Can I make this quilt?

[allegretto]

I am not a particularly crafty person. I failed Home Ec. at school but can just about sew a button on. I have a strong urge to make a quilt! I really like this - can I hand sew it on paper pieces and then put it altogether with the white triangles. Basically - does this (first picture) look like an easy craft project or is it actually fiendishly difficult?

www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/04/making-hexagon-quilts/

(I thought there was a craft board on here but I can't find it - sorry)

There's an arts and crafts board under 'fun and games'. No idea how busy it is.

I'd say do it OP, it might be a really wonderful experience!

If I were you I’d stick to hexagons and ditch the triangle for you first quilt (2 picture)

It looks fiddly. How about a simple square one?

I think it looks achievable but I'm quite crafty. I think the thing is designed for beginners so it's probably laid out quite clearly.

I don't know a lot about quilting but I think accuracy in cutting and sewing is the really vital thing,but you will pick that up.

With first big crafting projects you will make mistakes and it may come out a little homemade and wonky looking but you have to remember that that is part of the charm - there's nothing like cuddling up under a blanket you made for yourself!

Or stripey?

If it's your first quilt, and you don't do much sewing, try a quilt pattern that uses only rectangle and square shapes. There are plenty of pre-cut strips and squares that will make it quicker for you to get a finished project, and get that sense of achievement that makes you want to learn more (such as how to sew hexagons). Google "jelly roll quilt" or "layer cake quilt" for examples.

The problem with hexagons is that most of the edges will be cut on the bias, which can make the fabric warp and stretch, and be difficult to sew. You may find it frustrating and get discouraged. Whereas squares and rectangle shapes follow the warp and weft of the cloth, so the shapes remain strong and straight as you sew them.

Sewing can be really rewarding, so give yourself the best chance by starting with a more achievable project.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I might make the hexagons and then, depending on how well that goes, put in or leave out the triangles! I do like the look of the triangles though. Could anyone give me an idea of how big I should make the hexagons?

There are some great quilters on the arts and crafts board, maybe ask MN to move your post?

Triangles are bastards. Stick to one shape for your first.

RiceCrispietreats - I see what you mean but I also want to incorporate my own fabric into it - some of which I have very little of - so I thought that random hexagons might make that easier!

Triangles are bastards

That's my motto for the day.

Hope you get some help from more experienced people OP, good luck with it OP, bet it will be brilliant

start with squares. lots of things on Youtube if you get stuck. it is a mind blower to begin with but after a while you will be totally addicted. I did my first quilt about 4 years ago, took a couple of classes to fine tune cutting and then it was all about practise.
Love it.

There are some great quilters on the arts and crafts board, maybe ask MN to move your post?

Good idea. I've just asked.

Ways I (not really but maybe a bit) Cheated With My First Quilt:

I used my DD’s old baby clothes to make a quilt for her.

All my bits of fabric were odd shapes and sizes, and I had a mix of stretchy, stable, thin, thick, you name it.

First thing I did was buy a shedload of iron-on interfacing, and I interfaced every single bit of fabric so they all lay flat and held their shape.

Then I cut my shapes. I stuck to squares and rectangles.

I sewed them on my machine, in sections, then sewed the sections together.

I used an old cotbed-sized duvet for the wadding, and a brushed cotton sheet for the backing.

I didn’t quilt the top, wadding and backing together, I tied them (google tied quilts). This is way quicker and I like the slightly rustic effect.

I didn’t make and attach a separate border. I used the backing, and folded it over the wadding and the top to make the backing.

And, vitally, I made it just the right size to fit in my washing machine

The interfacing doesn’t affect the ‘flop’ of the quilt at all, and it means that none of the stretchy fabrics have gone billowy or misshapen.

I recommend starting with something small and simple. They take longer than you think, and you don’t want to run out of steam, especially with your first one.

Good luck, I love (my haphazard approach to) quilting!

This is it.

That's lovely Petra!

What a beautiful quilt, OP - best of luck with it!

We're just sending this to arts and crafts at the OP's request.

A quilt so nice I posted twice...

what about a denim fake cathedral window quilt?? You'd need a machine, but they are quite forgiving

Have a google and see.

I've been working on a hand sewn hexie quilt for about 8 years!! I only pick it up when I have the time, so it is probably going to be a lifelong project. :) The hexagons are quite tiny, though, about 1-2 inches across.

Enjoy learning to quilt, op. I taught myself with blogs and youtube videos. Loved it!

Here’s my epic ongoing decade long paper piecing project (well a bit of it...)

Love the colours Zaurak - have you got a lot left to do? What paper should I use - just ordinary A4 kind?

I’m about halfway :)

There’s a shop called sew and quilt who do the shapes - you can remove a paper shape template after you’ve sewn shapes all around it. I think a slightly thicker card is better. I glue baste, as it’s quicker. I use a sewline pen and just use a very thin line of it a mm or two inside the edge of the shape. Make sure to fold the fabric around carefully and to have all the ‘corners’ folded facing the same way so they nest when points meet. There are loads of tutorials online.
For needles I use a tulip #10 as they are very fine - you can buy them at sew and quilt too. I use cotton thread and do about 20-23 stitches per inch.

www.sewandquilt.co.uk/english-paper-pieces

It will take ages by hand. I'm liking the stripy one in Enid's photo.