Quilting isn’t just about stitching fabric together; it’s about unleashing your creativity and embracing the journey. If you have just embarked on your quilting journey, the road ahead may seem daunting (there is SO much to learn), but fear not! You are in the right place. The quilting community is a supportive one, filled with quilters eager and willing to share their knowledge and skills.
We reached out to our community and asked them to share their top tips for beginners and here are their words of wisdom:
- “Try everything! There are lots of ways to make quilts, from cutting and trimming methods, pressing seams to the side or open, assembling blocks and rows or quadrants, binding methods, to fabric types, pattern styles, and color ways. Feel free to experiment with them all and find what works for you. No one method is the ‘right’ way.” – @nicole.eriksen
- “Change your rotary cutter blade and needle more often than you think” – @scootergirlangie
- “Ignore the quilt police. Do what makes your heart sing. There is no “right way”. This is your artistic journey. Reach out to the quilt community. In the main we are generous with our knowledge and happy to offer feedback, support and advice. See if you can find your tribe locally but if not then connect with the community online (or do both)!” – @pirategypsy6
- “Have fun with fabrics and no matter what; learn what 1/4” seam means and what scant 1/4” seam means.” – @debora_vmcrae
- “Buy fabric that makes you happy. Start with fun simple quilts and then stretch your skills. Workshops are fun and you not only learn new skills, you meet fun people. Don’t compare yourself to others & yes, each quilt will teach you something new! (Even many years later!)” – @tahnahasl
- “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and ask questions of more seasoned quilters!” – @jenkaa55
- “I wish I would have been a project person rather than a process person. One thing at a time. … And I wouldn’t have bought so much fabric! What I paid $5/yd for is now $12/yd. So I kind of love my stash. Unfortunately. I need another 68 years to use it up!!” – @rrademan
- “A seam ripper is your best friend. The more the merrier! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You will learn from them. The more you quilt, the better you’ll get. Have fun!” – @tillalili
- “Have fun! Enjoy the colors, the patterns, the way a different colorway will change the look of a quilt, enjoy the texture of fabric in your fingers, the peaceful repetition of chain piecing, the excitement of starting a new quilt. Let it feed your soul!” – @_michellequilts_
- “Pay attention to detail when you’re learning, but don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t turn out perfect. And finding a certain pattern difficult even if someone else said it’s super easy is normal. Everyone has different strengths and preferences, even in sewing.” – @pennyspoolquilts
- “There are no rules. Ignore the quilt police and make what you love!” – @tangibleculture
- “Don’t save you favorite fabrics, use them!!” – @thebluejaygma
These nuggets of wisdom come straight from the hearts of quilters who have been there, done that, and have a stash of fabric to prove it. So dive in, experiment, and remember: there’s no right or wrong way to quilt. It’s all about finding what brings you joy. Happy quilting friends! Click here to see the original post and read ALL of the words of wisdom, or add your own tip!
If you’re a newbie quilter … WELCOME! There is nothing like the enthusiasm of a new quilter. I think I started more projects in my first couple of years than in the decade after (well it certainly feels like that with the numbers of half-finished projects I have in my cupboard)! If you are looking for a project suitable for beginners, click here with over 600 patterns in our archive, there is bound to be one (or many) that take your fancy! And if you would like to look through our Article Index for a topic you want to learn more about, click here.
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Quilt shown is Dancing Hearts Quilt by Monika Henry from Make Modern Issue 56.
