Your First Quilt Part 6: How to Wash and Label your Quilt 

I watched my grandmother make quilts on her treadle sewing machine when I was only four years old. I started sewing when I was 11. I started making quilts when I was 17. I am now 62. However,, four years ago I had a devastating stroke. Even though I went through intensive stroke rehab and worked with occupational therapists for an extended amount of time, I found it impossible to understand how to make quilts. It was so disappointing and discouraging. I tried but just gave up. However, a few weeks ago I decided I had to try again. I was tired of looking longingly at my fabrics sealed in tubs and my quilting supplies hanging on the wall. I put away the fancy computerized sewing machine and bought a very simple one. I've been watching your video over and over. I have now been able to figure it all out again, thanks to you, Melanie. I still couldn't do anything complicated but the basics are starting to return. Thank you, so much. You have no idea how much inspiration and help you have been to me in my slow, but long-continued recovery and my return to the life-long hobby I have loved so very much. From my heart, Carol

I had taken two quilting classes and afterward decided that quilting was not fo me. I felt intimidated and discouraged. One day, however, I came across an unfinished quilt top from the last class and decided that I ought to man up and complete it. Having forgotten everything I ever learned about quilting, I searched online for info and found your videos. I just finished my wall hanging today, and I have to say that because of your instructions, quilting became am completely wonderful experience. You directions are clear, and your method is low-key and reassuring. You made me feel that I really could pull it off! Thanks so much. You’re a great teacher!

7mo ago (it only took me this long because I'm a college student lol) I found your beginner's quiliting series, and I was really motivated to make a jumbo quilt. Just this morning, at 3am LOL, I finished my first quilt, and I made it special for my sister; I'll get to gift it to her this weekend for her graduation. I know you won't be able to read this, but I hope you know you inspired me so much, and I now want to continue learning how to quilt and make even more for the future. We love you Melanie ❤️

Thank you so much for these videos. I made my first ever quilt in 3 afternoons

I FINISHED MY FIRST QUILT! Moreover, I made some pretty big mistakes along the way but you taught me how to say screw it-the object wasn't this show worthy quilt but the product of all the learning that happened during quilting. When I improve I will probably smh at how bad this thing is, but for now I can't believe I made it!

Thanks Melanie, I finished my first quilt thanks to you! It was hard, I did a big mistake of combining different types of fabric. It didn’t come out perfect but I loved it. I’m definitely going to make more. I wanted to post a picture but I couldn’t

Thank you for this great tutorial Melanie! I finished my first quilt today and I am very proud of how it turned out and am ready for more! :)

Can't wait to start my first quilt!! So excited!! Thank you for your wonderful videos!! 😍

Thank you so much!! I have officially made my first quilt thanks to your help! I am beyond excited!

Thank you for your great job!

Loved this series! It was great! Thank you for making it!

Really good process, thank you

Mam you looking SUPER gorgeous and glamorous really And your video is awesome and outstanding really

Having finished my first quilt yesterday, I am overjoyed. I am 68 years old and made this quilt for my last grandchild , who born 8 days ago.

Just completed my first quilt in February 2024! What an amazing series. I'm so sad to learn she is no longer with us, but her videos are still here teaching people to quilt and that is an impressive legacy 💖

I did it! My first quilt!! Mixed emotions as I realize that I cannot thank Melanie personally. RIP and when I look at my "Wonkie" quilt...I will think of you and smile. You have so enriched my life thru your videos. May your children be blessed knowing how many lives their Mom has touched.

My first quilt is going to be called Quarantine 2020 lol

I’m 35 and have never sewed a day in my life. I bought my first sewing machine on an impulse to make masks for my family during the pandemic. I made my first quilt only by watching your videos, you broke each step down so the whole process never felt intimidating. I made my first quilt for my 2 yo daughter. Thanks, Melanie!!

Last month, my mom lost her sister and her niece. The family started going through their clothing and I watched mom crying while putting their stuff in bags. I took their clothes and cut them into squares, alternating each square with a bluebird or a dove, then I used your videos to make her a memory quilt. I wanted to thank you, because you have no idea the impact that made for my mom. You helped her grieve. I wish I could show you how well it turned out. Thank you so much.

