We all have that one quilt top tucked away, right? The one we’ve spent time, money, and effort creating but just can’t seem to quilt because we don’t feel “ready.” I hear it all the time: “I’m not at the skill level to quilt this top yet.”

But here’s the truth—you’ll never feel completely ready.

Even after 15 years of quilting (and winning awards!), I had a quilt top that sat for over five years because I was afraid to quilt it. I convinced myself I wasn’t skilled enough. But guess what? The only way to gain confidence is to just start.

Getting Comfortable with Your Machine

Many quilters, especially beginners, are intimidated by their machines. Some haven’t even turned them on yet! Here’s what I tell my students:

👉 Get to know the feel of your machine. Every longarm has a different weight, swing, and balance. If you’re used to one machine, another may initially feel completely foreign. That’s totally normal!

The Best Way to Learn? All-Over Designs

To get comfortable, start with simple, all-over quilting designs like a basic meander. Some might call it boring, but it’s a fantastic way to understand how your machine moves. Try:

🌀 Basic Meander – Smooth, flowing lines that mimic puzzle pieces.
🎀 Ribbon Meander – Add a second line following the first to create a ribbon-like effect.
🌸 Flower Meander – Simple daisies spaced evenly across the quilt.
❤️ Echo Quilting – Add echoes around your designs to help you move more smoothly across the quilt.

These patterns allow you to build muscle memory and develop confidence before tackling more intricate designs.

Custom Quilting Starts Here

Many quilters jump into computerized quilting immediately, which is great, but even if you use a computer, learning the feel of your machine will make you a better quilter. Donation quilts are a perfect way to practice—you’ll gain confidence while doing something meaningful!

Next Week: Developing Your Signature Style

One of my viewers asked about developing a signature quilting style. That’s a fantastic topic, and I’ll be covering it in my next live session! Stay tuned for tips on how to make your quilting truly yours.

Make sure to check out my recent YouTube Live! Follow me there, Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok!

In the meantime, let me know in the comments: Do you have a quilt top you’ve been waiting to quilt? Let’s hold each other accountable and finally just start!