My First Quilt! (plus lessons learned…)
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I made this simple Fat Quarter quilt as my first project. While working on the quilt, I learned some helpful things for beginner quilters.
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Simple Fat Quarter Quilt
A quilt for my daughter’s room has been on my “to-do” list for a long time. But a full-size quilt just seems like a massive project for a beginner with no quilting skills. I’m still very intimidated by the thought of making a large quilt. (And I have done just about everything I can to avoid starting on her quilt, lol.)
I’ve done a few simple fabric-piecing projects like this patchwork tunic top and shorts. Then I moved on to actual quilted projects like my quilted table runner and tablet cover.
Recently, I stumbled across a super-cute fat quarter set from Riley Blake. (Sew Cherry, and on sale, of course!). The fabric set just screamed summery vintage picnic quilt and I had to buy it. I thought it was perfect for a straightforward picnic-sized patchwork quilt and would be good practice before I cut into my daughter’s quilt fabric.
Here is the crazy part… After cutting up the fat quarters, I realized I had enough for two quilts. So, you guessed it! I made two quilts and will give one away to a lucky reader. Giveaway details will be at the bottom of the post. Give away over -sorry!
Bias binding for two quilts? Yep, it was a bunch…
She caught a baby frog here. Little frogs are so cute. I have a tutorial coming for her dress in the next day or two…
*update* Find the pattern here: Simple Halter Dress
Everyone loved the quilt, including the neighbor’s cat!
A few things I learned while making these quilts (that I wish someone had told me)
1. A walking foot
will make your life so much easier. (Thank goodness I already had one. It is great for bias binding!)
2. When quilting, use a new, appropriately sized Quilting needle.
3. I used a flat sheet from Walmart for the back of the quilt. I was experiencing some skipped stitches on the back of the quilt and had to spend significant time picking out those stitches and redoing them.
I did a little Google-ing on the subject and found a bed sheet is not always the best idea. Some sheets are woven very tightly and will cause the needle to flex, and it won’t be able to catch the bobbin thread, causing a skipped stitch.
The Walmart sheet is definitely woven very tightly in comparison to an Ikea sheet I have… (A twin-size flat sheet from Walmart is $5 and a twin white flat sheet from Ikea is under $4.)
4. You can use a different color bobbin thread so the threads on the top and bottom of the quilt will blend better.
5. Start pinning and quilting from the center and work out. (Helps keep puckering to a minimum.)
6. Iron the backing and use spray starch. (You may be tempted to skip this step, but don’t!)
7. 505 basting spray
… Get some, it makes basting your quilt sandwich together so much easier!
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What an AWESOME giveaway and beautiful quilt!!!!!! I LOVE it!!!! Great tips too, I want to make my first quilt this summer, I'm so excited! I loved this post!
That quilt is gorgeous! I love it 🙂 I came over from freckled laundry after she featured your shirred sundress!
Great job! Your first quilt looks a whole lot better than my first quilt did!!
I wanted to address this tip: "You can use a differnt color bobbin thread so the threads on the top and bottom of the quilt will blend better." While that is true, you have to be careful to keep the tension completely perfect, otherwise the bobbin thread will show through on the quilt top and visa versa. If the thread colors are close in color it doesn't matter too much, but if you're using black and white it can get a bit tricky.
Can't wait to see more quilts from you!
Love it! I hope I win!!
I'm so impressed! Thanks so much for the backing and spray starch ideas. I never thought of that. And start from the middle.:) I don't do that either.:(
Shiloh
everydaygameplan.net
You did wonderful for your first quilt and I love the colors. How many fq's total did you use. I sure hope I win.
I think there were 21 in the set. I cut them in to fourths and used about 3/4 of them. (For two 47 x 63ish quilts.)
~Jamie
Great job, love the colors!
You did a good job for your first time. I am trying to get one started but just don't know how!
Thanks, just start with something small. Like a table runner or hot pad.
~Jamie
Congrats on your first quilt! I am a big quilter and the first one is ALWAYS the hardest. I love your fabric choices. I am trying to think if I have any tips that changed my life… Hmm. I guess it would be to stay accurate with your cutting, and ALWAYS set your seams with the iron before you iron the pieces open and it will keep everything straight!
Since it is was a project that you are "finally completing" I would love for you to link up to my "UFO" Challenge! I am actually about to post about a quilt I have been putting off and putting off as my own entry into the challenge. The party will open on May 1. (Normally I wouldn't spam you, but you specifically mentioned it!) he! 🙂
Oh and thanks for the giveaway! That is great too!
First of all, I have a tip to share. There is an awesome you tube video out there about basting quilts using two pieces of wood. I used this method my last two times and I'll never go back. Y'all should check it out. Secondly, from one quilter to the next… I love your quilt. I want one!!! Can I have yours? (I hope I win) and lastly, you should check out the quilt I just made my daughter. You can see it at mamajillof2crafts.blogspot.com. And please, post a comment. It's hard when you are only blogging to yourself.
Adorable quilt!! I love the colors!! Amd thanks for the tips!:)
Your daughter's dress is super cute!!
Cindy
orr20004(at)msn(dot)com
lovely quilt. and such fresh colors.
Hugs Dagmar (Malanda/Multiply)
I'd never seen the rafflecopter before, that is pretty cool…..your quilts are beautiful. I use bedsheets all the time for my own "quilts" (2 sheets with batting sewn in between) and don't have problems. Could it be a difference between 100% cotton and a blend? But I do need a walking foot for my machine…..
This girly quilt is adorable, but can I be sincere… I can't wait to see your tutorial of this amazing dress! I want the same one for my baby girl Anna ^^)
That is just precious! I love the fabrics you used! I would love for you to share this (and any other creations) at Pin It & Win It Wednesday
Beautiful quilt! Love the pretty fabrics you used and your helpful hints!
Your quilt is gorgeous, I love the fabric you have used. Xxx
I love this quilt!!! Found you on Someday Crafts
Amber
http://www.recipeswelove.net
This quilt is beautiful! Thanks for sharing your tips and giving one of the quilts away. I would like to make a quilt, but I am a little afraid to try as well. Guess I need to just jump in!!
Thanks for the beginner tips. I, like you, have had fabric purchased (even cut!) and still have not started the quilt! How long did it take you from start to finish? Maybe it's the time commitment that keeps me from getting started?
So awesome of you to give one away. Thanks for that!
Jamie