I just made my very first quilt!! I am so proud that through Melanie's My First Quilt series, I was able to complete a quilt that will be gifted to my first grandson for Christmas 2023. Now on to one for my second grandson. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for leaving Melanie's videos up for those of us who were struggling to sew a beautiful quilt. She was an amazing quilting tutor and will be so missed. ❤

Learning how to make a quilt has ALWAYS been on my bucket list! My grandmother made beautiful quilts. She made sure each of us had 2 quilts each when we left for college, military etc... I have always felt that I should have expressed an interest in learning how she made those beautiful quilts. I've been in, during COVID, making masks but I finally feel as if I am ready to learn quilting. I have watched the entire series and I will be rewatching as I gather the supplies I need. Still have 6 weeks before I have to return to work. I am grateful I have the time now. You are a wonderful teacher!

I must say as a stay at home dad after watching this whole tutorial.... I WILL be venturing into this after im done getting more comfortable with my machine (brother LX2763) nothing special but enough for my intrest in this hobby! Thank you for a very well put together tutorial!

So heart broken to learn Melanie passed after her battle with cancer. I will make my first ‘Melanie’ quilt.

I just found you after searching for quilting for beginners. I’m so glad I did what a fantastic teacher. I been thinking of dabbling with quilting and this series has inspired me so much. Thank you for this series. X

So I just finished “my first quilt” and I want to tell you how helpful your videos have been. I saw them and felt inspired and ran out to get a sewing machine... that’s right I am the beginner of all beginners. I had never even used a machine before. It’s not perfect but I finished my first quilt. Thank you!

For Robert, the kids, and Mama Lisa: Reading these comments from so many where Melany helped recovery, moving forward, finding joy -- and learning the power of these activities literally to rebuild neurons and heal from major setbacks - just makes my day. Thank you for sharing Melanie with all of us. Creativity will always be her gift. What’s that saying?….”when the student is ready the teacher appears.” 😷✌️❤️❤️❤️

Its because of this video series I was able to make my first quilt. Its amazing

My mom made each of us, her 16 children a quilt. She was an old fashioned Black woman who came from very little means and did all the cutting and sewing of our old clothes by hand. I've always wanted to make a quilt but, in my pursuit of making music, I never stuck around long enough to learn from her how to make one. This was very informative and enjoyable. It brought back so many great memories of my Mom and who she was. Thank you so much. Love, Rachelle Beverly-Navy

Just finished my first quilt today- reluctant to call it the Coronavirus quilt so perhaps will leave it unnamed 😱. Thanks for the excellent tutorials - with hindsight I would have made my binding 3inches wide and think the joining of the binding at the very end needs to be clarified- I thought that the seam allowance needed to be doubled so I did that and it worked. Mine is far from perfect but I am feeling very proud.

I just completed my first quilt last night with the help of this series and I was sad to learn of her passing. I’m grateful for her passion and sending comfort to her family 💜

I am hand stitching the binding onto the back of my first ever quilt and I could not have done it without Melanie! She has walked me through every step of the way and knowing her legacy lives on through all of us still learning makes me smile. ❤

I am so grateful for these videos. My great grandmother made our family quilts for every occasion and unfortunately she passed on before I was able to learn the skill from her, thanks to Melanie I will be able to take part in the tradition and pass it on. Thank you Melanie rest in peace and thank you to the wonderful people who keep the channel and blog active. You are the good in this world!

I just finished mine and I think you did such a good job teaching. Holy crap I made a quilt!!! I'm really proud of myself

Brilliant helpful series. Just done my first quilt age 72. Never too old to start. Thanks Melanie Ham. ❤

Hi i have just watched all 6 tutorials and i can't wait to start making my first quilt for my grandaughter. Thank you so much Melanie for your help at getting me started. x

I just finished my first quilt. Thank you so much for this fantastic series. I have been wanting to make a quilt for many years but didn't know how and I felt that it was too big of an undertaking. Not all of my seams line up perfect and some of my straight line stitches are not quite straight, but I am still very happy with how it turned out. I am anxious to start on my next one. Thank you!

