Learning quilting for your next creative skill allows you to create many new, useful items. While you can start this hobby quickly, there are mistakes that beginners tend to make. Below are a few of them that are most frequent, as well as how to avoid them.

Avoid these Common Quilting Mistakes

1. Not Prewashing & Pressing Fabric

The fabric takes on a new shape when it’s washed because the water and detergent shrink it. You shouldn’t mix prewashed fabrics with ones that aren’t, because once you wash the quilt, some patches will shrink and distort the finished product.

Also, you should press the fabric, so all of your quilting squares are measured correctly. An unpressed square will be too skinny and small, which may make the squares for your project uneven.

2. Sewing too Fast

Unless you’re in a sewing competition, there’s no rush or designated time to finish a project. Slowing down improves accuracy, so you’ll spend less time fixing stitches. As a beginner, push down on the presser foot only slightly until you hit a comfortable speed. Pay attention to the seam allowance, and keep a steady hand, so your stitches remain straight. When you have more practice, you can start sewing faster.

3. Using a Difficult Pattern

Picking a quilting pattern that’s above your skill level could discourage you from trying other projects. For your first pattern, look for pieces with straight-edges, like squares, and avoid anything with a rounded edge. Round edges are difficult to sew for beginners because you can’t use a seam allowance. Once you finish your first quilt, you’ll have the confidence to try something more complicated. 

Taking a beginner quilting class can help you improve your skills quickly. Sign up for classes at Appletree Quilting Center in Columbia, MO, where the instructors will work with you to complete complicated and straightforward projects. Their Boone County store stocks high-quality sewing machines and equipment, like Husqvarna Viking® and Handi Quilter®. Call (573) 446-2655 to learn more about their merchandise and classes, or visit their website for events and class calendar. Follow them on Facebook for updates on their inventory and deals.