How to Sew a Quilt Block - Beginner Makes a Quilt (Part 2)

[@joannewhite5658]

i have watched hundreds of quilting videos and this is by far the best for beginners. I have learned more in watching this video than any other video. This is not necessarily how to put the pattern together but the correct way of cutting and sewing a quilt. Thanks Donna for all the tips.

[@aduniv]

Donna, you are a super teacher. Hannah, you'll have your first quilt done in no time. It'll look great.

[@littlerouge86]

Dear Donna, Hannah, and the rest of the FC crew, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. This is hands down one the absolute best series of videos to learn to quilt. Full stop. I'm making Sew Quick along with Hannah; this video, and the previous two have been paused - a lot. I take notes, I rewind to see something again (repeatedly sometimes), I refer back to my pattern as Donna says something, and I do the step Hannah's doing. I feel like I am taking my very own class with Donna and Hannah. This is simply unbelievably good: Donna walks and guides Hannah (and us) through the steps and what we are doing so well (knowledgably, helpfully, patiantly, and respectfully), and Hannah asks the kind of questions that an actual newby asks (she also makes same or similar mistakes that we newbies make, and I too make weird sounds, although coming from Hannah they don't sound as weird as they feel😂). A huge and humungous thank you for making such an amazing and great series of videos to help others like me learn to quilt.

[@KimtheElder]

👏👏👏

[@trishwinstead28]

I have sewn for 58 years and this was still fun to watch since both of you are such fun people. Congrats, Hannah, on getting a great start. I think you are helping so many people. Donna, you are excellent with your explanations - and, of course, your patterns are brilliant!

[@FabricCafe]

Hi Trish, thank you for your kind words! Donna

[@feliciasmith5402]

This has to be one of my favorite fabric cafe videos ever! You two are so adorable and provide so many helpful tips. 💓

[@FabricCafe]

Your comment makes my heart happy!

[@cindirevelle4100]

thank you Donna for all your explanations. The detail about keeping the fabric straight on the tape to prevent the material from curving was a great tip I didn't know about. Doing great, Hannah!

[@patriciasaunders4064]

Great fun watching Hannah learn from you Donna! I'm learning and refreshing skills along with y'all 👍👍

[@sarahammond3805]

Great job, Hannah!! I learned some new tricks too today. I have not been quilting all that long... Thank you both!!

[@isobelgreer7693]

Well done Hannah.You are a great teacher Donna.

[@kathleentoothman4826]

After being a garment sewer I was self taught trying to make a quilt top. Boy did I find out there is a big difference in the two! I am learning step by step the basics to cutting and sewing blocks. Thank you for making this series.

[@sandradummer4726]

I agree, the help is so..welcoming Donna.

[@FabricCafe]

That is awesome! Donna

[@marthadavis6209]

Hannah, I'm so glad to find a sister list maker! Just between you and me, I've also added things to a list of things to do just so I could cross it off!

[@brendasutterfield9834]

Donna you are such a good Teacher when it comes to making a great Quilt. . I am learning how to make a 3 Yard Quilt. Very nice to hear you teaching on how to make a 3yard quilt. So thank you for teaching me on how to make a 3 Yard Quilt. . Love 💕💗 your videos on teaching videos. You need to do more teaching videos. I enjoyed watching you teaching Hannah how to make a quilt.

[@suzanmarirosad5270]

I’m a beginner as well and I have to say.. love love love.. Donna, I have learned soooo much especially when it comes to salvage, I was actually cutting them 🙄😬🤦🏼‍♀️ your instructions and explanations are awesome. Hannah, What can I say? you’re awesome. I found myself talking to the video as if you both can hear me lol .. as I’m voicing a question, you where asking the question… I do have to say it freaked me out a little .. thank you for all the questions, feed back, answers, suggestions…. you are doing an awesome job!!

[@FabricCafe]

So glad you joined us! Donna

[@celineruiz3930]

Watching fabric cafe while I am sewing is part of my daily routine. I am so Inspired. Go Hannah. Great job Donna. Thank you for .asking us all great 3yd quilters!

[@kathyclayton4318]

Your very first block with nested seams for perfect squares in the corners! Way to go Hannah! You are learning from one of the best, so no problems! Those rulers are so slick sometimes and I am left handed. They seem to slide on me every single time, so when cutting longer strips I use a PINK (of course!) 3# dumb bell weight at the top of the ruler holding the ruler tight against the fabric and it won’t slip on you. That was definitely a game changer for me. No more uneven cuts at the top end of my fabric.

[@shellcshells2902]

I absolutely love this! It's like sitting down with my mom learning the tricks and tips of sewing. Warms my heart and gets me excited to start a new quilt! Great job Hannah! You're doing amazingly 👏!

