10 Must-Try Quilting Tips For Beginners, Excited!

Quilting is one of my favorite hobbies. It’s so relaxing and rewarding to create something beautiful and cozy with fabric and thread. But I know that quilting can also be intimidating and frustrating for beginners. There are so many things to learn and master, from choosing the right materials and tools to cutting and piecing, to quilting and binding. That’s why I want to share with you Must-Try Quilting Tips For Beginners that will make your quilting journey easier and more enjoyable. These tips are based on my own experience and the advice of other quilters that I admire. They will help you avoid some common mistakes and pitfalls, and improve your skills and confidence. Whether you are beginning quilting or want to refresh your knowledge, these tips are for you. So grab your sewing machine and let’s get started!

Sew and mark your own squares

One of the first steps in quilting is to sew and mark your squares. This is a great way to save money and customize your quilt with your favorite fabrics and colors. You can use any fabric you like, as long as it is 100% cotton and pre-washed to avoid shrinking. You can also mix and match different prints and solids to create a unique design.

The correct way to sew your squares, you use a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, a ruler, and a sewing machine. You can find these tools at any craft store or online. First, you need to cut your fabric into strips of the same width, depending on the size of your squares. For example, if you want 4-inch squares, you need to cut 4.5-inch strips. Then, you need to sew the strips along the long edges, alternating the fabrics as you like. Press the seams open or to one side with an iron. Next, you need to cut the sewn strips into smaller strips of the same width as before. For example, if you cut 4.5-inch strips, you need to cut them again into 4.5-inch strips. Finally, it would help if you sewed the smaller strips together along the short edges, matching the seams and creating a checkerboard pattern. Press the seams again and trim the excess fabric. You have now made your squares!

To mark your own squares, you will need a fabric marker, a ruler, and a safety pin. You can use any color of marker, as long as it is washable and does not bleed. You can also use a pencil or chalk, but they might rub off or fade. To mark your squares, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the wrong side of the fabric. This line will be your guide for quilting. You can also mark the seam inlay, which is usually ¼ inch from the edge, on both sides of the line. This will help you sew more accurately and avoid puckering. After marking your squares, you need to pin them to the batting and the backing fabric, making sure they are aligned and smooth. You have now marked your squares!

Apply bias strips to bind your edges

One of the first steps in quilting is to sew and mark your own squares. This is a great way to save money and customize your quilt with your favorite fabrics and colors. You can use any fabric you like, as long as it is 100% cotton and pre-washed to avoid shrinking. You can also mix and match different prints and solids to create a unique design. Quilting cotton is a popular choice for beginners, as it is easy to work with and has a wide range of colors and patterns.

To sew your squares, you will need a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, a quilting ruler, and a sewing machine. You can find these tools at any craft store or online. First, you need to cut your fabric into strips of the same width, depending on the size of your squares. For example, if you want 4-inch squares, you need to cut 4.5-inch strips. Then, you need to sew the strips along the long edges, alternating the fabrics as you like. Press the seams open or to one side with an iron. Next, you need to cut the sewn strips into smaller strips of the same width as before. For example, if you cut 4.5-inch strips, you need to cut them again into 4.5-inch strips. Finally, it would help if you sewed the smaller strips together along the short edges, matching the seams and creating a checkerboard pattern. Press the seams again and trim the excess fabric. You have now made your squares!

To mark your squares, you will need a fabric marker, a ruler, and a safety pin. You can use any color of marker, as long as it is washable and does not bleed. You can also use a pencil or chalk, but they might rub off or fade. To mark your squares, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the wrong side of the fabric. This line will be your guide for quilting. You can also mark the seam inlay, which is usually ¼ inch from the edge, on both sides of the line. This will help you sew more accurately and avoid puckering. After marking your squares, you need to pin them to the batting and the backing fabric, making sure they are aligned and smooth. You have now marked your own squares!

Now that you have sewn and marked your squares, you are ready to make a quilt! There are many different quilting techniques that you can use to join your squares and create a beautiful pattern. Some of the most common ones are patchwork, which is sewing the squares together in rows and columns, and free-motion quilting, which is moving the fabric under the needle in any direction and creating your quilting stitches. You can also use a walking foot or an even feed foot to help you sew multiple layers of fabric evenly and smoothly. You can find more quilting tips and quilting books online or at your local library.

Quilting is a fun and rewarding hobby, even if you’re a beginner. You can learn new skills and express your creativity with fabric and thread. You can also make quilts for yourself or your loved ones as gifts. Don’t worry if you make mistakes or encounter problems along the way. You can always use a seam ripper to undo your stitches and start over. You can also ask for help from other quilters or a quilting expert. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and be proud of your work. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you quilt, the better you will get.

