Quilting, is it relaxing, absorbing, or difficult and frustrating? What should I be aware of?

Question

Since I retired I have been trying to learn different things, ones I've not done before. I started cross stitch, and now thinking about quilting, so has anyone got any advice, or recommendations for beginners. I have an idea that it is popular with Americans, is that right?

Answer 1

I agree, it's both! --but that's not too much different from learning anything.

With quilting** it's easy to stick with simple block patterns, and just tying the quilts... or just to make smaller things (as single "blocks" or a few blocks) like pillow covers, appliques for aprons or other clothing (adults or kids clothing), etc., if you want to keep it simple, relaxing, etc.

**"in the U.S., the term "quilting" usually means *piecing*
Piecing is the actual sewing together of small shapes of fabric into a pattern or "picture," as one "block"... then sewing the blocks together (with or without "sashes" inbetween them, or a surrounding border) into a "quilt top."
Actual "quilting" is something that can be done to hold together a quilt top, sheet of "batting", and quilt backing sandwich by making small running stitches all over it (by hand or by machine)... so quilting can be done or not if one wants to make a quilt sandwich instead of just a pillow or applique, etc.
Instead of quilting though, one can "tie" a quilt sandwich (esp. those with fluffier battings) by sewing through all the layers in just a few places with stitches, yarn ties, buttons, or whatever.
(Just wanted to warn you that the terminology can get confusing because here at least "quilting" does not necessarily include "quilting." )

Some simple patterns for quilt blocks or whole quilt tops are just "strips" (even or uneven in width, but even in length), which can be put together in patterns (like Rail Fence, Basketweave, "strip quilts", etc.)... or those with just a few squares like Nine Patch. It's best in my opinion to avoid triangles till you get your feet wet, but many of those aren't hard either... just that squares and rectangles are easier and more forgiving in the beginning.

There are a lot of websites out there that have lessons and info for beginning quilters... here are some:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=t&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLC,GGLC:1969-53,GGLC:en&q=quilting+beginners

As for expense, there are a few tools that will make quilting much easier (like a rotary cutter, self-healing mat, good pair of "fabric" shears, and some long "quilters" pins), but for example, you can get away with just using light, medium and dark gray thread for all your sewing/piecing, and you don't *have* to buy many-many fabrics the way many of us do eventually, and you don't have to buy the most expensive fabrics from a "quilting store"... do buy 100% cotton though. Other than a sewing machine, those are pretty much the essentials.

You might also really enjoy joining a local quilt group... I'm sure there are some in England, though they may tend to specialize in some technique like applique. Some leads?:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLC,GGLC:1969-53,GGLC:en&q=quilt+groups+England
Or there may be local quilt groups that get together to make things for charity, etc.

There are also many online quilt groups that can answer your questions and give lots of support, like those at hgtv.com or at yahoogroups .. here are a few more leads?:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLC,GGLC:1969-53,GGLC:en&q=quilting+forum+yahoogroups

Have fun!

Diane B.

Answer 2

When you do a quilt by piecing it can be very involved. To me the hardest part is the cutting of the pieces. You have to be exact on all of your measurements, or it will not line up correctly. The actually quilting (the sewn design) is relaxing. I hand quilt while I am watching a movie. Laying out the design is time consuming but can also be done while watching t.v. or listening to a book on tape.
Like all have said it can also be very costly.

Rotary cutter= $15.00
Rotary mat= $20.00
Rotary ruler= $15.00
2 pair of good shears = $30.00
1/4 in foot for sewing machine= $18.00
Quilting Loop= $17.00
Good 100% cotton fabric= $3.00-$7.00 a yard

All the above are must haves to do a piece quilt. When you quilt you want to make sure to use all 100% cotton because of shrinking.
Since you are just starting I would also suggest a book called "2nd Edition Start Quilting" by Alex Anderson. I bought this book, and love it. It has six different designs in it ranging from the easy picket fence to the difficult flying geese. This will give you practice in different cuts and you can make a sampler quilt out of your practice blocks.

Answer 3

I absolutely love quilting. I'm a stay at home mom, so when my lil one goes down for a nap I'm practically running to my sewing room. Also, when my hubby is home and is spending times with the kids, I tend to sneak in there as well.

We just moved to a rural area and I am having a very hard time finding a good job. It was a hard transition at first since I loved working. Quilting has kept me busy. I average finishing 1quilt every 3 weeks. I love creating a quilt design, working on it, and then giving it away to family or friends.

I say try it. Call your local quilt shops and see if they have classes for beginners (they usually do). It's also a great way to meet other people as well.

Answer 4

only have a few more things to add to the other comments. In response to the expense, start visiting thrift stores, second hand shops, rummage sales for your fabrics. I am currently collecting the t-shirts that my boys wear with super hero's on them and i plan to make a super hero memory quilt out of this to capture their childhood. As for the thread, i use dental floss(unscented) as it comes waxed and it reduces snags while i am sewing. All my quilts are made by hand, and i tack them together with yarn. I enjoy the process of designing my own patterns, but my firsts where the 9 patch. I have four completed and on the underside i always have a square that includes the store of the quilt, Time frame it was made in, when it was completed and who i made it for,my signature, as well as any other important information. Also make sure you have 1/2 inch seam allowance if you plan to hand stitch. Had to go in and do repairs on those patches that had a 1/4 inch seam. You learn through experience.

Answer 5

several things . for most it is cheaper than food . well was . then you have to take into account what they add to it that makes it addictive . then stress . people are under allot of stress . not just because of the daily grind . but because people have that primal urge to live . and the law of the land has robed man of it . fact is more people smoke than not . . now i am not talking about just the ones that smoke . but the ones that did smoke . smoking goes way back before Christ . burnt offering . the christians say it was cooking food . but it was not . then you have to take a look at the adds . most claim they are the reason as it aims at children to smoke thinking it is cool . FALSE . they say tobacco was one of the main cash crops . but if you do some research you will find that is false . When the pilgrims came to the new world hemp was the main crop . not a cash crop . because it grew wild and needed little help from man the reason it is illegal has nothing to do with drugs as they would have you think it was a corporat decision . why allow something that grows free be the main supply . get rid of it regardless of how good it is . . big corporations dont want something that is good for you . they dont want you to live till your 100+ . so with the harsh chemicals they put on it . nows there is the kicker . that is what makes tobacco so addictive . look up the pesticides and herbicides they use . extreamly addictive and poisonous . but they say it is good for you and you have no choice but to accept . WHY because your vote dont count . you notice the anti smoking adds dont hit on this issue . they make it out that it is just the plant that is bad . but for ages it has been smoked . with little problems . the rest came along only after the clean foods act was removed . < look that up .

Answer 6

All of the above! The easiest quilt, especially for a beginner is a rag quilt. If you make it with flannel it will be so soft and cozy after you wash it. I love to make them.
The link below will show you how.
http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltpatternsprojects/ss/rag_quilt_4.htm

Answer 7

It can be both! It's much more satisfying than cross stitch as you can be really creative. If you are a brit you can find 'Patchwork and Quilting' Magazine at WH Smiths. Give it a go!

Answer 8

My Mom-in-law & sis-in-law quilts. They have tried to get me into it but I just cant get it. They love it & is relaxing for them. I crochet that is what I excape into. Try crocheting if quilting doesn't do it for ya. It is easy & you can take it with you to just about any where to work on it anytime.
http://www.hassdesign.com/StitchLegend/
http://www.crochetnmore.com/

Answer 9

I think most of all, it is expensive. You'd be surprised how quickly it all adds up.