There are a million different reasons that people come to quilting, but many of us started because we had a favorite quilt or knew a special quilter when we were growing up. There’s nothing more compelling than nostalgia to get you started on a new hobby, especially when you get a nice blanket out of it at the end. As a quilting beginner in Albuquerque, NM, you might consider taking quilting lessons—or just making friends with the team at The Quilt Works Inc.
Here are the things you need to know—and the tips that should make your experience easier—when you’re starting out as a quilter:
- Make friends with quilters: You probably already have friends or family members who love quilting, but if not, making friends at your local quilting store is a good place to start. Most of the people who work at sewing and quilting supply stores are not only avid crafters themselves, but they love nothing more than helping a newbie avoid the mistakes that they made in the beginning. Your friends will be a good resource for everything from questions like “Can I quilt with tulle?” to “What’s the best presser foot for this work?”
- Get a good iron and make a pressing station: Hopefully you already know your way around sewing, but pressing your fabric has never been so important as when you work with quilting fabric. Get used to ironing—a lot—and don’t skimp.
- Take care of your sewing machine: Again, you may already know this if you sew regularly, but for best results, you’ll need to take care of your machine. That includes reading the manual, knowing how it works, purchasing the right needles and keeping the moving parts lubricated.
- Learn to pick the right fabric: Choosing the right fabrics is key to ensuring a great result. (No, you can’t make quilts from tulle unless you are extremely skilled and inventive.) Your friends at the quilting store can help you make this decision.
- Start very simple: When you’re just starting out, it’s pretty easy to overestimate your abilities. Most people look at quilts and think, “What’s so hard about that?” But the truth is that if it were that easy, no one would need to buy a blanket at the store. Pick a very simple pattern to start with.
- Look for a quilting organization to join: If you’re shy, why not join a quilting organization in your community? This will ensure that you meet people who want to help and know what they’re talking about—a great resource no matter where you are in your quilting skill.
- Get the right tools for the job: Finally, you’ll need the right tools to survive. We personally recommend a 1/4” foot and a walking foot to get started with machine quilting, as well as a rotary cutter and mat.
Ready to start learning about the world of quilting? Need quilting lessons in Albuquerque, NM? The Quilt Works Inc. can help when you call or stop by today.