Quilting is a meditative craft that combines creativity with practicality. It offers stress relief, a sense of accomplishment, and the joy of creating beautiful and functional heirlooms. Beginners can start with simple projects and readily available resources to learn basic techniques and embark on a rewarding quilting journey.
Quilting
as a hobby
Reviewed by:
Categories: Fiber Arts
Tags: Sleeping Well
Helpful content to get started
The page is curated to inspire and help you get started with quilting as a hobby.
Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast to start getting familiar with quilting.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment. Refer to the listed resources for further research.
Videos
Short visual inspiration.
More videos
Podcasts
Play an episode while exploring the page.
More podcasts
Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
- Appliqué: Sewing fabric shapes onto another piece of fabric.
- Backing: The bottom layer of the quilt.
- Basting: Temporarily securing quilt layers together with pins or spray adhesive.
- Batting/Wadding: The middle layer of the quilt, providing warmth and loft.
- Binding: The fabric strip that finishes the raw edges of the quilt.
- Block: A single pieced or appliquéd unit that forms a building block of the quilt top.
- Free-motion quilting: Decorative stitching created by moving the fabric freely under the sewing machine with the feed dogs lowered.
- Patchwork/Piecing: Sewing small pieces of fabric together (patches) to create a larger, decorative design or quilt block.
- Pressing: Using an iron to flatten seams and set stitches.
- Quilt Top: The decorative top layer of the quilt, often made from pieced or appliquéd fabric.
- Quilt: A layered textile made with a top, batting (middle layer), and backing, stitched together.
- Rotary Cutter & Mat: Specialized tools for quickly and accurately cutting fabric.
- Sashing: Strips of fabric separating quilt blocks.
- Seam Allowance: The extra fabric added to seams for stability during sewing and washing.
- Walking Foot: A sewing machine attachment that helps evenly feed layers of fabric.
Term Videos
First Steps
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
- Buy a quilting kit, a sewing kit, quilt squares, and quilting batting.
- Follow YouTube tutorials.
First Steps Videos
Products
Essentials to have.
Product Demos
More product demos
How-Tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
How-To Videos
More how-to videos
Books
Get read-y.
Articles
Further reading.
Video Articles
More video articles
Websites
Go-tos for information.
- American Quilter’s Society
- International Quilt Museum
- Kiley’s Quilt Room
- Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine
- Quilting Daily | Quilt Patterns, Projects and How-To Instructions
- Quilting for Beginners | Supplies & Tutorials | LoveCrafts
- Quilting Patterns, Tips & How-Tos | the Spruce Crafts
- Quilts
- Today’s Quilter Magazine
Website Previews
More website previews
Movies & TV
Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.
Movie and TV Trailers
More movie trailers
FAQS
Get a clue.
Q: Is Quilting Expensive to Get Started?
A: It can be as expensive or affordable as you like. You can start with basic supplies and simple projects.
Q: Do I Need a Sewing Machine to Quilt?
A: Yes, a sewing machine is essential for piecing and quilting the layers together. However, you can hand-sew small projects if you’re a beginner wanting to try it out before investing in a machine.
Q: What Skills Do I Need to Start Quilting?
A: No prior experience is necessary! Basic sewing skills are helpful, but many beginner projects require just straight-line stitching.
Q: What’s the Difference Between Piecing and Applique?
A: Piecing involves sewing small pieces of fabric together to create a design. Applique involves sewing fabric shapes onto another piece of fabric.
Q: How Much Time Does Quilting Take?
A: This depends on the project size and complexity. Simpler quilts can be made in a weekend, while larger projects may take weeks or even months.
Q: Where Can I Learn More About Quilting?
A: There are many online resources, books, apps, and classes available for beginner quilters. You can also find local quilting guilds to connect with other quilters and learn from their experience.
Q: Is Quilting a Social Hobby?
A: Absolutely! Quilting guilds and online communities offer opportunities to connect with other quilters, share projects, and get support.
Q: What’s the Easiest Quilt Project for a Beginner?
A: Look for projects with large, simple shapes and minimal piecing. Consider quilted wall hangings or placemats as great starting points. Follow beginners’ YouTube tutorials.
Q: What if I Make Mistakes While Quilting?
A: Don’t worry! Mistakes happen. Quilting is a forgiving craft, and there are techniques to fix most errors.
Q: Where can I find fabric for quilting?
- Repurpose old fabrics: Use clean, pre-washed cotton clothes or sheets for a budget-friendly option.
- Buy pre-cut squares: Online or in stores, find pre-cut charm packs or layer cakes for easy piecing.
FAQ Videos
More FAQ videos
Apps
Smart start.
App Trailers
More app trailers
Courses
Get smart.
Video courses and trailers
More video courses and trailers
Community & Near You
Get together.
Related Videos
Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
Video Tips
Additional Information
Hobby attributes.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Activities | Collecting, Creating, Helping, Relaxing, Socializing, Volunteering |
| Fields | Arts, Crafts, Fashion and Beauty, History and Culture, Home and Interior Design, Sustainability, Wellbeing |
| Locations | |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Attention to Detail, Attention to Health, Concentration, Creativity, Decision-making, Fine Motor Skills, Hand-eye Coordination, Imagination, Mathematical Skills, Memory, Mindfulness, Multitasking, Patience, Perseverance, Planning, Social Skills, Spatial Ability, Time Management |
Feedback
We rely on your feedback.
Thank you!
We value your feedback.
Want to discuss something?
Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast.