5 Steps to Starting Your First Quilt

For new quilters, getting started can be overwhelming! I remember shopping for fabric for my first quilt — I had no idea that there were fabric shops other than Joann's.

I ended up buying a layer cake and using a tutorial on the Moda Bake Shop to make my first project. That project was far from perfect, but it was made easier by following a few simple guidelines.

1. Explore

When I got started, Instagram didn't exist yet but I fell in love with quilting through blogs. Find people that you like and admire and follow along with their projects. Try to figure out what you like about what they are making, whether it is pattern, fabric choice, etc. 

2. Window Shop

This is the fun part: start shopping for fabrics and patterns. There are so many great shops out there and Etsy is a really great place to start because there are so many different shops in one place. 

Consider visiting a quilt shop that is local to you so that you can interact with the fabrics in person.

3. Keep it Simple

Yes, there are lots of really amazing, complicated patterns out there, but you don't want to get overwhelmed. There are lots of patterns that are written with beginners in mind (I have a few here) and those will give you the confidence to try something a little more difficult. 

Quilt kits are offered by most quilt shops are also a great way to get started. That way you don't have to worry about fabric choice and selection for your first project. 

4. Study Up

Quilting has a lot of steps and arming yourself with a little knowledge will make a big difference. Do some research on seam allowance, pressing, and cutting. There are so many resources out there!

5. Ask Questions

Do you run into something you don't understand? Ask! The quilting community is wonderful and is so helpful. We do not want you to suffer in silence!

Overall, the main thing that you have to do to get started as a new quilter is just to START. Don't get overwhelmed by all of the steps — just take things one step at a time. Before you know it, you will be hooked like the rest of us.