(Part 2) Best products from r/quilting

Hey there Erin! Welcome to quilting!

First of all, EVERYONE has problems with their first quilt - especially with seams lining up, and blocks not coming out. Quilting is a skill, like most crafts, and takes time to master, so do be kind to yourself!

Here's some things that might help you:

1. Your 18" x 2" ruler is going to be pretty unstable. That skinny and it's hard to get a good grip. I would recommend getting the 24x6 ruler - this gives you a ruler that can cut completely from salvage to fold and is heavy enough to be stable. On top of that...a 24x36 mat is really really good to have. Smaller mats are great for portability, but the big mat is your staple.
   
   
2. Unless your ruler is made by Creative Grids, (like say, Omni - probably the most popular brand), you're going to need some little pads (made of sand paper) that stick to the bottom of the ruler to keep it from skidding across fabric. Any quilt store will sell them in the notions section and I know Joann has them to. Put them evenly spaced around your ruler and that will help with slippage.
   
   
3. If you haven't taken a quilting class yet, I highly recommend it! I know you're an introvert, but a class will keep you occupied and focused. Plus, you will learn a TON of tips and tricks from the teacher on cutting straight.
   
   
4. As for your seam - know your 1/4" seam! This is my mantra! Every sewing machine is different - where that 1/4" seam is at in relation to the foot is different, even if it's just by a smidge. But that smidge can be 1/16th of an inch and being off more than a few times and suddenly you're completely off! Here is a great video that explains it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBoLPslLxTs
   Now she recommends moving the needle, but I just move the fabric (sooo easier).
   
   
5. There's a great DVD by Sally Collins called "Sally Collins Teaches You Precision Piecing." The accuracy of my piecing went through the roof after I watched her DVD. I highly recommend it. Here's the amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Sally-Collins-Teaches-Precision-Piecing/dp/B000QA0NF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369370610&sr=8-1&keywords=sally+collins+teaches+you+precision+piecing+dvd
   
   Hope these help and that you master your piecing!

I'm also not a fan of cutting, but I don't have a machine to help me out. Things that have helped me get better at cutting and not dread it as much are:

• I got one of those handy gripper things for my ruler. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CE8J7E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It really helps my ruler stay straight and my shoulders aren't as tired when I'm done cutting.
  
• I put on my favorite music and just get going and singing at the top of my voice while cutting, which makes the time go be faster.
  
• When I do get tired, I take a break. Have a cup of tea, a cookie, sit and play on the computer - whatever takes me away from the cutting table.
  
• Iron my fabric nice and flat and straight so I know I'm starting with the crispest lines possible.
  
• Clear off a surface where I can stack my strips so I have a real feeling of accomplishment.
  
  Hope these tips help! Because "they" are correct when they say accurate cutting makes the rest of the piecing process look better!

Hi! I have to agree that a scrappy quilt is the way to so. It will give you a lot more freedom design wise and if you happen to make a small mistake here or there, it won't be as liable to stand out. Pattern-wise, I would suggest looking up t-shirt quilts and memory quilts people have made out of their children's clothing. Both styles tend to be scrappy and have a work with what you've got mentality about them pattern wise.

Personally, I've found this book ( http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Quilting-Better-Gardens/dp/0696218569 ), and youtube to be invaluable in learning how to put a quilt together. The top stitching, as mentioned, can be done by hand, by machine, or with some investigation, you can even send it away to a company to have it quilted professionally. I've never done this before, but some local quilt shops might be able to help you in that direction. You also have the option to tie the quilt, which essentially uses yarn or thread to tie the front and back together at regular intervals. Beginner-wise, I think this is the easier way to finish a quilt but it gives it a more rustic look, in my opinion. As a positive aspect to tieing the quilt, you can have a tieing party and your grandmother might be able to help you if her hands are still strong.

Oh my gosh, that pattern would be so easy! I can do some Quilt math and write you a very basic pattern if you’d like! It’s just flying geese and squares and no waste geese are super easy.

Regarding space fabric, I have made this star quilt using Timeless Treasures Space Galaxy Fabric. I bought 3 yards and it’s nice! I think Hancock’s of Paducah and Fabric.com also have listings. $10/yard isn’t bad for good quality fabric. It’s got beautiful blues, whites and purples in the galaxy.

Edit: u/FutbolGT is the MVP here with a tutorial and the SUPER HANDY sizing chart . All you’d need to do is add some sashing between the sawtooth star blocks to achieve the look you want. :)

You have a couple options you can use.

I did This quilt using ink jet fabric papers. (these ones) Its a bit annoying to get the paper backing off, and you will want to enhance the vibrancy of the photo colors for best quality but its flexible and feels the most like fabric. This basically prints the printer ink right on the fabric

This quilt's picture row was done using iron on transfer which you print out, then iron down onto fabric. Its a bit more vibrant, but the texture is more plastic-y in my opinion. I can say I've seen this quilt not too long ago and know its been washed and its holding up pretty well.

The two above are a bit limited in size but are convenient for tweaking and printing in batches at home compared to something along the lines of Spoonflower.

Best Press keeps coming up when we talk starch here and I see it at fabric stores, but I picked up a cheap can at Target and it's been great. Here's a lik to Best Press https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ellens-Starch-Alternative-Ounces-Scent/dp/B0018N8B0E

It's beautiful!