[@sherryfaires7931]

Great job, Hannah! I also like to use my arm on the ruler. Donna, love your hair! Looks like a new haircut. I am also enjoying some reminders in my sewing! I learned to sew on a treadle machine in Home Ec.

[@mollysmith7191]

Excellent! Just Excellent! This is the best 'how to' video yet! I have sewn for many years & still learned some new tricks. Thanks so much for your time & talent to share your knowledge. We all started at the beginning, one seam at a time:) Well done, Hannah & Donna!

[@FabricCafe]

Wonderful! Donna

[@S.Kay.Steffy]

Donna, you are a wonderful teacher💕. I was waiting all week for part two. I am amazed at how much I am learning, even the simple explanation of the right and wrong side of the clips holding material together. Hannah…good job. Once again, kudos to you for helping us all learn.

[@connieferrell4432]

Hannah, you have a great teacher in Donna. I’m learning some things, after many years being self-taught. I’m loving your learning procedures. Maybe I can cleanup my act!

[@donnaheflin6312]

Yay Hannah! Welcome to the quilting family! Can’t wait to see your finished quilt! Love your fabric choices!

[@nonyabidness1623]

Moving right along! Hannah enjoyed you sharing your experience with us, I think you may have found a new love, or addiction in life! This is very informative, a great Idea for many who really just don't know how to start which way to go , or what to do next! This is the only place I have observed this 1 on 1 teaching, You are doing great, and Donna is a reminder of my friend that got me started cutting fabric and putting it back together differently) she would show me how to do it, and then she would watch me do it, she was that way with everything, I realize how important it is to teach me how to do, rather than do it for me! I miss her, she was 20 years older than me, and a great treasure in my life! I'm not young, and I've been sewing about 39 years, I loved doing needle turned applique first, then piecing stole my heart! I do hand quilting to but I love to cut and piece fabric together! Never to young to start, don't know if I'll ever quit! You both are inspiring many people ! Thanks! God Bless You Always!

[@judygovotsos7916]

What a wonderful teaching sewing session. Now I understand how to use the purple strip.

[@sandys8552]

Great teaching video. Just watched where cutting the unit ended up crooked. A tip is to use a 3 to 5 pound dumbbell to hold the ruler in place while cutting.

[@trishwinstead28]

I was going to add this tip as well. I learned it from Donna Jordan at Jordan Fabrics. It works really great. I love that tip and I wish I had known it years ago. You just place the weight on the end of the ruler. Try it.

[@sandradummer4726]

I seen this tip on another video, with the dumbbell. Good idea.

[@sandys8552]

Trish, I learned it from Donna Jordan at Jordan Fabrics as well. She is a great teacher.

[@sandradummer4726]

Donna, I need your sewing instructions on sewing. I went through the same things Hannah did with starting out as a newbie quilt sewer about 1 year and 6 months ago. I’m still learning a lot, and watching your videos and listening to your tips and instructions are helping me so much. Hannah will get the hang of it all as she sews more and more. Thank you both for all you teach us out here in the world of quilting. Hope Hannah comes to enjoy quilting.

[@donnagraham2802]

Hannah and Donna, another great teaching video! Love all the little tips and hints, things we don't always think about. Thank you both!

[@angelavaladez6450]

Thanks for this education!! Us beginners need all the help we can get (:

[@penniestout8878]

You can use a 5 pound hand weight to help hold the end of the ruler. It really helps me. Your doing a great job! Pennie from Washington

[@sharonlukatch2711]

This is just the most adorable video! I just loved watching the interaction between teacher and student. I am a self-taught quilter. Everything I have learned to do was from books and videos. How I wish I had had someone like you, Donna, to guide and encourage me. Hannah, you are a lucky girl. To have such a wonderful master quilter as your mentor. Please consider making additional “ How to” videos. They are so much fun.

[@FabricCafe]

Good news, we have more planned! Donna

[@roxanneroehrig324]

Way to go Hannah!!! Breathe. You got this 👍🥰

[@richardmackow1755]

Nesting is so hard for me! Going to start using my ruler instead of my mat. Really enjoy these videos - packed with helpful information. Thank you.

[@bonniekane8547]

Hannah is such a star!!!!

[@michelleherman5298]

Great teaching I have been waiting for yiu to do one and to do it with a beginner is great! I love this patterns so quick and easy. Keep up the good work

[@michelleherman5298]

Donna which pattern is this?

[@nonyabidness1623]

The fabric is SNUGGLING! AHHHH!

