A new quilter? You've come to the right place! Choose from more than 30 free quilt patterns for beginners - I'm sure you'll find your favorite!
Choosing your first quilting pattern can be so exciting - but also, a bit overwhelming. There are so many, and not all are suitable for someone who's just starting out. I'm here to help you select one that you'll also finalize.
Table Of Contents
- Tips before you start quilting
- What makes a quilt pattern beginner-friendly?
- What is the easiest quilt pattern for a quilting beginner?
- Free beginner quilt patterns list
- An Easy Panel Quilt
- Whole Cloth Geometric Quilt Tutorial
- A Simple Strip Quilt
- Easy strip quilt pattern
- Simple Patchwork Color Blocked Quilt
- Fast Four Patch Quilt
- Stairway Baby Quilt
- Easy Patchwork Quilt
- Simple Basket Weave Quilt Pattern
- Minimal Triangles Quilt Pattern
- Nine Patch Quilt
- Two Hour Baby Quilt
- Gradient Quilt
- Tiny Tile Quilt
- Easy Snowball Quilt Pattern
- Fat Quarter Fancy Quilt Pattern
- Lap Of Luxe Quilt Pattern
- Chevron Quilt (the easy way…)
- Easy Herringbone Quilt
- Summertime Herringbone Quilt
- Arrows Quilt Pattern
- Heart Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
- A Simple Triangle Quilt
- Giant Star Baby Quilt Pattern
- Ten-square quilt tutorial
- Fat Quarter Whirlwind Quilt Free Pattern
- Big Star Quilt Free Pattern
- Scrappy Easy Rainbow Quilt Pattern
- Easy Basket Quilt Pattern
- Patchwork Star Baby Quilt
- Low Volume Quilt Tutorial
- Free Squared Quilt Pattern
- Helpful Tips For First-Time Quilters
- WANT MORE FREE TUTORIALS AND GOODIES?
Tips before you start quilting
How to start your first quilting project? Here are the most important tips to help. First, let me help you find out your desired size, and fabric for your first quilt - just a few tips before you begin:
What are the best quilt sizes for beginners?
For beginners, it's best to start with smaller quilt sizes like baby quilts or lap quilts. These sizes are more manageable and quicker to complete, allowing beginners to practice their skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Baby quilts are typically made in sizes from 30" by 40", then 36" square, up to 36" by 52" for crib-size quilt patterns. A standard size for a throw or lap quilt would be 50" x 65".
TIP: The smallest size for a quilt also allows you to use regular yardage - no need to purchase any wide-back fabric for the backing.
What quilt pattern should I choose as my first quilting project?
I want you to have tons of options, but if you ask me for the very simplest way to do a first quilt, then go either with a whole cloth quilt like this panel quilt tutorial, or choose a big-block quilt pattern for beginners - those will take the least time and effort. Also, if you want to start quilting on a smaller scale, a baby-sized quilt is a great choice.
What fabric to choose for my first quilt?
I'll be blunt here: start with quilting cotton, by all means. Here's a list of top fabric stores online if you want to look for quilting cotton. You'll have plenty of opportunities to experiment with other types of fabric at a later stage, once you've created a few of these beginner-friendly quilts. The only other material that I could recommend if you're a beginning quilter would be linen.
Utilize Pre-cut Fabrics! - Want to skip the cutting phase? Pre-cut fabric packs are a game-changer! They will allow you to dive straight into piecing - without the hassle of measuring and cutting. Yay!
How much fabric do I need for my quilt?
As mentioned, making a baby quilt will give you a lot of freedom to work with whatever yardage or precuts you already have at hand. Usually, you'll need at least a bit over a yard of fabric (36" by the width of fabric) for the backing, and any size scraps, precuts, or yardage for the front, depending on the pattern you select for your quilt. Make sure to either get or make quilt binding.
How to cut quilt pieces accurately?
- Use a sharp rotary cutter for clean edges.
- Measure twice, cut once—accuracy is your best friend.
.. which brings us to the quilting tools to use.
The basic quilting tools you need
Before you begin, ensure your toolkit is equipped with the 3 essentials:
- a good rotary cutter
- a cutting mat, and
- a quilting ruler.