Swap out your scissors

A third quilting tip that I have for you is to swap out your scissors. You can get it from the local quilt shop. Scissors are great for cutting paper, but not so much for cutting fabric. They can be dull, inaccurate, and hard on your hands. That’s why I recommend using a rotary cutter instead. A rotary cutter is a tool that has a circular blade that rotates as you cut. It can cut through multiple layers of fabric with ease and precision. It can also make curved and angled cuts that scissors can’t.

To use a rotary cutter, you will need a cutting mat, a quilting ruler, and some safety precautions. A cutting mat is a thick, flat surface that protects your table and your blade from damage. It also has grid lines and measurements that help you cut straight and even. A quilting ruler is a metal or plastic guide that helps you align and measure your fabric. It also keeps your fingers away from the blade. Some safety precautions that you should follow are to always close the blade when not in use, to keep the cutter away from children and pets, and to replace the blade when it gets dull or nicked.

To cut your fabric with a rotary cutter, you need to first iron your fabric and fold it in half, right sides together. Then, you need to place it on the cutting mat and smooth out any wrinkles. Next, you need to align the edge of the fabric with the edge of the ruler and hold the ruler firmly with your non-dominant hand. Then, you need to position the cutter next to the ruler and press down on the handle to expose the blade. Finally, you need to slide the cutter along the edge of the ruler, cutting through the fabric. Feel overwhelmed? You have now cut your fabric with a rotary cutter!

Now that you have cut your fabric, you are ready to sew it together and make a quilt! There are many different quilting techniques that you can use to join your fabric and create a beautiful pattern. Some of the most common ones are patchwork, which is sewing the fabric pieces together in rows and columns, and free-motion quilting, which is moving the fabric under the needle in any direction and creating your quilting stitches. You can also use a walking foot or an even feed foot to help you sew multiple layers of fabric evenly and smoothly. You can find more great tips and quilting books online or at your local library.

Quilting is a fun and rewarding hobby, even if you’re a beginner. You can learn new skills and express your creativity with fabric and thread. You can also make quilts for yourself or your loved ones as gifts. Don’t worry if you make mistakes or encounter problems along the way. You can always use a seam ripper to undo your stitches and start over. You can also ask for help from other quilters or a quilting expert. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and be proud of your work. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you quilt, the better you will get.

Straight Line Quilting

Straight-line quilting is a simple and elegant way to quilt your project as experienced quilters do. I will provide you with some tips and tricks. It involves stitching straight lines across the quilt, either horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or in a grid pattern. It can create a modern and minimalist look, or a classic and cozy feel, depending on the spacing and direction of the lines. It can also enhance the piecing and the fabric of your quilt, without distracting from them.

To do straight-line quilting, you will need a sewer, a walking foot, a quilting guide, a fabric marker, some pins or basting spray, and some thread. A dual feet foot is a special foot that helps feed the layers of the quilt evenly through the machine, preventing puckering and shifting. A quilting guide is a metal bar that attaches to the synchronizer foot and helps you keep a consistent distance between the lines. A fabric marker is a tool that helps you mark the lines on the quilt, either with washable ink or chalk. Some pins or basting spray are used to secure the layers of the quilt together, before quilting. And some thread is used to stitch the lines, either matching or contrasting the fabric.

To start straight-line quilting, you need to first baste your quilt sandwich, which consists of the quilt top, the batting, and the backing fabric. You can either pin the layers together with safety pins or spray them with a temporary adhesive. Then, you need to mark the lines on the quilt, either following the seams of the piercing or creating your pattern. You can use a ruler and a fabric marker to draw the lines or use masking tape as a guide. Next, you need to attach the plaid matcher foot and the quilting guide to your stitching machine and set the stitch length to about 3 mm. You can also adjust the tension and the pressure of the foot, according to your machine and your fabric. Finally, you need to sew along the marked lines, starting from the center and working your way out. You can use the quilting guide to keep the lines parallel and even. You have now done straight-line quilting!

Strip quilting

Strip quilting is a great technique for beginners who want to make beautiful quilts faster and easier. It involves sewing long strips of fabric together and then cutting them into smaller units that can be arranged into different patterns. Here are some tips on how to do strip quilting.

