A Beginner's Guide
to Quilting
learn how to quilt

Unlock the Secrets of creating a beautiful quilt using this simple 9 step system. Amaze your friends with your creativity.

Learn all of the tips, tricks and shortcuts in this easy-to-read guide. Click here to learn more

How to
Bind a Quilt

how to miter a corner on bias binding

Learn 6 different ways to bind your quilts with perfection – you'll have smooth and square mitered corners and even edges all the way around your quilt.

www.HowToBindAQuilt.com
Eavesdrop on a
Telephone Conversation

 

paula rostkowski

Paula Rostkowski, expert longarm machine quilter, joins us for our Eavesdrop on a Telephone Conversation on June 28. For more details about this call, visit: Paula Rostkowski, Eavesdrop Guest.

Get details about the Official Eavesdropping Quilters Club

Fabri-Calc
for Quilters

fabric calculator - fabricalc

Using this convenient little tool, you will never again need to be some kind of math whiz or guess how much fabric to buy, how many strips to cut, how wide to cut your strips or how much your fabric will cost.

Click here to learn more

What Quilters
are Saying

"Thank you so much for putting all this information on line for FREE!! I am doing some quilts for the church after a very long absence from sewing. I couldn''t have done it without you. I tried two other on line quilting sites but yours is by far the best for to the point information.

Thanks again.
Toni Pralle - Iowa

"Dear Penny
Just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your newsletters and the site itself. As a relatively new quilter I am learning a lot from the information you provide together with the videos etc. I look forward to learning much much more.

Best Wishes
Karen Dixon (Australia)

"I really found your book to be easy to follow and it made my first 3 quilts (which were table runners) a snap to make. The binding instructions were especially helpful. I've attached a picture of one of the runners I made. I ended up giving all three away for Christmas presents, so I only get to enjoy them when I go visiting, but it was fun anyway!! Thanks for all the help."

Juli Farley,
Waco, Nebraska

"The Beginner's Guide resolved the issues with those seemingly difficult mitered corners. After receiving the guide and following the instructions carefully mitered corners are no longer a challenge."

Jona Maynard,
Grifton North Carolina

"I read the whole book in one sitting because I was so excited to get started. Plus, it was easy to read and was very informative. I have already put together a small quilt for practice, and working on my second one. It takes me a little longer mainly because not only am I a beginner quilter but also a beginner sewer!! :) Thanks for all the extra reports too, they were very helpful to me."

Stephanie Kelly,
Loveland, Colorado

"I just love how easy it is to follow - it starts at the VERY beginning and covers everything you would need to know. I like that you repeatedly guide me to HAVE FUN with it.

I've got this crazy design for my son's quilt that I JUST LOVE! I'm sort of a control freak, and having your "permission" to have fun kept me from being so particular about a specific pattern."

Kathy Kilgannon,
Berryville, Virginia

"Dear Penny,

I read through the How to Quilt, I was amazed how easy each step of quilting was explained in detail. I started on my first quilt, and in the process of putting this together. I am having so much fun doing this.

Thank you so very much, and I look forward to my finished quilt."

Carol Barbieri,
Stockton, California

"I have both A Beginner's Guide to Quilting and How to Bind by Penny at how-to-quilt.com and I am finding them both very useful. I had the How to Bind first and used it on my very first quilt and it made binding the quilt so easy. The instructions are very clear and easy to understand. I got the binding on and looking great the first try.

I am in the middle of making a quilt for my husband in his football teams' colours. I am using Penny's A Beginner's Guide to Quilting to help me with piecing of the quilt and I am finding it a very handy reference tool with hints on putting together the blocks. As this is only my second quilt I need all the help I can get and I am finding it in "A Beginner's Guide to Quilting". I highly recommend this book to everyone. "

Pam Holloway,
South Australia, Australia

"I really loved your DVD, I have watched it through once and plan on going through it again. It is so nice to see things close up and get a clear explanation of the project. "

Gayle Leone,
Salem, New Hampshire

"What I liked best about the DVD mentor is that you could WATCH Penny (over, and over, and over, sometimes..) and refer to the manual as needed. It has proven to be a great resource for me."

Liz Pilon,
Cheboygan, Michigan

"I thought that the Robins nest DVDs are a great help to someone like myself who has never quilted before. I especially like the way you describe everything in such detail, and all the close ups are just wonderful, I watched all the DVD's and thought that I can do this, well not quite, but I have made a small cot size for my best friend Tiny (dog) and it came out quit well with only one mistake.

Penny you have done a wonderful job on the DVD's and I would highly recommend for any would be quilter to have a look at the DVD's first. I have learnt a lot from them, without them I would not of started Quilting. Thank you so much for all you input, and keep up your good work. "

Kindest regards,
Inge K., NSW, Australia

"Recently I stumbled onto your website by accident and subscribed to your newsletters.

"What a fantastic service you provide. I have only been quilting for about 3 years and have a lot to learn yet. You have filled several gaps in my knowledge already."

