Episode 38: Cutting Fabrics and Beginner Quilt Blocks

[@baseballquilter8984]

Thank you Billy for not forgetting about us BEGINNERS!!

[@patriciawheeler4063]

Hi Ladies, I have listened to this episode two or three times. Today as you two were listing the beginning quilt blocks, I said to myself, "I sure would like to see a quilt square example for each of those techniques as they discussed the difference!! So I thought I'd share that with you guys! Thanks for sharing the love of quilting!!

[@annenglish9358]

Billy should sew a beginner quilt. Would really help him understand quilting even better. Thank you fo another wonderful podcast.

[@nhager]

When I was teaching my grandson to sew a quilt I had him use a Cake Mix. All he had to do was follow the stitching lines and arrows. after he got that done I taught him how to join the blocks using a quarter inch seam. He was 12/13 at the time. He started at the age of 12 but was 13 by the time we finished a full size quilt. I have been quilting for many years and have used every ruler. I discovered the Quilters Select rulers and LOVE them. They grip the fabric better than any ruler I have used in the past.

[@conniecalhoun5591]

Wow!!! Kudos to Monique and that awesome quilt she made with balboa. It’s just beautiful!

[@mariawells8026]

Sherri, Chelsi and Billy, your podcast is so very uplifting! I agree with the one viewer, it was so helpful during the pandemic lockdown to have this to look forward to seeing. This episode was exceptional and love the family dynamics of it all!! The topics are super. Chelsi, your quilt on the wall is gorgeous! Sherri I watched your video when you showed your latest book, Home and Hearth and I ordered it before you were complete in the video. It arrived super fast from Amazon! Thank you all for what you do!

[@carolbanks8313]

Loved today's show. I wanted to jump in and add to the conversation so many times.

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

A fun and interesting podcast to watch and listen to while I hand quilt. Thank you for posting this video!

[@lisaannef]

For me, the best thing I did as a beginner was to start a sampler quilt. This helped to improve my accuracy and gave me more confidence. It was nice working on a variety of blocks to learn different ways of doing things.

[@debranorris4331]

Another great podcast!! Always a bright spot!! Thank you Sherri, Chelsi, and Billy!!! WOW, Monique!!! Your quilt is fabulous!!!

[@puppiesfollowus]

I can’t thank you ladies enough! My life has been super busy and crazy many times difficult. Quilting is truly my therapy. I had to cut down because of time watching so much and keeping up with so many you tube creators. However- I never ever miss or skip A Quilting Life. 💕. Sherri & Chelsie - the magic duo- you make me happy and giggle. I adore watching you two. I learn a lot and you give me confidence to push limits. I’ve enjoyed watching you two grow and become so popular and recognized in the quilting community as well as watching you as the dynamic mother daughter team. Such an inspiration! I’m 58 and have quilted on and off for 20 years. The last five years I have become what I consider a real quilter in my mind because I am not afraid to try new patterns and have the confidence that I can figure it out. And I don’t even cuss anymore. Lol. I’m truly enjoying the process. Thanks sew much for all that you share and all the tutorials. Also thank you for sharing your talents and skills with the quilting community- you are both much loved and appreciated! 🥰💕

[@halfmade-homemade]

Oh man - hit us right in the feels!!! That’s so sweet of her husband to cut her fabric for her. Thankyou for sharing that story - it gives me hope for the world !! ❤️

[@carmenbailey1560]

Always enjoy your podcasts picking up different tips, patterns and love seeing your displayed quilts. I’m a fairly new quilter and watch a lot of videos on quilting and have learned lots from them. My biggest helpful tip for cutting safe, is keeping my baby finger on my mat helps to support the ruler from movement. Thanks for sharing with us. 👍❤️😊

[@kimpatterson2333]

Like Chelsi, my first quilt block was an Ohio Star! But I took the class from my local quilt store. It was intimidating but our teacher walked us through it and showed us her technique for keeping the points- and it does work! 🙂 I think I would’ve been bored with an easy patchwork! But I’m absolutely crazy about quilting!! A good teacher helps you be a confident beginner! 🧵

[@lindaholland683]

First time of joining... interested topics and inspiration. Love quilt display.

[@kathyjones1354]

Thank you for this podcast it was very enlighten. Can't wait to see October's block. Thank you both for all your insights.

