Of course, you can mix and match the quilt patterns to something unique as well.

These pattern ideas are for beginners as well as advanced quilters who are looking for fresh ideas. Regardless of your skill level, you should find something or another that catches your fancy. You can also check out the ‘How To Make A Quilt By Hand?’ guide if you are a complete novice at quilting.

Before we get started, you may be wondering why these quilt patterns are perfect for beginners. These quilt patterns are perfect for a novice because:

• These patterns use basic shapes and are easy to assemble. Think of large squares and rectangles.
• Precuts and quilt kits can also be used for these patterns. This will save you time in the fabric cutting phase.

You can Get Quilt Kits Online and in stores from places like Amazon, Etsy, and Bluprint.

Here are the top 12 quilt patterns of 2021:

1) Fast Four Patch Quilt

This is a simple and fast four patch design by Amy from Diary of a Quilter. This one is super easy and a great pattern to start your quilting experience with. If you want an in-depth look at the guide to make the Fast Four Patch Quilt, check out Amy’s blog.

2) Free Motion Quilted Towels

Jamie from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom has a great idea with Free Motion Quilted Towels. This idea is sure to bring some color to your plain white towels. You can also use free-motion quilted towels as gifts.

3) Simple Sixteen Quilt Pattern

This 30s retro pattern uses 16” blocks to make a simple and elegant quilt pattern. Brought back into 2021 by Lindsey at Fort Worth Fabric Studio, this is an easy pattern for beginners. You can also scale and size it to your liking.

4) Baby Boutique Quilt Pattern

This quilt pattern is a modern and elegant idea for a baby quilt. Ivory Spring brought this into fashion and have provided their customers with a digital guide.  This in-depth guide tells you everything from fabric selection to cutting and stitching for the perfect Baby Boutique Quilt.

 5) Gingham Coral Quilt Top

What was old and boring a few years ago is now retro and hip. This is how the Gingham Coral Quilt Top is making a comeback in 2021. This funky quilt pattern was reintroduced to the modern world by Allison from Cluck Cluck Sew. The beginner-friendly quilt pattern is a great choice for anyone who wants an easy-to-make design.

6) Friendship Quilt Along By Amanda Herring Designs

Grow your friendships by quilting block by block. Get in touch with Amanda Herring on her website and find the block you want to work with. Create your unique idea that meshes with the rest of the design and send it to Amanda.

7) Sweet Squares Quilt Pattern

The Sweet Squares Quilt Pattern is an easy find to get started in the world of quilting. Invented by Beverly from Flamingo Toes, this easy to make idea is super popular in 2021. Beverly also has a new fabric line that’s worth a visit called Vintage Adventures.

8) Easy Scrappy Strips Baby Quilt Tutorial & Quilt Pattern

Rather than the old designs for baby quilts, this one has a modern twist that’s great for the eyes. You can choose the fabrics to match the theme and set it to the gender of the child. Melissa from Polka Dot Chair also has small-sized versions of these for sale.

9) Quilted Key Fob

This is one of those ideas that looks plain but turns out to be great. These key fobs are easy to make and a great gift idea. I’ve used this as a gift for my office staff. You can also add initials to these with unlimited customization options. Leigh Laurel Studios has a great tutorial for making these Quilted Key Fobs.

10) Harvest Quilt Pattern

Art Gallery Fabrics has a great Instagram account chockfull of great Quilt patterns, like this Harvest Quilt Pattern. I liked this quilt pattern by Bonnie Christine because of its clean look. If you’re looking for a good quilt for the winter with some neutral tones, Harvest Quilt Pattern is for you.

11) Super Easy Zig Zag Quilt Pattern

This is a perfect quilt pattern for beginners. With this design, your quilt will be ready in a matter of hours. Prep is also easy with simply having to cut out 5” squares in the zig-zag pattern.

12) Fabric Checkers Quilt Pattern

Whether you are into board games like checkers or casino games, you can make it into a quilt pattern. This one I found online is designed to be a playable checkers game. The pieces are removable with the board being the quilted area.

The post Online research and patterns in 2021 appeared first on feedsacklady.com.

We quilt by hand because it makes the project more personal while providing a softer finish. This soft finish is something that machines are unable to replicate. Simply put, there is something perfect in the imperfections within the hand-made quilt.

If you’re new to the world of quilting and wondering ‘How To Make a Quilt By Hand?’, here’s your answer:

Start With Your Quilting Supplies:

Before you start getting into the Zen of quilting, you need to gather your supplies.