I've literally just started to want to quilt and yours were the first videos I found when I Googled. Thank you so much for making it so simple to understand. It's given me the confidence to get started. Thank you

I have been quilting for more years than you have been living. I’m OLD. I was searching for videos to help my S.I.L. Make a quilt for a new G.child. Well needless to say, I just watched all 6 of these wonderful teaching videos and I can not tell you how much I just learned from you. Thank you for sharing these so freely. Blessings.

This series is great for beginners, you explained everything so clearly. You are an amazing teacher, thank you!

I just found her channel and watched this whole tutorial on making a quilt, it breaks my heart knowing now she has passed that I cry every time I watch her I can't help it.. she was a beautiful soul.. fly high Melanie.. rip

Well, I just have to hand sew the binding and I'm done! It's done! My first ever quilt! I'm SO thrilled and can't wait to start my next one! Thank you Melanie. x

In October I was calling my mom in a panic about how to choose and use a bobbin... today I finished my first quilt! Thank you so much for this great, thorough, simple tutorial! You’ve done a really great job of making it accessible and not intimidating! Now onto the next one!!

I just finished my first quilt. I’m so thankful for these videos and am praying for the Ham family.

I just watched the entire series and I have to say, I feel I can actually take on the task of making a quilt!!! Thank you SO much for these videos!!!!

You guided me through my first quilt! Very good teacher and seem so patient. Thank you.

Hi Melanie I have just finished my first ever quilt today following the ‘ Your first quilt’ videos. I honestly thought I could never complete such a beautiful project but your tuition and detail in your videos are amazing!! You take the time to explain everything which is so helpful! Thank you so much for helping me create my first quilt :-)

Even though Melanie is no longer with us in body her spirit of creating beauty with our hands lives on in these videos. I've been seeing since the age of 5...(yes, that's 5) and used to make all my clothes from about junior high age on. I'm now 78. Years ago used to make all my girls' clothes except their panties and socks (had 4 at that time). But then got divorced, went to nursing school and ended up having to work 2 jobs to support all of us so I haven't done much sewing for years. But I always wanted to learn to quilt. Thanks to Melanie it doesn't appear so daunting now. Thank you, sweet soul, for your talent and love for us stitchers and for helping us learn. May you rest in peace,🌹🌻😇🙏

Melanie, this is a great series for beginners. I have recommended this series to new quilters. Thank you for inspiring a new generation of quilters!!

I just finished my first quilt. You made the process so easy. My grandmother use to make big beautiful quilts and now I finish my first one. Thank you

I saw your series today on making a beginning quilt and it was a fabulous series! You do a great job explaining everything and showing every detail in such an easy manner, especially for us who are just learning. I plan to continue watching and are so excited to view the other information you have put out and learn more skills. Thank You! You are awesome!

Best “my first quilt” series I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot after quilting for about 10 years. Well done!

I just completed my first quilt! Thank you Melanie for the beginner's quilting series. You have been such a blessing and I dedicate this quilt to you in your memory. ❤

Thank you for your videos! I completed my first quilt by watching all of the "My First Quilt" series of videos. They were all very clear to understand and easy to follow. I appreciated you making things simple and cutting out all the unnecessary steps that get beginners like me, discouraged. Thanks again Melanie!

This is my quarantine quilt as well. It's for my friend going through chemo. 💙

I loved all the “First Quilt” videos. I completed my very first quilt using your videos and I’m hooked. I’ve been sewing and altering clothes for more than 40 years and I’ve always wanted to make a quilt. Thank you for the videos. Can’t wait to make my next quilt!

I am newer to sewing and found your post after an evolution from needlepoint to sewing zipper pouches for the holiday. Before watching your tutorial, I never would have thought that I would be able to sew a quilt. I was amazed at how quick and easy it was following your step by step instructions. I really love the things you say about it now having to be perfect. I think those are critical for not getting side tracked and being able to complete the quilt. You have a really lovely presence and I enjoyed the tutorials!

Mad respect for you for making this tutorial available. Great and easy instructions to follow along with super clear video and pace. Thank you so much Melanie your a ⭐ Stay Blessed!

