Amalie

I'm a new quilter. I didn't grow up with quilts or around quilters, so I have no idea which blocks are common and/or necessary. And for the blocks I do recognize, I have no idea what their names are. The only block names I know are log cabins and pinwheels (I've made both of those).

What blocks do you think new quilters should learn?

If you have any suggestions for resources, that would be welcome.

quiltingcandy

I believe new quilters should learn to make what appeals to them. If you don't like the pattern or the fabric you will never finish it. And when you want to learn something, then ask at your local quilt/fabric shop, look on the internet and ask questions here. Is a guild near you? Maybe join a guild or find a group to join. If possible, take classes - but sometimes that isn't possible.

Amalie

This is a good point. I don't know if I could finish a whole quilt with a block I dislike, but I could complete a few blocks for a sampler quilt. If nothing else, I would learn which blocks I enjoy making and which I don't.

There is a local guild, but they meet once a month on a weeknight, and I have a time conflict. I might be able to join later this year. I can afford to join the guild, but I can't afford their workshops/classes or the classes through the LQS. The prices are reasonable, but they're still too much for me. I think I could still learn a lot from the guild even without the classes.

As for why I don't want to just make what appeals to me... I don't know enough to know what I like and don't like. I know what I aesthetically enjoy, but not what I enjoy making. Aesthetically, I don't particularly like traditional log cabins. I do like piecing them. Aesthetically, I love pinwheels. Practically, the bulk in the center drives me up the walls. I like them aesthetically enough to make them anyway, though.

And thanks to an injury, I can't do what I'm really drawn to (paper piecing and applique) for at least six months, and probably a year. I'd like to use that time to start to learn basic quilting skills.

DottyD

Do you belong to a library ? - if so borrow a beginners quilt book - or go to a local quilt shop and see if they have or know of local quilt groups !
There are loads of " you tube" videos on line - just type in beginners quilting tips or something similar and you will see lots to watch !
All the best.

ckcowl

visit 'quilter's cache' website and *browse* all the free blocks- choose ones you are 'drawn to', intrigued by, want to learn- you can choose sizes you want to make, you could design yourself a sampler quilt containing all the different {skill building} blocks you choose- you could start at the beginning (with the A's) and work your way through the alphabet with a different block from each letter-
I had heard so many times that the first quilt *every* quilter should make is a 'log cabin quilt' -- I quilted *made hundreds of quilts* for 15+ years before I finally made a log cabin quilt-
there is no 'set' rule- to be a quilter you need to make- a particular block--- browse- look for what appeals to you- and try new things- expand, read about different techniques & try the ones that appeal to you. push yourself to learn (improve your skills) something new each year (or month, or week-what ever works for you)

Ga Gigi

I loved Amy Gibson's free class on craftsy.com. It is very basic and you make about 12 different patterns included with the course. She is a great teacher! I to am a beginner and loved the class.

NJ Quilter

I agree completely with the 'make what you like' concept. Even if it is difficult, you'll be more inclined to finish it. Have you sewn previously or are you new to that part of the process as well? You've made pinwheels and log cabins. Good for you! If you can do those two blocks you are on your way. The log cabin teaches you the value of straight, even seams and the pinwheel teaches you not only that, but matching seams as well. Those are two of the most important features in quilting, in my opinion. And quilters cache is a great resource for seeing what might appeal to you and has some great quilt patters as well as just the blocks.

zennia

When I became interested in quilting i bought a book about learning to quilt. By following the book I made a sampler quilt. I learned alot from doing this. Some blocks I loved and still make other I will not make again. Also along the way taste and styles change. What we love today may be "why did I buy this" next year. Have fun and enjoy. There are always new patterns and notions coming out to try. It is not a boring hobby for sure.

QuiltnNan

beginners should definitely learn 4 patch and 9 patch. they are good practice for learning a consistent 1/4" seam and matching seams. many lovely quilts can be made with those blocks... irish chain comes to mind, as well as blooming 9 patch.

toverly

I don't know if there are set blocks to learn. Each quilt has different blocks and ways to complete them. Go to the fabric store and see what "speaks to you". Either the pattern or the fabric will say, "do this next". If you love it, you will do it and then it's just a matter of figuring it out. I started with precuts for the variety of fabrics and quickly switched to batiks.