Jingle

Most important I have learned is: not just one way to do anything to get the same results. Experts are not real.

quiltingshorttimer

squaring up units of a block as I go and not waiting until the whole block is together to square

use pins when I need them instead of just trying to hold it all together!

check my quarter inch seam with each new project--different threads do make a difference.

Sit up straight and hold my neck tucked so that my shoulders and neck aren't stress and achy --this one is very hard for me to do.

don't let my sewing room get so chaotic that I can't find things!

Onebyone

I make a copy of all my paper patterns. I mark off each step with a highlighter as I go. When done I toss the copy.

MFord

Check the errors section of any quilting magazine before you make one of their quilts. It's surprising how many errors make it into nationally known publications!

copycat

Don't be in a hurry when you are sewing. I usually make mistakes and have to use the seam ripper more often.

abc123

Pre-shrink fabric (whatever your preferred method) prior to cutting and do not use steam when pressing unfinished block seams.

Quick story: one of my first quilts had used very small flying geese in the sashing and I used an assortment of fabrics for the scrappy look I desired but when I went to assemble the sashing, discovered that many blocks had shrunk anywhere from 1/4" to 1/2". I learned the lesson the hard way and started using fabric sizing or spray starch to pre-shrink and stabilize the fabric before cutting.

ArtsyOne

When I sit down to sew, if I make one mistake, well okay. If I make a second mistake, that's a warning. If I make a third mistake (i.e., bobbin runs out, spool runs out, thread comes out of needle, piece sewn wrong side up), then that's a definite sign it's not a good day for quilting and best to put everything aside and read a book instead.

rryder

It really is okay to "break thread" when FMQ and there are times when doing so will make your life easier.

Rob

Wanabee Quiltin

I always look for the size of a quilt before I start and the size of the block. Sometimes the length is almost 20 inches longer than the width and I don't like that. The second thing is the size of the block: no 16" blocks on a twin or a lap size quilt. I always like to get a copy of the pattern and then I read it carefully making changes that I think need to be on it. I go through my stash looking to see if I have all what is needed and I lay them on top of each other for color selection. I test a piece of the fabric if I think it will bleed, I do not prewash normally. I do use precuts all the time but there is generally a background so I have to check the various colors for that. I start out with a clean machine and 6 full bobbins, a good book for me to listen to and then I start. My rituals for quilting.

lindaschipper

I have learned to read, reread and read directions again. Come to find out, I DON"T know everything!!.