How did you learn to quilt?

[KerryA]

I have made quite a few quilts using the "strip quilting" method. All of them were just hand tied. By no means do I sew. By that, I mean I have never learned to sew off of a pattern. I can thread the machine and sew a straight line. Now I don't want to offend anyone here, but strip quilting to me is pretty easy as long as you can sew a straight line and match up seams. Now I want to learn more about quilting. I had an old Kenmore machine that limited what I could do. This month I bought a Pfaff Performance 5.0. (I really want to learn how to free motion quilt). Yes, I probably overbought for my skill level but only wanted to invest in one machine that will last. So I think I am going to take the free sewing classes offered at the store to learn everything about my machine - but when it comes to quilting - then what? Did you learn just by trial and error and watching YouTube on the internet and ideas from forums OR did you take a quilting class? Would I feel inferior taking a quilting class as all I really know how to do is sew a straight line? (Ok, maybe that's my own hangup). I just feel inferior because I can't even tell you what pressure foot to use when or which number needle. Ideas?

[K. McEuen]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

Take all the classes that come with your machine, get to know it. Then, see if there is a local quilt shop near you that offers beginner classes. I know the one here offers Basic Rotary Skills class to start you off. They have different levels and you can sign up for more difficult classes as you progress in your learning. YouTube and books are a help, as is trial and error. But first and foremost, get comfortable with your machine.

[auntiemern]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

I basically learned to machine quilt, by watching you tube. Lots of trial and error and practice, practice, practice. I was strictly a hand quilter up until about 2 yrs ago. Take as many classes as you can.

[Lilly]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

In my first quilting class - piecing class really - we made a sampler quilt and along the way - 6 sessions - she taught us a lot of the basics. It was a great class. From there I've glued my eyes to Jenny in almost all of the tutorials she has. Then I've asked a zillion questions here on the Forum, and followed links and cruised the you tubes and read books from the library. My DH says I spend hours on this forum and he's right- I'm in my "learning" phase. That's been my journey. I'm so glad you've joined us. I think you'll like it here.

[Bubby]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

I was taught to sew and quilt by my Grandmother and Great grandmother about 60 years ago. I learned on a treadle machine. I had to stand up to be tall enough and my Grandma Nan operated the treadle with her hands for me. I was taught to hand quilt. Machine quilting was unheard of then.

I'm in favor of taking all the classes you can. We continue to learn as quilters with every quilt we make.

[soul60s]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

I just started quilting last month so everything I have learned has been here and YouTube. Hours and days of YouTube. I am still watching every day. Blogs and free tutorials from online fabric stores are a big help too. Plus asking questions on this forum and Quiltingboard.com. So basically everyone online taught me what I know so far.

[bubba]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

I taught myself! After sewing clothing for years, then not sewing for years, I figured anyone can sew a straight seam, so I started up again! As you know, I have even sewn one shirt for Monkeyman.

[madampolo]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

Watched TV and videos on the net. I never took a class.

[Quiltfreestyle]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

My grandmother taught me to sew when I was a kid & then of course, back in the day we had to take sewing in school. That gave me the basic skills, but when I decided to make my first quilt I was basically on my own. Quilting wasn't all that popular in the early 70's. there weren't any quilt stores & books were scarce. I ended up teaching myself through trial & error & old pictures in library books.
Later a quilt store opened, i took a couple of classes & Quilters Newsletter started publishing, and it just went on from there.
I agree with others here, learn your machine first. If you have the opportunity to take a FMQ class in person I think you'll benefit from that more than the online tutorials, as good as they are.
It's all about practice, practice practice.

[Vickie1965]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

I have to say self taught and online tutorials. Enjoying it too!

[tamsterg7]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

I am vasically self taught using books and youtube and of course Jenny's tutorials! Best advice is surf, read and watch tutorials and practice alot. You joined a great forum and there are tons of experienced people here who will generously share their knowledge, so don't be afraid to post questions.

[New York Sue]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

99.5% You Tube trained!
I took a couple of lessons, but it was oppressive.
So I stopped going....

[ozziepuppy]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

Watching tutorials online, buying books on amazon, and asking questions!

[Jackiequilts]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

Home Ec in 8th grade was where I learned to sew, taught by a very perfectionistic teacher. I continued sewing, and as a young adult, took a sewing class to learn to make suits. Five years ago, took a basic quilting class and have done block of the month for 4 years. Made my first 2 quilts and did FMQ this past summer and fall. I'm now working on 2 new quilts. I've also watched lots of Utube videos and I read the quilting boards religiously. I work full time so quilting is a hobby for me but I'm hooked! The formal foundation I had in sewing helped tremendously because I wasn't afraid to jump in and tackle quilting.

[stationarymom]

Re: How did you learn to quilt?

i took a class with a friend. in this class everything was done by hand. at the very end the instructor let us bring our machines in ,but she wanted us to learn all the basics without short cuts.