These three tools will not only make quilting easier but also help you be more precise with your quilting projects.
Here's a post on more quilting tools that might help you.
What makes a quilt pattern beginner-friendly?
When you are looking for a beginner-friendly quilt pattern, pay attention to these features:
- look for a quilt with simple shapes such as squares, rectangles, and triangles.
- Large blocks will keep things super simple while you learn.
- No tiny blocks, and especially no intricate, detailed patterns. Save those for later.
- There should be a detailed set of instructions, a step-by-step with tips included. Images or photos play a big role.
- pattern size matters: if this is your first project, start with a baby quilt pattern size or a throw quilt size.
What is the easiest quilt pattern for a quilting beginner?
I often get a question about which quilt pattern is the easiest to make. A few ideas, starting with the whole cloth quilt, then large strip quilt patterns, and finally, big block quilt patterns.
As for smaller patchwork blocks, there are several amazing hacks that will turn an intricately-looking quilt pattern into an easy one, and I've included those gems into the list too. I want you to have all the options!
Free beginner quilt patterns list
Check out my favorites from all the quilting patterns for beginners - I'm sure you'll find a favorite too: starting with whole cloth quilts and strip quilt patterns, followed by square quilt blocks, half-square triangle quilts, herringbone quilt patterns, and a whole lot of combinations.
All of these quilts are super fun and easy to make. Whether you are a new quilter wanting to make a first quilt or an experienced quilter looking for ideas for the perfect quilt that only takes a weekend, this list will have something for you!
Choose your favorite from these beautiful and simple quilt patterns - or make them all!
1
An Easy Panel Quilt
See how to make a beautiful but super simple quilt from a fabric panel - all my beginner quilting tips included! No piecing, no fuss,nofancy equipment. If I can do it, you can do it too! (And see where I hung it!)
2
Whole Cloth Geometric Quilt Tutorial
Photo Credit:persialou.com
If you have no panels at hand but would want to make a whole cloth quilt, you can use solid fabric and add a contrasting thread to quilt it. So clever!
3
A Simple Strip Quilt
Photo Credit:www.polkadotchair.com
Next stop: a strip quilt, because a strip quilt is even easier to make than a simple square patchwork quilt. This red, white, and blue version is a strip quilt too. It finishes at 60″ x 72″, which is an excellent size for a lap quilt.
4
Easy strip quilt pattern
Photo Credit:www.quiltylove.com
Notice the large strips of fabric? Just alternate two prints and sew big chunks together - and here it is! I find this a great idea. This quilt measures about 52in x 63in.
5
Simple Patchwork Color Blocked Quilt
Photo Credit:www.polkadotchair.com
Talk about a stunning ombre effect here, and that JUST by smart placement of the square blocks. Create the dark-to-light effect of an ombre design using this free quilt design. Can you imagine it's just plain simple squares here? Basic and beautiful.
6
Fast Four Patch Quilt
Photo Credit:www.diaryofaquilter.com
This quilt is so versatile that you can use whatever color scheme or palette you want. Equally important, it's an easy pattern, perfect for beginners who want to try a patchwork quilt and want a tiny bit more variety than the standard, equally-sized squares.
7
Stairway Baby Quilt
Photo Credit:www.abrightcorner.com
Adorable prints and bright color combinations, paired with an easy pattern, what more can I ask for! The quilt is a quick one to make - it's just one simple block, which is then rotated to make the stairsteps look. I love it!
8
Easy Patchwork Quilt
Photo Credit:abeautifulmess.com
This simple throw quilt is the perfect size for lounging on the couch or wrapping up in first thing on a chilly morning.A big block quilt that is easy, modern, and fun!
9
Simple Basket Weave Quilt Pattern
Photo Credit:www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com
This quilt pattern is designed for 10-inch precuts, but yardage works great too.Simple and fresh! The blocks are large and require very few cuts and piecing.
10
Minimal Triangles Quilt Pattern
Photo Credit:www.simplesimonandco.com
Triangles can look so scary when you are just starting out. But not with this great tutorial. You'll end up with a beautiful quilt that looks like a pro made it! I love this quilt because not only is it a fast sew, but it makes a HUGE quilt - it’s 80" by 80″!
