There is just one point in there that I would try to fix. Get some help from an experienced quilter if you can't figure it out. Pressing and trimming correctly are so important.

I would be proud to have your Ohio Stars hanging on my wall. I love them.

could you be ironing ibstead of pressing?????

I just noticed that some fabric just cuts strangely on the bias. I cut large (12") square, had the fabric on the 45 degree line, the ruler on the 45 degree line, the fabric taped on both sides, new rotary blade, and STILL got a wave in the middle of the triangle. Before even pressing it. (I checked on a straight line on the cutting mat) New mat, old mat, no difference. Even straight cuts go weird.

If you don't use steam, or press hard, how do you remove wrinkles? I find seams and whatever simply don't lay flat unless I do iron the heck out of them. All fabrics, too. What everyone calls good fabric to cheap fabric. Washed or not.
Seems to be stretched as soon as I cut it.

I've used all kinds of rulers. I have one from OZ that has a piece you line up with the dimension, a Truecut with the lip,
and the fabric still seems stretched or uneven on straight cuts.

Some piecing will look like the OP's, but I do have a 1/4" foot, and I've sewn clothing, and other articles without this problem. I've pinned, not pinned, you name it.

I can cut mat board for photos using a corked back ruler and exacto - that is straight. I've checked ruler edges and table - all flat and straight. All rulers have grips - either dots or a sheet.

The cutting table is high - but it's either high or my back. We also live in a very dry climate, and in the winter, static electricity is the pits.

you need to think "a quilt is to keep me warm". and move on from there. perfection isn't a must , unless you are going to put it in a show. most of us, don't make perfect quilts, we make a quilt a non quilter would love because they got it from us. start off with something with not so many points to match. maybe irish chains, 9 patches, or D9P's, show flies, churn dashes, etc.

Okay...granted I am a newbie, but I don't see what is so horrible about your wall hanging. I like the colors and nothing shouts "This is awful" to me. You are too hard on yourself.

Keep practicing.

I noticed that too about the kitchen and it made me smile too. I did not actually watch the whole video as I just learned how to do it from the little paper insert with the ruler but I thought it was nice there was a video showing how to use the ruler.

Starching & pressing the fabric before cutting really helps me PLUS I would never do a half square triangle that had to be cut on the bias.

A very very accomplished quilter friend of mine, did me a great favor when I showed her my first quilt, with all it's flaws. As I pointed out the wonkiness and lack of points....she grabbed the binding and gave the whole quilt a little shake, and said..."do you see it now?"

That has stuck with me, and I have passed it on many times. I am still learning every day and feel so accomplished when I feel I've achieved "perfection". Don't give up, quilt for yourself. Practice practice practice.

It looks very good to me! I am sure you will improve by doing more. A 1/4" foot definitely helps and I'd suggest just starting with squares. You chose a challenging pattern for a beginner. I would just do 4 patch or 9 patch blocks until you get the hang of piecing and matching seams. If it's something that I am totally neurotic about matching seams, I also just put a drop of glue and hit it with the iron to hold it in place. Keep up the good work!

My triangles are awful. I avoid them at all costs but sometimes have to do them. They give me more problems that anything else. I have noticed though that the more I do, the better I am getting. Keep at it. I think your wall hanging is great.

Oh my I DO iron. I had no idea I was just supposed to "press".

Your work looks exactly like 99.99% of the rest of ours when we started out. Here are my suggestions to combat those fears, and others have their way of doing things but this is how I get perfect seams and finished blocks. One key thing to remember: When doing piecework, a ruler is your best friend. I keep a 1x12, a small square, and a similar rectangle ruler near my machine at all times. Before doing the next seam when doing piecework, measure the seams against the finished size. For this pattern, sew 3 squares together, then measure the center square to make sure it is the size the pattern calls for. Do this for all 3 strips of the 3 squares sewn together. Then sew one strip of 3 squares to another. Now measure from the center points of where the 2 triangles meet out to the seam line. Is it exactly half of the total 'finished' size of the triangle square? If not, the seam line is off. When I sew strips together where I have to match up points, I first 'baste' with a longer stitch. Instead of 1.8 or 2, I use a 3.5. That way, if the measurement is off, I sew the seam again without taking out that 'basting' stitch (unless the edges of the strips don't line up which means that measurement is off.) Measure the seam and if correct, pull out the first seam and measure again. When it is correct, reduce the stitch length and sew on that basting line. If you sew a little off the line, simply turn over the fabric to the front and check for any stitches poking through. Turn it back over and carefully snip those stray stitches and pull through. Measure again when adding the third strip. When adding the frames to the squares, measure the strip widths (white sq with triangle sq), and then measure the square for finished size (triangle points to triangle points. Your next step is important for lining up: before adding the adjoining square, fold over the narrow sash (frame). Make marks where the 2 seams are on the 3-squared strip. Fold back over and pin the seams of the square to line up with those 2 marks you made. Put the pin directly into the seam holes. Take a ruler and place it along the seam lines and check if the seam lines up, and if the 2 horizontal strips of squares you just made are the finished size of the pattern. I hope this has made sense and once you get the hang of it, it will be second nature to use the rulers. Practice practice practice and you will amaze yourself.
P.S. You didn't post to have us point out any flaws, because there aren't any. You came for guidance and we are pretty good at that as we have all been there! And if it were me, I wouldn't take this apart or throw it away. Frame it for your sewing room wall. It will do wonders for your sewing self esteem. I have a wall full of stuff that shows me how far I have come. I think if you continue with these colors and patterns, you are going to have a beautiful wallhanging to show off!

