Welcome to the world of quilting! Have you been dreaming of making a quilt for a while or did the bug just bite you? Either way, the quilt community is here to welcome you! This beginner-friendly guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to embark on making your first quilt, from gathering the essential tools, picking the perfect fabrics and choosing a beginner friendly pattern.
Why Modern Quilting?
Modern quilting offers a fresh take on a traditional craft. It embraces bold colors, solid fabrics, geometric shapes, and innovative techniques. Modern quilting retains the warmth and beauty that quilts are known for while seamlessly blending into your modern life. Whether you’re drawn to minimalist designs or vibrant patterns, modern quilting allows you to express your unique style and personality.
Essential Tools:
To get started with quilting, you’ll need a few basic tools. To get a checklist of these items, sign up here for our newsletter and you will be sent a printable checklist. :
Cutting Mat: A cutting mat protects your work surface when used in conjunction with your rotary cutter.
My best advice is to buy the biggest cutting mat you have room for. I currently have an adjustable standing desk used exclusively for cutting, which fits a 24”x36” cutting mat. My first cutting mat was smaller but as I continued to quilt, I found the 24”x36″ was very useful as you’ll typically be folding the fabric yardage in half lengthwise to cut strips by the width of fabric (WOF).
This is my current and favorite cutting mat (there are other sizes available). The quality is fantastic for the price and the light gray color helps see the fabric colors clearer for more accurate cutting.
Rotary Cutter: A rotary cutter is an indispensable tool for anyone working with fabric. This versatile instrument allows for quick and accurate cutting, making it much easier and more efficient than using traditional scissors. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out with sewing projects, a rotary cutter can significantly improve the precision and speed of your work.
One of the primary advantages of using a rotary cutter is its ability to make several straight cuts with ease. This is particularly helpful when working on large or complex fabric patterns, as well as when undertaking intricate quilting projects. The rotary cutter’s smooth and effortless action reduces hand strain and ensures a consistent, clean edge on your fabric.
When it comes to selecting a rotary cutter, there are various options available on the market. From different blade sizes to ergonomic handle designs, it’s important to find a tool that suits your specific needs and preferences. In my experience, I have found this rotary cutter to be exceptionally reliable and versatile, making it my go-to choice for various cutting tasks.
So, whether you’re cutting fabric for sewing, quilting, or other crafts, investing in a high-quality rotary cutter can greatly streamline your workflow and enhance the overall precision of your projects.
Rulers: Quilting rulers are one of the most used tools for measuring and marking fabric. They come in various sizes and styles. When starting your quilting journey, acquiring a 6” x 24” (or 6.5” x 24.5” ) ruler is essential, providing a fundamental tool for accurate measurements and straight cuts. As you progress and gain experience creating quilts, you may find that additional ruler sizes become beneficial for your projects. Investing in bundles of rulers can be advantageous, especially for beginners who want to have a selection of popular sizes at their disposal.
In addition to the 6” x 24” (or 6.5” x 24.5” ) ruler, a 12.5” square ruler can greatly assist in quilt-making. The 6.5” x 24.5” ruler, available here, is my favorite due to the ease of reading the marks and also seeing through the ruler to the fabric I am cutting. On the other hand, the 12.5” square ruler, found here, is particularly useful for squaring up half-square triangles and completed blocks, ensuring precision and uniformity in your quilting projects.
As you continue to expand your collection of quilting rulers, consider the specific needs of your projects and the potential for different ruler sizes to enhance your quilting experience. Each ruler serves a unique purpose and can contribute to the overall quality and accuracy of your quilting endeavors.
Sewing Machine: A basic sewing machine will suffice for most quilting projects. Look for features like a walking foot and adjustable stitch length. Your first sewing machine doesn’t need to be fancy, almost all quilters start with a basic sewing machine and upgrade their machines once they know what features are important to them. This Brother sewing machine was the machine that I started with and it was very reliable and has most of the features a beginner needs. One item to purchase separately is a walking foot. A walking foot helps with quilting and you will save yourself a lot of headaches by using this from the beginning. This is the one that works with the Brother sewing machine and includes a guide bar, which helps tremendously when quilting in straight lines.
