I am going to start quilting. Any books or websites that you would recommend for a beginner?

Question

My grandmother was a quilter but passed away when i was a child before she could teach me her methods. I am really interested in making quilting a hobby of mine but need to know what i need to buy and learn before i start. any help would be appreciated. thanks!

Answer 1

There are many different ways to quilt. You need to decide what you want to do. Do you want to cut up material and sew it together to make a pattern in the material. Do you just want to do the quilting part where you sew patterns into the fabric.

Where I would start is at your local quilt fabric shop. Most of these stores will have experienced people on hand to help you with all manner of quilting. They should also offer classes for beginners that will have a class list telling you what you need.

It is so varied. One set of books I would recommend is the Quilt in a Day series, she does a really good job of explaining stuff but, can't take the place of a good beginner class.

Answer 2

Carol Doak's  Your First Quilt Book (or it should be)

i still use it for reference after 7 years of quilting. Join a local quilt guild, or take a class at your local quilt store. Both places should be great sources of help for new quilter. Jean in Indiana  

Answer 3

Anything by Alex Anderson.  Have fun; it is great fun.  Michaele

Answer 4

Hi, I too am new to quilting and I found the most amazing book, calle the Quilting Bible, expanded edition it is so easy to follow and being a simple person that I am I found it was so easy to read the instructions and the pictures were very well done and I am now finishing my queen quilt. Worth the money

The Quilting Bible the complete Phot Guide to machine quilting by Creative Publishing international.  found it at books a million.  God Bless MaryAnn

Answer 5

My wife likes quilting,she just got a really nice book, It is from Better Homes and Gardens so I would imagine it's a good book. It's called, "Complete Guide to Quilting" its a big book. I dont know where she ordered it from, but since it's from Better Homes and Gardens, Overstock.com or some similar website will probably have it.I hope this might be of a little help.

Answer 6

A really great website is www.quilterscache.com. It has great patterns for free AND a tutorial for beginner's. Also a new website for a great fabric swapping is [e-mail].  I hope this helps!

Answer 7

In Addition to looking for websites and books, try giving the local senior citizens rec hall a call, you might just find someone else's granny who'd love to help you learn!

Answer 8

I am also a self learn individuals.  I found this one site awhile back one I first started and its been real interesting.  http://www.quilterscache.com/

Hope you find it as intriguing as I did.

Teresa

Answer 9

I am a self-taught quilter.  I learned with the help of the book, Learn to Quilt from Leisure Arts.  The quilt I made from that book won a first place ribbon at my local fair!

The other book that I would recommend would be the Quilter's Complete Guide by Fons & Porter.  I refer to it all the time.

Answer 10

Quilting has come a long ways since our grandmothers' day!  There are so many wonderful tools, books, quilt stores with knowledgeable staff and other quilters who you can learn from.  It's a wonderful and addicting hobby.  I took my first quilting classes from Terry Atkinson.  She lives in MN, about 10 miles from my city.  Terry has published many quilting books and all are very clear and understandable with good diagrams for step-by-step instruction and sewing.  I agree with the comment about going to a local quilt shop for help, if that is available to you.  Otherwise, you can look at many book stores or quilt stores for beginner books on quilting.  I began with simple things like a table runner or small wallhanging and then advanced to quilts.  Take your time and don't get frustrated.  I remember being in one of Terry's classes where some of us were bemoaning our inperfect seams.  Terry said, "If you can't see if from a galloping horse, don't worry about it!"  I never forgot that and it gave me the inspiration I needed to continue to challenge myself with more difficult projects.  Good luck, and happy quilting!

Answer 11

You picked a great hobby.  I have been quilting for about 15 years and I am self-taught.  I have a site http://wwwappliquequiltdesigns.com.  It gives you information on quilting.  When area that i cover to quilt book reviews.  I review different quilting books telling you want each is about.  One are I cover is begging quilting.  Good luck with this great hobby.

Answer 12

The very best way to learn is a class (offered through fabric stores, adult-ed, and quilt shops), and you should also try to find a sewing or quilt guild to join. But, I know that's not always possible. For an online site, I recommend 'about.com' - they have a really good series of tutorials for beginners, as well as lots of cool stuff for more experienced quilters. (I assume you already know how to sew, but if you don't 'about.com' also has sewing info.) For a book, I agree about the Fons&Porter "Quilters' Complete Guide" - it's my 'bible'. In fact, I have 3 copies, just so I'll always be able to find one!

Go slow on acquiring tools and supplies until you get more of an idea what kinds of projects you prefer to do. Probably the basic tools to start with are:

- a rotary cutter and 18"x24" cutting mat. I prefer the style of cutter with a 'd'-shaped handle - it wobbles less for me, but look around. The 45mm blade size is probably the most versatile.

- a 6"x24" rotary cutting ruler (I like the kind with yellow and black markings)

- basic sewing supplies (needles, threaders, pins, seam ripper, scissors, iron, ironing board and sewing machine if you plan to use one).

- of course, FABRIC (but first decide on a project, then buy the right stuff for it, including any specific tools).

These are available at many WalMarts and craft stores, as well as all fabric stores. JoAnn Fabrics often runs sales up to 50 percent off - time your purchases accordingly.

A word on thread - do NOT use cheap stuff! Coats&Clark is the lowest quality you should ever buy. Most quilters use 100-percent cotton fabric, so they often use 100-percent cotton thread, and many use only 2 thread colors for piecing - off-white and medium-gray.

Happy quilting, and welcome to the addiction!

http://quilting.about.com/

Answer 13

I really like the book Rotary Magic.  If you have the opportunity to take classes in your community I think that you will find them to be invaluable.  Good luck!

Answer 14

http://www.freequiltpatterns.info/

http://www.quilting101.com/

check these out!

Answer 15

Hello, The first step I would take is to find a local quilting store and find out if they offer beginner classes, if they do sign up and they should have a list of notions (items used to cut and measure fabrics) you would need to begin.  You don't always need every tool in the beginning, You may like applique, or possibly rotary cutting quilts.  I used to teach my beginners with a class on how to use the tools first.  Then the second class would be how to cut out and follow (read) the patterns.  Then the first quilt was usually a rail fence.  To me that is the easiest quilt to  begin with.  Or even he nine patch.  Another simple just learn to sew a quarter inch on every square, a lot of quilters do not know how to sew in a straight line.  So just practice, it makes perfect.  I'm sure you will love this hobby I do, and sooomany others are addicted as well.  Alot of the women who have come into my quilting store are not good at picking out coordinates and matching and mixing colors, but that is why we are there to teach you that as well.  There are also some stores who will offer color classes.  Enjoy!

Answer 16

I too am new to quilting.  A great website is sewaquilt.com   It has been a great source of information.  One section that I especially enjoyed is about fabrics and choosing the right fabric and colors.  Ask other quilters about a local quilting guild.  There will be many experienced quilters there and they love to give help to us newbies.  As suggested by others a good quilt shop is a good source also.