New to Quilting? Start Here.
Welcome. I'm so glad you found your way here.
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed by where to begin, that's completely normal. Quilting has a lot of moving parts, and it's easy to spend more time Googling "how to quilt" than actually quilting. This page is designed to cut through the noise and give you a clear, step-by-step path from your very first block to your very first finished quilt.
I'm Tiffany Bynum, the pattern designer and educator behind Straight Stitching. I started quilting in 2022 with no formal training, so I know exactly what it feels like to be where you are right now. Everything on this page is built around what I wish I had when I started.
Let's get you quilting.
Step 1: Understand the Basics
Before you touch a rotary cutter, it helps to understand a few foundational concepts. These aren't complicated, but knowing them early will save you a lot of frustration.
What is a quilt block? A quilt block is the repeating unit that most quilts are built from. Think of it as one tile in a larger pattern. Learn one block well, and you can make an entire quilt out of it.
What is a quarter-inch seam? In quilting, almost everything is sewn with a quarter-inch seam allowance. Getting this right makes the difference between blocks that line up and blocks that don't. It's the single most important habit to build early.
What is pressing? Pressing (not ironing - there's a difference) sets your seams and keeps your blocks flat and accurate. It matters more than most beginners realize.
Step 2: Learn Your First Quilt Blocks
These are the traditional blocks I recommend for beginners. They teach you the core skills of quilting, they're genuinely satisfying to make, and each one builds on the last.
Nine Patch The most beginner-friendly block in traditional quilting. Nine squares sewn together. Simple, versatile, and the foundation for dozens of more complex designs. Read the Nine Patch tutorial →
Rail Fence Three strips. One block. A fantastic introduction to strip piecing, which is one of the most useful techniques in quilting. Read the Rail Fence tutorial →
Log Cabin A classic for good reason. The Log Cabin block teaches you to work from the center outward and gives you a real feel for how quilt design decisions affect the finished look. Read the Log Cabin tutorial →
Churn Dash Your first step into slightly more complex piecing. This one combines squares, rectangles, and half-square triangles which makes it the perfect bridge block before you move into techniques. Read the Churn Dash tutorial →
Step 3: Learn the Essential Techniques
Once you're comfortable with basic blocks, these two techniques will unlock almost everything else in quilting. Most traditional patterns use at least one of them.
Half-Square Triangles (HSTs) HSTs are probably the most-used unit in traditional quilting. Once you know how to make them accurately, a huge range of patterns becomes accessible to you. I've put together a complete guide that covers multiple methods, a sizing formula, and my honest recommendation for beginners. Read: How to Make Half-Square Triangles →
Flying Geese Flying geese are the second technique I'd recommend learning. They show up in everything from sampler quilts to complex star patterns. My tutorial covers the most beginner-friendly method plus the fix I always use to get the sizing right. Read: How to Make Flying Geese →
Want a reference you can keep at your cutting table? Download my free cheat sheets. They're quick-reference guides for HSTs, flying geese, and more with formulas, common sizes, and tips. Download the free cheat sheets →
Step 4: Try Your First Pattern
When you're ready to put it all together, here are the patterns I recommend for beginners. Each one is designed to be approachable from the start, with clear written instructions, detailed diagrams, and a testing process that makes sure the pattern actually works before it reaches you.
Sew Sampler - The best starting point in the Straight Stitching shop. This sampler-style pattern introduces you to multiple block types in a single project — so you learn a lot in one quilt. Perfect for practicing HSTs, strip piecing, and basic block construction all at once. Shop Sew Sampler →
Geometric Glee - My very first pattern, and I designed it to be as approachable as possible. It's a larger quilt built from squares, rectangles, and just a handful of half-square triangles. It’s a great choice if you're building confidence with basic shapes before moving into more complex techniques. Shop Geometric Glee →
Browse the full pattern collection →
Step 5: Watch on YouTube
If you're a visual learner, the Straight Stitching YouTube channel is the best place to see these techniques in action. I walk through the steps on camera so you can follow along at your own pace, pause, rewind, and sew alongside me.
Watch on YouTube: @StraightStitchingQuilts
I'd also recommend the Mosaics & More Block-of-the-Month series, which is ongoing throughout 2026. Each month covers a new block with full video instruction. It's a great way to build your skills gradually over time.
Watch the Mosaics & More playlist →
Step 6: Stay Connected
The best way to keep learning is to have a little encouragement showing up regularly. The Straight Stitching newsletter goes out consistently with technique tips, new patterns, and behind-the-seams updates from the studio.
And if you want a quick reference to keep at your cutting table, the free cheat sheets are always available for download.
Download the free cheat sheets →
You're More Ready Than You Think
Starting quilting can feel intimidating, but here's what I know after teaching beginners for years: the hardest part is the first cut. Once you start, the skills build faster than you expect.
Every quilt in the Straight Stitching shop was designed with you in mind. Every tutorial on this blog was written to make the technique actually make sense. And I'm here if you have questions.
Now go make something.