I think it looks pretty darn good!! Sometimes I believe it is all in the way you hold your mouth when sewing (haha)

There are so many balls to keep in the air when you're quilting, and it takes a lot of practice - LOL. You chose one of the most difficult things - quarter square triangles -QSTs. Many quilters avoid them like the plague! Same with half square triangles - HSTs. There are many tricks to make them - Thangles being one of them. Accuquilt has dies to cut out both. I bought dies in several sizes for my Accuquilt because I love HSTs , but I hated to sew them before I got my Accuquilt. Now I love to use them!

Don't give up. Everyone has to start somewhere.

I think you need a new blade in your rotary cutter. I put a new one in at the start of each project - though I don't use it as often now that I have Accuquilt. No, I don't work for A, nor am I an investor - LOL.

I tried needle turn applique and ended up with fuzzy edges when I washed the quilt. But my dogs do not mind as it is their quilt now. I have been piecing for years and have not trouble making this match.
Want to trade. I will do your piecing and you do my applique?

what a great group of commentors and encouragers. I love that . I see lots of effort and no fault in what you have done. I'd continue on if I were you. Keep on keeping on. You won't be sorry. HUGS

My goodness it is adorable. Please know we all have to start somewhere, and if you saw my first attempt ou would really chuckle!!!,

Relax! Your quilt doesn't look that bad! I think very often we are our own worst critic. If you want a accurate 1/4, may I suggest a 1/4inch foot with guide presser foot for your sewing machine. I think you can find one for most sewing machines. When you are sewing, you have the fabric up against the guide,Presto! Perfect 1/4 seams the easy way.As far as sewing triangles goes, have you ever considered the Wonder Ruler? You make a tube and then use the ruler to cut out a perfect ruler. I think the Missouri Star Quilt co has a video on using a regular ruler to achieve the same results. As with anything you do in life, practice makes perfect. Good Luck!

Just looking at the seams, it appears that you are not taking a consistent 1/4" seam. There are several ways to fix this pretty block. One way is to make a bridge of tape for your fabric to push against when it is under the needle. Measure by putting your ruler under the needle and rolling it down until it sits on the 1/4" mark. Mark where 1'4" is on your face plate and make a mark. Now, using several pieces of masking tape or blue painter's tape, stack them up, keeping them exactly in line and on your 1'4" mark, until you have about 10 or so of them--a bridge that will allow you to guide your fabric along the tape. You should be able to sew a consistent 1/4" seam that way. Two: If that method doesn't work, go to the drug or grocery story and buy moleskin (you line your shoe heel with it or put it where your shoe rubs a sore spot. Using your rotary cutter and a ruler, cut a strip 1/4" wide. Peel the adhesive off and stick it on your face place 1/4" from the needle. This also will help you to sew a consistent seam. It will wear down, however, so you will need to check it periodically. You can, by the way, lift the strip of blue painter's tape and stick it on your sewing machine until you need it again. Three: On some machines there is a hole that you can screw in a seam guide which can be adjusted to seam width also. Good luck. Hope this answered your question.

