Me too! It blew my mind that it's really all the same block, just one pattern, and you just turn the block in different directions. I'm sure that's not uncommon, but since this was my first quilt, it was a bit surprise to me. LOL

I started machine quilting yesterday, after the advice I got here. Wow, that's hard to get that big quilt into my little sewing machine! I had to change my strategy. At first, I was planning to quilt inside each seam by a quarter-inch. So I started with one of the squares of a central nine-patch.... but because it's a square, that meant that I had to rotate the entire quilt by 90 degrees THREE times. Yikes! I couldn't imagine doing that for every single seam in the quilt.

I ripped out that seam and decided I would follow the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines from edge to edge of the quilt (but not the border). I did one horizontal, one vertical, and then decided that was enough for one day.

Thank you! I will. I do love the white, but I think maybe it's a little too white-white. I already know what pattern I'm going to make next, and it has a white background as well. I think I'll go for a more creamy white next time.

I won't repeat advice since there is plenty already stated. Just wanted to compliment you on your beautiful quilt and what a great job you did on your first one! Look forward to seeing a picture when it is finished:-)

You did a great job for a first quilt, and I really admire you for asking advice....I didn't and had many issues that could have turned out so much better.....machine quilting is another skill that I am getting better at, it's one of those practice, practice, practice things. Again, it's a beautiful quilt, will be waiting to see the finished project.

first time quilt beautifuL !!!!!!!!!!!

the quilt is beautiful and I can't wait to see it finished. From what I've experienced and I've only machine quilted 1 quilt (almost done with the second) and 2 tree skirts, is that the center is the hardest as you have so much to get through that little space. When you get to the edges it's easier as you have less going through the little space. Keep going, you'll see how much fun it is! and when you get brave enough to not stitch in the ditch, like my second quilt, every time you finish a line you want to pull it out and look at your work. that's probably why mine is taking so long!

I was always taught to start in the middle and work your way out each direction!!

Looks like you have a great top to work with!!
Your batting does not need to be larger than your lining, I usually cut my the same size as my top, but with this being your first, you can decide that.
First of all, if you are hand quilting, you need to baste the layers, either with a long stitch, safety pins or spray adhesive,if you are using that type of hoop you have pictured rather than in a large frame. For that hoop, you are right to start in the center, but your hoop is a little small. It's ok to go back and quilt hearts once you finished. You can either quilt in the ditch or you can quilt on each side of the seams. Either way, you don't need to mark those lines on there. Keep the lines straight by watching where the needle lays against the fabric when you are rocking it through the layers to pick up more fabric. The seam is the guide. If you've never quilting before, you might want to start with a sz 9 needle.
Hope this helps.... Happy quilting. Got to go work on mine!

When machine quilting, do I need to backstitch at the beginning and end of each line?

I was told to start with little tiny stitches (change the stitch length to almost 1) take a few stitches, stop, then set the stitch length to however big you want to use, I machine quilt with my stitch length around 2.

I don't backstitch because the few times that I did on a quilt top, the back didn't look very nice but I can backstitch just fine when sewing 2 pieces together, so it's not the machine