Tips for sewing your first Quilt

Sewing the Then Came June + Pen and Paper Patterns Ghost Quilt

For some time I’ve been researching and collecting tips and tools to sew my first quilt. With some knowledge of the needles, thread, and batting needed I purchased a pattern sampler pack from Pen and Paper Patterns and completed the Ghost Quilt for the Halloween 2023 season. Here are my take aways, thoughts, and some tips for sewing your first quilt:

1. Plan and budget. Quilting can be expensive. After realizing the cost of the thread, backing fabric and needles, I immediately purchased the cheapest batting I could find on sale at the big box fabric store near me. My error here was not accounting for the outcome of the batting choice on the look of the final quilt. So my take away here is to go into the project with a plan and budget for exactly what you want to make the quilt. Source recycled materials, dive into fabrics and notions that you may have on hand, but don’t skimp on the materials that may make or break your design. Quilting is time intensive and truly a labor of love. Make something that you love and can last for generations to come.
2. Baste. There are many, many ways to properly bast your quilt. Whichever you choose be sure to take your time as this step can easily change the trajectory of your quilt.
3. Slow down. I went with ~simple~ straight line quilting for this project. After the quilt was done and I realized the lines weren’t exactly straight, I made a reddit post asking for advice on how to make my quilt lines straighter. So many comments came through but here are some tips that I found the most helpful in straight line quilting.
   • Slow Down. Give yourself ample time to finish your project and take your time quilting. Enjoy the process.
   • Use Quilting gloves, You can find them on amazon in multiple sizes. Quilting gloves are extremely helpful in maintaining a grip of the quit while moving it through your sewing machine.
   • Use painter’s tape to mark your quilt lines. Painter’s tape works as an easily removable guide to mark out crisp lines when straight line quilting. Place down the edge of the painter’s tape where you would like your quilt lines placed. Follow the edge of the tape with your walking foot when sewing. Just like that you have straight lines throughout your project.
   • As an alternative, a water soluble pen, heat erasable pen or Hera marker can help you achieve the same result.