Tips for Beginner Quilters

When I began running beginner quilt making classes I asked my Twitter friends what advice they would give beginners.  I got great responses and I thought I'd publish them on my blog.  I'm pretty sure I never got around to it.  And even if I did, I think they bear repeating from time to time.

And seeing as I'm running another set of classes at the moment, now is as good a time as any!  Thanks guys, and even if you're not a beginner, take the time to read the list.  Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of the basics.  And that it's okay to use pretty fabric!

Scooquilt
The importance of the 1/4" seam. Being as accurate as possible in every step makes a better end product. But have fun!

Tubaville
Always square up your blocks when you're done piecing them.

ddrquilter
Wash and dry fabrics first!

pukeko160703
Measure twice and cut once - saves on fabric AND frustration!!

quiltcabana
Regarding mistakes -If you can't see it from a galloping horse, don't worry about it. Advice that set me free.

WeezyWorks
And practice makes perfect. We all start out crawling before we can walk.

sandyquiltz
“Don’t worry, it’s just fabric!” Spent too long hanging onto pretty fabric I was afraid to cut into.


sandyquiltz
And the corollary, “There will always be another pretty fabric!”


SewExcitedQuilt
Make friends with your seam ripper.

NONNIE_P
Learn as many techniques as you can and try them out on small projects build arsenal of skills

SewExcitedQuilt
Play and have fun. enjoy the process.

jimtami
Measure with lines on ruler, not cutting mat.

jimtami
When a seam doesn't come out right, set it aside, try again on the next one. Rip out later.

artquiltmaker
Sew slowly, even FMQ. Better to be comfortable & in control

mafiretones
Done is better than perfect.

QuiltinJenny
you will learn and enjoy more if you join and engage with the quilting community.

artquiltmaker
Life is short. Use pretty fabric. JMO.

ddrquilter
Start with a small project, wall hanging, pillow cover, bag.

And just for kicks and giggles, here's one of my earliest quilts. The appliquéd buzzy bee on the first border hides a little scissor accident.  None of the circles are perfect. The colours are OMG bright. But it was loved and cuddled by the child I gave it too, and that's what counts.

I'd love to hear your best piece of advice for the beginner quilt maker, leave me a comment and I'll be sure to pass them on to my class.

Beginner Quilt Making Classes in Kerikeri

BEGINNER QUILT MAKING CLASSES

Classes are scheduled for Wednesday evenings, 7pm till 9pm beginning February 19th and running for six weeks. They will be held at Cherry Park House, Landing Road, Kerikeri. 

The classes are project based. We will be aiming to make three small items – the first is a table runner, the second a machine cover or placemats and the third a fusible applique project. 

You will need a sewing machine to bring to class – a basic machine is fine. You will also need suitable cotton fabric, batting (the padding inside a quilt), threads, general sewing requirements such as scissors etc. We will talk about specific quilting tools in the first class.

Cost is $60, payable before classes commence.

I aim to run another set of classes later in the year if there is enough interest, please email me (lottiemscott at yahoo dot come) your email and phone if you are interested and let me know if Feb suits or later in the year. I'm limiting places to ensure I can give enough attention to everyone, so get in quick.

Quilt making is really fun, immensely satisfying and just a bit addictive, so come along and learn something new!