Small projects help you develop skills and learn a few tricks. Your first cuts and your first seams will not be nearly as good as your 50th.

Even if you only want a bed sized quilt, try starting with a baby quilt and donate it when completed to the Linus project or other similar service. It will be small enough so you won't get discouraged, you'll learn a lot about the fabric, about piecing, about your machine, etc. It will be fun and that's an important way to start. Plus, if you decide you hate quilting you won't have hundreds of dollars invested in fabric!

But you can easily learn to quilt without a class. There are lots of basic instructions available on line but I think you'll find a book is a good investment. There was a recent post about favorite quilting books and 2 in particular were at the top of most people's lists. If you go back just a page or two I'm sure you'll find it. A good book will get you started and then help you make progressive steps.

Once you feel comfortable quilting, you may be more interested in a class to learn a specific skill.

Kate

I consider myself a beginner quilter even though I have been quilting for many years. I am perfectly happy making my basic, simply quilted quilts. I have used books, magazines, forums, watched videos, and TV shows, and asked lots of questions of friends and quilt shop owners, but I have never taken a formal class. I think if I were to try to advance I would have to take a class or at least get someone very accomplished to help me.

I agree with Kate, start small and simple. I have had grand ideas and gotten them started only to discover I really hated the pattern (or fabric) and would end up making a lap throw instead of a bed quilt. The largest I have made is a twin and it was all I wanted to push thru my little sewing machine.

beverly

I started out taking a Log Cabin Quilt class using Quilt in a Day. I made a queen size. It was the best thing I ever could have done. The teacher was wonderful, she took the time to explain everything. I only HAD to take one class but I did take another one for learning the double wedding ring.

Yes, you can learn by using books I'm just sharing my experience. If you go that route I would start with a Quilt in a Day book. Every thing is spelled out pretty clear in those.

Vicky

I'm with grammyp, I still consider myself a beginner. I've been quilting for about 6 years because I choose to do really basic stuff. I learned from friends. I started by checking books out of the library and reading, then one day mentioned it to a friend who I didn't know quilted. Next thing I knew she had organized a group of our mutual friends with various levels of quilting experience. Two of us had never made a quilt and we had a great time learning. They guided us gently, teased us mercilesslly and we both continue quilting.
A log cabin pattern in a really small size, like a baby quilt is a great starter project and not overwhelming.

Ofcourse you can learn to quilt from books but I truly believe that having organized intstruction. as in a class, can't be beat. Just learning to use the rotary cutter correctly is a challenge, as are learning to make accurate 1/4" seams, checking the size of blocks, pressing correctly. The list goes on. Trial and error can be expensive and discouraging. I think that money spent on a good basic quilting class will be rewaring in the end. A small project may seem to be a waste of time but if you finish it, it is an accomplishment that guides you forward.
Jayne

The basics I learned in a class, being precise comes with trying various things that work for you, and possibly, you only. There are lots of techniques, but what works for one may not work for another in doing the same block. Who knew there would be so many ways you could put a 9-patch together? I've seen Eleanor Burns make them by starting with 2 squares and I like doing it that way, but of course, this doesn't use up those small scraps! HST is another one. Lots of ways to make them but I have my favorite way. If a person can afford it, I think taking a sampler class initiates a beginner into working with various types of blocks and getting points and seams to match. Also, if there are questions, a person is there, at that time, to answer. If a block doesn't turn out the way it's supposed to, the instructor can look at it and most likely say why.

Get some books from the library....look them over, try a block or two and see what happens. Maybe you'll be perfect the first time! (smile)

jmo of course.

SharonG/FL

I love taking classes learning new things. Plus I've met some really great people in classes and we still get together. I really need to see things done in person rather than reading about it, and when I do make mistakes a teacher can see what I'm doing wrong. Another option other than a class is many shops have Finish That Project or Sit and Sews where you can bring in your project and get some help and advice. They are usually less expensive and they're there to help you work on your individual project and decide on something that's appropriate for your skill level. --Amy

You can learn by reading books and watching TV shows but taking classes is so much fun. I love being around others and seeing their fabrics. I like to take classes that teach me a new technique or method.
Linda OH

I originally taught myself to quilt by reading quilting books. I enjoyed quilting, but there were a number of things that I just couldnÂt figure out no matter how many times I reread the passage, or read different books. Finally I took a class at a local quilt shop. Overall I thought it was worthwhile, but the time was somewhat inconvenient for me, a number of the other students had not purchased the right supplies  which slowed the class down  and quite a lot of the class was review from what I had already read. Despite all of this, I still enjoyed learning in person.

