I Want To Do A Quilt

**Hollyhandi** · 08-09-2005, 03:59 PM

I haven't done a quilt in 30 years and I will have to do it by hand.
I only know how to do the squares and to tie it off with thread.
I have all kinds of pattern books but the instrutions are greek to me.
I can't afford to go by all the cutting tools so will have to cut my blocks with scissors.
Has anyone else ever done it this way?
Any pointers would be appreciated.
What material is best to use.?
Do you wash it before you cut and piece?
I have a bunch of fat squares from Joannes Fabrics.
I have some with animals and scences on them.

P.S What are the Tutorials?(sp?)

**homesteadmamma** · 08-09-2005, 04:28 PM

Check the tutorials here http://www.frugalvillage.com/modules...ticles&secid=2

I'd done them step by step in pictures. Start with how to prepare your material and then go from there. Each tutorial is built on the one before it. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. (Start with the first tutorial, then go down the list. Each block gets harder.)

I use only 100% cotton for ALL my quilting. I also use 100% cotton thread (Mettler or Guttermann).

You can use scissors, however your accuracy might be off a bit. If using scissors, I would make templates from plastic or cardboard, draw around the template on the material and then cut carefully.

I always wash any material as soon as it comes into the house. I wash it with salt and vinegar in order to set the colors. You also need to press the material, however do it carefully. Again, this is all in the tutorials.

HTH

**Hollyhandi** · 08-10-2005, 07:04 AM

Thank you CJ,
I'll will see what I can do.
I always cut them using a piece of cardboard. I only did a couple and like I said it was 30 some years ago.
They were not very professional but they sure keep me warm.
I used an old blanket as my filler....
Do you use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar?
Can I join the quilting club as a beginner or do i have to wait and do a couple quilts first?

**homesteadmamma** · 08-10-2005, 09:48 AM

You use white vinegar and pickling salt.

I've put you in the quilting club.

Have fun quilting and if you have any questions, just ask.

For backing a quilt, you can always use a sheet. Thats what I use mostly and have found them to last a long time. I hunt for them at yard sales and I also have a friend in town who gives me the sheets that are donated to goodwill.

If you decide to use batting, Walmart has the cheapest batting that I've found. I buy mine at the local hardware store here in town. You can also watch for batting at yard sales.

**Hollyhandi** · 08-10-2005, 10:11 AM

Thanks CJ,
I will write down the right stuff .
I just put quilting stuff down on my Christmas list.

**homesteadmamma** · 08-10-2005, 10:42 AM

If your making a Christmas list, I would suggest a rotary cutter, a 6 x 12 inch acrylic ruler and a cutting mat. It will make your quilting so much easier and your cutting a lot more accurate. Just a thought.

Edited to add: You can purchase a complete kit, with all 3 items in, at Walmart and if I remember right at JoAnne's. Your mat will be a bit smaller, however price wise you'd end up with everything you need at a reasonable price.

**Hollyhandi** · 08-10-2005, 07:34 PM

Thats exactly what and where I told them to get them.

**Hollyhandi** · 08-12-2005, 06:25 AM

Boy do I have alot to learn.
Been reading the Tutorials and will be getting some of my stuff next month.
Can't wait to go get enough fat quaters and fabric to start my first quilt.
This is exciting.....

**frugalmel** · 08-14-2005, 10:27 AM

Hollyhandi, you have come to the right place to learn. Our CJ truly has a gift for helping people learn to quilt. If you have trouble or questions, please ask.

One of these days I will get my tushy in gear and finish the sampler from the tutorial ...

**Nada.Leona** · 08-14-2005, 02:38 PM

Wow, that's great. I think I'm going to jump in too! I've got some fabric under the futon that has just been sitting there collecting dust.

Anybody ever use old sheets to cut squares out of? I'm thinking of picking some up from the used clothing stores first to practice with.

Bright Blessings!
Aphrodite Pretty

**homesteadmamma** · 08-15-2005, 09:52 AM

Old sheets would be good to practise with, however I would not make a quilt top out of them. I do use sheets for my backing though quite often.

**tbs727** · 08-18-2005, 05:07 PM

I am going to try my first quilt as well. I have several 100% cotton shirts and pants I would like to make squares out of. I can't afford to buy fabric just to play with so I would like to make squares out of stuff I won't wear anymore. Would there be a problem with that? I will also be cutting my squares by hand, so I will start by making a template. My quilt will be stitched by machine. Can join the quilting club now?

**homesteadmamma** · 08-18-2005, 05:12 PM

Your in the quilting club.

Nope not a problem at all, as long as your using only 100% cotton or cotton/poly and not mixing your material together to make your blocks, kwim. Use only one or the other, not the two together.

If you have any questions, just ask away.