Quilting for Beginners

If you are just beginning in the wonderful world of quilting, here are some great tips for you!

I've found several online quilting sites that offer free quilt block patterns as well as entire quilt patterns.  I print out these items and save them in a 3-ring binder that has several dividers in it (pieced patterns, applique patterns, general tips, favorite quilt sites, etc.). As my quilting experience grows, I'm able to flip through my binder and select new patterns that I've liked.  Also, I can take that page with me to my local quilt store for help in picking out fabrics and getting hints from the store owners about color, patterns, etc.  If I find something i like, I buy extra fabric and cut small pieces that I can slide into the sheet protector that holds the pattern.

     Save the zippered bags you get new sheet sets in to store your quilt projects that are in progress.  They are big enough for your cut pieces and the finished blocks as you get them ready.  The bag is clear so you can see at a glance what project it is and will keep everything together for you. When the top is done you can store it in the bag until you decide to finish the quilt.      

     Save the bags from blanket and comforters to keep your finished quilts in.  They are also zippered and clear.

I have lost sissors, thread etc in classes and now put an address label on my cutting mat, sissors, rotory cutter and so forth. When they are found I can now get a phone call and am able to pick them up. I can also make a list of what I brought and check it before I leave. Accidents do happen and I am grateful for the phone call.

Wendee