[@Melanie-vy4zj]

Those cartridges were called CAMS and I had one of those handy dandy machines, too. My daughter still owns it and it just sews wonderfully. Oh happy day, the memories. (Same daughter I sewed her clothes on back then!) LOL

[@cherleneartman7203]

Hannah, so proud of you! 😊

[@janwalker7620]

You can't sew bad when you sew on a Bernina. I have a record 830 from 1976. It still sews great!

[@FabricCafe]

I must admit, I love Berninas too! Donna

[@veronicawetzel5768]

Awesome job Hannah. I have been waiting on a sewing video. Thanks for doing this.

[@glitterxgore6943]

This was so helpful! I’m just getting into quilting (and using a sewing machine) and this was really good to see. This quilt looks approachable and not overwhelming for beginners but looks amazing when completed. 3 yard quilts are brilliant!

[@Pam-wy7wn]

This lesson is just wonderful…Hannah had the very same cutting difficulty as I did! This is helping me learn so many “tricks of the trade” & especially how to read the patterns. Thank you.

[@FabricCafe]

You're so welcome! Donna

[@lauragiannavola9597]

This is the best beginner tutorial I've ever seen. I really think I am ready to try this! Thank you so much!

[@FabricCafe]

Thank you Laura! So kind of you to say. You can do it!! Good luck on your journey!

[@marianunez7042]

Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed watching, because ,I'm working on Porch Rails Pattern, oh my, what a mess , but in the end I worked it out, 😁👋

[@gladysrivera3579]

You did Hannah. Donna is a great teacher. I still have problems with keeping ruler straight when I’m cutting. I used weights at end of ruler so it doesn’t shift when I’m cutting. I’m short and also tend to forget to walk my hand and I can only reach so far. I have taken things apart many, many times. Your seam ripper becomes your best friend.

[@gladysrivera3579]

You did awesome.

[@airedale360]

You can also use a 1 lb hand weight on top of the ruler if you dont like to move your hand once the blade passes. Also helps with keeping proper posture when cutting

[@carolynmills513]

I bought some flannel on clearance to do a 3 yd quilt to try out. Hannah, I am cutting and sewing with you. I bought an extra 1/4 yd of each fabric in case I messed up cutting a piece. I'm kinda famous for it! Lol. Then I will back it with flannel, and give as a receiving blanket if it turns out well. If not the Yorkie will love it.

[@FabricCafe]

Good idea to buy a little extra. sometimes Flannel is a little more narrow than regular cotton. Donna

[@carolynmills513]

@@FabricCafe good to know. Thanks for the feedback!

[@shirleywells1749]

Hanna great teacher and great job. Now you'll be hooked on seeing.

[@linetteevans8337]

I too use a weight on my ruler. Found a single one at the store with no tag. I thought it was 6 lbs but it is 9 lbs. Works great!

[@sharonlukatch2711]

Hannah, I also use a small hand weight (5lb.) to hold my ruler when cutting. It works great!

[@suepremetz4074]

Such a great series. So much info. This is giving me confidence to start. I am making the crossroads pattern as my first 3 yd quilt. Love how you give instructions on reading the pattern. I struggle with understanding the patterns♡

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Such beautiful fabric and colors! Thanks for posting!

[@karenglahn2151]

I loved this series and it was very helpful to me. I am working on my 4th 3 yard quilt but watching the cutting and accuracy has helped so much. I am currently cutting the Sew Easy pattern ❤❤❤

[@FabricCafe]

So glad to hear that Karen. Congratulations on your other 3 quilts and good luck on your 4th!

[@livfreyy4200]

Love these videos! Please keep up the great work! We appreciate you!💕

[@nonyabidness1623]

YEA! YOU DID IT!

[@BarbaraLeMere]

Great job Hannah! I’m doing the same thing you are so you are not alone. Lol🎉😂

[@karentzn]

Well done Heather.

[@robynmorris7945]

Love Hannaha’s term “Kissing seams”. !!

[@stefwild3322]

Good job Hannah!

[@janwalker7620]

For cutting use a weight on the top end of the ruler. That will hold your ruler from moving.

[@vzimmer1951]

I still use that 1960 machine! 😊

[@iknithappy]

Fabulous tutorial. Thank you!

[@tamifugate6590]

I don’t like this video… I love it!!! Thank you so much for another helpful video for a newbie.

[@rhondawaldron]

So Excited

[@judyvonk8899]

I really enjoy these learning videos. Doing a great job Hannah 👍. I received my Watercolor Forest today!! I’m so excited to start!!! Absolutely love the fabric!!! ❤️🧵

[@FabricCafe]

We're so glad! Good luck with your 3 Yard Quilt!

