Thank you Ham family for keeping Melanie's videos around, she is a wonderful teacher!

For 30 plus years I have been using the lines on my mat. I never understood how people got the fabric placed in the direction so it could be cut the way you demonstrated. My blocks come out right though because I am very careful, but I get very stressed out and can get a migraine. How easy you make it. Now Y will have to watch this 5 times! You would never know I've made over 30 quilts, including king size. However, I lost a bunch of them in a house fire and had just finished a kind size, complicated one. Oh well, I started over. I taught myself when I was in high school in the sixties!.

In my seventh decade and new to sewing, just completed my 100th mask, ran across your beginner quilt videos and looking forward to starting a quilt soon. I find myself a little short on patience these days so thanks for your no-nonsense approach and respect for your viewers. Subscribed

Want to learn to quilt this year?! Proper cutting is essential for frustration free quilting! buff.ly/1xFLwY6 #quilting #sewing

I am learning to make basic patchwork quilts. I was having heaps of trouble cutting out the fabric. Your video has shown me what to do - simply and easily. Thank you so much.

I'm a knitter but I've always wanted to sew. It seemed very difficult so I just stayed with what I already do well at. Your videos changed my mind! So now I've gotten a machine and am fearlessly working on my 5th project :) Thanks for the fantastic videos!!

@MelanieHam

8 жыл бұрын

+ooknittylou you got this!

@camagnuson6108

6 жыл бұрын

That's wonderful. Life is too short not to try new things. I hope you love it!

@SamiKhan-ev1rl

2 жыл бұрын

I'm same I'm learning by myself now and rwaly want to sew and do this I'm a knitter and crochet

@SamiKhan-ev1rl

2 жыл бұрын

I've just bought a sewing machine cnt wait to get it .

You are so cute! I love the two videos I've watched so far. I'm a beginner sewer and you're tutorials are so easy to follow. Thank you!

Wow you are the first person that has explained cutting fabric so easy that i am now going to be brave enough to try my very first quilt Thank you

I am enjoying your video tutorials. You explain things so easily and understandably. Please keep them coming!!

Thanks for the video. I'm new to using a sewing machine. I first cut random size squares and sewn them together and made a patch memory quilt of my daughter's clothes she had out grown. Now, I understand the importance of cutting squares evenly and measuring. Had no idea of how to start till o came across your video.

Thank you, Melanie! Your content is so helpful. With your guidance I am working on a simple quilt, and yesterday I started crocheting your beautiful twisted cowl! Super helpful...thanks!!!

@MelanieHam

4 жыл бұрын

have you seen my "your first quilt" series? I think you'll find it helpful ;)

I have recently FOUND YOU❣️. Thank you for All your help. My sister is an expert in all things crafty. Absent from her due to covid, you are a Godsend. Thank you for taking your precious time to show us less qualified the how too’s of everything g crafty. Can you show us how to put a zipper in? (A tote or duffle bag) You explain and show things so well and I’ve watched countless videos and have yet to find one to help me. Or if you have already made one or know of a good tutorial can you direct me too it please. Thank you so much again ❤️

This is a wonderful tutorial! Very well explained and super easy to follow! Thank you!

I love the way you explain. I'm hooked on your videos especially those of patchwork. I would like you to do more videos of how to make quilts... they are fantastic ...

Thank you so much for this video. I am new to sewing and I have been clueless about cutting fabric. Your video was so clear and you made it so easy to understand. Thank y

Very understandable, and thank you so much for taking the time to give this lecture. This was most helpful.

I bought the fabric on line, Timber and Leaf by Sarah Watts, and I am super excited, I am making a quilt today and probably will be done tomorrow, I'll show the finished project when I am done, thank you so much for such a wonderful inspiring tutorial.

@MelanieHam

9 жыл бұрын

Dayra Rodriguez one of my all time favorite fabric lines!

I use a fiskars rotary blade... I've had it for I guess 6 years now and it has been great! You can get them at Walmart or Joanns. My friend has an olfa blade and had some similar problems, so I'm not sure which one you have but i would get a new one, the fiskars aren't too expensive. Hope that helps!

