If you are new to quilting and looking for the perfect first quilt project, I've got you! Follow my list of tips to know what to look for when chossing your first quilt or quilty project.
Tips for finding what to quilt first
Start small
To me, the most difficult part of learning how to quilt was dealing with the size of a big quilt when quilting it. The smaller the quilt or project, the more chances you have for it to be succesful, being this your first or second time quilting.
To quilt big quilts you need to roll in the sides to control it
Moving a big quilt around your machine when trying to learn to quilt can be quite challenging and leave you disheartened. That's why, for example, choosing the smallest size on a quilt pattern (i.e. baby, if available) can be the best option for your first project.
Make a quilted pouch instead
Not all quilt projects need to be of an actual quilt. There are infinite options for quilted accessories and objects that you can make and use on a daily basis.
These are great for learning the basics of quilting, from cutting and piecing to creating the sandwich and quilting it.
In my case, I have made quite a few quilted projects that are not quilts and that I have loved to make! For example, a hot water bottle case, quilted wash-bag pouches, sunglasses cases or even, laptop and e-reader sleeves :)
One that has been quite popular on my blog has been this colourful quilted placemat for which you will find a tutorial with all the steps.
Another great side of making these smaller projects at the beginning of your quilting journet is that you can spend less money on fabrics (as you need smaller pieces of fabric) or use the scraps that you have at home. All the fabrics used on the projects mentioned above are leftovers from older finished quilts :)
Create your own HSTs quilt
If you are not sure about a pattern just yet or if you want to try first a more simple but very popular block, you could make a quilt using only Half-Square Triangles, also known as HSTs.
This is one of the designs that I use on my 'Make a Mini Quilt in a Day' in-person quilting classes (also available for virtual classes) and it has proven very popular. You can learn how to cut fabric, create Half-Square Triangles, how to piece them together, make the 'quilt sandwich', quilt it and add bias binding to the borders.
It is a good idea going for a small finished quilt size (this one was 22''x22'') and thinking aboout it as your first test project.
Designs for beginners
As well as finding a few nice quilting patterns for beginners from CocoWawa (aka moi!) ;) like the Novice Strip Quilt or the Cutting Corners Quilt (no curved piecing involved), there are many lovely patterns out there perfect for beginners and created by amazing quilt designers.
Search for 'quilt patterns for beginners' online or use the hashtags #modernquilter #quiltersofinstagram #modernquilting and #quilting :)
I hope this post was useful and that you feel inspire to find a quilt project that works for you as a beginner.
Thank you for reading and happy quilting!
Ana
xxx