11
Nine Patch Quilt
Photo Credit:www.simplesimonandco.com
Or learn how to sew a nine-patch quilt block! This beginner quilt pattern is jelly-roll friendly, and you can also use 6 ½ inch precut fabric - perfect for precuts!
12
Two Hour Baby Quilt
Photo Credit:storiedquilts.com
The two-hour quilt tutorial is a great quick pattern to make a quilt out of bright fabric that you don’t want to cut too small.
13
Gradient Quilt
Photo Credit:www.bonjourquilts.com
Make a beautiful gradient quilt that is fat quarter friendly and comes in a larger crib size (50"x60"). A modern design made entirely of squares. Whether you choose solids or prints, it will turn out just perfect!
14
Tiny Tile Quilt
Photo Credit:www.purlsoho.com
Creating this quilt might look like advanced quilting with its diagonal lines and small diamond pieces, but it's way simpler than it seems.
15
Easy Snowball Quilt Pattern
Photo Credit:www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com
Another take on the snowball block. How many entirely different designs, and just by whapping out the colors!
16
Fat Quarter Fancy Quilt Pattern
Photo Credit:sewcanshe.com
This Quilt pattern looks stunning, while still being a perfect beginner project. Did I mention it's easier with large blocks?
17
Lap Of Luxe Quilt Pattern
This is a free quilt pattern posted by Quilt Dad on Art Gallery Fabric's blog. I love the simplicity of the large blocks, and how good they look together! Notice the color and print choices, too.
18
Chevron Quilt (the easy way…)
Photo Credit:www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com
Chevron quilts are surprisingly easy to make once you've made a few hsts! All the quilt pattern is, is various half-square triangle blocks, turned in different directions. This chevron quilt is made using a layer cake and half square triangles (made the easy way – four at a time.)
19
Easy Herringbone Quilt
Photo Credit:www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com
This simple quilt comes together so fast since you are using 10-inch fabric squares and a shortcut half square triangle method. This is afantasticpattern for a beginning quilter because of its simplicity, you just make a whole bunch of the exact same square and then sew them back together!
20
Summertime Herringbone Quilt
Photo Credit:www.michaelannmade.com
If you'd like to try a 4-at-a-time HST method, this is the HST quilt to sew. This pattern is for a throw-sized quilt, measuring 55" x 63", and it has smaller blocks. Bonus: the tutorial has options to make several quilt sizes.
21
Arrows Quilt Pattern
Photo Credit:fortworthfabricstudio.com
And here's a different way to arrange half-square triangle blocks. The designer offers a free pattern file with step-by-step piecing instructions. Practical and so generous!
22
Heart Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
Photo Credit:sewcanshe.com
If you want to try a log cabin quilt, you can start with this one, it's gorgeous! The only thing to keep in mind is there needs to be a high contrast between the two log cabin pieces that form the 'heart' and the rest, love volume strips all in white.
23
A Simple Triangle Quilt
Photo Credit:www.polkadotchair.com
If you happen to have a 60-degree triangle ruler, this is a lovely quilt to make. Scrap-friendly, too!
24
Giant Star Baby Quilt Pattern
Photo Credit:www.polkadotchair.com
This is simply an oversized Sawtooth Star Quilt block. Turned out great! A simple modern quilt that is quick to make.
25
Ten-square quilt tutorial
Photo Credit:blog.noodle-head.com
A modern take on half-square triangles - this tutorial by Anne is a genius idea! This quilt pattern looks so advanced but when you look closely, all the heavy lifting is done by half-square triangles, I love that!
26
Fat Quarter Whirlwind Quilt Free Pattern
Photo Credit:sewcanshe.com
With the whirlwind block, this quilt looks very special. But the blocks are simple and repetitive, and the designer also provides a free whirlwind template to use.
27
Peaches & Cream Quilt Tutorial
Photo Credit:www.simplesimonandco.com
A beautiful 62" by 62" sized quilt, a great project for you if you'd like to play with adding sashing around the blocks and the quilt border. A wonderful way to create an interesting design by just cutting up a 10-inch stacker.