I wish I had discovered your video before embarking on my first quilt project!! Couldn’t find 5” x 5” pre-cuts and ended up having to cut my own fabrics. Boy did it take me a Long time.....

I plan to do more quilting videos! It's my favorite of all the crafty things I do ;)

Thank You so much. I have a ruler but did not know how to use it. I have not made a quilt but have wanted to for a long time. My Mom and her Mom made quilts but they did not teach me. My Mom had quit making quilts by the time i was big enough to make one. Thanks again, I have subscribed.

Nice easy to follow and not assuming someone knows anything about sewing...just what I was looking for - you have a new subcriber here Melanie!

Hi Karen! I got my ruler at Joann's Fabrics and it is a 6 x 24 Fiskars ruler. Thanks for stopping by!

Super helpful! I'm making my first baby blanket and I'm a major beginner... So this helps a ton!

If you are using batting then you have to quilt according to the package instructions because otherwise you will have bunching. You could always do very minimal stitch in the ditch quilting, stitch around each block or tie the quilt to get it secure. Hope that helps!

Thanks for the clear guideline to get started. Love the motif combinations. Merci

This is very helpful and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing! May I ask where exactly did you purchase your light pink rotary cutting mat from? It's a great size and super cute!

Mel I love your tutorials

Thank You!! I couldn't find the charm packs that I needed for my project so I bought yardage today. Your video is helping me to have the confidence to cut my own charms! :D

@MelanieHam

9 жыл бұрын

Karen Irwin woohoo! Let me know how it goes! Have fun!

Great video. I also love your blouse. Has a Kaffe look to it. Thank you for your wonderful videos.

Thank you so much . I'm new to quilting . And have only ever used charm packs

I have learned so much from Melanie

Hi Melanie! I absolutely LOVE your videos, they are so helpful! I discovered through your videos the smaller rulers and as I cut ONLY patchwork squares they are on my next purchase list. I had a question, I really hope you can answer. I'm making covers for 16x16 inserts and read a first tutorial that recommended making 16x16 panels, so i cut 16 squares of 4.5 inches with 1/4 inch seam allowances. now I'm having a *moment* as I read on ANOTHER website that the panels should be 17 by 17 for 16x16 inserts. With my current 16x16 panels, once they're sewn, will they be too small for the inserts, given that I'll lose another 1/2 inch on sewing them together? I'm really worried because it was a BIG projects and I've cut hundreds of 4.5 squares...

Yes you answered my question, thanks for replying. Ill have to get on the unpicking stitching lol. Also just want to say love your tutorials

Hello, Your videos are so nice and easy to understand, THANK YOU SO MUCH! Could you please tell me where I could buy the fabrics online? Thank you!

That tip for the bulk to the right of the ruler is a good one I didn't think about that. But my arms are short too.

Thanks Melanie, your tutorial is very useful ^ ^

Thankyou, I've never cut my own fabric for quilt...looking forward to it

thank you so much I was so intimidated but you made it look so easy so I'm really excited to try it out

I want to learn more this year than last year!

I am a beginner this was so helpful !! Every time I was cutting my squares they never were the same size or slanted. I was using the lines on my cutting mat !! Now I know use the lines on the ruler ! Very helpful !

@MelanieHam

9 жыл бұрын

Lynn Reedy woohoo! The cutting is one of the hardest parts... now you'll be good to go!

So helpful and simple. Thank you. ♥️

Hi! I think I understand what you are saying ;). I think it is best to cut up the clothes into pieces that you can piece into a quilt top. If you try to keep the dress shape, and lets say applique it onto the quilt top, it will not be very durable for use. Unless your goal is to make a wall hanging for memory purposes? I hope that helps!

Gosh! I am so nervous about doing this! It has been sooo long since I have sewn anything.I have fat quarters that I was wanting to practice on. Is that a good idea or not? Thanks. Love your videios!

Thank you for the info it's always very helpful.

Hi Melanie, I wondered if you could give a recommendation on a cutter as I am finding the blades on the one I purchased are blunting quickly, and also the blade edge is getting nicks in it. It seems unusual! Thanks for this tutorial. :)

I am actually uploading a video right now that talks more about fabric! There are lots of links in the description box with my favorite places!

