Learn How To Quilt for Absolute Beginner’s

Learn how to quilt for absolute beginner’s guide. At Sew Nikki, we’re passionate about all things quilting. Beginners can find full tutorials with free patterns. Our goal is to make the art of quilting accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Striving for a finished project and not perfection. So whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced quilter looking for a refresher, you’re in the right place.

If you’re a beginner with no previous sewing skills, fear not! In this absolute beginner’s guide, I’ll walk you through the basics of quilting, from choosing the right materials to completing your first quilt. Sewing and quilting is a great way to make useful and practical items for your home. It never gets boring, there’s always something new to learn or a pattern to try.

Quilting allows you to be creative and play with fabric and a sewing machine. But sometimes it can all be overwhelming when you are just starting out, so you get stuck. Let me outline the steps you should follow to get you moving forward. Plus, there’s a resource section with tutorials and free patterns you can reference at any time.

How to Learn How to Quilt

Quilting is something you can’t do unless you know how to sew. Most people assume that if you want to learn to quilt, you already know how to sew.

YouTube

So obviously wanting to learn how to quilt will involve knowing or learning how to sew. The good news is anyone can learn and there are lots of online resources to help. YouTube is really the way to learn how to sew and quilt. Start with visual learning, soaking up as much as you can and then try to do it on your own sewing machine.

There are YouTube channels for sewing machine tutorials: how to set up your machine, thread machine and bobbin, take it apart, put it together, and fix the tension. Search for your sewing machine brand and find the videos that you like the best. Keep searching until you find help. Here were my favorites when I began my journey.

The key is to find a handful that you like and can learn from. Then watch them as many times as needed until you feel comfortable trying it for yourself. Pause the video, rewind, stop and restart as many times as needed. Sew along with the video, take breaks when you get stuck or tired. Popular channels are Missouri Star Quilt Company and Fat Quarter Shop. My favorites are my sewing room and Erica Arndt.

Make sure you check this out!

Grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and some note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! I have been using mine for a little while and am already jotting down ideas for sewing and new quilt pattern ideas. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process! Click the bar below.

Starting with the Basics

Before diving into your first quilt, it’s important to understand the basic components and techniques of quilting. The art of quilting involves sewing together different pieces of fabric to create a padded material, typically used for making bed covers, mini quilts, pillows, table runners, pot holders, placemats, handbags and tote bags. Quilting can be as simple or as intricate as you want it to be, and the beauty of it is that every single quilt you create will be unique and personal to you.

Sewing Machine

Like any craft, quilting requires a set of specific tools. The primary tool you’ll be using is, of course, a sewing machine. If you can borrow a machine, I highly recommend trying before buying. You can purchase a Singer Start for around $100 while you are learning. If you enjoy sewing and want to continue this hobby, I recommend upgrading to a Heavy Duty Singer with extension table, these cost around $250. After you have been quilting for a few years and have several quilts done, the best home sewing and quilting machine in my opinion is the Juki tl-2000q. It has a large throat and is under $800. No one ever said this hobby was cheap. Read more about sewing machines here.

Quilting Tools

You’ll also need a rotary cutter for cutting fabric, a self-healing cutting mat to protect your table, and a clear acrylic ruler for precise measurements. Don’t forget about the most essential supplies: fabric and thread! As you progress in your quilting journey, you’ll likely add more specialized tools to your collection, but these basics will get you started. Specialized tools would be rulers, different size rotary cutters and thread. Here is the list of the best tools to start with links to buy.

Basic Quilting Terminology

Before you start quilting, familiarize yourself with some basic quilting terminology:

Block: A unit of fabric that is pieced together to form the quilt top.

Half-Square Triangle (HST): Basic quilt block made by sewing together two right triangles of contrasting colors. When combined, these triangles form a square with a diagonal seam.

Sashing: Strips of fabric placed between blocks to create separation.

Binding: A fabric strip that covers the raw edges of the quilt.

Backing: The fabric on the backside of the quilt.

Batting: The middle layer of the quilt that provides warmth and insulation.

Quilting: The process of stitching the layers of the quilt together.

Scrappy: Using a wide variety of fabric scraps, creating vibrant and eclectic quilt designs with a charmingly patchwork aesthetic.

Basting or Quilt Sandwich: Preparing your quilt top, batting and backing for quilting on sewing machine or long arm quilt machine.

WIP: Work in progress.

Beginner Friendly Quilt Patterns

As a beginner, it’s best to start with a simple quilt pattern. Choose a pattern that appeals to you and matches your skill level. Some popular options include:

Charm Square Quilt: Made by sewing together squares of fabric in a row, then connecting the rows.

Half-Square Triangle Quilt: Made by sewing two square together then cutting in half.

Log Cabin Quilt: Center square with strips of fabric added around it.

Patchwork Quilt: Made by sewing together squares or rectangles of fabric in a grid pattern.

Nine-Patch Quilt: Features blocks made up of nine smaller squares.

Rail Fence Quilt: Utilizes strips of fabric sewn together to create a block with a rail-like appearance.

Your First Quilt: A Step-By-Step Guide

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to start on your first quilt! Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Pattern

Select your pattern. For beginners, it’s best to start with a simple charm square pattern that doesn’t require complicated techniques. Check my beginner pattern but make it smaller, free charm square quilt patterns.

Select Fabric

Choose your fabric. Cotton is generally the easiest to work with and is available in a wide range of colors and prints. You can also grab any fabric bundle on sale at the local craft store to get you started. After all, you just want fabric you can practice with. If you have friends or family members that sew, why not ask for some of their scrap fabric or older fabrics they no longer want.