Cheers,
Antoinette Nelson
New Zealand

"I really want to thank you for such a wonderful job you are doing...and congragulate you for such a excellent website..

jojo shandala

 

 
Fun Resources

 

Visit Art.com
FREE: 10 Quilt Block Patterns

Get access to this Checkerboard Square Quilt Block plus 9 more Instantly


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checkerboard square quilt blockWhether you are beginning quilting or a more experienced quilter, you get valuable information jam-packed in the How-to-Quilt FREE monthly newsletter.

Quilting Tips and Techniques – The How-to-Quilt.com Newsletter reveals tips, techniques and shortcuts that your mother (or quilt teacher) forgot to tell you. Plus you get periodic tips, techniques and shortcuts to make your quilting easier and more fun.

Quilt Block Patterns Galore – Every month you get 10 new quilt block patterns FREE. Each pattern includes full size templates and rotary cutting instructions making it easy for you to cut and sew a perfect block.

Quilt Inspiration – New quilt ideas every month with full color photographs of actual quilts and tips for making beautiful family heirloom quilts.

Your continued privacy is as important to us as it is to you. To ensure your privacy we PROMISE to NEVER sell, trade or rent your name and email address.
What's New -

Celebrate Freedom from Machine Quilting Frustration Day

machine quilting

Using the techniques you will learn in The Machine Quilting Adventure, your machine quilting will be easy and beautiful.

And now, an extra bonus awaits with your investment.

You'll be glad you added this beautiful quilting resource to your library -

 

Learning how to make a quilt and machine quilt it on your home sewing machine is as easy as watching a Video on your TV or computer . . . .

Even if You Never Thought of Making a Quilt before Today - - - 100% Guaranteed!

My machine quilting was embarrassing before I learned some key techniques from my friend Pam Bauer, expert machine quilter.

She shared some simple techniques - like wearing a special gloves found at a garden shop to guide the quilt under the sewing machine needle; adjusting the tension on your sewing machine (top and bobbin); using spray basting to hold the layers together; starching the top and backing of the quilt to make it stiff and easier to quilt; and much more.

Now my machine quilting is much better. I won't claim that it is perfect. But at least I can machine quilt a quilt and be proud to give it to a friend or family member.

For a short time, you can invest in The Machine Quilting Adventure at the current rate and get extra goodies. But not for long.

The special deal at the current rate changes after Freedom from Machine Quilting Frustration Day - July 4th.

Reserve your copy today! The deal changes on July 5th.

Show me the details for this great resource - - -

What’s Your Quilting Interest?

Traditional Patchwork Quilts

Learn how to make traditional patchwork quilts using a simple step-by-step system.

Resources include fully illustrated Guides as well as step-by-step, from start-to-finish DVD video instruction.

Get Me Started!

Fabric Postcards

Learn how to make fabric postcards to send to your family and friends using a simple step-by-step system.

Resources include fully illustrated Guides with instant access. You can start your fabric postcard project instantly whether it is noon or 2am in the morning.

I'm Ready!

Rag Quilts

Learn how to make fun and fast rag quilts using a simple step-by-step system.

Our instant download or printed Guides using our step-by-step rag quilt instructions make rag quilting simple. A rag quilt is a great project for a first-time quilter and even a child!

Show Me More!
Quilting Products

Now You Can Transform Ordinary Fabric Into a Handmade Quilt That Your Family and Friends Will Love, Admire and Cherish – Even If You Have Never Made a Quilt Before!

Online Quilting Class or DVD set

flannel baby quilt pattern Give me an hour and a half and I'll give you speed techniques for making this Quick and Easy Flannel Baby Quilt. Using these speed techniques, your Baby Quilt can be finished in less than A weekend!

Whether you are a beginner quilter looking for an easy quilt pattern, or a more experienced quilter looking for a baby quilt that goes together in a breeze, this class is for you. Class materials include video, patterns, and some 'how-to' written materials.

Once you register for the class, all class resources are available to you, and most of the other quilting resources in www.TheQuiltingCoach.com are at your fingertips to help you along the way.

In addition to course materials, there will be scheduled times Penny will be online for live interaction.

Read more and Register or invest in the DVD set

 

A Beginner's Guide to Quilting

Unlock the Secrets of creating a beautiful family heirloom quilt using this simple 9 step system. Amaze your friends with your creativity.

Start your quilting journey with a solid foundation and learn about choosing fabric, thread, quilting tools and even finding the right sewing machine. Get the special inside tips for perfect hand quilting. Learn all of the techniques, tricks and shortcuts in this easy-to-read, fully illustrated guide.

Read More

The Ultimate How to Bind a Quilt DVD Mentor

how to miter a corner on bias binding Imagine Yourself Stitching Binding on Your Quilt That is So Beautiful It Looks as If It Were Sewn by a Professional

Learn 6 different ways to bind your quilts with perfection - you'll have smooth and square mitered corners; hand sewn blind stitches that are completely hidden; a smooth closing where the beginning and end of the binding meets; and even edges all the way around your quilt.

Read More

Quilt as You Go

how to make a quilt as you go quiltHave you ever taken a long car trip, gone on a cruise, or had a bunch of appointments and wished that you had a portable quilting project?