Hi Melanie,thanks for your awesome tutorials,i made my first quilt using your snowball block technique for my son as a gift when he was returning to south africa from trinidad and tobago,THANKS! however i dont understnad how to get the 90 degree angle when squaring upfabric to cut,plzhelp!! and also can u post more quilting tutorials? i would really appreciate that!!! keep up the good work_Aishah

Hi there, I was just wondering if you could give me a bit of advice. I am wanting to make a quilt out of dress I have kept of when my children were babies/toddlers as I like the colours etc. is it best to un pick the stitching and then cut them up into squares to make as a patch work quilt or is there away I can keep them in the dress shape to make the quilt with. (I hope I explained what I ment well). Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

Thank you for starting me off cutting. Will follow throu will youe video's as i go on. Thanks again

Melanie, if I’m not to use the lines on my mat how do I cut 7” strips and then 7” squares from my fabric? I would appreciate you help. TIA

When cutting with a rotary cutter please make sure you close the cutter every time. My first patchwork classic ever did a nurse was in our class and told us patients had cut their toes off when the cutter accidentally slipped off the mat. It might be annoying to do this at first but at least you keep your toes. Also cleaning the mat from lint helps cutting too and not doing too many layers as this can stop you from cutting accurately. Make sure your cutter is sharp too.

You're so talented! I wish we were friend so we could hang out and you could teach me your knowledge live!! haha ... Well, i don't live in hawaii, that matters too! lol

Hi. Can you help me on the "90 degree" part? Is that from the fabric itself or from the cutting board. You showed that part kind of fast and I just want to be certain.

thank you Mlanie ( I ruined so much fabric before) I will start cutting soon!!!!

What fabric is this I love it! Thanks =)

Thank you so much Melanie do sharing!

Hi Melanie can I just ask where you got the ruler from and what make it is please? Thanks Karen

I'm starting to work on a quilt my grandma didn't get started cause of passing away. she gave me many different things from her legacy but this one thing, she taught me use a sewing machince quiet well but there are a few questions when it comes to sewing the lines together after you sewed the patches in a line. like why isn't this like when you follow a pattern when making clothes like a vest or a shirt, when you get to the concerns of the blocks you need to role them? when you need certain blocks in certain areas of the quilt, how do I do that when I get it the correct length for my bed and the blocks are at the outer edge of the quit before the boarder at the finish.

Perhaps a silly questions, but how many 6x6" squares for a decent size throw quilt...and consequently how much total yardage?

Hi there. First I want to say you are very beautiful. Love the way you demonstrate. Helped me a lot to cut my pieces accurate. Thank you.

@MelanieHam

10 жыл бұрын

Thank you! So glad you found it helpful ;)

The video is great video xx

do you have a tutorial of how you sewed it together?

Maybe I missed it, but how many different fabric prints/solids should you get for a quilt? I want to make one for my son, but I don't know how many different fabrics and how much of each to get.

@MelanieHam

8 жыл бұрын

+MamaBecks i usually say at least 7-8 depending on the size of the quilt, but more will give you the scrappier look.

I like watching your videos, and I am not meaning this in a negative way, but I am trying to learn sewing to save money ..could you do a repurpose quilt video ?

Loving your videos.Can i ask where you brought your cutting mat from? i've just started to patchwork i'm a beginner and need to buy my first mat. Have you any recommendations at all? Thanks Zoe

@MelanieHam

10 жыл бұрын

I got mine at Joann's Fabrics, but here is where you can find it on amazon ;) amzn.to/OABeon. The craft section in WalMart or a local craft store will have it too.

@lovezinglife3937

10 жыл бұрын

thank you very much with your fast reply. We have a shop hobby craft in UK i just brought my cutting mat very happy. i watched your review on rotary cutters and i will be purchasing one of the safety ones off ebay. Love your videos keep up the great work. you have inspired me x

I'm a knitter and crochet but I'm learning how to do patchwork I use a normal material and cut squares myself.

thank you so much, every time i cut its always crooked and not sure what i was doing wrong but now i know

@Remembering-rq6si

8 жыл бұрын

+Sunshine Cook Does it really matter in the long-run? Life is like a barren desert at midnight. The wind rustles and the stars shine overhead. That's all we are. Dust in the wind. They say even the stars will one day burn out; that the universe will decay into randomly dispersed particles of light and heat. Scientists call it the Law of Entropy. Sheer and utter hopelessness. Wow. We can make a quilt. Mankind is saved!

