Complete Guide to Quilting for Beginners

Quilting isn’t just a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, it can also be a very rewarding one. There’s nothing like presenting a handmade quilt as a holiday gift or having something beautiful and customized to hang on a child’s nursery wall. It’s all possible with quilting, and quilting is possible with just a short list of supplies and a few basic lessons. Let’s look at how to get started, and soon you’ll be enjoying this timeless hobby, too!

Before you can begin to learn to quilt, you’ll need a few essential supplies. Fiskars suggests the following:

• Needle and thread
• Basting safety pins
• Straight pins
• Scissors or other cutting tools
• Sewing machine
• Batting or other filler material
• Fabric, either to cut or already cut into squares suitable for your project

You may also want to consider a measuring tool, if your fabric or cutting board is not grid-lined. With supplies in hand, it’s time to move on to the next step: finding lessons, tutorials and more.

Many retailers of quilting supplies offer free or low-cost classes for customers to attend that teach the basics of quilting and other crafts. When possible, it’s best to use in-person instruction, as your teacher can take note of any mistakes you make and correct them in real time, helping you improve your technique quicker and be a better quilter in far less time.

However, not everyone has access to these sorts of classes. If sewing courses aren’t possible for you, consider online tutorials, browsing crafting sites like Pinterest and searching quilting blogs for instructions. You might be surprised at how many experienced quilters are willing to share their knowledge online!

Once you’ve established your basic skill set, it’s time to practice. Once again, fabric and supply retailers and the internet are your best options for finding the instructions and other items you’ll need to complete your first projects on a budget.

At local retailers, ask about free pattern giveaways or downloads available when you purchase fabric and other items. On many merchant websites, you may find free downloads and project designs to get your started and keep you inspired throughout your quilting journey. For even more ideas, don’t forget to check with local quilting groups, browse pin boards and more.

Quilting is a tradition steeped in a rich and beautiful history, representative of modern culture itself. When we piece together are favorite fabrics, we are piecing together the past and the present, and creating something to be enjoyed in the future. Start your quilting journey today! For more information on all things quilting, visit Runaway Quilting!