Any quilters out there?

[Toooldtobearsed2]

I am desperate to do some quilting, it should be easy - sew pieces of fabric together......how difficult can it be?
I tried a couple of years ago, but as I clearly cannot cut a straight line, all of my 'squares' were not quite square. i did not know when to attach the backing, wadding etc, and ended up with something worthy of Picasso.

So - can anyone recommend a step by step guide, either a book or online that could help?

thank you :)

You don’t have to just quilt patchwork - you could just put batting between two bits of fabric and quilt them together - it’s really effective with a lovely print and you can embroider the quilting part of you want to

Or if you want to do the patchwork part too, have you tried English paper piecing? It’s slower than machine patchwork because you do it by hand, but each piece of fabric is wrapped around a bit of paper so it is very accurate. I find it quite addictive

Off to google paper piecing:)

To be honest, I wanted a patchwork type effect because I was to make a keepsake for my granddaughter. I have her favourite outgrown clothes and wanted to start a loooong term project making a throw, a cushion cover, that sort of thing for when she is old enough to appreciate it!

She is only two, so I have lots of time to learn:)

That sounds like a lovely project. English paper piecing is perfect for that sort of project because it can grow quite organically and you are doing it by hand so it’s easier to manage things like sewing together different types of fabric

Me! If you want to cut straight, get a rotary cutter and a quilting ruler thing. It's like a sheet of thick acrylic with measurements on it. They come in different sizes and you just run your cutter along the edge to get a perfect straight line.

Also, Google quilting tutorial. There are tons of picture tutorials out there and they will show you step by step what to do.

Three essential bits of equipment: Rotary cutter, Cutting mat and a big quilting ruler.

After that, you'll find You-Tube a good help.

Are there any classes near you? That's how I learned and it's my luxury treat once a week (and I even get to have a cuppa in peace!) Do you have an idea of a quilt pattern that you 'd like to try?

Me! If you want to cut straight, get a rotary cutter and a quilting ruler thing. It's like a sheet of thick acrylic with measurements on it. They come in different sizes and you just run your cutter along the edge to get a perfect straight line.
This^^

I am an experienced dress maker but have recently started quilting at my sewing club, helped by more experienced people. It is more important to be accurate when quilting than dressmaking so I am having to get used to this.

I'd recommend looking for a group to go to. Failing that there are lots of YouTube tutorials. I've been doing Half Square Triangles in different patterns.

I would love to go to a class, or sewing group. Unfortuneatley, i live very remotely and opportunities are very limited.
I did find something within a reasonable distance, but it was a one day workshop and was £250. If there was something like a knit and natter within 20 miles that did quilting, I would be there in a heartbeat.

Have looked at English paper quilting and think it might be beyond me at the moment. So will have a look at the tutorials on line. I did look there before asking here, but there are so many, I thought one of them might have been a huge hit here, so worth asking.

I will also invest in a rotary cutter and pad rather than rely on my exceptional cutting skills😁

Thank All

I'd also agree with the rotary cutter, and quilting rule, paper piecing is excellent especially for starting out. If you're after the traditional hexagon style I buy paper pieces off ebay ready cut, mostly because I can't be arsed to do it myself. I have a quilting rule but also a plastic hexagon with different sizes on to cut fabric the correct shape for hexagons too as I can never get them exact even though I've done it for years 😁. Although i do make things for others I'm currently doing something for myself in my spare time.

@bagpiss, thanks a bunch! Now I am back on the paper piecing trail 😂 I did have a look, but thought 'oooh...hard'.
If i can buy ready cut shapes and a template for the fabric, i get that I sew the fabric around the paper piece, but then I remove the paper? What, just gently pull it out of the stitching?
See, this is why i should just stick to baking and dogs. They are simple.

Do you even know how to use a sewing machine, OP? Or would you try to handsew it, are you good at handsewing? Do the words "quarter inch" or "walking foot" fill you with confusion? I use a darning foot for quilting, though not that I can be bothered last few yrs, but machine is sulking at me as I type.

Many fabric shops have precut pieces you can buy as a batch & sew together. But need to know what your starting point is.

How about something very simple, like this? Don't need the ruler, matt & rotary cutter, if you can find the pieces precut, but videos still useful.

I do know how to use a sewing machine, yes. I dont have a walking foot, but could easily buy one, 'quarter inch' etc., no problem.

I think i am a bull in a china shop trying to be a delicate butterfly, for want of another way of putting it. I have sewed (machine) for years and made chair seat covers, curtains, loads of other bits and bobs, repaired stuff etc., Reasonably confident with stuff that does not need precision. But quilting is examined. Looked at closely. It is a completely new field for me, hence the questions.

And I really dont want the precut pieces. I want it to be something I put myself into, iykwim 😁

You need rotary cutter, matt & ruler, then. I have 3.5" ruler. It's an easy size to work with. You'll have to commit to metric or imperial.

My quilts aren't very precise, so maybe should shut up now.

... google pantographs to learn some nice easy quilting patterns.

@lljkk tbh, i dont expect my quilting will ever be spot on. But its for my grand daughter eventually, so I hope she will just stroke it fondly thinking 'ffs Gran, really'?

Thats my aim anyway, I just want something to pass on that will remind her of her childhood with us.

Off to google pantographs 😁

Jelly rolls are quite nice to work with. They might be precut but you can get them again after stitching a few together like a chevron quilt, coin quilt etc.

There are lots of quilting books for beginners, check on amazon. I would recommend - Quilting for dummies .
Covers everything from the basics to finishing more complex quilts.
Have fun, it's a great hobby but addictive.

can cut*

@Toooldtobearsed2 You can sew them but i also use a fabric glue pen, just a few dibs and fold then turn do another side, repeat , it's quite speedy and cathartic once you get into the swing if it. When you've stitched a whole ring around you can easily remove the papers to re use. Iyswim . I get mine on amazon.

Forgot to show you.

This is the method I have been using for my first quilt:

shop.mybluprint.com/quilting/article/how-to-make-half-square-and-quarter-square-triangle-blocks/

You will definitely need a rotary cutter, mat and Perspex square/ruler.

There are some things, like quilting and cooking, that are a mixture of art and science. You need the science. Straight lines, consistent seams, ironing properly. It is the only time I iron.

The art is choosing fabric, quilting the top, placing the pieces. That's fun but it's not the only thing you need.

Thank you Bagpiss 😁
Now, see glamorousgrandmother, the quilting on that site is gorgeous, but how is your quilt coming on?

MrsTP i actually know what my problem is. I just need to address it. I have the need to finish everything NOW. I know I need to just slow down and do things slowly. It just doesn't come naturally
I can do the art, iys the science that needs work. But I will do it, and when I have, I will proudly post the picture here😉

Look up warp & weave.
Everyone but me buys all new fabric for their quilts.
I am partial to bamboo-cotton mix for wadding.