Bearpawquilter

Careful accurate cutting, use a consistent scant 1/4" seam because the thread inside the seam takes up a little space, when piecing press (up and down motion) with a dry iron as I find steam tends to distort, save the steam for the finished top, square up your blocks before sewing them together, most patterns show which way to press the seams

copycat

I like the website allpeoplequilt.com You will find a lot of info on how to make your first quilt. Good luck and have fun!

quilterpurpledog

I would recommend MSQC tutorials because Jenny Doan starts with precuts which will eliminate lots of the pitfalls for a first quilt. Then, if you love the process, you can build on the confidence you gain from the first experience. Buy a good cutting mat, a good rotary cutter and a ruler with a lip on it. Don't buy too many tools until you see a need for them. Good luck and be sure to keep us in the loop as you go forward.

Karamarie

Maybe start wth a simple kit.

klswift

YOU CAN DO IT! Only a couple things you really need to remember. One, you should take some time and practice making 1/4" seams. Mark your machine with tape, use a 1/4" foot, or mark a foot with a sharpie. But, if your seams are off, your quilt blocks will not fit. Second (and I think incredibly important), take a breath and don't be hard on yourself. Most mistakes no one else will ever see and the person receiving the quilt will be so happy that you made it, they won't care if there is a 'special design element' that wasn't planned to be in it. With every quilt you make, you will get better and you will feel more comfortable. Please start with a simple quilt (like a split rail) so that you will get past your jitters and enjoy the process. Almost forgot - take your time. Don't expect to sit down and complete it in a day. When you start to get tired or frustrated - walk away. Come back the next day fresh and clear headed. Every one of us has a UFO (unfinished object) that we will never finish because it stopped being fun and became work.

Wanabee Quiltin

I saw the most precious quilt in a book the other day for a baby girl. It's for beginners and all you do is pick out various pink flowers/gingham/checked/polka dot fabrics that match. Cut them into 6 inch squares and sew together. It had a small ruffle around the edge and it was darling. I would like that as a lap quilt for myself. I think you could possibly buy a few charm squares packages that are 5" and do a great job .

Innov8R

I have been where you are and I know how intimidating it is. First, figure out how you are going to make a consistent 1/4 inch seam. There are lots of options. They even make a foot with a guide on it to give you an exact 1/4 in seam. If nothing else tape cardboard, post its, or something a little bit thick on the plate of your machine to guide you. They sell precut sets of fabric if you don't have a rotary cutter and mat (charms, jellyrolls, mini charms, etc). Consider one of these if you lack the tools to cut accurately. If you go with precuts, you can find patterns that specialize in making quilts from these without a lot a subcutting. READ your pattern then REREAD it to be sure you understand it. It is likely that your first quilt will have a few flaws, but even a quilt with a few flaws can be a treasured gift for a beloved baby. Proudly gift your quilt and move on the next one! You will be hooked for life!
BTW I want to welcome you to the QB where you will learn something new every day from experienced quilters who give freely of their time and expertise to help you! This welcome comes from New Mexico's Rio Grande Valley with best wishes for you and your family.

Dolphyngyrl

Craftsy.com has some free classes online and missouriquiltco also has lots of youtube tutorials so I would start there. It is pretty easy once you get started

Watson

How's it going so far?
I agree with others here...a fence rail is a good place to start. Jenny Doan at Missouri Star has great tutorials.
You'll need a cutting mat, a ruler and a rotary cutter to start off with.
You could also check Craftsy to see if they have a beginners class. That would be a great place to start.
You could also think about doing a tied quilt, if the quilting part of the project has you concerned....Not thatit should...it's just straight lines if you want to quilt it that way!
I hope you drop back in and let us know how you are doing.

Watson

stillvnu

Congratulations! A new niece will be a joy ... several have mentioned Missouri Star tutorials ... also check out Lori Holt she has very simple directions to make cute quilts.

Good luck!