Quilting and patchwork beginner

I'd like to try too - I have seen someone using one of those cutters and mats - they look very good and aren't that expensive according to her.

For a starter kit you need a rotary cutter, a mat and a ruler.
A company called Creative Grids does starter packs for these and also has videos on their website showing how to use them.
There are lots of other gadgets, but those three items are the necessities.
Lots of videos on Utube as well. It really is a fabulous hobby, but beware, you will become addicted!

You might like to start with ready cut pieces or a Jelly roll. You can get a pattern specific lynne for them and the colours are already chosen to go together. Accuracy is very important and being cut to size really helps. Also means you get straight on to sewing!

Have a look on Pinterest, there’s lots of tips and advice, as well a good ideas for patterns and projects.

Jelly rolls, fat quarters, the names are great!

I bought some fat quarters before Christmas.

When I first started I bought a video from Craftsy (they have sales quite often and you can get them half price or less) but there are lots of videos on YouTube too.

I have found accuracy in cutting and sewing (if you are quilting by machine rather than hand sewing) are very important. It's very disappointing when your pieces don't fit when you try and sew them together ( to say nothing of frustrating!!)

A couple of good rulers (a long one and a square one are useful). A ¼" foot for your machine (makes accuracy easier)

I started from scratch with no experience at all and no one to ask. Perseverance is the clue and not giving up. I hope you enjoy it

jalima what about a layer cake ?

Make sure the mat you get is large enough - I would recommend one about 24" X 18".
Personally I don't use a 1/4" presser foot, I just move the needle across and use the edge of the foot.
Please try and get someone (who really does know!) how to use the cutter. I have seen some very un-safe ways of use and they can give a nasty injury.
As for a class you could ask the Quilters Guild for a list of quilting groups in your area. Members of these groups are always very keen to help 'newbies'.

And if you ever are in a shop and are wondering if you really do need that gorgeous piece of fabric then the answer is .......... Yes you do ! I was once given a list of 72 reasons to buy fabric so never have to think of an excuse!

Can I also suggest that ALL your even tiny off-cuts, threads etc are kept and given to a charity shop rather than put in the bin. They are sold as shoddy along with all the useless clothing etc which cannot be sold in the shop.

For anyone who thinks they have enough quilts but still needs to 'feed their addiction' then Project Linus is always very willing to take them. Google Project Linus to find out more.

Enjoy your new hobby and don't be afraid of the addiction!

Oh dear, I can feel myself being drawn in to yet another hobby. I should know from experience that it won't end well.

I haven't heard of 'layer cake' - am very new to these terms Crafting !

Thank you all so much for your replies. They really have been very helpful and I can’t wait to get started now. I may even get my sewing machine serviced as it hasn’t seen the light of day for years! Thanks again.

I always find that a trip to a quilting show is very helpful. I have been quilting for few years now, started when I finished work. Grosvenor shows have quilting shows around the country and you can pick up items quite cheaply, also get material very reasonably. Birthday and Christmas presents are easily solved, I always have a little list ready when asked what I want, and a really good book is a help. Local classes are often run by craft shops it might be worth googling quilting classes in your local area. It's a lovely hobby and one that brings great pleasure, I am sure you will find it most addictive.

Thank you Milly. I just looked at Grosvenor shows and there is one coming up fairly locally so I will investigate further. I also googled local craft shops and found one that is a possibility, so thank you for the suggestions.

Before you go buying allsorts of tools and equipment have a go at quilting if you can , either a club or friend who has the tools or a sewing workshop that are popping up all over the place nowadays.
I thought I would love it so got the tools ,fabrics, books and started a cot quilt for my then unborn gs. I absolutely hated the whole process . I managed to finish the quilt but never done any quilting since.

Anyone else noticed the "Thousand Pyramids" quilt in McMafia?

I got a sawing machine for Christmas of my daughter. I had never done any quilting but my first attempt didn’t turn out too bad, the rotary cutter takes a bit of getting used to. You have to hold it at the correct angle.
I have problems putting the binding round the edge and joining the two ends together. I have watch on YouTube, know what to do but still can’t get it quiet right.
I also find it difficult to machine in a straight line, but practice make perfect.
I buy pieces of material and curtains from the charity shop to practice with.

Google a day course nearby, or find somewhere that does 4x2hr over a month

I am a self taught quilter of many years. My first try was very bad. I kept at it and improved. Start small and do a lot of cutting and sewing. Search on youtube for 5 minute blocks and 10 minute blocks and practice on them. Doing complicated blocks isn't very satisfying in the beginning. I find easy blocks are great and focus on color selection. Here is my current favorite and very easy. Please ask and I will be glad to help you.

Love the colours Missourisusan.

Nannycuddles, that is very good! Especially as a first attempt. As for the binding, I have been quilting for years, and still dread that part of the project. It really is a question of practice and huge amounts of patience. You will get there!

Missourisusan, that is lovely! I am also self taught and admire your progress, I doubt mine will ever be very good, but I enjoy it so it is enough for me

Just noticed this thread and felt the need to tell you about my quilting adventure.
Being a machinist for most of my adult life(not brilliant but passable) I enjoyed making a quilt until it came to sandwiching the 3 layers together. I used to make a complete hash of it., especially the king sized ones. Then I discovered quilt as you go. Look it up on you tube its great. I used the welsh quilter method.
Instead of handling (fighting with) the whole quilt you quilt first the block then add them together to make rows which you join again by using sashing to complete. Easy peasy.
My extended family, plus myself, now have enough bed quilts to see us through the most severest winters ever

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