I loved this series. I have never made a quilt, but recently purchased fabric from the 1950's to make a quilt for my older sister who grew up in the fifties. She was young being born in 1949, but it has fond memories for us. I do sew, but I hope that I can do this properly. I have made outfits for my kids when they were small and curtains, so I think that I can do this. You explained everything so well. Wish me luck!

Thank you so much. Your territorial steps 1 to 6 were fabulous. I was so nervous to start quilting but, watching your Territorials gave me the confidence I needed. Thank you again

thank you for such a perfect and easy tutorial. I've been sewing for a few years now but this is the first project ive actually finished. I made a halloween themed baby blanket for my classmate. She is my second favorite mother.

As a beginner at quilting, I found this tutorial extremely informative, easy to follow, step by step instructions that are easy to remember and fun. Thank you so much!

I loved this series on beginning quilting! I haven’t started yet, but look forward to it after Christmas. Do you prewash your quilting fabric or wait until you’re finished to wash? Thanks for the great videos!

You made this seem less daunting than I imagined. I'm inspired to give it a go. Thank you so much! I will definitely give this series another watch when I am ready to start.

Thank you so much for a super informative series! Although I'm a professional sewer, I'd never ventured with a quilt. Now's the time!

I loved watching your 6 part beginner’s quilting tutorials on RU-vid this evening. What a lovely way to end my day. I saw some other videos about your illness and hope you are better now. Take care.

I came into quilting pretty much blind, not knowing anything about using a sewing machine or quilting/sewing. I watched and rewatched your videos and decided to start small in case I wasn't patient enough to finish a project. I made a really cute table runner to welcome the spring and I'm really proud how it turned out! Once my budget allows for it I will start planning my next project. Thank you!!!

Thank you for teaching me how to quilt. You are an amazing teacher who is warm and patient, even through a screen. I’m so happy with the results and I’m excited for the next step!!

I THOROUGHLY enjoyed your 6-part tutorial. In fact, it's the 1st one I watched. I've been sewing for 60 years (Dad taught me when I was 10). I think I'll give it a try. Thank you SOOO much.

Melanie, I wish you were here so I could tell you how invaluable your instruction has been in the making of my first quilt a memory quilt of my mommas clothes for my dad. My momma passed 10/08/2021. I’m going to gift it to him tomorrow. Father’s Day 2022. Thank you I felt you in spirit for sure and I am thrilled with the outcome. God bless you and your family.

Thank you for making this series! I love it :)

Wonderful thoughts on how to start quilting. The series is as concise as possible while detailed enough to be extremely helpful.

Thank you Melanie for all these videos on My First Quilt! Thoroughly enjoyed these sessions! Bless you! x

Melanie - thank you so much for this quilt series! I just finished washing and drying my quilt and it looks awesome. I couldn’t have made this awesome one of a kind baby quilt for my nephew without you. Thanks again!

I’ve always wanted to make a quilt. Thank You so much for making it fun and easy. I really enjoy following you!

I just finished my first quilt with help from this series. I love it and will probably make another one!! Thanks so much.

Thank you for your time and effort in making this video. I enjoyed it very much, and it has given me the confidence to start my own first quilt. My mom was great at sewing. Many of my childhood memories include her at her machine, or with a needle pursed between her lips. Sewing was what made her happy. (The countless hours at the fabric store, or digging through patterns made the rest of us crazy!) As a teenager, I was too busy rebelling to even think about sewing, and as soon as I was a mother, I was too busy to sew, but my mom always found time for it. As the years passed, my mom's sewing passion went from little cotton dresses to Prom dresses, to wedding gowns, to baby blankets, and found its home at quilting. While some of her quilts were simple, others were fancy, but they ALL were made with love. She got involved with a quilting ministry called Prayers and Squares that makes quilts for people in need of prayer. A group of quilters get together and make the quilt tops and bottoms and then one of them takes it home and hand sews the edges and adds untied strings to the quilt which will bind it. At the next gathering, each of the quilters will tie one of the ties while saying a prayer for the recipient, for what their particular prayer request was, and then it goes off to the church. The pastor announces that there is a quilt to be tied and after church, the congregation lines up to say their own silent prayers while tying a knot, binding that quilt in prayer. Sometimes the recipient is present, sometimes not, but they prayers are always there. I want to say that my mom was a part of thousands of quilts. I'm not really sure how many, but she devoted many years to the ministry. Sadly, in 2016, my mom passed away very suddenly. It was actually the way she always said she wanted to go. No warning, and no suffering. She left her Pfaff sewing machihne to my sister and her featherweight to my daughter. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I was a little jealous. It's silly. All those years, I had no interest in sewing, and suddenly I HAD to do it. I could just kick myself for not taking advantage of all her years of experience, that she so willingly would have shared with me. UGH. So, I start now, at nearly 58 years old. My first project will be a quilt for my friend, Terry, who is dying of cancer. Thank you again for your lesson. Dedicated to Carol Neville. I love you, Mom.

