Are you ready to get started quilting? Are you unsure what you need to get started? Are you overwhelmed by all the things? Let me help you get started by purchasing only what you need to get going.
Get Started Quilting: A Comprehensive Guide
Congratulations on making the decision to learn to quilt. I know when you get started quilting there seem to be all these things that you need, might need, need to know, etc. Take a deep breath. Let’s get you started and on your quilting journey.
Sewing Machines
You can quilt on a vintage sewing machine, a modern sewing machine, a mechanical sewing machine, a computerized sewing machine, even your grandma’s old Singer. As long as you have a working sewing machine in good working order, you’re good to go.
It is very easy to get overwhelmed here, especially when dealers try to tell you that you must have at least a $2,000 sewing machine to quilt. NO, you don’t.
Buying a Sewing Machine
If you already have a machine you can skip this section. I’m talking to the rest of you here. I have two BIG tips for you:
- Do NOT buy your sewing machine from Amazon, WalMart, Target or other Big Box Store
- DO buy your sewing machine from a sewing machine dealer (in person or online)
Please do not waste your money at Amazon or a Big Box Store. First, the models they sell are usually the bottom of the line. Second, they cannot teach you how to use your machine and there is a learning curve with every machine. Third, they cannot fix your machine if something goes wrong and it usually does.
Please buy from a dealer. If you don’t have a local dealer, purchase from an online dealer instead. Sewing machine dealers know sewing machines inside and out. They will teach you how to use your machine, be there to answer your questions and fix your machine when you need it.
Tools
Iron
A household iron will work fine as you get started quilting. Please do not put water in your iron as it will rust through eventually. Use a spritz bottle with water, starch alternative or starch to press your fabrics.
Rotary Cutter
A rotary cutter is the most efficient way to cut quilting fabric. I recommend an Olfa 45mm rotary cutter. These cutters are inexpensive and will last you for years to come. I still have my original Olfa cutter from 2003.
Self-Healing Mat
In addition to your rotary cutter, you will need a self-healing mat. Again, I recommend Olfa mats. Start with an 18” x 24” mat if you have the room. Please note that your mat must be self-healing to avoid being cut through with your rotary cutter.
Rotary Cutter Ruler
To go with your rotary cutter and mat, I recommend two cutting rulers. Purchase a 6” square and a 6” x 24” long ruler. You will use these rulers for years. I recommend Creative Grids rulers as they have a non-slip surface on the back making them much harder to slip as you cut.
Fabric
The best place to get started quilting is with 100% cotton fabric. If you have the budget and you have local quilt stores, go see what they have to offer. There is a large difference between the more expensive fabrics found at quilt stores vs. fabric found at fabric stores. The difference you pay in money is based on the amount of threads per square inch, similar to bed sheets.
If you don’t have a quilt store budget or you have no local stores, you can purchase 100% cotton fabric from general fabric stores like Fabricland here in Canada. You will find that these fabrics are thinner and more prone to wear out.
Another fabric source are local thrift stores. I hear that sometimes you can find fabric bundles in thrift stores, or you could purchase garments and cut them up to make your quilts. I have also heard of quilters finding either completed quilts or quilt tops at thrift stores too.
Threads and Needles
Please avoid the thread bargain bin at all costs. I know it’s tempting, but thread is not a place to cheap out in quilting. Poor quality threads result in quilt seams pulling apart.
For piecing your quilts, a 50 weight (wt) 100% cotton thread is best.
Aurifil Threads
These beautiful threads are made in Italy. I piece my quilts with Aurifil 50wt threads. That being said, Aurifil is a more expensive thread, and can be a little linty under your needle plate requiring you to clean more often. I am happy to clean more often in exchange for a high quality thread I can count on.
Gutermann Threads
Gutermann Threads are a wonderful Aurifil alternative, made in Germany. They are much less expensive, but are a fantastic 100% cotton thread.
Needles
For piecing and quilting, a quilting needle will work fine. Alternatively, a topstitch needle can be used instead. You may need to spend some time figuring out which size needle works best with your machine, fabric and the thread you plan to use.
How to Learn to Quilt
How you learn to quilt will depend on your location and learning style. If you are ok with virtual learning, then you can learn from anyone. If not, your choices will likely include a local quilt shop, fabric store, craft store or parks and rec program.
My advice here is not to skip steps/corners and learn everything you can to get started. Try not to become disappointed if your quilt doesn’t turn out perfect. When you are first learning to quilt, there are lots of variables and things can go sideways. That’s ok. As you learn, you will build your skill set and your quilts will get better and better. Do not expect your first quilt to be perfect, because it won’t be. Life is too short for visits from the Quilt Police.
The Learning Curve
Do not expect to learn to quilt without at least a couple of obstacles getting in your way. Examples of this are:
- sewing machine thread breakage,
- sewing machine needle breakage,
- sewing machine thread nests,
- skewed quilt blocks
- incorrectly cut fabric
- quilt blocks that don’t turn out the right size
- dark coloured fabrics bleeding into white or light coloured fabric when you wash the quilt
These are just a few examples of the problems you may encounter along your quilting journey. However, there are reasons for each of these problems and there are things you can do to avoid them in the future.
Do not expect to make a king size quilt with custom quilting in the near future. You need to spend the time to learn your machine, quilting tools and techniques first. However, you can do this. Do not let issues like these stop you from quilting.
My Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed Get Started Quilting: A Comprehensive Guide. As you can see, there are a few tools you need to get started quilting. You can continue to add to your tools and notions in the future, but start with these and just get started.
Quilting is a wonderful pastime. Besides making bed quilts, quilting can be used to make table runners, wall hangings, and even quilted clothing. Quilted jackets are very hot right now.
For more helpful quilting tips and tricks, make sure you follow me on YouTube,and Pinterest.