Sewing has become a passion for many people and a popular hobby in the last few decades. From creating pillows to repairing clothing, there’s a lot that knowing how to sew can accomplish. Making your own quilts is challenging, but it can also be one of the best ways to express your sewing skills. The tips and tricks below will help you piece together your first project with confidence.

A Guide for Beginner Quilters

1. Start Small

Quilting is a learning process, and it can be easy to make mistakes your first time around. Before moving on to a king-sized quilt, try starting at a 40” by 60” size to learn as you go without wasting materials and money. Once you get the hang of the quilting process, you can start to make larger quilts with confidence.

2. Take Your Time

It is important to go at a slower pace when sewing your first quilt. Quilting requires precision and a steady hand to connect the fabric squares and seams properly. Going too fast can lead to resewing, which can damage the fabric, or you can end up producing loose or crooked seams. Chain piecing is when you sew the quilt pieces together using a continuous thread and is a skill every beginner quilter should know. If you don’t take your time learning this technique, you could end up having to start the quilt all over again.

3. Wash Your Quilt Fabric Before You Start

If you are using quilt squares that have dyed patterns or designs, it is important that you wash your fabric before you start sewing. Pre-washing your fabric will prevent the dyes from bleeding after the quilt is completed and washed for the first time, effectively ruining all of your hard work.

4. Buy Plenty of Fabric

Always buy more fabric than you think you’ll need for the quilt you are starting. When first learning how to cut and shape your fabric into quilt squares, you could end up with a lot of frayed or misshapen pieces. Save yourself the hassle of returning to pick up more fabric. You should plan ahead by purchasing an extra length. If you buy too much, you can always use the fabric for another quilt or a different sewing project.

For beginner quilters in the Cincinnati, OH, area, Kramer’s Sew & Vac Center is your source for quality and affordable sewing products. Whether you need tools and supplies for starting your first quilt or are in need of repairs for your sewing machine, their team is ready to help. Call (513) 891-5005 today for more information or visit their website to learn more about their products and services.