Strip quilting patterns for beginners

• Choose fabrics that contrast well in color, value, and print. You can use pre-cut strips, such as jelly rolls, or cut your own strips from yardage. Make sure to cut them accurately and consistently, using a rotary cutter and a ruler.
• Sew the strips together in pairs or groups, following the instructions of your pattern. Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance and press the seams to one side, preferably towards the darker fabric. You can also use a scant 1/4 inch seam margin, which is slightly narrower than a regular 1/4 inch, to account for the fabric that is folded over the seam.
• Cut the strip sets into smaller units, using a rotary cutter and a ruler. Make sure to align the ruler with the seam lines, not the edges of the fabric, to get accurate cuts. You can also use specialty rulers, such as the Strip Tube Ruler, to make cutting easier and faster.
• Arrange the units into blocks, following the layout of your pattern. You can rotate, flip, or swap the units to create different designs. You can also mix and match units from different strip sets to add variety and interest to your quilt.
• Sew the units together to form the blocks, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance and pressing the seams to one side or open, depending on your preference. You can also nest the seams, which means matching the seams of two units and pressing them in opposite directions, to reduce bulk and improve accuracy.
• Sew the blocks together to form the quilt top, using a 1/4 inch seam extension and pressing the seams to one side or open. You can also add sashing, borders, or cornerstones to enhance the look of your quilt.
• Quilt and bind your quilt as desired. You can use simple quilting designs, such as straight lines, zigzags, or loops, to complement the strip piecing. You can also use strip piecing to make the binding, by sewing strips of fabric together and cutting them into 2 1/2 inch wide strips.

Strip quilting is a fun and easy way to make stunning quilts with minimal effort. You can use this technique to make quilts of any size, style, or theme. You can also experiment with different fabrics, widths, and arrangements to create your own unique strip quilts. I hope you enjoy strip quilting as much as I do! 😊

Spinning intersections

Spinning intersections are a technique that can make your quilt blocks look neater and flatter, especially when you have multiple seams meeting at one point. Spinning intersections involve twisting the seam allowances in different directions to reduce the bulk and create a mini pinwheel at the back of the block. Here are some steps on how to quilt:

• First, sew your block as usual and press the seams to one side. Make sure the seams are well-aligned and the corners are matched.
• Next, use a seam ripper to carefully undo the stitches at the intersection, about 1/4 inch on each side. You should have four loose seam margins at the center of the block.
• Then, rotate each seam allowance in the same direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise, until they form a pinwheel shape. You can use your fingers or a pin to help you twist them.
• Finally, press the seam inlay flat and secure them with a dab of glue or a few stitches. You should have a smooth and flat intersection on the front of the block and a cute pinwheel on the back.

Spinning intersections can make a big difference in the appearance and feel of your quilt. It can also help you avoid bulky seams that can cause problems when quilting or binding your quilt. Spinning intersections is a simple and fun technique that you should try on your following coverlet project. You will love the results!

Use a walking foot for machine quilting

One of the best tips for machine quilting is to use a walking foot. An even feed foot is a special attachment that you can use on your sewing machine to help you easily quilt straight lines and curves. A walking foot has an extra set of feed dogs that move the top layer of fabric in sync with the bottom layer, preventing the layers from shifting or puckering. A dual feed foot also has a slot where you can insert a guide bar that helps you keep your stitching lines parallel and even.

Using a walking foot for machine quilting has many advantages, such as:

• It makes quilting faster and easier. You don’t have to worry about basting your quilt sandwich or pinning your layers together, as the plaid matcher foot will hold them in place. You also don’t have to mark your quilting lines on the fabric, as you can use the guide bar or the edge of the foot as a reference.
• It improves the quality and appearance of your quilting. You can achieve smooth and straight lines and curves without any tucks or wrinkles. You can also quilt in any direction, as the walking foot will feed the fabric evenly. With a walking foot, you can create beautiful designs such as cross-hatching, grid, echo, or stitch-in-the-ditch quilting.
• It is versatile and adaptable. You can use a quilting foot for quilting any type of fabric, from cotton to denim to fleece. You can also use a walking foot for other sewing projects that involve multiple layers or thick fabrics, such as bags, pillows, or garments.

Can you machine quilt with a synchronizer foot?