Here’s what you need to start quilting:

• Needles: Get a few needles of different sizes. We recommending using the size 10 needles for most of your quilting. But you may need a bigger needle if you are using multiple layers or thicker fabrics. Get high-quality needles because they can make your life a lot easier because of their strength and sharpness.
• Thread (And Conditioner): You will need threads to stitch your fabrics together. Cotton thread is the most common but you can try out some others to find one that you’re happy with. Usually, you should pick the type based on your fabric choice. That is, if you have an all-cotton fabric, consider using cotton threads. You will also need the threads in different colors with the most common being white and black. Conditioners like Tread Magic are optional and can help prevent the stitches from knotting.
• Quilting Hoops: Get a set of Quilting hoops based on your project’s requirements. There are all sorts of quilting hoops, including handheld, lap, and floor quilt hoops. Do note that some projects like a pillowcase may not even need a hoop. Be sure to not over-tighten the quilt in the hoop as it needs some leeway for you to stitch properly.

Get Started With Hand Quilting:

After getting your supplies in order, get to quilting:

1. Get An 18 Inches Thread: Start with cutting your thread to roughly 18 Inches. Longer than 18” and it will tangle and any shorter and you’re going to have to frequently switch threads. After getting an 18” thread, tie the end into a small knot. Thread the needle and thread through the quilt’s back to the exact spot you plan to start quilting. Ensure that the knot at the end is embedded into the quilt’s back while being hidden.
2. Start Stitching: Even and small stitches are the way to go with hand quilting. Try to aim for six stitches per inch with experienced quilters reaching 8-12 stitches per inch. Using your hands to support the top and bottom of the fabric can also help with the stitching.
3. Load The Stitches: When stitching, don’t pull the thread all the way. Instead, make 2-3 loose stitches before gently pulling the thread to tighten the stitches. Be sure to use even tension while pulling the thread. After loading the stitches, start with the next section of stitches and continue the cycle.

Follow these steps and you will be able to make a quilt by hand in just an evening.

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For these beginners, rather than buying all the required supplies individually, quilt kits may be more effective. These kits can include everything you need to complete your quilt project.

Benefits Of Using Quilt Kits:

• You get all the materials (fabrics, threads, needles, etc.) within the quilt kits.
• The fabrics are precut, speeding up the prep time.
• Patterns and instructions are provided – perfect for beginners.
• Allows you to finish making the quilt in a shorter period. 

You can purchase Quilt Kits online and anyone who knows the basics of quilting can use them. Here are the 5 Best Quilt Kits For Beginners you can buy online:

Get Your Quilting Kit Today:

Quilting is fun but the prep work is not. So, why not eliminate the prep work by getting a quilting kit today.

You can also enjoy quilting without running out of fabric or adjusting your pattern because of poor fabric cuts. The time saved will also be worthwhile and you may be able to finish off the project in an evening.

Later on, as you become adept at quilting, you can get quilt kits with more complex designs. These will bring a new layer of challenge and hours of fun too.

1) Quilt Kit Autumn Leaves

The Quilt Kit Autumn Leaves is a ready-to-sew kit is the perfect beginner-friendly quilt kit. You can open up the kit and get started immediately since it comes with precut pieces. You can pick your backing fabric, batting, and thread. The finished product will have beautiful vintage visuals of autumn-themed flowers and leaves. The rich colors will contrast with the solids making for a grand quilt that is sized at 60” x 60”.

This kit includes:

• Precut fabric squares
• Kona cotton embroidery blocks
• Sashing and trim

2) Primitive Gatherings Deep Blue Quilt Kit

If you are a fan of subtle designs and colors, the Primitive Gatherings Deep Blue Quilt Kit is for you. The different shades frame the small print patterns giving you a classic design to impress. The result will be a beautiful 88” x 88” quilt that will fit your bed without issue.

This kit includes:

• Pattern design
• Precut cotton pieces for top and binding

3) Sister’s Choice Table Runner Quilt Kit

This quilt kit by Maywood Studio provides you with a great table runner. The pre-cut fabrics will make it a breeze to create. It will also impress your dinner guests with your dedication and handiwork. You can create table runner pods that are joined together to make the 13” x 58”.

This kit includes:

• Pattern and instructions from Debbie Beaves.
• Precut fabric pieces for top, backing as well as binding.

4) Connecting Threads Beginner Quilt Kit – Half-Square Triangle

This starter’s kit comes with 100% precut cotton fabrics with coordinated colors. You can practice your basic piecing methods with this project and still be done in a day. Make enough of the half-square triangles and join them together to create a 40.5” x 56.5” quilt.

