farmgirl22

I am new to quilting yet, i really didnt even start yet. I need help with the basics on it. I know how to hand sew a litle its been a while though.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

Start with a small project. Maybe a potholder. Look at www.quilterscache.com for a block pattern you like. They are rated by difficulty.

cjsews

Most important is to remember quilting uses a 1/4 inch seam. The smaller the pieces the more acuracy is needed. Start with large blocks to get the hang of it. Biggest tip is to just relax and enjoy the process.

dunster

Is there a guild you could join? Or a quilt store that offers classes? I was lucky enough to find both, and it really helps to have instruction and to meet other quilters.

mike'sgirl

I would invest in a book that covers all the ins and outs of quilting. It will give you a good foundation to start with.
Also, look at the tips page on this forum for some good information. One thing that I have learned recently (and I have been quilting for a few years, and have made a good 2 handsful of quilts) is the use of starch. I never used to use it too much, but as I have used it more, my results have been better. I also , as cjsews said, pay more attention to my 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Enjoy, don't be too hard on yourself, and keep learning. Gina

jcrow

I would take a beginner's quilting class. That would pretty much teach you everything you need to know to get started.

Neesie

Howdy and welcome, from Texas!

I'm gonna go against the flow and suggest you start with a 1/2" seam, instead of 1/4". Until you get better at making those seams, the wider ones will be much more forgiving. Consistency is what's important and as long as you don't work with the smaller pieces, 1/2" will be much easier to manage.

Gotta run now, as the Quilt Police are probably tacking up WANTED posters, as I type!

DogHouseMom

Welcome.

Good suggestions above, especially starting with pot holders as you'll get the whole quilting experiece (piecing, sandwiching, quilting and binding) in one little project.

Yes ... take a class or get some books. I can actually recommend "Quilting for Dummies" as it is very basic and takes you from start to finish. Some very good advice and tips in it. Seriously. The other book I recommend after you've learned the basics and the lingo is "Mastering Precision Piecing" by Sally Collins. Yes the word "mastering" is in the title but don't let it fool you because "mastering" the seam is a BASIC TENET of quilting. If you plan on making quilts with triangles, or quilts with small pieces ... you will love this book (and it's accompanying video). I call it the "piecing primer". I was a self taught quilter, had a back-ground in garment making, but the Mastering book really brought me that extra step further with regard to precision.

Tashana

I started by using the edge of my regular sewing foot as a guide. It is a tad bigger than 1/4". Start small and go from there. Taking a class at a local store is a great idea because everybody there will be a beginner. You can also use Internet to get started. There are so many tutorials. Do not give up. You know the saying - Rome was not built in one day.

Kitsie

Get a good book and a simple little kit and HAVE FUN! We're here for you!