Things I DIDN'T Know As A BEGINNER QUILTER (That I Wish I Did) 🤔 Part 2!

[@user-cs2jk5pp6p]

Hubby & i in fabric shop. While I got a couple of things he walked around. I was going towards him when I heard him ask woman teaching how to use a fancy machine, "how much does that one cos t?" She replied, "$5,700,but we have a special on for $4,800." I don't think he breathed until we were out of shop. Then he stuttered, "you could get a good used car for that!" I patted his arm & told him "the one i want only costs $1,100. " That was 30 years ago & it still gives me a chuckle. The machine was a Pfaff, no computer and runs well w just yearly maintenance. All metal, made in W. Germany.

[@aneedlenthread]

Great story! Pfaffs are great machines. The only ones I use. 😀

[@m.m.4645]

I have a similar story. My hubby also almost fainted when he heard about the prices. That was decades ago! I bought my Pfaff directly "off the assembly line" when the company was still in Karlsruhe, Germany. I precious my sewing machine, give it an inspektion every year - it is so worth it. Full metal everything - this machine will outlive me. I do not want any other!!!

[@peggygilbertsen9099]

Great tips! Thank you

[@vivaldi1948]

The newest Bernina 990 is $23,000. For that price it better do the dishes.

[@stevenbenn7543]

As a relatively new quilter I find the school of hard knocks can be painful and unnecessary - your videos are clear, down to earth and practical. Your demeanor is friendly, nurturing and are really spot on - makes me wish I discovered you earlier in my journey. I especially appreciate your encouragement to become part of the greater quilting community wherever you live. I have joined our local guild and found my new found friends enormously helpful and friendly. Now I have increased the "men's division" of our guild to three! Thanks again - greetings from Rapid City, South Dakota.

[@aneedlenthread]

You’re so encouraging! Thanks so much! ❤️ I love to see men enjoying fiber arts. No one said women are the only ones who can be creative and make beautiful things! I’m excited for you! I’m here to help, so if you have any quilting questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. It’s wonderful that you’ve found a quilting community. You’re going to see such growth in your sewing.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I have a fancy computerized sewing machine. However, my go to sewing machine for almost everything I sew is my antique Singer 301 slant needle sewing machine. Those old sewing machines were made to last through generations of sewers. My Singer 301 and Singer 221 are all metal (no plastics). If you are lucky enough to have an old all metal sewing machine, that is in good condition, you are very lucky. Take care of it and it will work very well for you.

[@aneedlenthread]

I also have an antique Singer that I love using! 💖💖

[@lorihuntley836]

I, too, have a computerized machine with lots of bells and whistles but my go to is my 45 year old mechanical, semi-industrial Pfaff 1222E. What a workhorse! If you’re sewing is making quilts you don’t need a fancy, expensive computerized machine. Save your money.

[@aneedlenthread]

@@lorihuntley836 I completely agree!

[@nicola.p]

I have a Pfaff 710 (I wanted the bigger throat space) but I prefer my basic mechanical Janome 525s, I don't know why, it is just simpler and it just works. Althought Inrecently got a vintage Singer Featherweight and I think that might become my new fav.

[@aneedlenthread]

@@nicola.p I LOVE featherweights

[@sallysrock8488]

I liked that you didn't just talk but also demonstrated.

[@aneedlenthread]

Absolutely!

[@vickie5717]

I love the way you explain things you are not putting people down for purchasing inexpensive machines 😊 It’s like you really are for the people thank you ….I would love to see a video on using and explaining rulers

[@aneedlenthread]

You are so welcome! I can definitely make a video like that in the future

[@rebeccamulkern1051]

Actually as a quilter I DO change my stitch length, exactly because we don’t back stitch. So if I’m sewing two small pieces together, or I’m snowballing a corner, I will reduce my stitch length so then these blocks , with handling to stitch them onto rows etc, they are less likely to come apart at the edges. ❤

[@aneedlenthread]

Interesting! ❤️

[@DeBruyn1100]

I do the same thing

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

A sewing machine is not even a necessity. You can hand piece and hand quilt. It's not as fast, but it can be satisfying and it gets the job done. That was what I did as a beginning quilter. Now that I think about it, there are some designs that may even work out better that way (double wedding ring comes to mind, which I did on a machine).

[@aneedlenthread]

I agree! Hand sewing is amazing.

[@user-bc8fy1tc9b]

I am a new quilter and this is such a help. You give clear instructions, thank you!

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jenamorgan1]

I’m obsessed with my clearly slotted trimmer for squaring up blocks. It just works for my brain.

