5 Best Resources for Learning a New Quilting Technique

Don’t get lost in time and space searching, watching and exploring! While that can be fun, it can be a lot of wasted time as well.

I’ve gathered up a few of my favorite resources for learning a new quilting technique. One of my extra suggestions at the bottom is the IAQ though….I may be a little partial on that.

Anyways. You may be just beginning your journey searching online or you may be the master of finding information (I’m one of these!)- but no matter where you are, these are a great place to start if you are looking for a new quilt technique to start.

There are a few techniques that I have dipped a little into- like English paper piecing, but I really could learn a lot more about it. Whether you are interested in this or another quilt technique- having some good ideas on where to find tutorials, how to’s, information and where to go for help is super important.

5 Best Resources for Learning a New Quilting Technique

1- YouTube
2- Quilt Blogs
3- How to books and patterns
4- Online Classes
5- In person Classes

YouTube

YouTube is the platform where you can find all kinds of videos- all free pretty much about anything that you could ever want or need to know.

The search is great and comes up with a lot of choices. Even with the simple search of quilting, you’ll find more than enough to keep you busy!

If you are visual learner, using YouTube is perfect. It’s all about showing you how to do whatever you are looking at doing. The videos will walk you through the process and the beauty of it- you can pause when you need to. You definitely could get lost for hours in this platform!

Quilting Blogs

There is a lot of hidden talent out there and you probably only know of about 10% of the quilting blogs out there.

Here is a list of great quilting blogs on facebook I shared a year ago.

Many of the blogs have free quilt alongs, tutorials, videos on youtube and patterns. You never know what you’ll find!

There are quite a few who are experts in quilting techniques- like applique, machine quilting, improv… etc. You’ll find that they share a lot of their knowledge and are willing to answer questions or share hints and tips for the technique.

How to Books and Patterns

When the computer isn’t working or the internet is slow, the next best thing is a good book or pattern. These can be found on Amazon, or Barnes & Nobles, your local quilt shop or even at second hand stores.

I have found that sitting down for a minute, reading the process, following the steps is a great way to kind of ‘check out’ of the computer world and enjoy a little quiet time for a bit.

Don’t discount what’s on the shelf….there is still a lot of wonderful books about specific techniques out there that can help you get unstuck and moving forward again.

Take an Online Class

These can be soooo wonderful!! You don’t have to pack your machine if it’s needed. You don’t have to haul your supplies around or find that you have forgotten something super important.

Everything is at your fingertips in your own home. My personal favorite place to find help is the IAQ. It’s a wonderful quilt community full of talented designers, quilters who have a lot of knowledge to share.

Other great places to find online classes: Bluprint (previously known as Craftsy), Creative Bug, and Creative Live.

You’ll even find that companies of specific products provide online classes as well. Check their sites for more info on those.

Take an In Person Class

While you do have to haul things around, the option of an in person class can be so helpful.
You’ll be able to get that one on one personal touch and interaction.

Along with that, you’ll be able to answer questions and get an immediate answer. You’ll get to know the teacher and others in the class and build a friendship that later you can use and reach out to if you still had additional questions.

Typically these cost a bit more than online, but they are really worth it. I would make one caution- research the teacher or ask around for feedback on the teacher prior to signing up.

There are some incredible in person teachers and then there are some that aren’t incredible. Just be aware of that.

Check with your local quilt shops and quilt guilds for their schedule, watch for quilt shows that bring in teachers…etc. There are a lot of options for finding a local class. Plus, a few of those mentioned bring in the teachers and pay them to come- otherwise you may have to travel farther to get to them!

So, there are my 5 resources for learning a new technique.

Some additional thoughts and suggestions for finding resources on quilt techniques:

• Track your progress and projects with the Patchwork Planner. This is a great way to organize your quilting year and plan what you’d like to sew and learn in the upcoming year. See the Patchwork Planner options here.
• Pinterest. This platform is loaded with pictures and a great place to explore new quilt techniques. Be careful of the source and where the info is coming from, there is quite a bit of spam in there as well. I do love Pinterest though and use the search in there all the time. Here are my top 10 Quilters on Pinterest to follow.

• During 2020, the IAQ is going to be focusing on 3 quilt techniques. Paper Piecing, Machine quilting and Quilt as you Go. Each technique will be spread over 4 months with a beginner overview, diving deeper and Q+A’s. We’ll also be directed by someone from the Stitching Team during this time who will be there to answer and help when needed if you get stuck. By the 4th week, we’ll be reviewing the process, what we’ve learned, sharing our tips and sewing up a project using the technique. It will be a great way to explore these quilt techniques without a lot of overwhelm. Get more info on joining the IAQ here.

What is your favorite resource when it comes to learning a new quilt technique? share is with us in the comments-

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