How to Get Started with Quilting
- Nina Rocha
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 18
There’s a quiet kind of beauty in the slow, rhythmic work of quilting. The hum of the sewing machine, the feel of fabric beneath your fingers, and the simple joy of stitching something that carries meaning—it all draws us back to a slower, more intentional way of life. If you’ve ever admired a well-loved quilt draped at the end of a bed or wrapped around a grandchild’s shoulders and thought, I wish I could make something like that—you can. Truly. And it may not be as intimidating as you think.
At Hoagland House, quilting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a legacy skill. It’s how we warm our families, how we slow down in a world that’s always rushing, and how we carry on the quiet, powerful tradition of the women who stitched before us—by candlelight, by memory, and by heart.
Just so you know—some of the links we share are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase. We’re grateful for your support—it helps keep Hoagland House running and allows us to keep sharing the things we love.
If you’re feeling that tug to begin but don’t know where to start, here’s a simple guide—no fluff, just the good stuff—to help you get going:
1. Start with a Simple Pattern
Forget starbursts or cathedral windows (for now). Begin with a classic nine-patch or simple strip quilt made from squares or rectangles. It’s approachable and satisfying, and the charm is in the fabric and the story—not the complexity.
2. Gather Your Tools (Just the Essentials)
No need for a dedicated sewing room or high-end gear (although I swear by a good pair of sewing shears). You’ll need:
Rotary Blade and Mat
Fabric Scissors
Straight pins or clips
A Sewing Machine (a basic one will do just fine)
Cotton thread
Iron and ironing board
Seam Ripper (because let’s face it, we all make mistakes)
Quilt Batting (I always opt for cotton batting as it just makes the coziest quilts)
3. Choose Fabric That Means Something
Yes, you can buy new fabric (and we often do), but don’t overlook what you already have. There’s magic in the worn softness of an old button-down, the faded corner of a baby blanket, or a thrifted linen sheet. One of my favorite quilts was made by a friend from a stack of worn-out men’s button downs and fabric scraps collected over the years. Recently, I finished the Bouquet Nine Patch Quilt from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club using leftover bits and pieces—it turned out to be the perfect picnic blanket for the girls.
4. Learn the Lingo (But Don’t Stress About It)
“Sashing”? “Basting”? It’ll all make sense in time. For now, just focus on the basics: cut your fabric, sew your blocks, and piece them together. That’s quilting at its heart. And if you mess up? Welcome to the club. Every quilter has. Homemade always beats perfect—and those little quirks? They’re what make it yours.
5. Quilt by Hand or Machine—Either Way Is Fine
Machine quilting is great when you’re short on time (and I’ve done plenty of that myself). But there’s something soulful about hand quilting. Do what fits your season of life. No guilt, no pressure.
6. Finish with Love
Binding the edges is the final step—and truthfully, it’s my favorite. I like to hand sew it while curled up on the couch with a movie playing in the background. After hours at the machine, it’s a sweet way to slow back down and savor the last stitches. Don’t worry about getting it perfect—just finish with love.
Why Quilting Matters
In a world that rushes, quilting teaches us to pause. It builds patience. It invites creativity. It gives us space to reflect, pray, and remember. When we create something with our own two hands, we’re not just making—we’re passing something on.
Here at Hoagland House, we believe quilts are more than blankets. They’re heirlooms. They’re stories. They’re hugs you can hold onto.
So whether your first quilt takes a weekend or a year, enjoy it. Every stitch is part of a sacred rhythm—a legacy in the making.
Welcome to the slow, beautiful art of quilting, friend. You’re in good company here.
👉 Some of my favorite and most used tools
Disclaimer: some of the links we share are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase. We’re grateful for your support—it helps keep Hoagland House running and allows us to keep sharing the things we love.
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