[@jenniferhuff2566]

I’m just beginning to “consider” learning to quilt and this video was extremely helpful. I’ve subscribed. Thank you

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karenr.sternberg1920]

Pls DO considier it, it's fun & satisfying. Just a tip folks often forget to share. Start SMALL, like w/ a baby blanket & ENJOY!!

[@chi2tan]

Love that fabric of the heart behind you!

[@aneedlenthread]

it’s so pretty yea!

[@user-fj5qf7gt6n]

I was making my fifth or sixth quilt top years ago and ran into ripple problems, extra fabric along the borders, when sandwiching the quilt. After I told my mother she asked where I measured for the borders. Turns out I got lucky on the previous quilts that things worked ok. Somehow I had learned all the important stuff except measuring for borders at least a third of the way inside the quilt and not along the edge. Now I measure several places and double check again, no more issues. Lesson learned. Although no one can see where I folded the extra bit over and top-stiched. You can hide a lot in a quilt! 😊

[@aneedlenthread]

Now you know! 😅😅

[@jojorey6886]

I’m not saying this is the right way to measure for borders but, if I have a 6” finished block plus a 2” finished sashing I add everything up. For example if I have 5 blocks down and 4 rows of sashing I multiply 6” block x 5 blocks = 30” then 2” sashing x 4 sections = 8” --30” blocks + 8” sashing + .5” seam allowance = 38.5” this is what I cut for my border. I do measure the blocks to check if they’re 6” finished and I check my sashing that it’s 2”. I check the blocks after they’re made that they’re 6.5” unfinished. If possible I’ll make the block a little larger then cut it down to size, can’t do that with every block but I check each step.

[@marshanelson9559]

I am a longtime quilter and yet always seem to benefit from “beginner” tips, mostly reminders. Enjoyed your presentation and now that I have subscribed I can continue to learn with you. Thanks

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hiawanthaabdusalaam190]

Greetings, I am new to quilting. It has always been a love 💕 of mine to learn! I am a new subscriber, and looking forward to more content for new quilters thank you from Elkton, Maryland. 😊

[@aneedlenthread]

Welcome to the channel!

[@hiawanthaabdusalaam190]

Thank you .

[@lizryan6289]

Yes. These are the rulers I use a lot.

[@juliechao3638]

Enjoying the replay ❤ subscribed today

[@aneedlenthread]

Welcome!

[@roxannsanchez6536]

Regarding the cutting ruler. I purchased the 6" x 24" initially but returned it because it was too wide for me and the space I had for cutting. I purchased the 3" x 24" and have not regretted the decision. For me, it's just more comfortable to use.

[@aneedlenthread]

Comfortability is important!

[@user-nf7pd8ik3d]

Hello! This is my first time watching! You are clearly explaining for beginners! Thank you for that! I was surprised to hear you mention ‘guys’ - are there just men watching?! I am a grandma and I assumed that it was aimed mainly for women!

[@aneedlenthread]

Welcome! Ultimately, my goal is to help everyone learn and grow as a quilter. That means beginners and up, women and men. Anyone who wants to grow. :) It’s fun to see guys getting more and more interested in the fiber arts (quilting, garment sewing, knitting, crocheting).

[@normatulloch376]

I love your advice on the sewing machines.

[@aneedlenthread]

Thank you!

[@NightowlBB842]

As convenient as precuts are, they are extremely expensive on a per-yard basis.

[@aneedlenthread]

They are, but you pay for the convenience. For some people it’s worth it. :)

[@lisabencun8529]

And some of us are blinded by too many color choices

[@marywiggins7411]

Good tips. Budgets are important, but don't forget that machines usually last longer than your last auto purchase, so price is relevant to that.

[@aneedlenthread]

Great point!

[@lorihuntley836]

@@marywiggins7411 and the less complexity built into a machine the longer the life span.

[@marywiggins7411]

@@lorihuntley836 also depends on who manufactures it and where.

[@lindaochs4355]

I loved your video for beginners. You are very knowledgeable. Thanks Linda

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@JudithJoice-nk7mf]

You are very thoughtful and helpful. Thanks

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SusanBeckham-cu6ul]

Glad to find your channel!

[@aneedlenthread]

Welcome!

[@ellenthompson4441]

Your comments are right on! I had the same experience with rulers.

[@CarolineGaffigan-fe1hh]

Good information for new quilters. 1) Those are the two rulers I use the most while the ithers take up space. 2) I love my pre-cuts to save time although there is something calming about cutting the fabrics. 3) I appreciate the reminder to square off the blocks because I tend to become overly confident when sewing and cutting. 4) And lastly, I hesitated learning to quilt because I felt I did not have the correct machine since my SIL had bells and whistles machine. However, I took the plunge with mine and I'm still quilting with my machine. I also appreciate how you present the information and the tempo of your video.