[@baseballquilter8984]

Very nice quilt Monique! Ladies thank you for recommending beginner patterns. I started off using a basic Olfa rotary cutter but, have moved on to the ergonomic rotary cutter. What a HUGE difference. But, I still have my original Olfa rotary cutters, just in case. Sherri thank you for the series for beginners. I look forward to more videos. Thanks for showing fabric that has been starched. I might have to try that. And totally off topic...Chelsi I love your hair color. Looks very nice on you.!

[@C12133]

Thank you all for the educational podcast!! I love the listing of the quilt blocks. I also love the endurance rotary blades. I think they last twice as long. I agree with Chelsi, the great feeling after you change the blade. The rotary cuts the fabric like butter!!!😁

[@beachbummomma5436]

Hey Ladies!!! Love your show. Chelsi, I just recently began quilting and my first quilt was a Double Irish Chain. LOL... What was I thinking. I think what made it worse was I was never told to trim my blocks. Girrrllll... there were lumps, bumps and wrinkles. In the end with quilting magic (thank you MOM). A lot of the flaws you wouldn't even know they were there. You ladies always say trim your blocks.. to all new quilters heed that advice. I love the show/podcast.

[@debbiebrugman4543]

Along with MTCO always start a new project with a new rotary cutter blade and a new sewing machine needle. And one tip I picked up from Kimberly at FQS is to use post it notes to only show the cutting instruction you are currently cutting. Ask me how I know 🙄 Whenever I have taught a beginner to sew first thing is instructions on the machine itself. How to thread, wind bobbins and clean. And like you both suggested, start with simple squares. Not only to learn to sew a 1/4” but it helps the newbieto get the feel of the sewing machine. Great tips ladies and thank you Billy for organizing.

[@vedatobias1702]

Donna Jordan, Jordan Fabrics here on KZbin puts a 2-5 lb weight at the top of her long ruler to hold her ruler in place. I use this method and it helps so much! Just a tip. Also, I live in Indiana and unfortunately quilt shops can be snooty. Why? I was not asking the right questions. I did not know the quilting terminology so I stopped going to my local quilt shops for awhile and turned to KZbin searching for answers to my basic questions about quilting. I grew up sewing clothing for myself and then late 20’s my children. I found Elenor Burns on PBS. This was my afternoon break after finishing up homeschooling for the day and I would sit down to breast feed my baby. I wish I had known where to start in my quilting journey in starting with simple blocks like you discussed here and then move more difficult techniques. I kinda figured this out at the beginning of this year after watching KZbin videos for 3 years. I jumped in to a mystery quilt along, log cabin and a very detailed flower block that I watched Jenny Doan make on MSQC. All of these did not turn out well !!! My blocks were not the same size. My log cabin is wonky. I became so disheartened by this!!! I may add here that I am a staff floor nurse in a hospital so I am naturally very detailed. So here I am now going back to basics like you mentioned here!!! I wish there was a way this video could be labeled for newbies to quilting. I emailed it to myself so I can share it if and when I meet a newbie. Oh…. My quilt shop experience has been better. I think 2020 humbled all of us.

[@marlahanks7278]

@Veda Tobias I'm so sorry for your quilt shop experience. They should understand there will always be "newbies" shopping & asking questions & that is no reason to be snooty!! And bad publicity is hurtful to their business, because comments domino & if you quit going & you shared your experience with others & they did as well, so on & so forth :) If you still have your wonky log cabin blocks & the others that didn't come out right, you could still trim them up & maybe use on the back of a quilt or make pillows with them. Like Chelsi said-mistakes are part of your learning experience. Don't be hard on yourself. I've been using a weight on my ruler now because of Donna Jordan & boy does it ever help!!

[@julieborders2790]

Veda, I am so sorry you haven’t had good experiences in the quilting shops in Indiana. Which ones have you tried? I live in Noblesville, and adore Always in Stitches. Quilt stores get a lot of traffic from tours and such, so sometimes it takes going in a couple of times before they recognize you. It is always the most fun to go in with someone else so you can browse the store together. I haven’t had a chance to watch today’s video yet, so I’m not sure of Sherri’s and Chelsi’s advice, but I’m going to throw in my two cents. Fat Quarter Shop has a beginner series that can be found on the blog, The Jolly Jabber. Kimberly walks you through everything, including preparing the fabric, which is the best advice I ever got. She kept talking about Lisa Bongean’s method of starching which I finally watched on KZbin. Huge game changer! The other thing I tried that has made a world of difference is triangle paper. So that’s it, the big advice: starch and triangle paper. Give them a try. I think you will see a huge difference. 😊

