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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I think I've entered for the giveaway. I love the quilt.
What is the size of the blocks?
I have a big group of coordinated fat quarters and might put them together this way. You've inspired me.
BEAUTIFUL quilt! And that was your first one? Wow! You are very talented! I just found your blog and now I'm following you by email. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely adorable quilt, what a great giveaway!
jennykartchner at gmail
Love the Quilt! The fabric is perfect for a summer picnic. :0)
Yep, love the fabric and I may have to get some and try one of these for myself!
What a beautiful quilt. I tried a quilt years back and ended up with my grandmother finishing it. I think I will try again. You've inspired me. 🙂
Love this project!!!!!
I currently have a Crafty linky party going on, i would love you to link this project up !!!
That is a gorgeous quilt! You chose stunning fabric. I have a couple of quilts on my "to-do" list… but I've never quilted before, so I just bookmarked your tips. Thanks! 🙂
Wish I could enter your givaway. Oh well. Someone will adore your quilt non-the-less.
You did a great job – love it! Binding fabric is lovely. Thanks for the great giveaway 🙂
That is so beautiful, I have been wanting to try and make a quilt for long time now as one would look prefect on my bed in my 400 year old flat, I fancy something vintage looking, but I have been too unsure to try, you've inspired me to give it a go, I just need to collect the right fabrics. Your tips are very interesting and I'm sure will come in useful
I've entered your giveaway as well of course – who could resist the chance to win such a pretty quilt?
I just found your blog on craftgawker, and love this post! thanks for sharing your first time quilt, I recently made one from my sons old tshirts… its not the prettiest thing but he loves it!
This turned out so beautiul! You are so darned talented!
I enjoy making quilts, especially when I don't have to buy the fabric.
THis is beautiful! How fantastic that you made 2!!
New GFC Follower Ledford Land…LOVE this quilt!
cherriesjessilee at gmail dot com
What a beautiful quilt! Too bad I'm in Canada & can't enter the give-away. 🙂 I would love to win. I guess I'll just have to make myself one, hey? Beautiful photos as well. I'm your newest follower.
~Steph @ Silver Boxes
this is incredible! new follower and DEFINITELY entered the giveaway. Now to go get lost on your blog 🙂 🙂 🙂 Happy weekend!
That quilt is stunning! I love the colors! If you have time, I would love for you to link up to the Pomp Party going on now!
Beautiful! I just got my first sewing machine. Scouring the net for easy beginner projects!
What an adorable little girl and her cat. 🙂
I LOVE your quilts…and I really REALLY hope to win one. Thanks so much for the chance.
xo bj
Beautiful quilt! I've never sewn a quilt either but it's on my to-do list for 2012 to make one for my daughter!