You have by now, if you are following the blog, read the quilting guide, bought your basic tool kit, got a little sewing machine and some fabric and you are ready to start. Yet you keep putting it off.
You are not sure you understand the instructions, have chosen the right fabric or even the right pattern.
Let me help. Last week we looked at simplifying quilting for beginners so that you can complete a quilt. Once you do so, you will gain confidence. I know how difficult it is to start, it took me years of indecision.
1. Find a quiet time to begin.
2. Ensure you will not be disturbed
3. Make sure you have a comfortable chair and that it is the right height.
4. Have everything to hand that you need.
4. Breathe deep and relax.
Try to set a time to quilt each day even if it is only 30 minutes. Anything to get started. Even if you are just sewing one seam, it is a start. Once you start, your confidence will grow.
Only you know your ability. Aim for something simple such as strips, squares or geometric shapes such as squares and oblongs. Leave the triangles for now. English paper piecing if you prefer hand stitching, is also amazingly easy and very accurate.
Start with a small project to gain confidence and you’ll soon be on the road to full-size quilting if that is your aim. Build with each project you make. Practising on small projects means that you will finish them quickly and once you have finished projects your confidence just blooms. When you are confident of one step, move onto the next.
If you need practice with straight stitch and quarter inch seams, then practice. Make strips into small bags or journal covers. What it is best not to do is to start a quilt above your skill level and be unable to finish it. So forget that dream quilt for now, and concentrate on finishing simple projects. Your time will come to make the quilts of your dreams.
Made a mistake – get out your unpicking tool and start again. Or try again the next day if you are out of patience. Practice and finished projects equals progress.
Words and images copyright Karen Platt 2018
