Getting Started with Patchworking
One of the best ways to get started is to find and join a patchworking class. These are often held at local quilt shops. However, this is easier said than done as in many cases, people may be a long way from a quilt shop or simply not have the time to attend a class during the day. There are quilt groups that can help, but this is about making your very first quilt and for that you need a real introduction to the basic methods.
Quilting Guides and Publications
The next best thing is to get a good book and there are plenty of those out there. In the book review section you will find a list of books recommended for beginners, but for starters, you can’t go wrong with Katherine Guerrier’s ‘The Encyclopaedia of Quilting and Patchwork Techniques’.
It is a good idea also to have a project in mind and although you may want to make something large and ambitious, you are probably less likely to become disheartened if you choose something like a cushion cover, child’s play mat, cot quilt or small lap quilt. It’s even better if you are enthusiastic about the project and because quilts are so much about colour have some fun thinking about the colours you want to use.
Essential Equipment for New Quilters
Many of the books on patchwork and quilting include long lists of complicated equipment ranging from template plastic to an assortment of glues, pens and pins. You really don’t need to buy too much at the beginning, wait until you have an idea which parts of the process you enjoy the most and then you can concentrate on buying supplies for that particular area.
The very basics you need include good scissors (dressmaking and embroidery), pins and needles, thread (preferably 100% cotton) and some fabric (again preferably 100% cotton). You don’t even have to have a sewing machine.
Of course, you’ll always need lots of lovely fabric!