This kit includes:

• Pattern by Mari Martin
• Instructional guide
• 12 cotton fabric quarters for the top and binding

5) Connecting Threads Lahaina Throw Quilt Kit

The Connecting Threads Lahaina Throw Quilt Kit comes with beautiful foliage and floral patterns with loads of pinks and greens. The medallion-style design is interesting but still in the range of beginner quilters. The finished quilt comes out to be 58” x 68” and looks beautiful and fresh.

This kit includes:

• Quilt pattern
• 100% cotton fabric for top and binding
• Quilting guide

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Buying Individual Tools Vs. Buying Quilting Kits:

Instead of buying each tool, you can consider getting a quilting kit. These quilting starter kits can come with all the tools, fabric, and batting you would need to start quilting.

Of course, the downside of the all-in-one kit is that their quality is often subpar and don’t last very long. On the other hand, if you buy the individual tools, you’re bound to get better quality tools that will last.

Related post: 5 Best Quilt Kits For Beginners

Here is the list of the 10 best tools for quilting:

1) Rotary Cutting Mat And Rotary Rulers

Rotary cutting mats help protect the surface from cuts you make to the fabric. Buy a rotary cutting mat that fits your need. If you take quilting classes, but a portable one. And if you work on a desk, get an appropriately sized one. We recommend a 24” x 36” mat for home sewing.

Transparent rotary rulers can also make the cutting process super easy. Here, we recommend you get a 6” x 24” rotary ruler as a minimum. You can get a square 24” x 24” one if you aren’t going to be traveling with it as well.

2) Cotton Quilting Fabrics

Initially, avoid expensive and difficult fabrics like satins and velvets. Instead, stick with good old quilting cotton for your fabrics. Also, getting quilting cotton fabric over regular cotton fabric can help improve your quilt’s durability. But, either way, work with cotton until you get confident enough to start using other fabrics with ease.

You can also stock up on fabrics to use for a later quilting project. Be sure to have a variety of fabric colors and patterns in your selection. It’s also not required to fill up your stock immediately either. When I buy new fabric, I get an extra yard or so and keep it for later. Once I have enough, I make a rag quilt or something that works with a wide range of fabric styles.

3) An Iron And Ironing Board

If you are going to work with fabrics, an iron and ironing board is a necessary tool. Of course, the ones you have at home will do just fine. But if you are planning to buy an iron, get a fairly heavy one. It’s the weight and heat combination that works to give you a crisper finish.

I would recommend a Rowenta iron for a hardcore quilter. A quality ironing board for quilting would be Big Board. This is a big rectangular board that will make it easy to press quilt tops and other fabrics.

4) Pins And Needles

Pins and needles are essential items when you are talking about quilting. When picking pins, be sure to get thin pins with larger heads because this makes them easier to use. Glow-in-the-dark pins can also make it easier when they are eventually dropped on the floor.

As for needles, you will need a few sizes of needles. This entirely depends on the type of quilting you will be doing. Also, note that needles for sewing machines are different from those used for hand-quilting.

5) Cotton Thread

Unlike other types of sewing, quilting is best done with cotton threads. Using polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester threads can damage cotton quilts. But remember that the cotton thread for hand-quilting is different from the thread for machine work.

As for their colors, you should go for medium gray or tan as your main threads. I recommend these because they blend well with most fabrics. You may also pick a light and dark gray thread spool as well. You won’t need these frequently but you should keep some in stock in case you need them.

6) Rotary Cutter

While a rotary cutter isn’t essential when you are getting started, it does make life easier over using scissors. It’s also a great skill to have mastered when you get to more advanced designs and patterns.

You have plenty of options when picking out a rotary cutter. Just take a look online and visit your local quilt shop to try them out. Rather than any particular brand, the feel of the tool is more important here.

7) Sewing Machine

Hand quilting is fun but if you’re planning a big project, you’re going to need a sewing machine. Mind you, this doesn’t have to be a big purchase either.

A cheaper sewing machine is good enough when it comes to quilting. Just keep in mind that it should allow you to sew a ¼” seam allowance. You can also look for sewing machines that accept a walking foot which is great for straight machine quilting. This type of machine is optional because it is only beneficial if you are looking to sew straight.

8) Quilt Design Wall

This is a simple concept that lets you tack your blocks onto the design wall. The wall allows you to keep track of your quilt blocks as well as assemble them into the intended pattern.

You can choose to make your own from batting or flannel. I have done this myself. However, if you don’t want to go that route, buying a ready-made design wall online is also feasible.

9) Fabric Scissors And Paper Scissors

While rotary cutters are a great tool, scissors will always have a place in quilting. The scissors you need to buy are for fabric as well as another pair for paper.

Fabric scissors are different from paper scissors and using them on paper can cause them to go blunt. At the start, I suggest you get a pair each but cheap ones. You can upgrade to expensive shears later.

