Expert Quilting Tips for Beginners

[@Memessewingstation]

The one thing I found is to rewatch videos. I have learned things that I missed the first time.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

YES, same here. I can watch thing several times and keep learning.

[@grannybirdbirdsong1274]

Such great tips! I would only add to never, ever compare your own quilt to someone else's, ESPECIALLY if they are more advanced. That's a confidence killer!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

So so true. We are all different, and like different things.

[@volleydoll9483]

Yes!!! Embrace your mistakes because you can call them design choices! Stay creative and don't be afraid! Its amazing and sooo rewarding!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Yes! Thank you!

[@janesturm]

Loved this video! As a newish quilter, I appreciate your kindness and encouragement. Thank you.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I am so so glad. Thank you!!!

[@judyfarmer357]

I love these videos! I found them on accident, but she is a wonderful teacher! The videos are so detailed it makes it easier and so much fun to learn! Thanks for all you do!

[@audreymartinez9197]

So happy I found you! I so needed to hear that. I am a very new beginner and have learned a lot from watching tutorials on different projects that I have done. Thank you for your compassionate understanding for us beginner sewers!❤❤❤❤

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so welcome!

[@sharonmacintyrebarrett8572]

I took your advice and purchased Flatter I love it, what a great product. Your right don't buy junk but good stuff and be done with purchasing items. I did and have never been sorry.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That is so great to hear.

[@veevee111]

@@ISeeStarsQuilting now they need to sponsor you 🤭

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

@@veevee111 😂 YES!! I wouldn't be upset if that spread around a bit lol 😆

[@angelameredith5105]

Thank you, Christen, for a very motivational video-I’m not a new quilter, but I certainly needed the pick me up your video gave me! Thanks! ❤ One piece of advice I would add-it’s okay to stop a project that you find that you do not enjoy, or is not what you expected when starting a project. I agreed to make a quilt for a friend when I was a new quilter, she picked out the pattern and the fabric. It turned out the pattern was very complicated and each block consisted of about 40 small pieces. I just couldn’t complete the first block, it was very frustrating because the pieces were very small. Lesson learned the hard way; try making a test block before committing and I learned it’s okay to walk away from something that doesn’t bring me joy. I did end up making her a table runner using some of the fabric.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Yes, I love this. Thank you so much for sharing that.

[@RoundMtnDryGoods]

I still consider myself a newish quilter, even though I started learning over 20 years ago. I just finished that very first quilt last month. I went on a very long break lol! I am working on basting a very large trip around the world quilt top I made a long time ago. It's a challenge, and I am giving myself permission to take my time and take frequent breaks for smaller projects so I don't burn out again. Thanks for sharing what you've learned so others can benefit from it!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thanks for sharing! I am excited to hear how it goes!! Enjoy the process.

[@hollykarlsen1792]

The “My Quilts” app is a great way to document your quilts. I wish I’d had it when I started quilting!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Great idea!!!

[@jillbritton2676]

Thank you for this idea. I have pics of all my quilts but having a place to document is awesome. I can see so much improvement in just the few years I’ve been doing this

[@notesfromleisa-land]

(sorry for longish post)...You nailed it. Every trade and profession has an apprenticeship/internship program. Learning to cook, paint, tile, plumb, build, wire, operate, calculate all start with education coupled with tools to acquire and learn how to use and techniques (best practices). Always get the best quality you can afford. Your advice on simple projects is spot on. I started with a baby quilt--touted as beginner friendly but was anything but. If it is on point, walk away. You don't need to worry with corner setting and side setting triangles--because those only work if y our @#%$$#^ seams line up. And they likely will not on your first quilt. I ended up making many baby quilts (my daughter's friends have great fecundity!). Baby quilts are the perfect small project with cute fabrics that will obscure any mistake that you've made, and as babies primarily poop and burp, your quilt will protect baby from the world and the world from baby regardless of the precision of your piecing. Ready to quilt it? Straight line stitch in the ditch just to learn how to foist a quilt through your machine. Angela Walters makes it look easy.... Machine quilting is a whole nuther (sic) rabbit hole. With a small project, you have the opportunity to experience all of the successes and pain within this small project across the cutting, sewing, pressing, basting, quilting and binding (add crying and cursing if it applies) -each of these are different skills. Make lots of them. When you are proficient in your skills, you will tackle larger projects with aplomb and can confidently gift them to more discerning recipients. Finally....gifting a quilt. (Non-heirloom). I had to wrestle with this issue--and you will too. Here's how I resolved it: Before you gift a quilt to someone--ask yourself if you are going to get needled irremediably if your gift is (1) not acknowledged--shame on them, that is a social responsibility lost on some; (2) not used. Make quilts because you love to do it; gift them because you want to--and do so with no expectations or strings attached. You will remain in harmony with the world. And if someone let's their dog sleep on your quilt--then that is a precious comfort to a precious animal.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thank you so much for sharing this you are so right. 🤩😍

