Can anyone give me information on making a quilt?

Question

I would really like to make a quilt and I am clueless. I have most of the tools necessary, but I just don't know where to begin! I need something that can walk me through it, step by step. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

So much information, so little space in which to convey it...

The best way to begin quilting is to take a class. Nothing compares to having someone right there to show you all the little tricks, and to answer your questions. If you have a quilting shop near you, see if they offer beginner classes. The one I attended cost about $50 for 5 classes, and it was worth three times that.

If you can't take a class, invest in a couple of good books. My class used "Start Quilting" by Alex Anderson. She's the host of Simply Quilts on HGTV and DIY (at least for a short time longer - after seven or more years, they've cancelled the show). The book contains basic quilting instructions, as well as several basic blocks. Another excellent book is "Quilter's Complete Guide" by Marianne Fons & Liz Porter. They also have a magazine called "Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting." Finally, check out Eleanor Burns from Quilt in a Day. Her "It's El-ementary" was created as a teaching book.

Then there's Quilter's News Network (QNNTV). It's an 24 hour a day instructional website. It helps to be able to see what they're talking about, and there are all different kinds of shows, so you can be sure to find something that appeals to you.

Finally, sign up for a Yahoo group - there are thousands of quilting groups out there, and there are bound to be some geared toward beginners. Why settle for one mentor when you can have a hundred?

You say you have most of the tools - these are the basic tools I think are necessary to machine quilting and strip piecing. (Strip piecing is a faster method of cutting and sewing your pieces together - rather than tracing templates on fabric and cutting them out, then sewing an entire block at a time.)
sewing machine, of course
rotary cutter (45mm blade is a good size)
rotary cutting mat (18" x 24" to start)
rotary cutting rulers (6" x 12" is essential, plus one at least 18" long)
long, thin glass head pins (glass doesn't melt if you iron it)
iron
100% cotton fabric
100% cotton thread (just get white, light tan, gray, and black - don't bother matching fabric colors)
Small scissors for cutting thread
Seam ripper (unfortunately, you will need this)

Start with a simple project - a Rail Fence lap quilt, for example. It's an easy block, and you could easily make a quilt in a weekend, but with good color placement it can still look really nice.

And if you want more info (because I so love to give my opinion), feel free to e-mail me through my profile. Click on my avatar or name, then click "email swbiblio." That way you don't have to share you e-mail address (and neither do I).

Good luck, have fun, and remember, quilting is extremely addictive!

Answer 2

This isn't as sensible as sure or no. Some say you'll if you don't constitute the object as a certified product. Others say no, considering the fact that this can be a copyright --- nevertheless, the material as already been offered. First to the material retailer after which to the buyer. *NFL workforce homeowners have already got contracts with firms that kickback an overly well benefit and so they might no longer be all in favour of developing a agreement with contributors to promote models at craft markets or Etsy. Pattern Books and Internet downloads must point out if the sample can be utilized for models to be offered. Some would possibly state it's ok for character crafters and no longer for wholesale. Anything you promote should be very good made.

Answer 3

hgtv.com has a show, "Simply Quilts." You can pull up every show they have ever done on the website. I watch it every a.m. - I hope to start and complete my first real quilt in the next 6 months, and this show gives me lots of information and inspiration. They have covered everything from putting together a very simple quilt, to more advanced techniques, shortcuts, etc. There are pictures and instructions for each show.

Answer 4

If you have a creative mind you can map the pattern out on paper. Draw out a design that you like, if you want it to have a design to it that is, and make a not of how big each design is, figuring about 1/4-1/2" for seam allowances, and when you cut your pieces do the same. Cut them the size you want plus 1/4-1/2" for the seams.

If you're doing it by just stitching small pieces of fabric together you'll have to sew them together first and when they're all connected to each other measure to make sure it's the size you want. Then add a 2" border all around if you like.

http://www.quilting101.com/ Should be more helpful than me as I've only made one and I'm still working on it. :-)

Answer 5

this should help yu perhaps: http://quilting.about.com/od/stepbystepquilting/a/make_a_quilt.htm