Cutting Fabric

Cut your fabric pieces according to the pattern instructions. Be sure to measure twice and cut once! Use 5″ squares for your first quilt. Buy one or two Pre Cut Charm Packs. If you are cutting the fabric yourself, be careful using the rotary cutter for the first time. Invest in cutting gloves to protect your hand and fingers so you don’t cut them off! The best ruler for beginners is the 5″ x 24″ straight acrylic quilting ruler. It’s long enough to cover your WOF (width of fabric and it’s 5″, the same size you want your charm squares to be for your first quilt. Check out beginner quilting supply list from my website for links to all the best tools.

Sewing Squares

Use the floor, bed, sofa or any other flat surface to layout your 5″ squares before sewing. Once you like the layout , sew your fabric pieces together. Start by sewing individual pieces together into rows, then sew the rows together to form the quilt top.

Basting and Machine Quilting

Add batting (the middle layer of the quilt) and backing fabric, then sew all three layers together. This is known as “basting” and “quilting.” I have several tutorials on basting, machine quilting with walking foot and straight line quilting.

Binding

Finish your quilt by adding a binding around the edges. This gives your quilt a clean, finished look and protects the edges from wear and tear. Please check out these quilt binding tutorials that include how wide to make your binding, single fold or double fold and how to join the binding ends. Use the top tool bar, search for binding for all posts on this topic.

Congratulations, you’ve just completed your first quilt! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first few quilts aren’t perfect. The most important thing is that you’re learning and having fun.

Practice Basic Sewing Skills

Learning how to quilt can be a little intimidating. It’s even more intimidating if you don’t know how to sew, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s all about trying the skill and practicing it over and over, it’s that simple. Here are some basic sewing skills that new quilters should learn before making their first quilt, along with details for each skill:

Straight Stitching

• Description: Straight stitching is the foundation of quilting. It involves sewing a straight line of stitches, which is used for piecing the quilt top and quilting layers together.
• How to Practice: Set up your sewing machine and practice sewing straight lines on scrap fabric. Focus on maintaining a consistent seam allowance (usually 1/4 inch in quilting) and keeping the stitches even.

Seam Allowance

• Description: Seam allowance refers to the amount of fabric between the stitching line and the edge of the fabric. In quilting, a 1/4-inch seam allowance is commonly used for piecing quilt blocks.
• How to Practice: Use a quilting ruler or a seam guide on your sewing machine to help you maintain a consistent 1/4-inch seam allowance. Practice sewing with this precise seam allowance to ensure your quilt pieces fit together accurately.

Backstitching

• Description: Backstitching is a technique used to secure the beginning and end of a seam. It prevents your stitches from unraveling. Please note that you do not need to backstitch on most quilt tops. I personally don’t backstitch except when attaching the binding.
• How to Practice: When starting a seam, sew a few stitches forward, then press the reverse button (if using a sewing machine) or manually reverse the stitch to sew backward for a few stitches. After backstitching, sew forward again to continue your seam.

Pressing

• Description: Pressing is the act of ironing your fabric to flatten seams, set stitches, and create a smooth surface. Proper pressing is crucial in quilting for accuracy.
• How to Practice: Always press your fabric before cutting and after sewing seams. Use an iron set to the appropriate temperature for your fabric type. Press seams open or to the side as your pattern instructs. Avoid dragging the iron; instead, press with an up-and-down motion.

Cutting Fabric Accurately

• Description: Accurate cutting is essential for piecing your quilt blocks together neatly. It involves measuring and cutting fabric precisely according to your quilt pattern.
• How to Practice: Use a self-healing rotary cutting mat, a quilting ruler, and a rotary cutter to cut fabric accurately. Align the ruler with the measurements specified in your pattern, and make sure the fabric is flat and smooth before cutting.

Pinning or Clipping

• Description: Pinning or clipping holds fabric layers together securely while you sew, preventing them from shifting during stitching.
• How to Practice: When piecing quilt blocks, use pins or quilting clips to hold fabric pieces together at intersections or along seams. Place pins perpendicular to the seam line to prevent them from interfering with your sewing machine foot.

Matching Seams and Corners

• Description: In quilting, precise alignment of seams and corners is crucial for achieving neat and accurate quilt blocks.
• How to Practice: Pay close attention to your pattern’s instructions for matching seams and corners. Use pins to align the edges before sewing. Sew slowly and stop with the needle down to adjust alignment if necessary.

Chain Piecing

• Description: Chain piecing is a time-saving technique where you sew multiple seams in a row without cutting the thread between each one.
• How to Practice: After sewing one seam, leave a small gap between pieces without cutting the thread. Continue sewing your next seam, and the machine will automatically chain them together. Cut the thread between sets when you’re finished.

These basic sewing skills provide a solid foundation for quilting. As you gain proficiency in these techniques, you’ll become more confident in your quilting projects and be able to tackle more complex patterns and designs. Practice and patience are key to mastering these skills, so take your time to build your expertise and enjoy the process of quilting.

Keep Learning and Experimenting

Quilting is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first quilt isn’t perfect because most likely it won’t be, and that’s ok. Continue learning, trying new patterns, and experimenting with different quilting techniques. Remember that quilting is not just a craft; it’s a form of art that allows you to express your creativity. Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of creating beautiful quilts!

Tips for Success

How to Learn How to Quilt – Beginner Quilting Supplies

Here are some quilting tools and supplies I recommend. I make a small commission if you purchase through the links, this helps to support this free content. For more info, check out Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).

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ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.

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Want to learn how to crochet? Then check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.

Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!