Beginner Quilt-Making Tips from a First-Time, Non-Perfectionist “Seamstress”
Dear Daughter,
Please ignore tip #1. I’m referencing my own mother and really hope that by the time you read this, I’ve not become her :) Otherwise, these tips are meant for you - if ever you decide to give quilting a try…
Don’t let your perfectionist, sometimes impatient but incredibly crafty mom dissuade you from TRYING. Your method won’t be the same as hers, and that’s OK. You’ll find what works for you as long as you just get started.
If you haven’t bought your machine yet, look for one that has an automatic needle threader – I think most do these days, but it’s a HUGE help. This is the part that used to stop me from sewing when I was younger – I could never thread the needle!
Use an inspirational piece (or pieces) to get started. It makes fabric / pattern layout more fun and less overwhelming.
Find a BIG floor space to play with your pattern before you start sewing. I underestimated the space needed and time this step would take.
You can always add squares to make a bigger quilt, or (pretty) easily remove squares to make it smaller. Don’t worry too much ahead of time about the exact size you want the quilt to be – this first one will become your frame of reference for all future projects.
You can’t buy too much fabric – you can buy too little. Go for it - buy lots of fabric. Remember, this is your first quilt – and it won’t be your last. You’re going to need a stockpile.
Use a roller wheel and TWO plastic measuring boards to cut your fabric – it saves SO much time. Especially if you’re not great with scissors.
Invest in a seam cutter – you’re going to use it.
It’s really not THAT hard to string a sewing machine (is that what they even call it?). Follow the numbers printed on your machine – and if it doesn’t work like it should, YOUTUBE. You’ll get it, I promise. Then it’ll be so easy you won’t believe you even struggled in the first place!
Any issues you’re having with your machine have already been “had”. Between YouTube and Google, you can fix anything! Hang in there and don’t get frustrated.
The “quarter-inch seam” is a good guide for quilts, but if you’re off a little it really won’t matter a whole lot (my mom is cringing right now).
No matter how many times you arrange the fabric in the right order, you’re probably going to mess up at least once when you go to sew it. That’s OK – see tip #8.
Use an iron for the seams, alternating the way every Quilting 101 blog recommends. I didn’t understand why this was important until after I finished. The squares will pucker a bit instead of lay flat if you don’t iron as you go. Not a HUGE deal either way, but next time I attempt a quilt, I’ll be ironing – as much as I dislike it.
Also, use pins. It’s an extra step, but it does help. Otherwise, you may end up with squares at the end of each row that don’t match in size – which makes binding the quilt much harder. Ask me how I know…
I’m pretty certain quality thread makes a difference? I have more experimenting to do here, but I’ll probably spend the extra 50 cents for nice thread next time.
Tension is a good thing in sewing – and it matters. If the tension of your top thread doesn’t match the tension of your bobbin thread, you might get some loops in your bobbin thread and or fabric. If this doesn’t make sense, then you’re doing just fine! If it does, adjust the tension with the tension knob (it’s literally called that) until it works the way it should. I learned this - as you may have guessed – on YouTube.
Double sided tape binding was easier to use than fabric as a trim on my first quilt. I’ll probably experiment with fabric binding next time (my mom says “all the real quilters” use fabric bindings). But for me – as a first-timer- simple was better.
Seems obvious, but don’t forget the batting! I almost did, and didn’t even realize it was missing until I re-read my quilting instructions. The quilt looks finished without it, but won’t be as warm or comfy.
Make this first quilt for yourself. Why? See tip #20.
This is your first quilt. It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, it should be very IMPERFECT. To be honest, your first quilt will probably look like a mess. Mine did - a little puckered, with erroneous threads and off-centered squares. But it’ll be a beautiful mess. One you’ll look back on and laugh at, but also one you’ll be proud of, forever. So keep it. As a reminder that - in order to become really great at something - you just need to get started.