10) Seam Ripper

When quilting, you are bound to make mistakes. One of these mistakes is imperfectly lined threads. So, bring in a seam ripper to make it a cinch.

There are plenty of seam rippers out there but go for one that has a fine head. I found Clover’s seam ripper to be the best value for money option on the internet. But another brand works as well.

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While there are simple and complex stitches you can learn, this list will focus on beginner-friendly stitches. Here are the 13 basic quilting stitches you need to know:

1) Outline Quilting

The stitching in Outline Quilting is done along the edge of the design. The benefit of this stitch is that it accentuates the design to give it a padded effect.

2) Free Form Quilting

This is a more advanced quilting stitch that requires some practice before it looks even. In this stitch, you use your free-motion stitches to make the stitches randomly. Doing it right allows it to look good but it can look off if it isn’t even.

3) Template Quilting Designs

Using templates to replicate a more complex-looking design is possible, even for amateurs. You can get professional templates that also indicate where the stitches need to go. This allows for high-quality results every time.

4) Stitch In The Ditch Quilting

With this quilting stitch, you have to make the stitches on the seam of the intersection of the blocks.  The benefit of this is that the stitching is not visible and the seam is also reinforced.

5) Crazy Quilting Stitches

Crazy quilting stitches are exactly as the name sounds. With this stitch, you make your stitches over fabric as well as its seams. This can be used for decorative purposes as well as for creating a hand-made border embroidery.

6) Corded Quilting Stitches (Italian Quilting)

The design of this quilting stitch creates a thin double line without any breaks. This creates a channel in between the stitches that are threaded with a thick soft Italian quilting wool later.

7) Shadow Quilting

Shadow quilting is similar to the previous double line quilting method. The biggest difference is that the stitches are done through the thin fabric following the shapes of the middle layer. Colored wool is also threaded through the double line channel to create the shadow.

8) Kantha Quilting / Sashiko Quilting

The Kantha quilting method lets you run stitches throughout the quilt. These stitches hold the pieces together and look cohesive while doing it.

9) Square Or Diamond Quilting Stitches

Square quilting stitches are rows of parallel stitches that form squares. Diamond-shaped stitches do the same but with the stitches being diagonal in the shape of diamonds.

10) Stipple Quilting / Meandering Quilting Stitches

Stipple quilting stitch is a variation of the free motion stitch. However, the stitches here don’t cross each other. These are used to fill unfilled areas and impose a raised look in the areas.

11) Horizontal Quilting Stitches

The Horizontal quilting stitches are the easiest to learn. All you have to do is make straight-line stitches in parallel rows. You can use masking tape or fabric chalk as a guide for this stitch.

12) Trapunto Quilting

This is an extra padded quilting technique where padding is added after the stitching is done. The added padding allows the motif to stand out and have greater emphasis.

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But how do you go about choosing batting for a quilt? Well, rather than overwhelming you with info, I’m going to break quilt batting for you. There are plenty of options when it comes to batting, but reading this article should help clear out your confusion.

There are two factors you should consider when choosing batting for a quilt:

• Loft: The thickness of your batting. Low Loft batting gives you a thinner quilt but is easier to stitch at home. High Loft batting can result in thicker quilts that feel like a high-quality comforter. High Loft quilts are a little more advanced than Low Loft quilts but provide greater insulation and fluffiness.
• Fiber: The material of your batting. Polyester, Cotton & Poly Blend, and 100% Cotton are the most common quilt batting materials. You can also find Silk, Bamboo, and Wool to be interesting and unique alternatives.

Here’s a little more detail into the types of Batting fabrics you can choose for your quilt:

Polyester Batting For Quilts:

Polyester is the least expensive material to choose from for quilting. Its also durable and lightweight, making it a favorite for many quilters. If you are looking for batting for hand-quilting, the low loft polyester is a great choice. This is because it doesn’t need to be quilted closely to stay together. This type of batting is also one of the warmer options to go for.

You can also choose the high loft option if you are looking to make a thicker quilt. The only downside of polyester batting is that it is known to ‘beard’. Bearding is when the polyester fibers come outside through the fabric.

100% Cotton Batting For Quilts:

Cotton is light and breathable and feels like a thick flannel. If you are looking to make a quilt that will be frequently used and washed, go for 100% cotton batting. It does shrink a little after the first wash but this also results in a softer feeling quilt. Washing cotton quilts are also a breeze and they also last a long time.

That said, 100% cotton requires the stitches to be closer together as compared to polyester. It’s also the heaviest batting you can use. So, using it for a child’s quilt may not be a great idea. This is especially true if you plan to use high loft 100% cotton batting.