I am close to being in the same boat as you are, and I've been quilting for about 12 years now. I'm not very critical, even of my own work, but piecing and blocks drive me up a creek. I took an 8 once-a-week class, and we were given a "mystery" quilt to do. Happily the class ended before I finished and those 60 blocks are still somewhere in a bin somewhere. It drove me crazy. I can spend hours ripping out, but to do the same blocks 240 times!!! No way! I'm a bit dyslexic and I blame all my faults in life on that (very convenient!). So I applique! Love doing it. Am not outstandingly good at it or at any quilting, but I can turn out a quilt that reflects the interests of the person for whom it is meant, and they have been loved. I can do landscapes, "modern" art, swirls of colors, Cars, tractors, houses.... anything I want) and they are fun.... not particularly good workmanship. I do really admire those quilts with tiny pieces and magnificent designs, but they are not me or mine. Should I learn to do and love doing blocks? I've decided that now that I'm in my 70s I'd rather keep doing what I want to do..... and that is mostly applique. I have done blocks, but they weren't detailed in themselves; their beauty came from the design the blocks made overall. I wish you the best in your quilting journey! I'd also love to see some pictures of your appliqued quilts....

I think you did great for a first attempt. Try to relax and enjoy what you have finished. I always suggest a person to begin by taking a class with a good instructor. That way they don't develop bad habits in the first place. The instructor can show you how down to the littlest detail. Piecing looks so easy until you try it. Then it learning the tricks to getting everything spot on. There are so many posters here that are sharing them every day. Like don't use steam and scrubbing while you are pressing on bias edges, it is amazing how big and out of shape it will get. Just keep piecing, pressing right , reading and asking questions. You will get there, honest!

I learned to quilt about 2 years ago. I look back at my first table runner (flying geese), which I still use, and chuckle at my inexperience. No big deal - I still use the runner, it looks great and no one else notices. My BFF gave me some sound advice when I was concerned over something that didn't work out quite right recently: She said nobody will be looking at the project as closely as I was.

Here are the things that have really helped for me (and I know I'm echoing what others have said):
I got a 1/4" piecing foot with a guide;
I wash, dry, then starch both sides of my fabric before cutting for a project - the starch really does help a fabric behave. I know it's a pain in the rear end and it's time consuming, but I have noticed a difference in my work since starting this;
Through practice I've learned how to press on the ruler and use the rotary cutter. It's amazing how the smallest thing can affect the cut. I noticed you aren't using a rotary cutter - IMHO you can't get good, straight quilting cuts using scissors. It only takes being off by a hair to really mess things up.
Practice, practice, practice. I think I'm getting pretty darn good at pieceing and getting points to line up (most of the time) and even just a new machine made a difference. I was using the 1/4" piecing foot on the new machine, just like I did on the old machine, and the row of squares came out crooked and 1/2" too short. I pulled it apart, restitched on the old machine and it was perfect. This was a huge wake up call that I need to start all over in practicing 1/4" piecing on my new machine.
In the end my mantra is Practice, Patience and Chocolate. Lots of chocolate. :)
Good luck... your topper looks really nice and I love the colors.

I can COMPLETELY sympathize with your frustration after trying so hard and I think this group has made some great suggestions. Learning the 1/4" seam accurately takes a lot of patience and you need a way to check that you are doing it right. I use a 1/4" foot and a tape marker. Some people use those foot pads for your feet on the sewing machine to guide your fabric for 1/4" seam. I went through a similar torment after making several log cabin "squares", always something was off base. I still have to be careful and go slow and check check check.

I like your squares and your work.. the colors are great and the idea is sound. Don't give up! I won't if you won't!

I “Love” your first attempt!!

As a newbie, use a template to trace your pieces, making sure that your pencil is slating in toward the template so as to get an accurate measurement, not away from your template which might give you an extra 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch. This can add up over the course of your finished work. Carefully cut out your fabric pieces with scissors instead of a rotary cutter as to again get an accurate cut. Make sure that your seam allowances are all just ¼ of an inch. Then when pressing, as mentioned previously, make sure that you do not drag your iron across your work as to stretch your work. Make sure that you gently place your iron down onto the piece, pick it up when you move it, and then press down onto another piece. Once you become comfortable and accurate with your work, you can start finding short cuts to take while maintaining your accuracy.

I still use templates and scissors and find that in the long run it is rewarding and a great time saver as my quilts always square up nicely when I go ahead and layer them, quilt and bind them. Everyone has their own preference and process. You will find what is comfortable and works successfully for you.

You are doing wonderfully…good luck ….keep up the good work…and enjoy! :thumbup:

Take a look at Missouri Quilting company tutorials on utube...she has a great way for piecing HST's...love your quilts ...

lol I'd be happy to do your applique!

