Where to find complete Quilt Info
#11
this sounds like a great adventure for you. learn hands on if you can and of course books too. when you get to work, do a simple block and perhaps your daughter can then help make one too. What a great time you will have. Good luck!
#12
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Ontario
Posts: 299
If I'm understanding correctly, it's 'Hooligan' who is wanting to learn to quilt so he can make one for his daughter.
I don't know of any books etc that will give all the info imaginable, but sites like
http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html
for 'how to' make up blocks, and Jenny Doans videos at MSQC are great, mostly simple designs for newbies.
MSQC videos
Check out this site. I haven't read it all but seems it has a lot of info.
learn-how-to-make-a-quilt
and yes, do see if your local quilt shop has classes and join up. The ladies love to have a gent join them.
I don't know of any books etc that will give all the info imaginable, but sites like
http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html
for 'how to' make up blocks, and Jenny Doans videos at MSQC are great, mostly simple designs for newbies.
MSQC videos
Check out this site. I haven't read it all but seems it has a lot of info.
learn-how-to-make-a-quilt
and yes, do see if your local quilt shop has classes and join up. The ladies love to have a gent join them.
After re-reading your post I have to ask if it is you or your daughter that wants to learn. Either way taking a beginner class my be the best learning tool. Also if you have a neighbor or family member that quilts they may be willing to teach the basics. always keep in mind that once the basic tools of rotary cutter, cutting board, an acrylic ruler and sewing machine the sky is the limit. This is very addictive and skills quickly improve. You don't need to start with a top of the line sewing machine or expensive tool. What you do want to do is choose fabrics carefully, and as often as possible use 100% cotton fabrics. Always check sale bins for fabrics. Many quilts only require smaller amounts of any single fabric.
#13
I still tend to pick up my scissors and cut things. and i do have rotary cutters I may add, quilt as you go is a good quick easy way to make a quilt too. especially if your sewing machine has a small throat space. hard to push a large quilt through that area.
Last edited by nativetexan; 01-30-2020 at 06:18 PM. Reason: added sentence
#14
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Ontario
Posts: 299
I'd rather use scissors/shears as i don't like the idea of repeatedly buying blades (frugal here lol i'll sharpen my pins rather than replacing them also) and i don't mind the extra time it would take cutting. But my first question, would the rotary cutter be more accurate or simply quicker? Thanks for the reply
#15
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,563
My two cents is a rotary cutter is more accurate, easier to use, easier on the hands, and quicker. The accurate part is probably the most important, here. Depending on how persnickety a person you are (and as a persnickety person myself, I say that with love), if you want your seams to match and your triangles to not have their points lopped off, then you want accuracy. You start with accurate cutting and continue with accurate piecing. Scissors, by their very nature, lift the fabric off a flat surface as they cut, which increases inaccuracy. Keeping fabric on a flat surface and cutting with a rotary blade will ensure you cut exactly where you want to. However, it's personal preference. If you're not concerned that much with accuracy, then by all means use your scissors. You can always treat yourself to a rotary cutter after you get hooked on quilting.
Welcome to the quilting club! When I first started quilting, I watched a lot of quilting shows on PBS (I can't remember Alex Anderson's pre-Ricky show, it wasn't The Quilt Show back then, was it?), read a lot of books, took a couple of classes. One of the classes I took was how to paper-piece and after that I was hooked.
I think the recommendations to do some YouTubing and take a class are good ones. I really hope you find a good teacher who will be absolutely delighted to teach a "dude".
Welcome to the quilting club! When I first started quilting, I watched a lot of quilting shows on PBS (I can't remember Alex Anderson's pre-Ricky show, it wasn't The Quilt Show back then, was it?), read a lot of books, took a couple of classes. One of the classes I took was how to paper-piece and after that I was hooked.
I think the recommendations to do some YouTubing and take a class are good ones. I really hope you find a good teacher who will be absolutely delighted to teach a "dude".
Last edited by Peckish; 01-31-2020 at 12:16 AM.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
I agree with much of what Peckish has said regarding the rotary cutter. When I first started quilting it was in large part due to watching Alex Anderson's program 'Simply Quilts'. Great show. I am totally self-taught with the exception of a paper-piecing class as well.
Get your basic tools - mat; ruler; cutter and then find a pattern that you like. My first quilt was a double irish chain. Pick out your fabrics and just jump in with both feet! I'm a total believer in you need to really like what you're making in order to keep you motivated during the troublesome spots - regardless of craft.
I think in today's quilting world a rotary cutter is a must have as most current quilting patterns are based on the accuracy of the cutting and the magical 'scant' quarter inch seam. That said, consistency in your cutting and sewing are equally as important as accuracy.
Go for it!
Get your basic tools - mat; ruler; cutter and then find a pattern that you like. My first quilt was a double irish chain. Pick out your fabrics and just jump in with both feet! I'm a total believer in you need to really like what you're making in order to keep you motivated during the troublesome spots - regardless of craft.
I think in today's quilting world a rotary cutter is a must have as most current quilting patterns are based on the accuracy of the cutting and the magical 'scant' quarter inch seam. That said, consistency in your cutting and sewing are equally as important as accuracy.
Go for it!
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 2,679
Yes, go for learning how to use the rotary cutter, but (and this is the biggie), learn how to use it safely. Always close the blade when not in use, be sure to keep your fingers away from the edge of the ruler when cutting, and never cut fabric when you are barefoot! Guess how I learned that
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 3,255
If you like to read instructions and also like to have good pictures, I suggest "Make Your First Quilt", by M'Liss Rae Hawley. "Beginner's Step by Step Guide" . Covers all the basics without an overwhelming amount of information. I used this book in the beginner class I took and still look back for inspiration. Just checked and it is available on Amazon. I always recommend this book whenever I see questions like yours. Don't know if anyone has actually used it. Hopefully you will find the information that works for you. You will love making a quilt for your daughter.
#19
a rotary cutter is good of course but if you are careful with measurements and cutting, there are quilters out there who do outstanding work the "old way" and I would never meet their mark myself. I just drool at their work. some do gorgeous machine work i could never duplicate and others do it all by hand. So do a bit and get a feel for what works for you. You will probably change some things as you go along. Have fun!