My Quilt Life

So you have made the decision to start quilting, welcome to the family! Now that the tough part is over, let’s get started with the basics. What are the basic, essential supplies you need to begin quilting?

The foundation of it all, a quilt quality fabric, must be in possession. Don’t be confused with regular fabric; quilt quality fabric has less give and usually more tightly woven.

A cutting mat and a rotary cutter to alter your quilt. This is self-explanatory but precise cutting is necessary as well as a mat that will sufficiently protect the surface and keep the cutter sharp. Rotary cutters come in various sizes but 45mm is a good one to start on.

To stay on the cutting side of things, an acrylic quilting ruler is another key tool for a beginner. This will assist in making precise cuts and is a wonderful starter tool.

Don’t forget the iron and the ironing board! The iron doesn’t need any fancy functions but preferably should be heavy. The heat and the weight of the iron are the key components in pressing of the quilt.

Please check back with us for part 2 of this article!

Quilting is one of America’s most treasured hobbies and continues to be enjoyed by millions in our great country. When I first got started, I aspired to make beautiful quilts for my family and friends especially my children. But without any guidance, it took me a while to get the hang of quilting and start achieving my goals. If you want to get started on quilting but not sure where to start, I have laid out some key starter points to get you on the right path of your journey.

When you are first starting out on sewing, make sure to keep your first project small and manageable. Even projects on a smaller scale such as a cot quilt can be daunting and that is understandable. Try a test run on the patch to get the feel of sewing and there won’t be any pressure to avoid mistakes.

In addition, don’t try to outdo yourself and go for an elaborate design. KISS – keep it simple stupid! Your first project is all about getting your feet wet and there is no need to go fancy. What are the easiest designs you can begin with? Think straight lines and squares. Simple enough, right?

My next blog post will focus on the materials to begin your quilting adventure. Be sure to follow My Quilt Life to assist you in your journey!