[@aneedlenthread]

Thank you so much!

[@itsjustme7979]

Great vid. I love a simple mechanical machine 👍

[@aneedlenthread]

Me too!

[@akquilter3519]

Such a very good video. Very good information,

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bjoyp7463]

Very good tips, especially about the rulers. 😊

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad you like them!

[@marianneodea5236]

My favorite is my 12.5 Square ruler

[@aneedlenthread]

So helpful!

[@tamiholloway6452]

Beginning quilter her and I needed this information! Very good to know. Thank you. You’ve answered a lot of my questions.

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chimknee]

Thanks for this. I do not use pre-cuts. Tried them and had too many colors I did not like in the bundles. I like to cut my own.

[@aneedlenthread]

Whatever works for you!

[@margaretsmith1727]

Very helpful information. Thank you for sharing.

[@aneedlenthread]

My pleasure!

[@et1016]

Just found your channel! Thanks so much! ❤😊

[@aneedlenthread]

Welcome!

[@denisestilling2810]

Thanks for the nice video

[@aneedlenthread]

Thank you too!!

[@susiejohnson4530]

Great video!! wish I'd watched it a year ago. JUST did my first quilt for my nieces new baby. OMG! it's HARD. All the MATH, and creativity! Great info. Thank you. Gotta watch the first one now.

[@aneedlenthread]

I often say that math-ing is hard! You’ll get used to it. Don’t forget to have fun as you make your quilts.

[@susiejohnson4530]

@@aneedlenthread "math ing" GOOD ONE!!! After taking ALGEBRA I FINALLY realized it IS useful--IN CHEMISTRY!!! ahahahhaaa I am learning to have "fun" with removing STITCHES. OMG. I HATE to "FROG" in crochet but "unsewing" isn't so bad with the right SEAM RIPPER.

[@damadenoche615]

That is true. I have a singer 9960 but I always go back to my Pfaff 6120 that I converted into hand-cranked machine while working on my tiny hexies.

[@stephmoss328]

I started with a Brothers machine for $89 at Walmart. I was given a Kenmore 158 that’s older than I am. I refurbish it and now it’s my go to. It’s a beast to move around but so much more sturdy and less frustrating.

[@user-lw5bm2lq5u]

I have my very first machine -- Kenmore, purchased in 1972. It's very noisy but still doing the job.

[@caroleseckler2316]

Loved this video. You are helpful!!!

[@kiricalo]

New subbie I’m new to quilting and I can tell I’m going to learn a lot from you!

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad you're here!

[@billminckler6550]

Wow! So very articulate! 😳 👏👏👏

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad you think so!

[@katherinelaxton5564]

Thank you. Your advice is very reassuring

[@marshaflorom4220]

Thank you for the warning!

[@carriecreates1207]

Great tips!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@aneedlenthread]

You are so welcome!

[@2slvrfx]

Thanks for a professional and relevant presentation. Thanks for not trying to entertain us as this causes some annoyance when I need information indeed it right away. Too much flighty chit chat is annoying for a lot of folkus as that technique andIturn away. Loved the way you just jumped into the information first thing. Loved it. Wis I had seen thistwpyearsahoas I am self taught.

[@cleol4558]

Loved this! Made me feel good and on track! ~ Cleo

[@aneedlenthread]

So glad! 😃

[@janloudon5243]

Agree with all except use of back stitch or reverse. I use all the time. Other ideas are great.

[@cindyrogers918]

Very good tips, thank you.

[@paulah5342]

Enjoyed your video!

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jm91644]

I started with Omni grid rulers and something I had no idea about was as I got old I cannot see through the Omni grid rulers. The neon yellow blurs the lines even with glasses i cannot see the lines clearly. So I have had to replace a few. Luckily I did not have a lot of Omni grid rulers but how could I have known when I was young that it would not work for me as I aged.

[@aneedlenthread]

I know what you mean. Another good brand of ruler is the Creative Grid. They have grips a built into the back to keep the ruler from slipping and the markings are clear. They are pricey but worth it.

[@traceyjohnson405]

❤❤Do you have a video on how to use the rulers to cut? I was told that cutting the fabric for quilting is different because you have to line up the fabric a certain way with the ruler. Please help

[@aneedlenthread]

I don’t have any videos like that out yet, but there is a video course available on my shop if you’re interested in learning more of the basics for quilting!