Cotton/Poly Batting For Quilts:

Cotton blends (common ratios are 80% cotton: 20% polyester) provide you the best of both worlds. This is less expensive than 100% cotton and doesn’t shrink either. While you can hand stitch with cotton/poly batting, we recommend you use machine stitching instead. This is also my preferred batting choice when it comes to quilts.

You can also look for battings with ‘Scrim’. Scrim is a thin layer of stabilizer inside the batting that helps maintain the structural integrity of the batting. This makes your quilt strong as well as stable. It also allows your stitches to be further apart. However, the scrim can make it difficult for hand-quilting and is designed to be used with machine quilting.

Bamboo Batting For Quilts:

If you are an eco-warrior, bamboo batting is a great option for quilts. That said, most bamboo battings are sold with a cotton blend, which improves their breathability. You can machine quilt this batting as well as hand quilt it.

You can also get Bamboo Fusible batting that has fusible resin on both sides of the batting. Ironing the three layers can bind them together temporarily. For most quilters, fusible batting is used for small projects because of its price.

Wool Batting For Quilts:

Wool is a premium batting option for making luxurious quilts. Wool is warm as well as light-weight. It also resists creasing and folding. However, there are a few drawbacks when it comes to wool batting. The high price tag is something that puts off most people considering wool for their next project. It may also cause allergic reactions for some people.

So, if you are planning to make a wool quilt as a gift, make sure that the receiver isn’t allergic. You should also check the label to see if the wool batting has been pre-shrunk. This is because 100% natural wool fibers shrink after use and wash.

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If you master these techniques, even your simple beginner-level quilt will look like the work of a pro. And if you want to get better at quilting, there is no way around learning these techniques.

1) Get Familiar With Quilting Terminology

The fun world of Quilting is rather complex, with phrases and terminologies that are unique to quilting. To start with quilting, getting a grasp of the terminology used will help greatly. Patterns, guides, and instructions are often packed with these and can make it sound overly complex.

A starter’s guide to quilting should help you get started with this. You can also read quilting articles and websites like this one to get a better grasp of the basics. Plus, there’s always Google if all else fails.

2) Understand The Different Fabric Qualities

Before you touch that needle, you need to know the differences between the quilting fabrics. Of course, you can use quilting kits that provide you with all the necessary material to get started. But even so, you should know the difference between 100% cotton, polyester, cotton blend, and more.

Understanding the fabrics will also help you better select the right fabric for your quilt. It will also help you follow specific guidelines that only work with certain fabrics.

3) Learn Quick Piecing Techniques

Piecing techniques can help save hours of your quilting process and are super easy to learn. There are several quick piecing techniques you can find online but I recommend starting with Strip piecing.

In addition to creating pre-sewn units from large fabric chunks, you can also make any quilt block with these techniques.

4) Become An Ironing Expert

Ironing each piece before stitching may seem like a chore, but it will help save you a lot of time. You should also be setting the seams before ironing on one side to improve your patchwork.

Ironing your patches before stitching will allow them to fit perfectly. This will help out to avoid using the seam ripper.

5) Develop Your Rotary Cutting Skills

Speed is the benefit you can get with using rotary cutters. Using scissors is so yesterday. Making templates and cutting fabric pieces can be super-fast and easy with rotary cutting tools.

Improving your rotary cutting skills will also make the quilting process more fun. It will allow you to find more complex patterns to try quilting.

6) Measure and Sew Borders the Correct Way

One of the final pieces to be added to your quilt will be the boarders. It will help frame your work while helping to hide the slightly skewed edges.

If you measure the quilt along the outside edges, you may end up getting a skewed quilt in the end. Instead, make sure that you measure and sew borders that help enforce the quilt’s structure.

7) Be Sure to Try Mitered Binding

One of the hardest skills to pick up is sewing mitered bindings to the quilt edges. However, the right guide can help make this an easy learning experience.

For most people, they struggle with bindings that are wider or narrower than ¼”.

8) Don’t Obsess Over Errors

Quilting is the art of making something new from the old. So, while your quilt may be slightly skewed or a pattern may not have turned out perfectly, it’s fine. You shouldn’t worry about or obsess over imperfections with quilting.

Each quilt is a hand-crafted piece of art and shows the hard work and passion you put into it. Just know that the imperfections are what give quilting its character.

9) Don’t Discard Those Misshaped Blocks

When sewing your blocks individually, some may not end up the same as the others. But be sure not to throw these away. You are bound to find a use for them something, whether in this project or the next.

You should ensure that you have extra fabric. This is so that you don’t run out of material when you make mistakes.

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