Give In Just 60 Minutes you will see how to finish a quilt one block at a time. It is so easy, you'll want to make quilts for everyone you know.

Read more


Robin's Nest DVD Mentor

It's as simple as watching a video on your TV or computer...whether this is your 7th quilt or your first.

See first-hand the secrets for sewing perfect points on your triangles, adding sashing between the blocks, and my secret for sewing a hanging sleeve that nobody will see (except the person who is hanging the quilt!). This 9 patch block is an original design.

Read More


The Machine Quilting Adventure DVD Mentor

Discover the secrets for beautiful machine quilting using your home sewing machine by simply watching this video on your TV or computer. Watch every step in making this beautiful quilt beginning with choosing your fabric and ending with signing it so future generations know you made it.

Read More



Fluttering Stars Quilting DVD Mentor

Learn how to make perfect triangles without the pain of trial and error mistakes of learning while you watch your TV or computer. See how easy it is to make pinwheels, stars and all different kinds of triangles. Learn shortcuts and tips for making perfect points.

Read More



Rag Quilt in a Weekend!

In Less Than 17 Hours, You Can Cut 3½ Yards of Fabric into 75 Pieces and Sew 25 Blocks Together, Creating 498 Inches of Fringe.... and a Smile.

Make this fast, fun and funky quilt in one short weekend, whether you are new to quilting or have been quilting for years.

Read More


Heart Rag Quilt in a Weekend!

Create a fun message of love in a short weekend....and avoid the confusion and frustration of being a beginner quilter with skimpy instructions. This rag quilt is easy to make and will bring a big smile to everyone’s face

Read More


Flag Rag Quilt in a Weekend!

This step-by-step Guide is all about flags. It could be the red, white and blue of Old Glory, or the green, black and white of Helix High School where my kids went. Whatever the excuse, this is the quilt!

Read More


Photo Fabric Postcard

Send fabric greetings to your family and friends through the mail. This guide shows you step-by-step how to make a fabric postcard, including how to transfer your favorite photo onto fabric.

Read More



Pieced Heart Fabric Postcard

Any holiday is perfect for a fabric postcard - or no holiday at all - just make one and drop it in the mail to say "Hi!" Your family and friends will love you for it, and be amazed at your thoughtfulness and daring.

Read More



Turkey in the Straw

Send tiny fabric postcard thanks to our troops or your family and friends. This guide shows you step-by-step how to make a paper pieced (foundation pieced) fabric postcard.

Read More


Eavesdrop on a Telephone Conversation Series

Each month quilters listen in on a telephone interview with an expert in a field of quilting.

The interview begins with formal questions and answers, and is followed by open line questions from Eavesdropping Quilters. Guest range from world-renown quilters to representatives of suppliers of quilting products.

Eavesdropping is FREE, and you can purchase CD recordings of each call, or join the Eavesdropping Quilters Club to save money and get the CD recording of every call.

Read More
HOW-TO’S FOR QUILTERS

Frequently Asked Questions:

I made a quilt, and after it was done I saw it was fraying in places. What can I do?"

This is just one example of a quilting question that Penny is pleased to answer. In this easy-to-use area, see questions that other quilters have asked and get the answers. Ask your question and get the answer from Penny – an expert quilter.

Read More


Quilting Articles:

m. mouse, the official www.How-to-Quilt.com diabetic Siamese cat, loves his quilts, and he loves to share Penny’s knowledge of quilting with quilters.

Here you will find articles showing how-to techniques, tips for using quilting tools, and ideas for new quilts. A powerful search engine makes this information easy to find, and our practical tips are easy to understand whether you are a beginner quilter or more advanced.

Read More
OUR SISTER SITES


At Last, Answers to Your How to Quilt Questions When You Need Them, From Quilters Who Are Happy to Share their Secrets. We've all been there - learning how to make a quilt.

TheQuiltingCoach.com provides answers to your quilting questions; tips, techniques and shortcuts to make your quilting fun and easy; quilt block patterns with step-by-step instructions (including photographs of what to do); quilting projects; and tons more.
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com


Easy-to-use quilt block patterns, including color pictures of each block including fabric suggestions, full-size templates, and rotary cutting layouts in multiple sizes for each block. You choose which size you would like to make.
www.quiltblocklibrary.com/


Penny’s Postcard Posse – Penny has been collecting fabric postcards for the troops in Iraq for more than two years, ever since the son of some friends was killed early in the war.

Penny’s Postcard Posse Rounds up tiny pocket quilts for most holidays – including that most fun and special holiday – Halloween. Check the calendar for the dates and collection location.
www.fabric-postcards.com
About Penny Halgren

Penny Halgren has been quilting for more than 27 years. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of quilting with beginning quilters and more skilled quilters all around the world.

Penny has authored 11 books and 5 DVD products teaching people how to make quilts from start to finish. She is the leading producer on graspr.com, The Instructional Video Network, with videos demonstrating quilting techniques, has authored more than 300 articles about quilting, and was featured in Entrepreneuer.com

Read More

Quilt Block Patterns | Free Quilt Patterns | How to Bind a Quilt DVD | The Machine Quilting Adventure DVD
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