• Attach the quilting foot to your textile machine according to the instructions of your machine model. Make sure the foot is securely fastened and the needle is aligned with the center of the foot.
• Insert the guide bar into the slot of the walking foot if you want to use it. Adjust the guide bar to the desired distance from the needle, depending on how wide you want your quilting lines to be.
• Place your quilt sandwich under the walking foot, with the backing fabric facing down, the batting in the middle, and the quilt top facing up. Align the edge of the foot or the guide bar with the edge of the quilt or a seam line, depending on where you want to start quilting.
• Lower the presser foot and start sewing slowly and steadily, following the edge of the foot or the guide bar as a guide. You can use a longer stitch length (about 3 mm) for quilting, as this will make the stitches more visible and secure. You can also use a matching or contrasting thread color for quilting, depending on the effect you want to create.
• Stop and pivot the quilt when you reach a corner or a curve, keeping the needle down and lifting the presser foot. Turn the quilt in the new direction and lower the presser foot. Continue sewing until you finish the line or the design.
  Repeat the process until you quilt the entire quilt or the desired area. You can quilt parallel lines, perpendicular lines, diagonal lines, or curved lines with a quilting foot. You can also quilt around appliques, blocks, or motifs with a walking foot.
• Using a dual feed foot for machine quilting is a great way to enhance your quilting skills and projects. It is a handy and helpful tool that can make quilting more fun and enjoyable. You should try it on your subsequent bedspread project and see the difference!

Fine-line chalk markers

Fine line chalk markers are a great tool for marking the quilting lines on your fabric. They are easy to use, accurate, and visible, and they can be erased with a damp cloth or a steam iron. Fine line chalk markers come in different colors, so you can choose the one that contrasts best with your fabric. Here are some tips on how to use fine-line chalk markers for quilting.

Fine line chalk markers quilting patterns

• Before you use a fine line chalk marker on your fabric, test it on a scrap piece of the same fabric to make sure it works well and does not stain or damage the fabric. You can also check how easy it is to remove the chalk marks with water or steam.
• To mark your quilting lines, use a ruler, a template, or a stencil as a guide, and draw the lines with the fine line chalk marker. You can also use a hera marker or a creasing tool to make a crease on the fabric first, and then trace over it with the chalk marker. This will make the lines more visible and precise.
• To erase the chalk marks, use a damp cloth or a steam iron to gently wipe or press over the marked area. Do not rub or scrub the fabric, as this may spread the chalk or damage the fabric. You can also use a lint roller or tape to lift off the chalk residue from the fabric.
• Do not leave the chalk marks on the fabric for too long, as they may become permanent or hard to remove. Try to quilt and erase the marks immediately or within a few days. Do not wash or dry the fabric before erasing the marks, as this may set them in.

Fine line chalk markers are a wonderful and convenient tool for quilting. They can help you create accurate and beautiful quilting designs on your fabric. You should try them on your succeeding counterpane project and see how they work for you!

Squaring up blocks at the earliest point when assembling a quilt

Squaring up blocks at the earliest point when assembling a quilt is a smart and helpful tip for beginners. Squaring up blocks means trimming and aligning the edges and corners of your blocks to make them perfectly square and uniform. This will make your quilt look neater and more professional, and it will also make it easier to sew the blocks together and match the seams.

To square up your blocks, you will need a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, a ruler, and a square ruler. Here are some steps on how to do it.

How to square up a quilt block with a square ruler

• First, measure your block and determine the size you want it to be. You can use the pattern instructions or the finished size of the block as a guide. For example, if your block is supposed to be 12.5 inches square, you will need to trim it to that size.
• Next, place your block on the cutting mat, with the right side facing up. Align the square ruler on top of the block, making sure the diagonal line of the ruler matches the diagonal seam of the block. You can also use the markings on the ruler to align the horizontal and vertical seams of the block. Leave some extra fabric around the edges of the ruler for trimming.
• Then, use the rotary cutter to trim the excess fabric along the right and top edges of the ruler. Be careful not to cut into the seam allowance or the block itself. You can use the ruler as a guide and press firmly on it to keep it in place.
• Finally, rotate the block and the ruler 180 degrees, and repeat the process on the other two edges. You should now have a perfectly square and trimmed block. You can press the block with an iron to make it flat and crisp.

Squaring up your blocks at the earliest point when assembling a quilt will make your quilting process easier and more enjoyable. It will also improve the appearance and quality of your quilt. You should try this tip on your ensuing puff project and see the difference!

Must-Try Quilting Tips For Beginners: Conclusion

In conclusion, quilting is a wonderful hobby that can bring you joy and satisfaction. But it can also be challenging and overwhelming for beginners who need to learn a lot of skills and techniques. That’s why I shared with you some of the best quilting tips for beginners that I have learned from my own experience and other quilters. These tips will help you avoid common quilting problems and improve your quilting results. I hope you find them useful. Happy quilting!