriquiltco.<wbr>com/couch-to-quilt

AZ Jane

Welcome from Arizona. Just wanted to throw out, while it is possible to spend inordinate amounts of money on quilting, most of our ancestors started with a pair of scissors, needles and thread.