Learning to Quilt: My Beginner’s Journey with Pisgah Needleworks

I began learning to quilt in the winter of 2025. Growing up, I often watched my mama quilt on and off, but I never really paid attention to the process. When I finally decided to learn, I dove into every resource I could find—YouTube tutorials, TikTok videos, Facebook quilting groups—anything that would teach me the basics of quilting.

Although I’d owned a sewing machine for years, this was the first time I used it specifically for quilting. Based on what I learned from other quilters, I made a list of essential quilting supplies for beginners. My starter kit included:

• A few packs of fat quarters

• Thread

• A good pair of scissors

• A cutting ruler

• A rotary cutter

• A cutting mat

• Pins or clips

• An iron

If you’re new to quilting, fat quarters are a great place to start. A fat quarter is a precut piece of fabric that measures about 18 inches by 22 inches—essentially a half-yard of fabric cut in half again. This shape makes it more versatile than a traditional quarter-yard cut. Many packs include four or five coordinating fabrics, which makes choosing fabric combinations so much easier.

Starting Without a Pattern

For my first quilt, I skipped the pattern. Instead, I cut a pile of 5-inch squares and laid them out on my kitchen table until I liked the patchwork design. If you prefer to follow a pattern, there are countless free beginner quilt patterns online, especially in Facebook quilting groups. Even the paid patterns I’ve purchased have been very affordable.

The Three Most Important Quilting Supplies You Can’t Buy

The most valuable supplies I needed weren’t found in any fabric store: patience, confidence, and grace.

• Patience to take the process slowly and steadily

• Confidence to learn a new skill

• Grace for the inevitable mistakes

One quilter I watched online shared advice that stuck with me—enjoy every step of the quilting process. From choosing fabrics, to cutting your pieces, to perfecting a ¼-inch seam, and nesting seams so points match perfectly, take your time and enjoy it.

For me, quilting is personal. I plan to make something for each of our children, so as I work, I imagine them staying warm or finding comfort in something I’ve made with love. Even the stitches I’ve had to rip out become part of the quilt’s story.

Start Your Quilting Journey with Pisgah Needleworks

I hope you’ll give quilting a try—it’s a skill that can bring both joy and fulfillment. At Pisgah Needleworks, we’re here to help you every step of the way. We offer a beautiful selection of quilting fabrics and will soon introduce long-arm quilting services to help you finish your quilt.

Your quilting journey is your own story, and we can’t wait to be part of it.