My basic method for choosing tools is to find the one that works best for me regardless of the cost. There are tools I have spent more money on than others, and I would again because I believe it is the best suited for the job. If I recommend the cheapest option, it is only because it works. I have a full video on my tool must-haves vs. luxury tools. You can watch it here if you prefer videos.

Learn about the pieces and parts of your sewing machine. What is a bobbin? What are feed dogs? What is tension? Here you will learn about all the things necessary to use your sewing machine, including how to clean it. Include a free video tutorial.

A quilt is not a blanket. In this tutorial, you will learn the different parts of a quilt that actually make it a quilt. Learn about the pieced top, the backing, the batting, and the binding.

Controlled Improv is the term I use (others may as well, I am not sure) to describe following a process that allows for freedom inside some design boundaries that are predetermined. In this post, you will also learn “what is improvisational quilting” or “improv quilting.”

Leave the Scissors Alone. I rarely use scissors in my quilting. Rotary cutters open up lots of options for clean, precise cuts for quilting. Make friends with your rotary cutter and quilting will become a pleasure!

At Jittery Wings, we never include the 4-at-a-time option in a pattern because it leads to frustration and wonky quilts. When making Flying Geese, we use either the 1 at a time or no-waste method.

Trimming a flying geese block to the correct size is simple if you turn the ruler in the correct direction. This tutorial will walk you through trimming a flying geese block to 2.5" x 4.5" and it works for trimming to any size.

Quilt terms and sewing terms are often different. As you are learning it helps to have a list of terms next to you. Print this post and hang it near your sewing machine.