[@ljgrow]

To keep the ruler from moving/slipping while cutting I use a 5lb hand weight positioned at the top of my ruler. Prevents slipping from happening every time!

[@patttakeuchi3959]

This is such a precious video. Reminds me of when my grandmother was at the sewing machine with me when I was young, so sweet. Donna, can you share with me what Bernina foot you are using. I just bought a Bernina and it's very overwhelming how many feet they have. I noticed I don't have the one Hannah is using. Thank you so much. Really enjoying this series.

[@FabricCafe]

It is a quarter inch foot. They are sold separately from your dealer. Donna

[@patttakeuchi3959]

@@FabricCafe is it 37D? Thanks so much. Looking forward to making my first 3yd quilt. Going to wait until Hannah finishes.

[@normacooper6377]

If you are right handed and you keep your left pinky off the side of the ruler, on the tabletop, the ruler won’t slip as easily. You can also use a hand weight at the end of your long ruler to prevent sliding.

[@dianaseals4670]

Awesome instruction!

[@FabricCafe]

Thanks!

[@ireneford5722]

I use a weight in the end of my ruler.

[@marismills9202]

Wonderful instructions i have made all the errors mentioned.

[@catherinekershaw324]

I use a 3# hand weight to help hold my ruler in place. I am 5’ 2”.

[@FabricCafe]

We shorties have to stick together! Thanks for watching! Donna

[@cliffordcarroll9320]

Fun!!

[@karenmorrissette2612]

For ruler cutting I put masking tape along the measurements so I have a guide

[@mrodriguez375]

Love the instructions in showing to assemble a quilt. You look at the instructions and it seems overwhelming.

[@nancyguerrero6662]

Do you have a standard stitch length for piecing? Fairly new quilter here.

[@shellcshells2902]

What sewing machine are you using?

[@FabricCafe]

Bernina

[@FabricCafe]

B750 Quilters Edition Bernina

[@sandys8552]

When talking about back tacking, with quilting you don’t need to do that. This would have been a good time to talk about stitch length. If a quilter uses too long a stitch it may open the seam when sub cut into units. What size stitch do you recommend?

[@FabricCafe]

Hi Sandy, we use the machine default of 2.5. Donna

[@karentzn]

Hi Sandy if you going to sub cut strips I stitch with 1 1/2 stitch length instead of my normal 2 or 2 1/2 stitch length. Hope that helps

[@sandys8552]

Thanks Karen, I think that stitch length would make me more comfortable so the seams don’t come apart.

[@T_i_n_a_]

👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@karentzn]

Donna if you had Heather use a shorter ruler would that not have helped her with the cutting

[@FabricCafe]

So true! Thanks!

[@laurajustice4275]

Is this a walking foot?

[@FabricCafe]

Hi Laura! The Bernina machine that Donna and Hannah are using has a built in "dual feed" which acts like a walking foot. The 1/4" foot is on the machine in this video and the "dual feed" is activated. Here's a great video on more explanation on the difference between Bernina's "dual feed" and a walking foot. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2ewgmadrqhjn6Msi=-EEqWm87bE2UJTFd

[@Nanaslegacy]

I’m sewing a quilt now with that same pattern, and the instructions says to press open all seams. So, I pressed them open not to one side! Totally missed understood that terminology!

[@FabricCafe]

I'm sorry for any confusion. Pressing seams open is just one way to press seams. When we first began writing patterns, we always pressed our seams open, which was our prefered way of making the quilt. Through the years, we discovered that many people preferred pressing to the dark side. We decided the best way to avoid confusion was to write the pattern to say press, and allow people to choose their favorite way. We address this topic in several other videos we've made. Donna

[@Nanaslegacy]

@@FabricCafe so it’s just a matter of preference? Either way is okay? The next one I will try pressing to the dark side and use my 1/4 foot I ended up making my seams a little to big and had to cut down my big blocks to match up!

[@FabricCafe]

@@Nanaslegacy Yes, it is a matter of preference. Often we search for the "rules" to perfect quilting, when but I like "perfect preferences". For the video, I wanted to keep the instruction super simple and not cloud the teaching with introducing too many different ways to do things. Thanks for watching and thanks for asking questions! Donna

[@mildredstokes1710]

Hi Donna

[@FabricCafe]

Hi Mildred!

[@donnarichey144]

Use a dumbell. I have numb hands and my ruler kept moving so I watched a video said use a dumbell. I t works.

[@mamakaka73]

I WISH I was 5 foot tall... 😭

[@laurajustice4275]

It's not the 10 and 2 position anymore, it's 4 and 8 because of air bags. 😂

[@FabricCafe]

😅🤣 True!