28
Big Star Quilt Free Pattern
Photo Credit:sewcanshe.com
With big 8” half square triangles, this 64”x64” throw quilt goes together quickly. No sashing to slow you down, and a great option for seasonal prints too!
29
Scrappy Easy Rainbow Quilt Pattern
Photo Credit:www.sewwhatalicia.com
Make a quilt from your scrap bin - in all the colors of the rainbow!
30
Easy Basket Quilt Pattern
Photo Credit:www.woodberryway.com
Inspired by an heirloom piece that had been handed down for generations, this adorable free basket quilt pattern features the classic rail fence block.You can whip up the quilt top in an evening. Also, I love the striped binding.
31
Patchwork Star Baby Quilt
Photo Credit:www.diaryofaquilter.com
Show off some of those larger-scale prints with this free baby quilt pattern by Amy Smart. Her tutorial comes with complete cutting instructions along with helpful step-by-step photos. This patchwork star quilt finishes at 40″ x 40″.
32
Low Volume Quilt Tutorial
Photo Credit:quiltingintherain.com
Speaking of low-volume, here's a beautiful low-volume quilt pattern you cannot but love.
33
Free Squared Quilt Pattern
Photo Credit:suzyquilts.com
This free Squared Quilt pattern is the perfect quilt to make if you've done a few simple square blocks so far.Feel free to use fat quarters, they will fit perfectly!
So many readers who are new to quilting are looking for free quilt patterns for beginners. Go ahead and make one as a gift. You might even want to try this easy quilt-as-you-go tutorial, once you've made a few simpler ones.
Start with the basics, such as straight-line quilting, before venturing into free-motion quilting. Each technique has its charm, so take your time to discover which suits your style best.
Embrace the learning process, cherish the imperfections, and let your creativity flow. Happy quilting!
Helpful Tips For First-Time Quilters
Can I mix different fabric types in the quilt I'm creating?
While it's possible, you'll probably want to stick to one type for consistency in texture. Also, to make it easy to launder.
How do I prevent my quilt from puckering during quilting?
I love using Odif 404 to spray-baste the layers before I quilt. It makes all the difference! It ensures that the fabric is taut while quilting.
Are there any shortcuts for accurate cutting?
Invest in quality rotary blades, and don't rush. Precision is more important than speed. TIP: you can use precuts!
Can I use old clothes for quilting projects?
Absolutely! Upcycling old clothes adds a personal touch to your quilts and is environmentally friendly. I love T-shirt quilts.
How long does it take to complete a quilt for a beginner?
The time varies, but enjoy the process rather than rushing. It's all about the journey, not just the destination.
What is the easiest quilt pattern for a beginner?
Go for a whole cloth quilt like this panel quilt tutorial, it is a perfect starting point for novices. It means you'll use a single piece of fabric for your quilt top, without any piecing. Just quilt, and saying this, I'd recommend straight-line quilting. It's an excellent confidence-building exercise.
Yardage or precuts for quilting?
Precut fabric is very helpful in the beginning especially if you need to get familiar with sewing. Cutting, piecing the top, and quilting are three very different skills! Don’t hesitate to learn how to cut, it’s just if you don’t buy proper tools you won’t have a great time so if you are investing in learning to sew, focus on one thing at a time.
Most important tips for first-time quilters?
Always lay out your squares and make sure it is all how you want it to look – before you begin sewing.
Keep a sharp blade on your rotary cutter. You’ll be cutting a lot! Pressing is important!
What are the steps in making a quilt?
Creating a quilt will in general consist of four phases. The basic steps to sewing a quilt are: 1- cut the fabric and sew the pieces together to create the quilt top, 2- add the binding and the backing layers to create a quilt sandwich, 3 - sew these layers together - the actual quilting step! And finally, 4 - add binding to your quilt.
Looking for more quilting ideas?Check out these free tutorials:
- Onebasic quilt block tutorialto start your quilting journey with
- or try this7" potholder-cute!
- How To Frame a mini quilt
- must-see littlebinding hack!
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