I like to use a basting spray when putting the quilt sandwich together. https://www.amazon.com/Odif-S5058CAN06-505-Basting-Glue/dp/B00YNZZ0I0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543197282&sr=8-2&keywords=basting+spray+505

As long as you go slowly, it is sooooo nice to not worry about it shifting and moving around while you're cutting the back and batting and then quilting!

Great Job!

The most standard ruler to start with is a 6"x24".

It will do almost all your cutting, and will adapt to a surprising amount of work.

This will be my next one (cause it is just that cool). But honestly, you have to be able to read measurements off of this. Omnigrid makes the easiest to read, but take a look at different ones and see what is good for YOU!

Florescent Green Ruler

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No matter what ruler you get, you can always make them grippier! Try something like these:

Non Slip rings

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This is my favorite mat. It has lasted over 20 years. It is thicker than other brands. (and cheaper!)

Alvin Mat

This is the best book ever, I've read it over and over. It goes through all the shapes, all the finishing, and everything. Honestly I couldn't have done it without this book. I cannot recommend it enough. It's not a book of projects, it's 100% technique.

I also recommend buying cardstock shapes, especially for your first project. The exactness really matter. Also, bigger is not always easier. A good size is 1-2 inch pieces. I tried to do one much bigger at first, thinking it would be easier, but it took for freaking ever. Picking hexagons gives you lots of flexibility with the pattern, and picking diamonds means less corners to tack down.

I've used tacking stitches and glue, and I really prefer the stitches. Takes less time to take apart. That said, when I did the peacock from violet craft I used glue on the thin thin black pieces on his head.

Finally, I really like using ladder/mattress stitch for my epp projects, but that is a super personal thing. Check out my posts for a few

It's an addictive, time consuming, satisfying adventure. Think everyone answered all of your questions but just wanted to throw in another book option: https://www.amazon.com/All-Points-Patchwork-English-Projects/dp/1612124208

I like that this shows you the technique and then gives you lots of other examples how to use it that aren't just making quilts. It's a nice skill to learn and it's really been helping me learn how to hand stitch, which I've always struggled with.

Also if it bothers you that all the points don't line up in your quilt, this is the technique for you!!

My most super favorite tool made just for a job like this (it really is worth it and I had to use mine this morning when I sewed the backing to itself as I was quilting) https://www.amazon.com/Razor-Sharp-Surgical-Rippers-Cutters/dp/B01H5UA68S/ref=zg_bs_12899521_10?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FWM6FTH3H37G5EGQ37CK

I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-D2030-Auto-Off-Advantage/dp/B0006ZUHR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371160545&sr=8-1&keywords=iron

I love it. I got mine for $35 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It seemed like the best iron by far in the <$50 price range. It isn't cordless, though.

I just replaced an old singer with a new Janome 1000 from Amazon. I read and reread the reviews on Amazon and that one was the best for the price in my price range. So far, so excellent.

We use our sewing machine for all sorts of repairs on clothes as well as some backpacking equipment, so although I've not put this one through its paces, it seems ready to do so when needed.

If you are not sure you will stay with quilting or sewing, you may search for used machines at repair shops or sewing stores. And, of course, a less expensive machine could meet the needs of a beginner, too.

Iron everything. Always. The iron is your friend. Also, so is Mary Ellen's Best Press. Also, make sure you use your ruler correctly, don't measure using the ruler on the cutting mat.

Yeah the effect is very cool! Like an optical illusion.

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I used a batting from Amazon to get this much loft. Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073CGMDX6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The masking tape was the cheapest available at the time https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FHXGO64/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

so maybe it just depends on other factors - like temp & humidity - and I just got lucky.

I did find I had to use the tape as the line for the edge of the foot and not the needle .... but that's just because if you sew over the edge of the tape it's harder to pull off afterwards (and I wobble when I go too fast ;-) )

-)

Thank you! I used the "Simply a Pleasure" pattern by Tiger Lily Press (TIGNC1200).
On Amazon,
On Etsy

I used this table and will end up supporting it on both sides with 9 cube shelves which gives a lot a storage. I have a 36 x 24 cutting mat. I read about someone using the cube shelves which makes the table about 36" high so I decided to try it, I like the height and I'm pretty short at just barely 5'4"

I got this guy:
https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-Advantage-Professional-D2030/dp/B0006ZUHR0/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=yo_pop_d_yo_pop_d_pd_t2

Edit: And this is the spray I've been using: Mary Ellen's Best Press, Clear Starch and Sizing Alternative

You're looking for something more like this. Im guessing it has something to do with the orientation and strength of the magnets?

I buy them in bulk on Amazon. 72 sheets for like $11. I'd buy them even if they were full price. They make such a huge difference!

https://www.amazon.com/Shout-Color-Catcher-Trapping-Sheets-Count/dp/B01B0ADMP8/

You'll find various debates about it, but in the end washing vs not washing is a matter of personal opinion. For clothing I prewash, but for quilting I don't. I'd keep going without prewashing to keep everything consistent, and don't wash it before quilting or you'll have fraying all over the place. Once you wash the finished quilt it will crinkle more than if you had prewashed, but it's not necessarily a bad effect.

Definitely use colour catchers when you wash your quilt to prevent dye runs.

Make it easy on yourself.
https://www.amazon.com/Better-Homes-Gardens-Step-Step/dp/0696218569/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483336921&sr=8-1&keywords=Learn+to+quilt&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

Maybe get a handle for your rulers? I bought one of the Gypsy Grippers , and its been so much less painful for my wrist.