Things I learned the hard way learning to quilt.

This quilt is named Trials and Tribulations…my first quilt for someone else(my son) no 2 blocks are the same size. The sashing around them are how I made them fit. Those are different sizes also.

I am a totally self taught quilter. I have sewed since I was about 9 or 10, and when I decided to make quilts I thought it would be a piece of cake. Read a pattern and follow it. Nothing to it. WRONG…. These are things I learned over the years by trial and error. Here are the most important thing I learned in the last 3 years(after 20 years of frustrations, ripping and many start overs)

1. Needle… use the same size and type of needles. I thought with the exception of the size of the needle they are all the same. Just use the same size. NOPE brands may differ. NOW I start with a new package and use from that package all the way thru. Or if there are 3 needles in the package then fine, but I stick to the same brand for all my sewing.
2. Rulers….I found out not all rulers measure the same and not only that not all rulers by the same manufactors are the same. I Always use the same ruler all thru that quilt process.
3. Lining the ruler can make a big difference. I never thought where on the rule I put the edge of my fabric to measure the cut. I heard someone say how they put tape where they line the ruler up to cut, now I do this. It can add up to being wonky.
4. When everyone says to press PRESS!. They didn’t tell me this because they liked to iron.
5. Trim blocks to the finished size. There are some short cuts, but not all short cuts(like not trimming, or eyeballing the block) are good.
6. When putting rows together make sure they are all lining up together as you go.
7. Purchase at least 1/2 yd more than the pattern says just incase you measure wrong. You may not be able to find the same fabric you are using..
8. Seams…This is where I have had the hardest time until I got my 1/4″ foot. I tried taping a marking on the machine, marking the regular foot. Using the 1/4 ” foot it is easier to keep them consistant.

I hope this makes sense as I was explaing this to a friend who wants to learn how to quilt. Do you have any suggestions to add to this? These are things I never thought about but in the end drove me crazy trying to fix.

I am glad I am still learning everyday.