What Tips would you give to a New Quilter?

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08-12-2011, 08:10 AM

#101

IBQUILTIN

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: North Fork Ca

Posts: 8,234

Measure at least twice, cut once

08-12-2011, 08:25 AM

#102

born2bfree67

Junior Member

Join Date: Jul 2011

Location: Sunnyside, NY

Posts: 173

i agree with this tip. if you sew at a decent pace and cut precisely, stitch with patience, you quilt will be a good work of art. i learned the hard way, sewing and cutting fast and then seen my mistakes :-(

08-12-2011, 08:49 AM

#103

jean1234

Junior Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: washington

Posts: 119

:thumbup: Always press after each quilt top you make.. Good Luck on that... :thumbup:

08-12-2011, 10:14 AM

#104

KVz

Member

Join Date: Jul 2011

Location: Fairbanks, Alaska

Posts: 30

The advise I always gave my first graders applies to quilting as well as anything else worth doing: If you aren't making mistakes, you aren't learning.

08-12-2011, 10:25 AM

#105

MrsWiggs

Junior Member

Join Date: Jul 2011

Location: burlington, ky

Posts: 118

Talk to some experienced quilters- find out what tools they find most helpful and like and why. Then ask which tools they have used that they don't like and why. This has saved me from some bad purchases and led to some useful tools!

08-12-2011, 10:55 AM

#106

quilter2theend

Super Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Western New York

Posts: 1,085

Start with something simple, learn how to measure accurately, be careful with that rotary cutter, measure the 1/4" on your sewing machine, then take a deep breath and dive in!

08-12-2011, 11:06 AM

#107

Chris Kieffer

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Glendale, AZ

Posts: 325

Don't get frustrated....relax and let it be FUN!

08-12-2011, 11:06 AM

#108

geckos42

Junior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Arizona

Posts: 113

Quote:

Originally Posted by walkerjoanne44

I'm not a regular yet, but I would say take a picture of each item you make so you can keep a log of your progression through the years. What fun to go back and remember each project.

Great idea! I take photographs of the blocks in different arrangements before piecing them. This helps me "see" the quilt from a different perspective and determine (what I think is) the best design/pattern and use of color. I also believe that joining the Quilter's Board was one of the smartest decisions I've made. I gain so much from the members' experience and expertise. So many brains to pick! :-D

08-12-2011, 11:07 AM

#109

xstitchcchris

Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Tequesta, Fl.

Posts: 36

Start with a pattern that has squares or rectangles. View the free tutorials on basic quilting that are online or purchase one of Eleanor Burns books (ie log cabin quilt). She does a good job illustrating each step. A consistent 1/4 inch seam is important...most machines have a quilting foot (with a metal side strip) that one can purchase for you to help achieve this. Enjoy the process..

08-12-2011, 11:34 AM

#110

geckos42

Junior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Arizona

Posts: 113

I recommend this book for beginners: Start Quilting (3rd edition) by Alex Anderson.

I find it a great clear, concise and well-illustrated book for beginners. Alex introduces the basic shapes (squares, rectangles & triangles), basic/recommended tools, provides easy to understand directions and descriptions as well as helpful tips and shortcuts. It's next to my machine; my within-reach-reference.

At least pick up a copy and flip through it.