[@missyperullo7883]

I watch KZbin videos constantly to learn whatever I can. I really have enjoyed your videos. You had some great advice in this one. Thanks.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thank you so much. That means the world. 💜

[@kimbennett2369]

Thank you Kristen for a great video. I feel like a beginner all the time ! I only used to mend work clothes. 1st the quilting police 'friends' would just put me off. Then diagnosed with RA in 2014 stopped me for awhile,then lost my right eye in 2015. RA related. That was fun learning to sew a straight line again ! Then the real bummer was brain surgery in 2019. I slowly had to learn again !!! It funny now that anything I make,there are a few mistakes but only I know & have learnt to just be happy that it's not a disaster & I'm still on this side of the grass 😂 🎉 🇭🇲🦜🦘

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I'm so proud of you for pushing through and doing what you love no matter what. Praying for your full recovery in all things.

[@kimbennett2369]

@@ISeeStarsQuilting thank you

[@christinefroess134]

Thank you, what an uplifting video. Lots of great advise. I just finished a king sized quilt that took me way longer than it should have, which put me in a grumpy place. Doing a small project reminded me that I love this craft. Thank you!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so welcome! I think we all need little fun projects in between our big ones.

[@dorothyrainbow2057]

Thanks for giving me the courage to continue quilting 😊👍🥰

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You’re welcome 😊 You can do it.

[@helenpeddycord2241]

Thanks Christen! I absolutely agree the Fabric Hut blades are absolute BEST!! I was getting low so ordered the 45mm & 60mm, 2 pkgs each💕💕💕💕💕 Love it when you can purchase them at half price. So appreciate them & you!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Totally agree!

[@lynnessewimperfect825]

Hi Christen! Going to a quilting retreat is a dream of mine but long distance traveling is physically difficult for me at the moment. However I joined a local quilt guild last fall & all the members were (and are) very welcoming to new-ish quilters. I love the monthly meetings but haven't yet managed to join a Thursday morning sewing session. I hope to soon. Thanks for all the great tips! ~~ Lynne

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That is wonderful Lynne, I hope you can join them soon, and enjoy your new found friends and sewing buddies.

[@karenbrunette6314]

The best advice I can offer is …..it’s ok to walk away from something and return to it later

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Yes, absolutely!!

[@mariecartwright]

Or pass it along to someone else who will enjoy finishing it - my mom is my go-to hahaha

[@nancylyman5192]

You have lit a fire in me about logging my quilts. I’ve been very slack about that and because of you, I realize I MUST do better. Thanks for that and thank you and Fabric Hut for the coupon for the titanium coated blades. Can’t wait to try them.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so welcome, let me know what you think.

[@maggienickischshannon2292]

Christen, thank you for sharing your advice on tools and tips. I need those blades.I have made many mistakes, ripped out tons, sewed on wrong side you name it I did it. I have been sewing for 40 years but been learning quilting for a year. Love tutorials.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so welcome!

[@GladysCryer]

I really enjoyed your video! That was good tips for new quilters. Even experienced quilters never stop learning!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so right about that. We can learn something new everyday.

[@debmckasson1953]

I have a seam guide with an arm that slides down the fabric . Game changer.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That sounds amazing.

[@lorettazaharias9692]

it is so helpful to look at tutorials on you tube...need to label my quilts..like the binding idea on the back , I do take photos 😇

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donnajohns7583]

I really enjoy watching your videos

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I'm so glad!

[@sandievaltman7313]

I love your videos! I always learn something from them, and you are so much fun to watch. Thank you for sharing with us.❤❤❤

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are too sweet Sandie!

