I would like to learn to quilt?

Question

I would like to learn to quilt for free. I did the google search and came up with this http://www.google.com/search?q=learn+to+quilt+free&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Does anyone know of the best site? I've never quilted before.

This is what I would ultimately like to make

http://www.freepatterns.com/list.html?criteria=FQ00023&cat_id=428

Thanks so much

Answer 1

I used the internet to teach myself to quilt.  I found these sites to be particularly helpful:

http://quilting.about.com/  (this has excellent instructions on rag quilts)

http://www.quilterscache.com/

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_quilting/0,1...

http://www.qnm.com/

http://blockcentral.com/index.shtml

Answer 2

I was able to find a video on rag quilts at expertvillage.com. Just type in rag quilt.  

Answer 3

Start asking around and see if there are any quilting clubs locally. My mom goes to one every month. There are also some magazines out there too.  

Answer 4

If you are not experienced in sewing either ,then I would suggest a class for your first quilt. Find a local quilt shop or Quilt Guild to take a beginners class ;)))

Answer 5

There are a lot of free resources on the internet although there's a lot of garbage mixed in with the good stuff. I've yet to find a really good teaching site for beginners. The best collection I've found so far is on the Lessons page of the McCall's Quilting website:

http://mccallsquilting.com/lessons/

It's organized alphabetically rather than in logical steps, so you'll have to pick through the information to get what you need.

There are all sorts of resources once you have a basic understanding of the process, though. This page has links to a lot of fantastic resources:

http://piecemealquilts.wordpress.com/qui...

To begin quilting, I'd recommend checking out a book called "Start Quilting with Alex Anderson." It's a skinny little book that only costs about $12, but it covers all of the questions a beginner needs answered. If you'd rather not buy it, see if your library can get it for you.

If you'd rather stick with online learning, start with rotary cutting. Using a rotary cutter, mat, and acrylic ruler makes cutting your fabric MUCH easier, faster, and more accurate than the old scissors and templates method. There is a little cost up front, but if you watch for sales you can pick up the basics for under $30. Jo-Ann Fabrics is having a big sale this week and their rotary cutting tools are 40% off. They have a set with a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler on sale now for $25.

The pattern you want to make is a style called a rag quilt. It's a great beginner quilt because you quilt the blocks rather than the entire top. Quilting is sewing the three layers - top, batting & backing - together; piecing is assembling the quilt top. However, this particular pattern is a Tumbling Blocks, which is a little more challenging because it uses diamonds rather than squares or rectangles. Diamonds are harder to cut and piece. Why don't you try a slightly different version of the rag quilt to start. Here's a great option with detailed instructions:

http://www.knitandtonic.typepad.com/Simp...

Quilting is fun and addictive. I hope you enjoy it!