Basic Quilting Steps + 10 Beginner Quilt Patterns

First, you'll want to start small. You might even want to simply start with a quilt block and not a full quilt. If you do want to make a full quilt, start with a crib sized or baby quilt. 

Patchwork quilt patterns are the easiest quilt to make because you're learning all the basics of how to make a quilt by making one. You can use pre-cut fabrics for patchwork quilts, which means you don't have to do much cutting work.

Next, you can try more complicated block quilts that involve borders and adding sashing, and then you can challenge yourself with a flying geese quilt pattern. Designing your own quilt will come when you have all of the basics down pat. 

Fabric can be a fun and frustrating material to buy because there are a lot of choices. Cotton and linen are the easiest choices, but make sure you press them before you cut them. 

If you're overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing fabric to make your quilt, you can make it very easy with pre-cuts! Pre-cuts are collections of fabric that are already cut into specific sizes, stacked or rolled up, and tied together.

Are you a visual learner? Watch our Visual Guide to Precuts to learn about the different types available.

You can sample fabric lines by using pre-cuts and your color schemes will already be figured out for you. They usually are a mix of printed and solid-colored fabrics. The most common pre-cuts and their sizes are listed below.

Cutting fabric for your quilt might seem stressful, but we've got some tips and tricks in order to cut perfectly every time. Part of it is fabric preparation, which means pressing your fabric.

Make sure that your rotary cutter is sharp, which is what most quilters use to cut their fabric along with a cutting board. Learn how to use a rotary cutter. You will also want to learn about rotary cutter safety.

Cutting with a dull blade will not yield good results. You'll also want to make sure to match your selvages as closely as possible. A selvage is the self-finished edge of your fabric. When you fold your fabric in order to trace several pattern pieces at once, be sure that your edges are aligned correctly. If you're using pre-cuts, you won't have to worry as much about this. 

Once you have your quilt top complete, you need to decide what sort of batting you want. Batting is made from several different materials and combinations of materials, from natural fibers like cotton to synthetics like polyester.

The batting is the padding inside your quilt, so if you want your quilt to be warm and cozy, you will want a thicker batting but if it's more decorative, then a thinner option is probably best.

Adding binding to your quilt pattern is a great way to finish off the edges of a quilt when you're done assembling it as per instructions.

There are many ways to do this, but a simple way is to attach the binding to the back of your quilt and then fold over the binding to the front and sew it. Most quilters to it the opposite way, but this way you don't cover up any of your beautiful design!