I feel your pain but I don't think it looks as bad as you seem to think it does. I had a similar problem until I had a quilt teacher who taught me to press instead of iron. I was ironing the heck out of squares and using a lot of steam, and all I was doing was stretching the fabric until I learned to lift and set the iron down, instead of rubbing it all over the fabric to press. This may not be the issue with your blocks, but to me, your blocks looked stretched rather than mis-cut or mis-sewn. Still if it bothers you, try dampening and blocking your quilt like needlework and let it air dry to help straighten it a little and I think it would be fine. Whenever I start to get upset about a quilt, unless it is going in a competition, I think of how earlier women who didn't have all of the tools we have today did the best they could with their quilts and they looked just fine. We women are too self-critical and I can guarantee no one else would notice many of the things we consider to be flaws. Don't sweat the small stuff -- the thing is to enjoy being in the moment of creation! It's going to be a beautiful quilt -- I wish I had your talent for applique...talk about weird looking shapes on a quilt when I try to applique :-)

The question about Thangles has still not been answered. This is new to me. I want to know! Are you talking about triangles? Just a misspelled word?

No. She really means Thangles. It's sort of a pre-printed paper piecing system.

http://thangles.com/howtheywork.html

If you prefer video:
http://thangles.com/video.html

Paper piecing might help you.
One thing that I found is that I found is that how you approach cross seams matters a lot, as does pinning. First put a pin vertically right next to the cross seam, through both pieces. This is the standard procedure. Holding it carefully, pin on either side of the first pin. (although, I generally use one pin on a diagonal.) Look at our left hand example. If you were sewing from bottom to top, It would be positioned correctly, so that your needle hits the seam allowance and locks it in place before it reaches the cross seam. If you have the reverse, the cross seams tends to be pushed apart. Of course, you may say, "What about pressing to the dark?" Where that is a problem, I clip the seam once so it can be pressed to the dark.

When a large number of people in my guild were working on a project together, I found that several people who had been quilting much longer that I had this exact problem and had convinced themselves that they did not care. After one try with this method, they were comfortable with being "experts". Don't give up.

Do get new blades. Rotary cutting is much faster and more exact.

Oh My!!! You really need to use a rotary cutter - it will improve the quality of cuts dramatically. And I can see that you need to get a good quarter inch seam. the hourglass unit on the right where seamed to the center unit shows a seam that is over a quarter inch to the naked eye. I would have taken that one out and re-sewn. The good news is that some of the triangles are spot on, so I think you are close to getting this right. Just check each one for size (we call it squaring up) before you join it to the next unit.

Thanks a bunch, Peggi!

You know, I had to really look for the errors. If they don't jump out at me, I'd say quilt 'er up and count it as practice. Once it's quilted, they won't be obvious at all. I think it's very nice. I haven't been quilting long, and some of my first attempts were disasters. But practice really does make.. well, at least better. :)

I agree, it's best to work on one thing at a time and then step up to more difficult patterns. Voice of experience here, I thought everything should turn out right the first time---Wrong!

I have been quilting for 30 years - still not perfect....lol...but, the girls are right. You must double check your cutting - must use a rotary cutter and be sure to line up your ruler markings the same way each time you cut (are you inside the heavy black lines or on the outside edge of them). But the number one thing I have found is in pressing! I use a cut & press board with ruler markings on it - and I actually block the quilt squares as I press with steam. Triangles especially will stretch...so blocking them to the correct size works wonders! Then, just keep doing your piecing...it really does improve with practice! Yours looks fine to me!

I wish mine were more accurate also but as my eyesight goes, I am more careful and still have to overlook the small mistakes.

I love making triangles with Thangles or other printed papers. Also, I never sew the bias triangles together. Put two blocks together, draw diagonal line corner to corner, draw 1/4" from that and sew. Then cut to make two half square triangle blocks. But your applique boggles my mind. I can't imagine the work that went into those wedding rings or the Twelve Days of Christmas. Wow. You are way too hard on yourself. Enjoy what you do well and practice what needs improvement. It's what we all do.

I have similar issues with triangles...I solve that by sticking to squares and rectangles! LOL

As my old teacher always said - practice makes perfect. It is not that bad, keep trying! You should have seen my first quilt. Oh boy, but my quilting friend made me pull out the stitches and do it again! It worked, but I still have mishaps. Don't get dissapointed, keep trying and you will see, in no time everything just works out.

I saw a tutorial on Thangles and it really helped me. Working with a large square and cutting into triangles after sewing gives much less chance for stretching, etc. I only saw one spot that was really bad, and that should be easy to fix. You can stretch some plain "in between" areas, but those triangle points in a deep contrast are just impossible to hide.