Start quilting
Cut squares of fabric, sew them back together in a new pattern and turn them into something warm. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first quilted table mat.
Space neededA table for cutting and sewing
First projectA table mat in a weekend
Skill levelBeginner-friendly
Good forAnyone who loves color and patience
The video that hooks everyone
Your first quilt: a beginner tutorial, part 1
Part one of an absolute beginner's tutorial for sewing your first quilt, a patchwork of bright fabric squares. Press play and see why it hooks people.
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Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't. If you can borrow a sewing machine, do.
Starter kit
01Sewing machineAny basic machine with a straight stitch. Borrow one to start.
02Rotary cutter, 45 mmA round blade on a handle. Cuts fabric straight against a ruler.
03Self-healing cutting mat, 18 x 24 in.Protects the table and keeps the blade sharp.
04Quilting ruler, 6 x 24 in.Clear acrylic with inch marks. The cutter runs along its edge.
05Quilting cotton, 4 to 6 fat quartersColors and prints that look good together.
06Cotton batting, a craft-size pieceThe soft middle layer.
07Thread, 50 wt cottonOne spool in a neutral color, like light gray or cream.
08Pins and safety pinsStraight pins for sewing, safety pins to hold the layers.
09Iron and ironing boardPressing is half of quilting. The one you have is fine.
10Seam ripperTakes out a wrong seam. Every quilter uses one.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Seams wider than a quarter inchEvery seam in a quilt is exactly a quarter inch. A little extra on each seam adds up, and the squares stop lining up.
- 2Leaving the cutter openA rotary blade is razor sharp. Close the safety cover every time you set it down, even for a second.
- 3Ironing instead of pressingPushing the iron back and forth stretches the fabric. Lift it, set it down, lift it again.