[@traceyjohnson405]

@@aneedlenthread Thank you for the response and help

[@annroberson8890]

Excellent video ❤

[@aneedlenthread]

Thank you very much!

[@MomAsol]

Thanks for sharing

[@aneedlenthread]

Thanks for watching!

[@marinaabad4995]

Are you to cover quilting on a small 5 inch throat space? I don't know if featherweights are used just for piecing, and then hand quilting. How can even a lap sized quilt be rolled up to do quilting, especially a fancier design other than a wave stitch or stitch in the ditch?

[@aneedlenthread]

That's a great question! I'll make a video about it very soon :)

[@rebeccamulkern1051]

Yes, a small throat on a sewing machine is very tricky, have you considered trying a quilt as you go method? My old sewing machine had a tiny throat too and although with the rolling half the quilt method I managed to quilt a 72” by 72 “ quilt, it was hard work as it was getting stuck all the time, so I ended up hand quilting some quilts and then I caved in and got one with a bigger, not huge but bigger throat space. It’s amazing how the little things, like automatic thread cutting and needle down position every time you stop stitching, makes for a happier experience, it all comes down to how many quilts you make too, if it’s something you will be doing for years then it’s definitely thinking about getting a new machine, there are good second hand deals too, happy quilting

[@momistaken]

I’ve got to admit, I have quilted for 25 years and my older machine is great but I am starting to crave a machine that will cut the thread, and be ready for the next seam! ;)

[@rebeccamulkern1051]

@@momistaken yes, it seems like a small thing but these things do make sewing and quilting a much nicer experience. I was the festival of quilts on Saturday and I got to try a longarm for the first time, oh my! It was a totally new way of quilting, it was so easy , you can do any design, it’s just like drawing, and this one had a stitch regulator so all my stitches were equal , which can be tricky to do whilst free motion quilting a massive quilt through a normal, medium throat sized machine. I’ll never be able to afford such a longarm, they cost thousands, and I don’t have the space for one, they are huge, but it was nice to try one. My advice is whatever machine you decide to get next, also go for the biggest throat space you can afford, mine is ok, I wish it had more space

[@lisaanderson3823]

I do 9 inch squares cut by the long ruler. As I looked for square rulers per your video, all I’m seeing is 9.5 inch. Is that ok for me to start using?

[@aneedlenthread]

Absolutely! Many of them have that extra 1/2” along the left and bottom edges to factor in the 1/4” seam allowance when squaring up your blocks. For example, if the finished size of your block is to be 9” when sewn into your quilt, you’ll have to square it to 9 1/2” to account for the seam allowance. The extra 1/2” on the left and bottom help with the that. I hope that helps.

[@krisvanallen]

I have found that I just can't! use rulers that have the 1/4" seam allowance built in. I cut wrong so many times! I found a ruler from Fons and Porter at Joann that is 8" x 14", and I use that most of all.

[@aneedlenthread]

Glad you found one that works for you!

[@mayalinquinones97]

Do you have to square up the charm packs before you start using them? I noticed they have this little ridges. Are you meant to leave them and jump right in or do you cut them down to a smaller size?

[@aneedlenthread]

This is such a GREAT question. I may do a video on this very point! To answer your question, you do NOT need to square up your pre-cut packs prior to sewing. If you square them up you’ll lose your potential size. For example, a charm pack measures 5x5. Many patterns depend on that size for accurate piecing. Trimming would cause you to lose usable fabric. Your potions are to use either the peaks or the valleys as a guide for your 1/4” seam allowance. Be consistent throughout the quilt. Also, if you use the valleys as your guide, it might be helpful to use a scant 1/4” seam allowance rather than a complete 1/4”. I hope this helps!

[@junedixon1537]

Your links are not working. I tried to order a few things but it said 505 not available.

[@aneedlenthread]

The links are working on our side so I’m not sure why it’s not loading for you. Email me at [e-mail] and I can help you with your order. 🩷

[@susanfredette4960]

What machine do you recommend to sew rag quilts?

[@aneedlenthread]

Nothing special. If you’re sewing through lots of layers (more than 3-4, you’ll want to have a machine that has a strong motor. The cheaper, lighter weight machines tend not to have a strong motor.

[@lanapoulliot7682]

100% !

[@momistaken]

👍

[@consueloserrato2914]

Wear you locación?

[@aneedlenthread]

Spring, Texas, US

[@beverlyrouzan9424]

Hi I am a senior and want to learn to quilt are you local, if not I will follow you on u tube

[@aneedlenthread]

Hi Beverly. I’m located in Spring, Texas, just north of Houston.