Where to start as a Beginner quilter
I didn’t grow up in a sewing family. I didn’t touch a sewing machine until I was in 7th grade home economics class and I can tell you, there was no spark. I tried again in 11th grade Fashion class where I constructed (barely) a jumper for my 2 year old nephew. The class I thought would be an easy credit turned out to be one I just passed by the skin of my teeth. Again, no spark. When I married my husband, his Grandmother and Aunts made us a beautiful quilt for our wedding, and while I admired and treasured it, there was still no spark of interest to try it myself. I spent a couple decades building a career and being a mom. I shuttled my kids all over Canada and the USA for sports tournaments and was completely fulfilled…. and exausted! It wasn’t until the kids had their licenses and own cars, they started driving themselves to practice and I was left sitting in a quiet house wondering….. Now what? Right about that time, I don’t know how, I came across these videos with a cute little intro and a super friendly woman named Jenny Doan. Jenny was on YouTube and was happy to show everyone, (even quilting noobies like me), how to put a quilt block together.
Quilt Inspiration:
This is an inspirational replica of the quilt my husbands Grandmother and Aunts made us for our wedding.
So as a Beginner quilter, where should you get started? There are some basic things you will need to get the results you want. If you know a quilter or a sewer, ask them if they have any extras you can borrow before making the commitment to buy these things. That said, I can almost guarantee you’ll be hooked and your money will not go to waste.
Suggested Tools:
Sewing Machine - I would suggest using what you have or borrowing from a family or friend until you know what you want long term. Your sewing journey will take twists and turns and that’s totally normal. You may dabble in bag making, you may want to one day quilt your own quilts on your machine, you may want to start learning machine embroidery. While you are new in your journey I would suggest staying neutral until you have more experience.
Cutting Mat - I suggest something that will at least hold a Width of Fabric. I use my 24” x 36” mat every day, it can store under a couch in a pinch and you can use it for everything.
Rotary Cutter - 45mm is a great place to start. I’ve only ever used Olfa and have never been disappointed.
Quilt Ruler - I recommend starting with an 8.5”x24”, again, the ability to cut a full Width of fabric will come in handy as you get going.
Thread - 50 weight in a neutral color. Polyester, Cotton or a blend.
Pins and a pin cushion - I used the Tomato from my 11th grade sewing class for years and years
Scissors - Your very own pair… NOT the ones from the Kitchen.
Seam Ripper - Seam Rippers can be fancy…. That said, I actually prefer the cheap ones they sell from buckets ($1-$2 each), they are easier to hold and they are sharper than the more expensive one’s I’ve bought.
Suggested First Patterns:
Start small! Learn how to sew a 1/4” seam on small projects. Start with 5” squares from a Charm Pack (or you can cut fabric yoruself) and make a place mat. One of my first projects was a dog bowl placemat that we still use today. I’m very much into immediate gratification so making a small placemat allowed me to practice piecing, quilting and binding all in one weekend. Here’s a great tutorial: How to Make a Beginner Charm Pack Placemat! With Sherri McConnell and Kimberly Jolly - YouTube
What else should you know?
Perfection is WAY overrated! There is no such thing as The quilt police and the 3 foot rule applies to all levels of quilters (stand back 3 feet and you won’t notice any errors). Don’t drag yourself down in trying to be perfect when you start… I promise your progress will amaze you! Progress over perfection always.
Visit a local quilt shop! I wonder if this should have been #1 on the list? Quilt stores are full of Quilters who LOVE to help new Quilters. Quilt shops are not only full of knowledgeable resources who can help you get started with tools and fabrics, they are full of inspiration. Most have samples, offer classes and are generally knowledgeable in any style of quilting.
Instagram and Facebook - These resources are great if you don’t have a local quilt store or just for inspiration in general. You can start to learn the language, start to see fabric lines and patterns and figure out what appeals to you. Are you interested in Traditional quilting? Modern quilting? Do you like soft colors or bold colors, light or dark backgrounds? Explore hashtags and go down the rabbit hole. Give these a try: #Quilting #ModernQuilt #Appliquequilts #FPP #Quiltpattern #Traditionalquilting
YouTube - Jenny Doan and the Missouri Star Quilt Company are still producing YouTube videos and I would highly recommend them for anyone who is just getting started. Jenny’s approach allows you to learn fundamentals and also gives you the confidence to try things yourself. Since Jenny started there has been an explosion of Quilters teaching Quilters on YouTube. Type “Beginner Quilt” into the search and you will be amazed at the results. Below are a few of the more well known resources but as you get going, you will find your own favorites.
So, let me now say… WELCOME! One of the greatest things this hobby has given me is some great friends and I’m thrilled to be yours. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.
Quilty Friends Forever,
Tanya at Blue Mountain Quilt Company.