Beginner Project Suggestions
#11
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You've picked gorgeous quilts, but as the other posters have said, they're not the easiest with which to start. Take a look at Jenny Doan's videos on YouTube and try something based on squares so you won't be discouraged by the difficulties presented by diagonals and tight circles. Welcome to a great creative outlet - be sure to post your progress!
#12
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't want to discourage you, but the 2 patterns you refer to in your post may present a challenge. The triangles will all have bias edges and may pull out of shape with handling. Also, her instruction to let the tips overhang and 'equal amount' is good, but I made a similar pattern and had a difficult time keeping them aligned. The other pattern has curved piecing, and the curve is quite tight, which may cause difficulties. You may want to look at a pattern based on squares for a first go. If you do want to go forward with one of your example quilts, I would go with the triangles. Starch the fabric well to avoid stretching the bias, and only cut a few pieces then sew to see how it goes before cutting all your fabric.
I have a pattern based on squares. I like that look. Thank you for your help!
![Smile](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png)
#13
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I agree with Jordan and cashs_mom. I started with a six week beginner class at a quilt shop and it was the best thing I could have done. I hope you will take this advice. If you aren't able to do that for some reason, the next best thing would be a good book on beginner quilting. These are available on Amazon or your local library can help you find one.
![Smile](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png)
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,867
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm relatively new to quilting. The hard part of quilting is cutting your fabric accurately and sewing a 1/4" seam consistently. To get the seams to match, you have to do both.
The first time you cut out a quilt, the ruler slides just a bit. Then your machine pulls a little one way or the other. For some reason, the squares just don't come out the same size. They just don't meet correctly. Therefore the seams won't match exactly. For that reason, everyone is encouraging you to pick a pattern that doesn't require too many seams to match. I also would suggest you just make a lap quilt (or a baby quilt) as finishing your first project will make you want to go to the next one.
I would suggest a rail fence:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/53996852@N03/5061111510
Or, maybe a brick road as someone else suggested:
http://www.quilterscache.com/R/RailFenceBlock.html
I made a disappearing 9 patch for my first quilt. I did not take a class. Unfortunately, my local quilt shop really put the hard sell on me on the class. They were making a wall hanging which I had no interest in making. So I went off on my own. Fortunately, I had sewed a lot of clothing as a young person, so I was familiar with sewing. I watched a lot of youtube videos, the ladies on the quilting forum at Gardenweb helped me and another local quilt shop helped as well. I think the class would have made it easier, though.
bkay
I succeeded, however:
The first time you cut out a quilt, the ruler slides just a bit. Then your machine pulls a little one way or the other. For some reason, the squares just don't come out the same size. They just don't meet correctly. Therefore the seams won't match exactly. For that reason, everyone is encouraging you to pick a pattern that doesn't require too many seams to match. I also would suggest you just make a lap quilt (or a baby quilt) as finishing your first project will make you want to go to the next one.
I would suggest a rail fence:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/53996852@N03/5061111510
Or, maybe a brick road as someone else suggested:
http://www.quilterscache.com/R/RailFenceBlock.html
I made a disappearing 9 patch for my first quilt. I did not take a class. Unfortunately, my local quilt shop really put the hard sell on me on the class. They were making a wall hanging which I had no interest in making. So I went off on my own. Fortunately, I had sewed a lot of clothing as a young person, so I was familiar with sewing. I watched a lot of youtube videos, the ladies on the quilting forum at Gardenweb helped me and another local quilt shop helped as well. I think the class would have made it easier, though.
bkay
I succeeded, however:
Last edited by bkay; 11-30-2016 at 04:01 PM. Reason: grammar
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
YouTube - Missouri star quilt company - many, many easy project using precuts...the company is a great source with reasonable prices....look into that as a starting point. Another good teacher with tutes on YouTube is Eleanor Burns of quilt in a day...her books are well illustrated and directions are complete and easy to follow.......
#16
Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: East Coast
Posts: 66
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I agree with Tartan -- Warm Wishes is a great way to start.
My sister just took up quilting. She had done no sewing at all since a bad high school experience. She went on a retreat with me. First she did a 36 x 36 service project quilt that was just squares and a border. Then she did a Warm Wishes 36x36 service quilt where she chose the fabrics. Everything was very successful; she is hooked; I am thrilled.
My sister just took up quilting. She had done no sewing at all since a bad high school experience. She went on a retreat with me. First she did a 36 x 36 service project quilt that was just squares and a border. Then she did a Warm Wishes 36x36 service quilt where she chose the fabrics. Everything was very successful; she is hooked; I am thrilled.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 669
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I agree with the taking an "in person" class, but I'm going to disagree with people discouraging you from doing anything but squares & "easy." I took beginning, intermediate and advanced classes with a VERY challenging teacher who wanted us to learn lots of skills & techniques. I hadn't sewn in 30 years. We did a crib-sized sampler quilt that had lots of difficult techniques, including triangles, templates, flying geese, hand applique, curved seams and Y-seams. If you love it and can sew you can do it. I might not start with circles though
![Smile](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png)
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Tn
Posts: 8,966
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Warm wishes is an easy pattern. Another is disappearing nine patch. It can look so complicated but is quite easy. Putting different pro to together gives your quilt more interest. Use different size prints, small medium large and tone on tone
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Dakotas
Posts: 3,014
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I started my GDIL (age 27, limited experience at a sewing machine) on potholders. She did the one made from 6 pieces of 9" square fabric and requires no handwork. I'm not sure what they are called but super easy. She had 2 pair made for gifts quickly and left here with a huge feeling of accomplishment. We'll work into placemats or a table runner next.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post