[@loisoleary2368]

Thank you! You are a wise and caring person! I look forward to your videos!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You have made my day. 😍

[@BobbiSalvini]

Three Tips. First buy some of those invisible drawer handels that wrap over the top of the drawer. Upside down they make a cool little shelf with a lip that you can double stick tape onto your machine for your lint duster and seam ripper. Two, Buy a flat heavy magnet and double stick tape it onto your machine. I like mine close to the needle somewhere. Then as you are sewing you can throw your pins in this direction and after a while I no longer even have to look and then they are not everywhere and I have them handy again for use. And Third Make a second quilt with enders and leaders. A basic pattern with lots of backbround is great. I am making one now that has white background and lots of little pinwheels. I buy a set of white on white fabric for these projects and make HSTs from scraps and the white. If I run out of background I can always buy any white on white as the background is already scrappy but you can only tell up close. Yes I do save and cut triangles for my scrap quilts. You can get lots of these if you get scraps from someone that makes clothing. Or make them using the two at a time HST method. Thank you, I love that you are upbeat and make me want to get back onto my machine!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thank you for these great tips.

[@valliertremblay3852]

Very good Video for new guiltier but something I do after I finish a guilt I made square with the scrap or strip like this I never scrap around me and is ready to use thx for everything you do I wish to be a quilter friend have a good day

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That is a very helpful idea so you always have cut pieces ready to go! Thank you for sharing 💕

[@martast.john-anders6448]

Thank you! I'm a lifelong sewer but a new quilter and I find the precision piece a hard nut to crack. I decided it's okay to produce a quilt that's imperfect! But I have to remind myself constantly that I want progress, not perfection.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Yes, great reminder.

[@EQWidow]

Great advice here! I learn so much from your videos!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That really makes my day, thank you for that.

[@martibarnes4308]

Thank you, Kristen! Loved this video!! 😊

[@maureenkaskela3232]

Great advise, thank you.cant wait to join a quilting group.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Wonderful!

[@drix82961]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I just made a “getting started” kit for my daughter-in-law. I will include a link to this video for her.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That is so so sweet.

[@boonchilla]

I love those titanium blades!!! Love this video and your channel. My first quilt was a KING SIZE t shirt quilt. 🫤😖. Don’t know that I’ll ever do that again but I love the fact that I made it and it’s special to me. Working on my second quilt which is much simpler in comparison lol

[@ddawe31635]

Mine was King sized too! I sewed it on a treadle sewing machine!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thats amazing - Props to the both of your girls and your determination @boonchilla and @ddawa31635 IF you start with the hardest, it can only get easier, right? 😂

[@boonchilla]

@@ISeeStarsQuilting that’s what I keep telling myself 😆. My second quilt I’m working on needs to be finished before sept 17. I’m doing a sassy 9 square patch quilt. We’ll see how it goes

[@hazelem1266]

I’ve just finished my second quilt ever. Reversible, for my son with his T-shirts/ hoodies on the one side and a film reel consisting of more than 40 photos on the other side. Queen size with irregular blocks and the frames and borders matching on both sides. I can’t tell you how many F bombs I used. It was 100% hand pieced and quilted. It took me 20 months. I took it to my son who lives in Croatia and handed it over just a week ago. It is so special to me and I hope it is to him. My first quilt for my granddaughter took 2 years and I took it to her in South Africa. I have two more quilts to go. I have allowed two years for both. 🙏🏽🙏🏽 It is only because of Kirsten and people like her that I learned to sew and managed to finish them. Thank you for this channel.

[@TheLadyLair]

Great advise. Just ordered the blades 3 sets!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Enjoy!

[@galemckiddy5120]

I am a beginner! I need to learn to measure and cut better. Do you have a video on this topic? I also need to learn to handle my Olfa cutter. I made a baby quilt years ago and it turned out to have a narrower width at the top than the bottom, but they loved it anyway! 😊 I love making these ornaments -14 now- and a table runner is next!

[@chrissyluna8183]

Great advice. Thank you for sharing.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so welcome! I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 💕

[@GenePotter-s6r]

Great information. Thank you.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thanks for watching!

[@anjibrazell]

Thank you so much for this video, Kristen!! I started a couple of years ago after garment sewing all my life. I'm a retired hairstylist/colorist/instructor and I love the interplay of colors in quilts. I've only made about 15 or 20 so far and none but the very last few are any good (to me) but I have loved giving them away! I'm currently working on a bargello and a 3-D block for two Christmas presents. I have learned a lot from watching quite a few of your videos. Thanks!!p.s.- I don't know where you live, but we have about 3 items in our WalMart compared to yours!! WOW!!😄😄

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I live in Houston, Texas - So yes... big walmart selection! lol I'm so glad you're enjoying quilting now. The play with color never stops 🥰 I bet your bargello is going to be fabulous! Thanks for watching.