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

I'm also so sorry you had a bad experience at a local shop. They can be such a wealth of knowledge for a beginner :)

[@vedatobias1702]

@@sherrimcconnell4094 Thanks Sherri! I decided to give the quilts shops here in Indy another visit and my experience has been much better. Again this video was awesome because it confirmed my decision to go back to the basics. 💕

[@vedatobias1702]

@@julieborders2790 Thanks Julie! Several of my initial experiences at that particular shop were horrible. I pushed through my offense and ordered several things on-line for pick up and would call and ask a question here or there and they did take the time to answer and give me direction. So it’s been better. I did take a friend with me and I agree that helped a bunch. I have watched Kimberly on the fat quarter shop and she is awesome!! I forgot about her beginning quilt series. I definitely need to watch and do that quilt. Thank You for your kindness! 😀

[@tamrich100]

Love this show!! I am so grateful to get a roadmap for my quilting journey😄

[@kennabegger5297]

Hi Chelsi, I just learned to do curve piecing for the first time this year and I have been quilting for 12 years. What I did was that I bought the sew kind of wonderful wonder ruler and it comes with a simple butterfly tablerunner. They also have a KZbin video explaining how to use the ruler. This project was super simple and only took me a day or less to make.

[@OutRagaous]

Chelsi and curves! Great moment this week. I love these real moments to tackle my own challenges.

[@jackielohrey4167]

Oh my goodness, Monique's quilt is stunning! Good advice on the rulers, although I probably did go a bit overboard, the best thing I ever did was invest in Creative Grids and Bloc-Loc rulers, and YES to the Endurance blades. As you were going through the block progression, I feel like I am really getting there with larger blocks, but even some of the simpler blocks my struggles increase as the block sizes decrease. Great podcast!

[@grandmommu8815]

Yes, her quilt is just beautiful. RE: endurance blades. When I started quilting I bought "cheap" blades and they did not stay sharp or hold up well at all. I was changing blades frequently until I paid attention to the brand of blades. Now I only buy Olfa blades.

[@gracielaguadalupeguzmanbat7222]

i like that they give ideas, for the beginners is important to see the blocks they are speaking maybe hi from mexico city

[@melindafisher1584]

I wait for a 50-60% off coupon at Joann Fabrics to buy an Endurance blade. They are the best and this makes them much more affordable. Always enjoy your videos - the Chelsea and Sherri! Thank you!

[@joanmcfadyen]

I so much enjoy your videos. Thank you very much!❤️

[@marlahanks7278]

This was great-as always! I'm doing Sherri's block of the month, LOVE log cabins, so I can't wait to see the new block 🙂

[@OutRagaous]

Closing the rotary Cutter- a 23 yr old was my muscle for cleaning the Quilt Group room at a church getting ceiling insulation. A rotary cutter was laying on the table, closed. As I was explaining the plan, Mr. 23 reaches over and drew his thumb along the razor edge. Closed cutter, deep cut with welling blood on thumb. The look on his face. Yes, tools are sharp.

[@JoyfulLivingWithLisa]

Someone gifted me a Sharpie gel pen and you are right - they are awesome!

[@kathrynbruton9065]

Loving your podcast so much!

[@julxie-quitting6741]

Loved this episode!

[@lynneashton2532]

I use Donna Jordan’s technique of putting a hand weight on the end of the ruler. It has really helped me

[@evelynbaggett1960]

I made the mistake of using a ruler for part of my cutting, and a mat for another part and it was off. Luckily it is a bargello quilt so really I'm the only person who sees it and after a few years now I have to search for it, so I know that others will not see it 😍

[@crhp13tblock52]

Even the simplest of patchwork can turn out beautifully when using current fabrics. Also, it's a great way to learn how to sew and press accurate seams.

[@raquelchapa1428]

I did do three quilts (triple fence quilt king size., log cabin king size and then Irish chain queen size. Within a year I learn how to appliqué quilts. I love to appliqué. I tried to do machine appliqué(some wall hanging ). I truly enjoy quilting.

[@julieborders2790]

I also think starching fabric ahead of time makes for more accurate cutting. I love my stripology rulers, however, my worst finger cuts have happened while using it. I get going fast, and a couple of times I haven’t moved my hand far enough out of the way. 😊

[@amve2986]

One of my first quilts was Osprey’s Nest by Judy Niemeyer. Having the foundation paper piecing marked with sew, seam allowances, and cut marks helps you see how it all fits together.