Sometimes that happens... that is a downside to using precuts. If you are more than an 1/8 inch off, you should square up the squares and make sure they are the correct size. If it less than an 1/8, you should be ok. Hope that helps!

What happens if my pre cut squares do not line up evenly even if I try the Chain piece?

gonna try this next quilt. my blocks never squared up

If I want my squares to be 5 by 5 or whatever I may choose...with a 1/4 inch seam....do I have to cut the fabric bigger in order to account for the 1/4 inch seam ????

@MelanieHam

8 жыл бұрын

+Heather Sipe Yes! If you want your patchwork square to finish at 5 inches, you need to add the 1/4 to each side. So you would need to cut your square 5.5 x 5.5 to have a 5 inch finished square.

@Danielle33384

8 жыл бұрын

+Melanie Ham thank you for replying....I was so confused. Some people said I had to...but I knew I could ask you. Thank you so much for your videos!! I have a new sewing machine ready to go as of yesterday and I can't tell you just how helpful I find your videos. Thanks for taking the time out to answer my questions.

HUGE thanks

Very useful video, although I do think there should of been some mention about the rotary cutter

Do I need to wash my fabric before i start cutting out squares for a quilt?

@MelanieHam

9 жыл бұрын

Harphoney ah the pre-wash or not to pre-wash question haha ;). I don't usually pre-wash...Unless I'm working with high contrast fabric or cheap fabric. I have never had a problem with the higher quality fabrics bleeding out of the dozens of quilts I have made. BUT if you feel more comfortable pre washing, by all mean do that. There are lots of people in both camps. Also, pre-cuts are not meant to be washed... just wanted to throw that out there ;).

Question...What is the fabric of your curtains? Where did you purchase it?

@MelanieHam

9 жыл бұрын

kateri17 those are from ikea i think!

Thank you so much. Unfortunately I cut on my squares before I saw your video and they are not all the same size when I cut them down they still did not become the same size unfortunately

@amandaforeman2626

Жыл бұрын

Probably because you diddnt cut to allow seam allowance . It probably came To the size of 51/2 :( , you Would have to add a 1/2 inch to allow for 1/4 seam allowance on all the sides . I’m sorry she diddnt say that .

Thanks mine don't even patch so joined too see how to do it as I'm a beginner.

@amandaforeman2626

Жыл бұрын

Did you allow for Seam allowance ? If you cut just a 6 inch square , it will come Out to a 5 1/2 finishes square when Sewn together . I would cut my squares to 61/2 inches to allow for seam allowance :) best of luck!

Can you use this to make a throw? 😁

Gooooood thanks so much

I always mess up my cutting and then I realize it as I see and have to go back and re-trim some. .. thanks for the tips

@KJC4321

9 жыл бұрын

Sew*

your awesome!

@Remembering-rq6si

8 жыл бұрын

+Renee Perrin you're

How do I cut it without a rotary cutter?

I miss you dear, but I know that you’re in a better place 💕💕💕

Hi,I'm still not clear on how to calculate the exact blocks for a pattern

@amandaforeman2626

Жыл бұрын

Add Sean allowance , if you wish to have a 6 inch finishes square , you will need to cut 61/2 to allow 1/4 inch seam allowance on the sides to sew . I hope this helps !

You said you starch your fabric, do you wash it?

@MelanieHam

9 жыл бұрын

blpug1 I don't usually prewash fabric for quilting but I always wash the quilt when it's complete. And yes, if the fabric is being too wiggly, I will starch it ;)

Ha! sorry you said it at the end =)

Might be better to use your selvage as the right angle base, not your fold.

That's folding it once dear, not twice!

nice video, but I wish you wouldn't rub it in my face that you're taken. :( it's rare to see a woman as stunningly beautiful as you who isn't a celebrity. I was floored.