[@quiltingatthelake]

Just ordered a pack of blades. Thanks for the tip!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Yay! You're welcome - You're going to LOVE them

[@veevee111]

You are a wonderful motivational speaker/quilting instructor 🤩👍🏼

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That is so kind of you.

[@patcorona5979]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

Great advice

[@pittsfordretiredteachersas3337]

Last week you mentioned you were going to Toronto. Karen Brown of Just Get it Done lives there and mentioned a couple videos ago that there is a special Quilt show at one of the museums. These are quilts that have been in storage for years. I can't remember which museum you might want to contact her or just check out the museums. I live in Rochester NY and have been thinking of making the 3 hour drive. Linda Traynor

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thank you for sharing this!!! 💓

[@Quiltinfrog]

Love the video. I already ordered some rotary blades. Ty for the code. Have a great day

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You're going to LOVE them - But please... be careful 🥰

[@lorrierunnals140]

Love watching your videos. You are so adorable.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Oh, that is too kind.

[@danielaosborn5272]

love your videos could u do a vid of how you trim your quilts after longarming

[@wandawalker4191]

You can have fun quilting even without buying the most expensive out there.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Absolutely!

[@donnaduffett6199]

Great video thanks 😊

[@alexandra-zaza-burns]

Great advice

[@normatulloch376]

Great tips.

[@MsHeatherLea]

Newbie! I have been watching all your videos for ever, I am finally doing this, I need to get a machine to get started, I want a janome, what do you recommend? I would rather invest the money and get a good one, but that's easy to understand . I tried to use one my twin gave me. It's a brother, but it's 10 years old, and the tension kept breaking. What's a good Janome? Thanks 🌟

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Yay! Welcome to the quilting world! I still sew on my smaller janome 3160QDC when I travel. It is a great little machine! My bigger machine is a Horizon Memory craft 15,000. She is a BIG one. Which machine you should get really depends on your budget. Depending on where you live, your best bet is to visit a dealer store and sit down and use the machines they have in store and see what feels good to you and what features are important to you to have. (be careful that you don't walk out of there with regret spending far more than you were planning!) I bought both of my machines used from the dealer shop and have been extremely happy. Feel free to email me if you have more questions! I'm excited for you 🥰

[@terrieberly8109]

I don't see the link for Stitch Sister group. Thanks for what you do to help everyone especially THIS newbie.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Hi! Here is the link to the Stitch Sister Group. Let me know if you have nay questions! stitch.academy/stitchsister

[@hazelem1266]

Hi christen, the rotary cutters? Do they deliver to Australia?

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I'm not sure. :(

[@jodilarson5298]

Where do I find the link for the blade coupon referred to in this video?

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

50% OFF The Fabric Hut Premium Rotary Blades :: ✂️ shorturl.at/Ztb1U

[@coreygilles847]

❤❤❤

[@karlabergwalker3332]

I love Titanium rotary blades too, but I am getting a set of 10 for $11.29 from the famous store that starts with the letter, A. They last forever and I won't go back to other blades. I looked into those you are discussing but they are way overpriced IMHO. I'd rather spend my dollars on fabric. I agree that blade sharpeners are a waste.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Glad you found some that you love.

[@Tenita79]

I wish I lived in a more progressive area because I’ve had zero luck with quilt shops or connecting with fellow quilters locally. Honestly I feel like the quilting community are not receptive to people who don’t look like themselves. I have not felt welcomed. At least in my area. Quilters are not always the nicest people in the world. Just my thoughts. But thanks for a great video from your perspective.

[@martast.john-anders6448]

I'm so sorry you have had that experience. I just started quilting and I'm going to try going to a guild meeting next month. I'm nervous! I hope for both of us that we find friendly, supportive quilters IRL and not just online.

[@dianecarlson2918]

there are some who make think I'm not as good as they are. In that case I just move on to another. It can feel like you are the new kid in class. Don't let it keep you out. You will connect with some, just keep trying!

[@chandraisley8389]

No matter what i do or use i cannot get a straight line ever. I am lost at what to do. I am a new sewer/ quilter. 😢😅

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

It really does come with practice.

[@laureeniannucci4878]

Great info. Thank you.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

❤❤❤