[@grandmommu8815]

GREAT information - you gals are well prepared. I noticed you didn't mention a question that so many "just starting" quilters ask - especially if transitioning from garment sewing to quilts. "Should I wash my fabric first?" So perhaps you can address that question. I should mention that I do not with the exception of wide backing fabric. I do prewash that as it seems to "settle it" when it's folded on bolts and distorted. Squares up much better on my long arm frame. I also ALWAYS use the color-catcher sheets when washing the backing and 2 color-catcher sheets when washing the quilt the first few times.

[@janelicata5328]

A wonderful tip a fellow quilter gave me to prevent my ruler from shifting is to place a 5 pound hand weight on the far end of your ruler. I find this to be most necessary when using a long ruler such as a 24 1/2 inch.

[@grandmommu8815]

Yes, this is a wonderful method for cutting WOF strips - especially when I double the fabric (so there is 4-layers) and use a 60 mm cutter. Holds everything steady while I creep my holding hand up along the ruler.

[@grandmommu8815]

I have used small pieces of paper medical/surgical tape on the backs of some rulers for a temporary solution to prevent the ruler from sliding. Some of the vinyl dots, if not thin enough, have to be placed evenly or the ruler can rock/ move. RE: safety rotary cutters - The Olfa ergonomic one, that requires the user to squeeze the handle, is very handy; there is also a button that can either lock the blade open (not recommended) or lock the blade closed! It does require a little more hand strength/dexterity but like Sherri mentioned, I have brushed trimmings away and nicked my hand on an open blade at least 1 time. (My 60" blade does not automatically close.)

[@teleburke]

I really enjoyed this podcast and like Chelsi I had a hard time stay with the appropriate skill level blocks!

[@quiltnanny2011]

I put a weight at the end of the long rulers. It helps a bunch

[@eastskye137]

What I like about the OLFA ergonomic rotary cutter is that it retracts automatically when you let go of the handle. A lot safer than the splash version.

[@drewrichardson8789]

My husband would be excellent at cutting fabric

[@SewFun]

WARNING! There are some links listed in the comments at the bottom (These are not A Quilting Life links, but spammers/scammers lower down in the comments). Do NOT click on them. They will infect your computer. Billie if you catch them and delete them feel free to delete this one as well.

[@AQuiltingLife]

Thank You! I will get those off now.

[@grandmommu8815]

Flying Geese: 4 at a time. Creative Grids has a great ruler/template for these.

[@beverleybrowning3480]

Great presentation as usual! I see someone else mentioned "Disappearing" blocks 4 or 9-patch are easy and look more complex. You didn't mention that you can get foundation papers for log cabin in 6 or 12" sizes as well as for Pineapple, Square in Square, Courthouse Steps and more. Those are easy and fun to use. Cheers and happy sewing from 🇨🇦🍁

[@cathyblood6864]

Brute force with the rotary cutter! I got a really funny image of that.

[@marcellarodriguez7955]

I’ve purchased several ruler but I tend to revert back to my large slotted ruler that I’ve used for years. It has several marks on it and I’ve used it even for triangle pieces.

[@foxyroxy7125]

ALL of my rotary "accidents" are due to a dull blade. Even your husband ruining your cutting mat might be related to a dull blade. A sharp blade cuts like butter with little or no hand pressure. The olfa endurance blade is the only way to go. When you don't have to push hard, the accuracy goes up significantly. Also, don't go beyond your reach. When you do, you tend to arc.

[@deborahdelisle35]

I purchased 4 yards for my background; how do you suggest cutting it so it is easier to handle. Can’t starch & correctly fold that much.

[@suzannrogers1150]

I hope this OK. There is a superb pattern for beginners out there called Magic Nine Patch. The designer is Beverly Ingram at Quilter's Dream in Colleyville, TX. The instructions are fabulous and it looks like you have done way more that just nine patches.

[@zerozero9085]

Even with grips attached to the ruler, it still slides, causing much cursing! :) I now put a 5# weight on the other end, works great!

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

Sherri recommended an embroidery book for beginners but can't remember the name. Would love to order for my granddaughter

[@suesmith5557]

I was making stripsets. After making 17 of them I discovered that my jelly rolls were not cut at 2 1/2” as they were supposed to be. How do you handle that?

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

It does happen. Be sure to measure your strips before sewing. Sometimes I've found they need to be trimmed slightly.

