Things I DIDN'T Know As A BEGINNER QUILTER (That I Wish I Did) 🤔

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- Erica

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This video is about: things i didn’t know when i started quilting,things i wish i knew as a beginner quilter,things i didn't know as a beginner quilter,things i didnt know as a beginner quilter,beginner quilting sewing tips,beginner tips for quilting,beginner tips for sewing,tips for sewing machine beginner,quilting tips and tricks for beginners,tips for seam allowance quilting,pressing or ironing,how to press quilt block seams,finding a quilting community

[whiskeyfyre]

One thing I wish I'd known from the start is don't sew when you're tired, hungry, or ill; your concentration is down and you're far more likely to make a mistake or hurt yourself. I can't count the number of times I've done this, and spent WAY more "quality time" with a seam ripper than I wanted. Instead, I use those instances to do prep work like winding bobbins and washing and ironing fabric. Things I have in muscle memory.

Also, when pressing seams, I always use a tailor's clapper. I learned about them on Bernadette Banner's channel. They make for a crisper seam.

[KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

I am so glad you mentioned pressing seams open. That is what I have always done; it is how my mother and grandmother sewed even though my mom is not a quilter. In videos today, I seem to only see people talk about pressing seams to one side or another.

[jeridoney]

My sewing tip is to always start with a new, sharp needle and change it after 7 - 8 hours of sewing, at the most. A dull needle can effect thread tension, the way your fabric moves through the machine, the overall look of the seam, and can damage your thread.

[pjinlaca]

I think the most important point you made was be in a community. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone else promote this concept. Well done!

[GrumpyYank]

I am not a quilter that cares about points matching (inspired by Gee’s Bend women). I dont aim to do what you do exactly. BUT the quilt behind you is SO gorgeous. I really appreciate the work you do even tho it is different from what I do. Love.

[tjthreegreenbananas]

Great tips, especially the tip about community. Sharing ideas and getting support can grow your practice.

[lindacaraway]

I've been quilting for 11 years now. I was 68 and a beginner. I do wish I had known your tips as a new quilter. It would have saved lots of money, time and frustration. You give so much info that I find are factual and so helpful. I have shared many of them with new quilters that I have had the privilege of sharing those tips and others gleaned through trial and error and from other quilters who were kind enough to share their knowledge. Thank you for your encouragement and lovely presence.

[tammyeaton]

One of the things that I've learned is to use EITHER a 1/4" OR a SCANT 1/4" in my quilt project and stick with that through entire project.

[VernaKruse]

I’ve been a seamstress my entire life, and made clothes for myself as I’m 5’2” and have a hard time finding clothes that fit properly. After I retired, my desire to be creative was not in more clothing, but started making gift bags, totes, handbags and bags for people with wheelchairs or walkers. A family member wanted a quilt made from scarves her grandmother used. This was new territory for me, but I was up for the challenge and put together the quilt for her and using shirts and t-shirts, made more quilts for other family members. Each recipient modeled their quilt for a photo.

[barbarasmith]

A video on the star quilt behind you would be awesome. Great video

[joannrice]

Precision quilting makes the difference between okay results and a ribbon winner. Good tips and thanks for posting your video.

[hazelem]

I started quilting when Covid started. As a nurse I needed something to bring me down. I had never sewn before and I decided to hand sew a photo/story/memory quilt for my granddaughter. Our lockdowns in Australia were very strict, and the longer the lockdowns, the bigger the quilt became. The only relationship was with my husband and tutorials were via YouTube. I hand pieced and hand quilted. Took me two years to make this reversible memory quilt and I took it to South Africa last year, completing the quilt in three different countries. 5 months ago I cut up my 30 year old son’s old hoodies and tshirts and hand pieced the backing with irregular blocks and different fabrics, including the satin lining of one hoodie. I wanted to match borders of the pieced front to the borders of the backing but I didn’t know how. So I went to my local quilt shop and had a couple of classes. Every time I need to know something I take a class and it usually keeps me going for a couple of weeks. Under the guidance of some really experienced people I am hand quilting now. This is challenging as while I’m quilting the layers and matching borders, I also wanted to keep the hoodies and the pockets and zippers functional. My word! What a challenge. I am busy 6 months now and I have learned so much under tremendous encouragement from the people at the shop. They say they are inspired by my techniques of using different fabrics and irregular blocks. I’m hoping to finish in about three months. Maybe 😅

[judytownsend]

I have always preferred to press seams open. Thanks for confirming that it’s ok.

[christinevanzyl]

Thanks i like that about quilting within a community. I find now @ 72 a bit lonely to go on. Found a new source and hope that will work out to be a community person. ❤ best wishes from south africa

[carriecreates]

Erica is a very nice teacher and quilter. I know you recently moved, I can't wait to come see your new store!!!

[dianepeterson]

I have started to press all my seams open and when possible either do small back stitches or the anchoring stitching my machine. At beginning and end of rows. Community is key to improving your skills!

[misty]

Thanks for the tips. Love the quilt behind you. Lovely colors.

[prabhamathew]

Yes its always better to be in a community..where we can share our ideas n also receive ideas

[linda]

Thanks for the tips! The quilt hanging behind you is stunning!

[teresarehbein]

My sister encouraged me to join the Community College quilt classes and it has been wonderful!! There are so many different ways to arrange blocks and color combinations that I never would have thought of before and now these ideas at my fingertips. Thank you for the tips!!
P.S. I love the star quilt in the background!