Quilting Lessons for the Beginner

Let's get started and create a Sampler Quilt!

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If you are a beginner these quilting lessons and links will take you through all the necessary steps to create a beautiful sampler quilt. A sampler is made up of several different blocks. By making a variety of blocks, you learn different techniques. These quilting lesson basics will not only make it easier to assemble your project (and thus minimize the frustration level!!), it will also assist you in following other patterns and instructions for future endeavours.

If you are a more advanced quilter and want information on classes I run during retreats and at local stores go to Quilt Classes I teach

quilting lessons I love blue and green together, and thats why I chose those colours for a sampler using my favourite blocks. The light background provides a lovely contrast, allowing the colours to sparkle.

The blocks in this quilt are as follows, clockwise from top left: Hole in the Barn Door, Ohio Star, Dutchmans Puzzle, Summer Winds, Weathervane, Card Trick, Judys Star, Blackfords Beauty, and in the center is Dresden Plate. See the list below for instructions to make each block.

I will also advise you on the tools you will need to get started. The quilting industry has come a long way, and we no longer need to make cardboard templates or cut hundreds of pieces of fabric with scissors. We do still have that option if we wish; however, we now have the option of cutting multiple layers of fabric using razor sharp rotary cutters, and chain piecing on a sewing machine. Power sewing!!!! We can finish our creations in much less time than our ancestors did.

If you have already completed a project, these quilting lessons are a good refresher and reference guide. It is difficult to remember everything you learned the first time around! If you wish, choose one of the blocks in Lesson 1 - Easy Blocks for Beginners and repeat it 9 times, then follow the finishing steps in Lessons 2 thru 8 to create your quilt.

This sampler uses a variety of fabulous chicken fabrics - can you spot the eggs? I made barn doors that open so you can see the cows inside (you do know that chickens don't live in barns - right?). I even fussy cut some of the chickens and fused them on! The back is another wonderful chicken print. It was fun!! Everytime I look at it it makes me smile.

The following quilting lessons walk you through each of the important steps to create and finish your quilt. Please make sure you review the Basic Tools and Fabric Requirements before going to Quilting Lesson 1.

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Ok, are you ready to cut and piece??? We are not quilting yet, just piecing. Quilting is the stitching through all three layers of your quilt (top, batting, and backing) so first we need to piece the top. Then we can layer the quilt top, batting, and backing, and get on with the actual quilting.

When the quilting is done, we will put a binding all around the edge of the quilt to finish the edges, and stitch a label on the back so that future generations know who made this wonderful quilt.

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It is full of very helpful information, and is
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I find all of their books to be fabulous!
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Ready to start your quilting lessons? Basic Tools and Fabric Requirements tells you what you need to get started with your quilting lessons.

In Lesson One - Easy Blocks for Beginners, I explain how to create easy blocks. Click the links below to find out how to make nine popular blocks. Card Trick and Judy's Star are always a favourite with beginners.

The following are all 12" blocks. This means that when you have finished the block it will measure 12 1/2" because it has 1/4" seam allowance all around it. After it is sewn into your quilt, it will measure 12". If you have a 1/4" foot for your sewing machine, now is the time to put that on.

Most quilt patterns tell you to cut a strip across the width of the fabric (WOF). This means that you have your fabric folded in half with the selvedges together just as it came off the bolt, and you are cutting two layers at right angles to the selvedges.

In Lesson Two - Lattice and Cornerstones I explain how to sew blocks together with sashing and cornerstones. This will help keep your quilt square, making you happier with your finished product.

In Lesson Three - Borders you get the low down on borders. In other words, how to sew them on and keep them square.

In Lesson Four - Backing is all about choosing the backing and piecing it to make it large enough.

In Lesson Five - Basting/Layering I show you how to baste and prepare for quilting. Learn basic basting techniques and tips on getting it done the easy way.

In Lesson Six - Quilting you learn how to quilt by hand or with a sewing machine.

In Lesson Seven - Labels you learn how to label your creations and why it is so important.

In Lesson Eight - Sleeves are you going to hang your quilt on the wall? Put a sleeve on the back to make hanging it a snap!

In Lesson 9 - Binding I explain binding and how to do it efficiently. woohoooo, -- we're nearing the end of this project....

Remember if you have questions or are a bit confused on any of these quilting lessons please contact me and I will get back to you with answers.

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Quilting Lessons for the BeginnerLet's get started and create a Sampler Quilt!

Quilting Lessons for the Beginner

Let's get started and create a Sampler Quilt!