[@sandrahart9190]

Talking about rotary cutters- I always close my cutter. A couple of weeks ago I left my cutter open. It fell off the table and my big toe. I had to go to the emergency room and had 6 stitches. Also I’m on a blood thinner so blood all over.

[@susyk6839]

Love your videos! I always liked teaching the rail fence as the easiest quilt plus it is good for a quicky for a last minute project if you need a gift. And I liked your tips on building skill blocks. Do you have a sampler book with these techniques?

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

The Garden Stars Sampler Quilt pattern is perfect for skill building. And my monthly (free) Block of the Month blocks are great skill builders. Thank you!

[@susyk6839]

@@sherrimcconnell4094 thank you! I have a new friend who is just starting out. I don't have time to full on teach but can help if she gets stuck. I will direct her to your blog and tutorials. Your directions will be perfect!

[@amiablecrafter]

I’m still learning but have some beautiful floral and bird print fat quarters. Any recommendations on a good pattern for fat quarters that showcase the fabric best?

[@martyreyes222]

I used a layer cake as background for a 2 color quilt but had fat quarters for the other color. The layer cake was easy to cut but then it wasn’t accurate after I cut…maybe it was the pinked edges??? Very frustrating.

[@elizabethbrown9064]

I enjoy your videos Do y’all starch your materials before cutting?

[@jengawelquilts]

Can you tell me what brand cups you are drinking out of? I am looking for something with a handle and straw the same size. Thank you!

[@janrandall3445]

How do I use my block lock for my 5 inch squares? I’m looking for directions.

[@cindysakala9641]

Have you tried using a hand weight (a workout weight) of 3 - 5 pounds on the far end of your ruler? Place the weight partly on the ruler and part on the table. I’ve been cutting much better, with out all the strain of pressing down hard on the ruler to keep it in place. It helps if you have weakness in your hands, too.

[@Carolmaizy]

I buy rotary blades in a package of five. They are oiled, and cling to each other so they are very hard to separate safely. Any tips on how to separate them without risking a fingertip?

[@karenburt731]

I am fun doing the monthly blocks put out on the first thursday. but the last block i have made twice and cannot get it to fit. i have measureed and measured but i still come out with it being too small. Any help

[@carolelliott9150]

What about disappearing 9 patch

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

Such a good one...and so simple!

[@tenawolfe6863]

I know you ladies are all connected with Moda…I love Pat Sloan’s beginner patterns like Garden Path all squares and rectangles, then I also think her Oh my Stars is very basic. Don’t know if that helps.

[@michelesalazar2045]

The one thing that's drive me nuts is to see some one cut fabric with wrinkles in it. I have even seen demos on utube with teachers do it that way.

[@teleburke]

What about Dresden?

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

Yes, I can't believe we missed this one. Confident beginner or intermediate for sure!

[@Sylvia907]

This tells me I’m at half square triangles in list of skills

[@irisuhde7635]

My grandma always told me, Not to go in the middle , look were it fits!!!! IT doesen't metter If IT was dough, fabric or felt or paper. Close your rotorycuter!!!

[@carolelliott9150]

Some cutting mats or better than others while cutting.

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

I agree. I feel like the Olfa mats do extend the life of your blades.

[@valeriebarber5302]

I saw that one of the quilts had custom quilting. I'm looking for someone. How do I contact you to get a name? Thx

[@joycekurtz46]

What do you do with used rotary blades?

[@marlahanks7278]

@Joyce Kurtz When I get a new blade out of the little plastic container they come it, I put my old one in there & mark it "used". Several will fit in there & that way when you dispose of them, they can't cut thru your garbage bag & someone (or even animals going thru garbage cans) get cut by them.

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

I have a tin canister I put them in. I do occasionally use them to cut paper. But other than that , they are just building up in my can where they are safe :)

[@carolmorgano7158]

👍👏🥰🌷🇦🇺

[@martyide8089]

Do the rotary blade sharpeners really work ?

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

I've never tried them, actually.

[@beverleybrowning3480]

I have one and it does work, but you really have to keep it going to get the blade sharp. Obviously it thins out the edge of the blade so you can only sharpen it so much.

[@martyide8089]

Thanks !👍🏻

[@nancyswift7480]

What's a honey,bun?

[@suzetteamos6257]

Where would you rank a Pineapple Pattern?

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

I would say confident intermediate. But that being said, I have taught this block to beginners using the Creative Grids Pineapple Trim Tool We also have a video on this.

[@marytillman372]

I like the pineapple paper that fat quarter shop sells.

[@lindalamb1196]

B