Then I discovered this forum and I was rewarded with instant answers to my quilting questions, along with great camaraderie. Sometimes I would ask a question and get vastly different answers, which taught me that there are a lot of ways to do things.

One day, someone on this forum mentioned Quilt University (www.quiltuniversity.com). It is an on-line quilting school. I checked it out and I am so glad that I did. I think IÂve taken at least half a dozen classes on line. I really like it for a number of reasons including: I can quilt when it fits into my life, rather than having a set class time; I can ask as many questions and get as much individualized help as I need, without feeling like IÂm holding up the class; I can pay attention (or not) to the questions that others ask depending on whether it pertains to my situation or not; The classes usually last anywhere between 3 and 5 weeks with 3 extra weeks at the end to finish the project, so there is plenty of time to finish or at least move forward on each project and ask questions along the way. At first I was skeptical about how much I could learn on-line, but it is amazing, with detailed descriptions and pictures and the ability to ask questions and interact with the teacher and other classmates, I have felt that I actually learned much more than in my in-person class.

Back to your post about having to buy the fabric and pattern and smaller quilt sizes: before you sign up for a class you can look at the supplies that are required, so you will know what you need to purchase (you never have to purchase patterns) and you can see the size of the finished project, so in your case, you can find a class that will teach you to make a bed-size quilt  not a wall hanging.

I hope this helps!

Lola

I've never had a quilting class where there was a test at the end. Sometimes, I never finish the class project, just want to learn a new technique or something I would never try on my own. Even if I already know how to do a thing, I always learn something new or a different perspective. A multiple session class can also be a good motivator to finish a project, like a block a month.
BlueBars

I learned to quilt from books and never took a class for a long time. I saw my friends doing neat shortcuts to make triangles and other things and I was still struggling doing them the hard way so it was time for a class.

Most people are at the same learning level if you take a beginner class so it should be fun and you do a lot of laughing! Quilting is not really a cheap hobby but you usually get your money's worth and more from a class. Are you just wanting to make one bed size quilt? if so maybe you can get a friend to show you how to make a simple pattern. Magazines usually include the basics of quilting.

Quilt University is a great option and I have taken several classes. Like Lola said finding this forum has been the best place to come to resolve problems you encounter and show off your finished project. This place, is fun, sharing and laughter.

Good luck with your project and keep us updated with your progress.
Jean

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I taught myself to quilt, but as an instructor, I've come across many students that have a very difficult time transferring pictures and instructions into fabric. They need to take classes in order to make sense of what they are trying to learn. If are the kind of person that can usually pick up a book and learn a new skill, then most likely you don't need to take classes.

However, get some input on good beginner books that will teach you the basics. One thing I've noticed is that most books assume that you already know how to quilt and they don't cover things like how to use your rotary cutters, how to match points, how to press, etc...Without these fundamental skills, you will be nothing but frustrated. This is why I still teach beginner classes, so that my students have the chance to learn the skills needed to be successful every time they quilt.

Annie

I think a class would be great fun, but I have never taken one. I have always learned from quilting sites, forums, and books. I have found some of the videos other members have pointed us to very informative. It really helps to see someone actually showing a better way to handle certain sewing problems. Speaking of which, after seeing Sharon Schamber's quilting halo video, I ordered a halo, but I STILL haven't gotten around to using it! In fact, I haven't quilted anything since last year. tsk, tsk!

For my pictorial quilting, there were no classes or books or magazines. However, I didn't start there; still, I am self-taught. I started with simple baby quilts and copying the block in the quilt I got from my mother-in-law. After that, I just adapted traditional blocks from pictures in Quilters Newsletter magazine or Finley's book.

I don't have any trouble with math for drafting and have been making my own clothing from some years, so I am comfortable with sewing. The flaw in this system was that the original quilt was not finely quilted and I thought that is what quilting should be until I joined the Portage Guild and saw what expert technique looked like. Then it was practice, practice. I didn't come from quilters and had never examined quilts close up.

I think being in the company of skilled quilters is a great way to solve problems of technique, but if you can afford classes and you are just starting out, that may work best for you. Some classes on techniques seem to teach the long way around to the same end. Carole