I have always wanted to experiment with quilting and after watching many other videos it seemed overwhelming. Just watched all six of your videos. You make it look super easy since your instructions were so clear. Can't wait to buy my supplies and start. Thanks for the great instructions!

Hello Melanie, I’m new to quilting however I have plenty of experience with sewing. I’m a Army veteran and plan on starting to build military themed quilts. I just watched your series for beginners and found them very helpful and once I have all the materials and supplies I will be using your videos as a guide for help. I’m a disabled combat vet and this type of crafting is therapeutic for me and I totally agree the end product is a work of art! Thank you for all of your helpful advice and excellent instructions!

Just finished my first quilt! What a wonderful gift you gave us! What a great legacy!

Hi Melanie! I just watched a whole series on the beginner quilts. I just bought all of the stuff and I’m going to try and make my first quilt! I have to say your videos are very easy to understand and I am very excited to get started! Thank you so much for these videos! I’ll let you know how it turns out !

I love your tutorials. I just watched your video on cutting squares. Excellent! You are inspiring.

I know Melanie is no longer with us but these videos were so helpful to me having never quilted before. Thankyou lovely Melanie for making these so simple and straight forward for a newbie like me.

Melanie, you are a fantastic teacher. I followed along and made my first quilt for my 3 year old nephew. I am soooo pleased with it, it turned out perfect.

Thank you for this series. I started a day after I first found your videos and then everything sat for about a year. Then last night/this morning I picked everything back up and finished my first quilt and it looks great (at least to me).

I love your tutorial step by step and very easy to follow. Thank you so much for the tips and for posting so religiously these helpful outlines to follow while sewing for beginners like myself.

Thank you Melanie,I’ve enjoyed this series and I’m hoping I get to try making my own quilts soon.

Quilting is also on my bucket list! Thank you for sharing all your information so patiently. I will definitely be giving this a try soon while watching your tutorials again.

Thank you so much for this series! It’s been so helpful. Very glad I found it!

This will be my first attempt to sew a quilt. I have watched many other videos and I must say yours made the process a lot easier to understand. I will be watching these same videos a few more times to get a better grasp before I get started. I will let you know how it turns out!

Thanks for this perfect first quilt tutorial, it’s exactly what I needed. ❤

I have 2 baby quilts that I just finished and I need to wash. Do I need to wash them separately or can I do them together?

Thank you for doing this quilt series. I started making a couple of quilts using your instructions. This was so easy and I learned a lot. I finished both quilts today and they turned out beautiful! Thank you again!

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your quilting videos on the first quilt. So clear and concise. Thank you!!!!!!! So much.

This was the most fun I have had in a long time!!! It turned out beautifully !!!❤❤

Thanks to you Melanie for your teaching technique! I made my first quilt because of you.....love it!

Your an amazing teacher! I can't wait to make more quilts. Thank you

I can’t wait to start my first quilt! Thank you! You make it look so easy! While waiting for my fabric to arrive I’m going to watch your series a couple of more times. I love your channel!

My fourth quilt made under Melanie’s tutelage, just to keep the process right. She was such a great teacher and such a joyful person. What a blessing she was to us all. Thank you for sharing her with us.

This was an extremely helpful and well-done series. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

Having finished 2 quilts now and a third already in the process, I think these videos are amazing and if you are not sure where to start in you first quilt these will help a ton! Without these videos I don’t think I would have finished my first quilt! Thank You!