hello bees! 
I'm interested in making a quilt (simple) for my LO and wanted to reach out and see if there are any solid online tutorials that explain how to make one... i've never made a quilt before but I have had some minor experience using a sewing machine making dresses and pillow covers, etc.. when I was in junior high.. (but its been like 20+ years since I've actually sewn anything on a machine)... would I be able to use a machine like this one: to make a quilt? TIA!!!!
pomegranate / 3032 posts
i'm not seasoned quilter by any means but I am a seamstress... In my experience that machine will be find for the most part, you should be able to piece and bind just find, you might find the actual quilting difficult depending on th size of the quilt. Many quilting stores will let you rent time on a Long Arm machine if your doing something large.
coconut / 8079 posts
I made this quilt for my LO on a simple machine.
http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2010/07/tutorial-road-trip-quilt.html?m=1
pomelo / 5129 posts
I have a basic machine, and have made up to twin size quilts. you have to do some creative rolling when it comes to the quilting.
I have a friend who makes AMAZING quilts and had done up to king size on a regular size machine. It mostly has to do with how detailed you want the top stitching to be. If you plan to do something basic with mostly straight lines, you won't have any problems.
If you want to look into how to do larger quilts on a small machine, look for "quilt as you go" tutorials.
I've never used online tutorials (just learned from experience and used simple patterns for my first few)
If you're really serious about it, Craftsy has amazing classes that aren't too expensive. They're detailed and you can take them online at your own pace. they're usually between $10-20.
blogger / wonderful cherry / 21628 posts
I'm glad you started this thread! I got a new machine for Christmas and am going to try to make a quilt. I've never done it before.
pomelo / 5129 posts
I used this pattern (throw sized) for my niece. https://www.etsy.com/transaction/78609648
cherry / 131 posts
@chillybear: @jhd: @marym - thank you!! this must sound silly but quilts have a top part (the patterned part) then a back.. and then some type of fabric inside? and then it is sewn all together all over the fabric?
do you think I could make something like this in a piece and bind fashion? just saw this pattern on the blog from @JHD... will have to check out craftsy! i'm waiting for my wrist to heal up a bit more before starting so i definitely have some time to prepare..
http://cluckclucksew.bigcartel.com/product/to-the-point-141-pdf-pattern
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
I have a very basic machine and I quilt all the time! I use a walking foot for very thick quilts (bubble quilts) but otherwise, you don't need a quilting machine (which is $$$)
pomegranate / 3032 posts
@hellobear: Yes usually a "patchwork" front a layer of batting (there are different thicknesses) then a backing..... these are then top stiched together and finally the edges are bound so you dont see the layers
that looks cute and the crib size seems a little simplier with out the border. definitely take the suggestion to starch the fabric since you will be doing a lot of bias cuts
coconut / 8079 posts
@hellobear: exactly. There are some great video tutorials online to walk you through things. I like the ones from Missouri Star Quilt Co but maybe others have different suggestions.
pomelo / 5129 posts
Personally, I would start with squares before trying to do triangles. The more points in a quilt, the harder it gets to line things up.
Most quilts will have batting in the middle. So you make the front, then make a sandwich with the front, batting, and back before you do the top stitching. then you sew on a binding around the edges to hide the ugly edge.
I started out with simple baby quilts made from kits I found at JoAnn's or Michael's (like these http://www.weekendkits.com/baby-quilt-kits.html) that had all the fabric (mostly flannels, some minky, and other fun textures). Because they use thick fabric, you can make them like an empty pillow and not have to use batting or binding.
cherry / 131 posts
@jhd: thanks! I will check out the video tutorials! i'm a visual learner so watching will be really helpful to wrap my head around what this will all entail...
coconut / 8079 posts
@hellobear: great! It helps me to see things too. And @MaryM: has a good suggestion to look for a kit at Joann's. If you haven't already, sign up for their email list so you get all the good coupons!
cherry / 131 posts
@marym: oh there is a michaels super close to me.. I will have to check them out!
pomelo / 5129 posts
Michaels has an app so you don't have to sign up for emails or look for their coupons. There's always one in the app.
grapefruit / 4731 posts
That machine is fine... but you will probably need to buy some feet for it for quilting... depending.
This is for free styling it... I actually never use this foot because I'm terrible at free styling... I like straight lines.
This is for straight lines... it's a walking foot and will keep your line straight for the most part.
I think the hardest part for me... is binding a quilt... if you only have a little money to spend on a class... make sure it's a quilt binding class!! It took me a long time to understand binding and I have been trying to figure a way to short cut it but it's still very hard for me... especially if you want the right look... you have to hand sew part of it which I don't like either.
Anyways good luck!
cherry / 131 posts
@Raindrop: ahh feet??! adding researching feet and binding to my to do list before I start. thanks!!
@cupcake: oh yay! very excited to hear this
blogger / pear / 1964 posts
As long as your machine does a straight stitch, you're good to go! You can always pay to have someone else quilt it using their long arm machine once you piece it -- most quilt shops can give recommendations for long arm quilters in your area (that's what I've always done).
If you're looking for an easy first quilt, I'd search tutorials for "strip quilting." They come together fast and they're a great starting place. This looks like a pretty solid tutorial: http://www.connectingthreads.com/tutorials/Nine_Patch_Lesson_2_Speed_Strip_Quilting_for_a_Baby_quilt__D3.html
The pattern in the tutorial is very traditional, but there are lots of strip quilts that look much more modern -- and you can do a lot with fabric choice. Look at Google Images under "strip quilting" for an idea of the possibilities.
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