Starting your quilting journey can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. From choosing the right tools to mastering techniques, there’s so much to learn—but don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite resources for beginners, including books, tutorials, and tips for choosing your first pattern. Let’s dive in!
Books for Beginners
There’s nothing like a good book to set a solid foundation for your quilting skills. Here are some of our favorites:
- Rotary Cutting Basics: This book will teach you why rotary cutting is an absolute must when it comes to quilting. Not only does it ensure accurate cuts, but it also covers all the dos and don’ts of using a rotary cutter effectively. You'll also learn about essential companion tools like cutting mats and rulers.
- Perfect Piecing: Master the art of piecing your quilt blocks with precision. This book is perfect for beginners looking to conquer seam allowances and block assembly. It sets you up for success when it's time to quilt your pieced top and addresses common construction issues that beginners often face with basic quilt blocks.
- Quilter’s Reference Tool: A must-have guide for every quilter, this resource walks you through every step of the quilting process. Organized for easy navigation, it’s designed to help you find what you need quickly—whether you're tackling tricky math or looking for step-by-step instructions.
- The Skill-Building Quick & Easy Block Tool Book: This book helps you build your skills step by step, starting with basic blocks and gradually increasing in complexity as you grow more confident. It also features useful tools like reference tables, rotary cutting charts, a block index, and more to support your quilting journey.
Tutorials and Classes
Hands-on learning can make all the difference when you’re starting out. That’s why we offer a variety of classes and online resources to help you grow your skills:
- Quilting 101 Class: Perfect for beginners, this class covers all the essentials to help you create your first quilt. From selecting fabrics to mastering rotary cutting, piecing, quilting, and binding, we’ll guide you every step of the way. By the end of the class, you’ll have a finished quilt top ready for the next steps. This class is reoccurring so check our calendar for dates.
- Our YouTube Channel: Packed with tutorials and tips, our channel is a great resource for visual learners.
- Vendor Resources: Don’t forget to check out learning materials from brands like Brother or Schmetz! They offer resources like machine tutorials and maintenance information, as well as free patterns and project ideas to get you started. A great place to begin is their blogs!
Choosing Your First Pattern
When picking your first project, keep it simple! Here are a few tips for selecting a beginner-friendly pattern:
- Look for projects with straight lines—think strips, squares, or rectangles.
- Avoid complicated blocks with tricky angles or curves until you’re more comfortable with the basics.
- Start with a smaller project, like a baby quilt, table runner, or pillow cover, to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed..
Some of our favorite beginner friendly patterns include, Just Can't Cut It, Then Came June, Stars and Stripes, Marching Band, Yellow Brick Road, Dusk Delight, Urban Streets, and Chianti.
Ready to Start?
Quilting is a journey, and we’re so excited to be part of yours! With the right resources and a little practice, you’ll be creating beautiful quilts in no time. Stop by the shop or check out our online store to pick up some of these resources—and don’t forget to share your first project with us!
Happy quilting!