Beginner Quilting Steps

Let’s cut through our fear and embrace new challenges! You want to quilt and I want to help you! We’re going to walk through basic steps to get you squarely on your path of quilting!

Quilts and Quilting

I’m not sure if it’s the snuggling under the quilts I love more or the creation of the quilts to snuggle under. Then there’s the happy feeling I get when I gift or donate a quilt. There’s no doubt about it: quilts equate to love.

I took up quilting, really, as a way to teach my daughter, who was homeschooling at the time, how to sew. I wanted to pass on to her a love of homemaking and that included the skill of mending and creating through sewing.

She. Hated. It.

But, my passion was born. I loved everything about quilting. Especially the feeling of love expressed by those who received the quilts I created. I was hooked. I’d like to encourage you too. Why not start at the beginning and walk you through the process. You’re going to have to start with supplies (much like in baking where you start with ingredients!).

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Quilting Supplies

This is a list of items you’ll want to consider if you’re thinking about becoming a quilter:

• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Machine Needles
• Thread
• Scissors
• Seam Ripper
• Pins
• Pin cushion or a more modern pin magnet
• Fabric
• Ruler
• Rotary Cutter
• Cutting Mat
• Iron
• Ironing Board

Sewing Machine

Our grandmas and great-grandmas would have hand quilted all of their prized heirlooms but you and I have the convenience of being able to create with sewing machines. Picking out your sewing machine is much like picking out a car. You determine your budget and needs and buy the best that you can afford! I would suggest visiting your local sewing shop to see what is available on the market and testing the different models before you select one. Again, using the car comparison, you wouldn’t just buy a car off of ebay without first knowing a lot about the car, would you? Please don’t jump into this purchase; it’s what you’ll be using to create so make a smart decision not an impulse buy!

Consider these options for your machine (make sure your machine can at least do these things):

• Reverse stitch
• Stitch length regulator
• Reverse stitch ~ I said it twice cause it’s that important!
• Needle down
• Large throat
• Light

I used a very, very basic model (though still computerized) to teach my daughter and I still use it to complete quilts when my machines are being serviced. I think it cost me around $85-90 at the time.

The point is, you don’t need to spend a ton of money on a hobby that you’re just starting. Wait and see if the quilting bug bites you; then you can move up into a more expensive investment (and, like cars, sewing machines can get expensive!).

Sewing Machine Needles

Do not go cheap on your needles! A broken needed is just so frustrating, especially when you’re all ready to work on a pretty project. You’ll want to use the appropriate needle both for your machine AND for your fabrics.

The Spruce Crafts covered the low-down on needles in this post. Please, please read it for some really good details on what you need and why.

Thread

My advice again is to not go for the cheapest. Fraying thread is just so irritating. You want a thread that will hold your stitches well. What’s the point of creating an heirloom, only to have it come apart after a few washings? I use Aurifil 50WT cotton. It sews like a dream, doesn’t split and is easy to thread through my needle (I’m getting older and those needle holes are getting smaller)!

Scissors

No need to spend a fortune but do buy a pair or two of scissors that are dedicated to fabric only!

Pins

For everyday pinning, I use quilting pins. Dritz is a really quality brand. My advice here is to have more than you think is necessary. I have magnetic pin holders by my ironing board, by my sewing machine and on my cutting table. You can’t have too many!

Magnetic Pin Holder

I am clumsy. I tend to trip over my own feet way too often! There’s NO WAY with the advent of magnetic pin holders that I am recommending anything less! Please, save yourself the hassle and just buy yourself one (or three).

Fabric

If you’re considering quilting, it’s probably because you’ve seen all of the beautiful fabrics that are available on the market. I don’t have to sell you on the beauty of fabrics. Just make sure you buy 100% cotton fabric. If you don’t like the feel of it, you’re not going to like sewing with it or snuggling underneath it. There are loads of online and local quilt shops that carry great lines! Moda Fabrics, Riley Blake Designs, Art Gallery Fabrics, Robert Kaufman ~ they’re ALL great companies with GREAT fabrics. You can check my shop to see some lovely fabrics!

Quilter’s Ruler

Another handy tool that really is necessary for every quilter! They come in multiple sizes but I’d recommend 6″ x 24″ which allows you to make multiple cuts at once and allows you to cut long strips with one seamless cut! As you make more and more quilts, you’ll likely expand your ruler collection but this size is THE perfect starter ruler.

Rotary Cutter

Do NOT even think about quilting if you’re not going to get a rotary cutter. Seriously, I am totally serious. To me, it’s like taking up quilting but not getting a sewing machine! Cutting along your ruler is a quick exercise with a rotary cutter. The blades are sharp (so please be very careful) but they are so accurate and quick! If you’re quilting, you must have a rotary cutter! Go with the standard size and then see if you want the smaller blade cutter (I use it occasionally for when I am using plastic templates). And they make rotary cutters specific to whether you’re a lefty or a righty!

Cutting Mat

Get a mat, dang it! They go hand-in-hand with a rotary cutter. You need one. Buy a self-healing mat. It’ll last a little longer. When/if your rotary cutter starts leaving grooves and cut marks (on your most frequent cutting locations), you’ll want to replace your mat. Invest in a 24″ x 36″ mat and maybe also a double-sided.

Iron and Ironing Board

You’re gonna want an iron and ironing board. It’s just a necessity. My house even has the old, pull-down ironing board in the laundry room (you know, that’s hidden behind a really cute little door? I love using that ironing board when I am in a rush. Don’t spend a ton of money on these two; spend it on fabrics!! I have the same iron I bought 15 years ago, and I’m still happy with how it works. Basic brand. It doesn’t pop up like the Oliso (which means I need to stand my iron up rather than leave it laying on my board) but that’s ok with me. You might want to also get a mini iron if you plan on traveling to retreats but that’s not likely if you’re just starting out.

Well, it might seem a bit overwhelming, but I hope that I’ve encouraged you to consider quilting. It’s a hobby that can also make you money. And, the feeling you get when you donate a quilt to someone really is priceless! I’ll be back next week with some suggestions on your first steps when tackling your first quilt pattern.

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