My current sewing machine is a Juki TL-2020 PE, which was a special edition machine, but it’s very similar to the Juki Tl-2010. These machines are pricier but offer a lot of features that quilters are looking for. A full comparison of machines and features will be in a future blog post.
Iron & Ironing Board: Pressing your fabric and seams as you go will ensure a smooth and professional finish. This can be done with your standard iron and ironing board, you don’t need anything fancy for this. In a future blog post, I will outline my favorite iron and my DIY ironing board that I made. Something that no one told me before becoming a quilter, was how much time would be spent at the ironing board!
Other Notions: Thread, needles, pins, scissors, and a seam ripper are essential for any quilter.
There are several brands of thread and each sewing machine is different. It’s worth experimenting with your machine to find which one works best. For me, I have found Aurifil 50 weight cotton to work best for my machine. When I’m piecing my quilt top, I like to use the color Dove as it tends to blend in well. I use the 50 weight cotton thread for quilting as well. There are various colors available that can enhance your quilts as you gain more experience.
As with threads, there are several brands of needles as well as sizes. It’s essential to find the right combination for your specific sewing projects. For instance, my favorite needles are these Schmetz Topstitch 90/14 needles, as I have found them to work exceptionally well with various fabric and thread types. However, it’s always beneficial to experiment with different brands and sizes to see what works best with your specific sewing machine and the materials you are working with. Finding the perfect needle can make a significant difference in the quality and ease of your sewing projects. Remember to consider factors such as the fabric type, thread weight, and the nature of your stitching when selecting needles to achieve the desired results.
A few other notions to have on hand are a pair of small scissors to snip small threads and a seam ripper. This bundle is a great starter pack with both. Your seam ripper will become your best friend!
Standard sewing pins and safety pins should also be part of your basic kit. These sewing pins and these safety pins have been my go to from the beginning. These binding clips that will help you when sewing the binding on your quilt.
Fabric Selection:
The fabrics you choose will define the look and feel of your quilt. Here are some key factors to consider:
Fiber: Cotton is the most popular choice for quilting due to its durability and ease of care. Other options include linen, wool, and even synthetic fabrics.
When it comes to quilting, the choice of fiber is crucial as it impacts both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the quilt. Cotton, known for its breathability and comfort, is often favored by quilters for its durability and ease of care, making it a practical choice for quilts intended for everyday use.
Linen, another popular option, offers a distinct texture and elegant drape that adds character to quilts. Its natural luster and ability to become softer with each wash make it a sought-after fiber among quilting enthusiasts. Additionally, wool brings its own set of benefits to quilting, such as its exceptional warmth and moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for cozy, functional quilts designed to provide comfort during colder seasons.
In essence, the choice of fiber for quilting ultimately depends on the desired look, feel, and functionality of the finished quilt. Quilters are presented with an array of options, each with its own unique characteristics that contribute to the artistry and appeal of the final creation.
Color & Design: Modern quilts often feature bold color palettes and geometric patterns. Don’t be afraid to experiment and express your creativity!
A future blog post will contain a lot more details on fabric selection, but a good way to get started is to use all fabrics from one fabric line since they are coordinate. The other is to pick your backing fabric first and choose colors from that to create a cohesive quilt top from your backing fabric.
Beginner Patterns:
There are several free or inexpensive beginner patterns available after a quick google search. A few patterns to search for are as follows:
- Nine-Patch Pattern: This is a classic quilt pattern that consists of nine equally sized squares placed in a three-by-three grid. It’s a great starting point for beginners due to its simplicity and versatility.
- Rail Fence Pattern: This pattern involves straight strips of fabric that are sewn together to create a block that resembles a fence rail. It’s an excellent choice for showcasing a variety of fabrics and is straightforward to piece together.
- Checkerboard Pattern: A timeless design that alternates between two contrasting colors of fabric to create a checkerboard effect. It’s ideal for practicing precise cutting and piecing while achieving a striking end result.
Remember to choose fabrics that complement each other well to enhance the overall look of the quilt.
You are now ready to start quilting! With a little planning and the right supplies, you can create beautiful and modern quilts in no time. So, gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and join the exciting world of modern quilting!
Just a heads up! Some of the links sprinkled throughout this post are “affiliate links,” which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. Don’t worry, this doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps me keep on creating awesome content just for you!
