35 Quilting Ideas For Beginners To Get Started With This Creative Craft
If you’re new to quilting but want to learn the basics, you’ve come to the right place. As a quilter of over 15 years, I’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks along the way. In this article, I’ll share 35 easy quilting ideas for beginners to get you started on your quilt-making journey.
1. Start With Simple Patchwork Pieces
One of the most basic quilting ideas for beginners is patchwork piecing – stitching together small and simple quilt blocks. 9-patch blocks, 4-patch blocks and checkerboards are great first projects as they use basic straight line piecing. Make a few scrappy practice blocks before piecing them into a full quilt top.
2. Try a No-Sew Fleece Blanket
If you want to experience the fun of crafting a cozy blanket without actually sewing anything, a no-sew fleece blanket is a great option. Simply cut strips of fleece fabric and tie them in knots all over a backing fabric. This is a super easy way for little hands to start on a “quilt.”
- Cut strips of fleece in varying widths
- Place backing fabric wrong side up and lay fleece strips over top in any design
- Tie strips in simple knots all over the backing to hold in place
- Trim away excess fleece and you have an instant cozy blanket!
3. Learn Free Motion Quilting With Practice Sandwiches
To get comfortable with free motion quilting before tackling an actual quilt top, make some practice quilting sandwiches. Layer two pieces of fabric with batting in between and quilt random doodles and shapes all over until you get the hang of directing your machine’s feed dogs.
4. Start With Pre-Cut 10″ Charm Squares
If you don’t have the time or motivation to cut up all your own fabric, pre-cut charm squares are a great starting point. Simply stitch multiple 10″ squares together in rows to make a quilt top without doing any cutting at all. Draw inspiration from charm pack patterns online.
5.Try A Jelly Roll Race Quilt
Jelly roll race quilts are a quick way to create a fun scrappy design using pre-cut 2 1/2″ wide strips of fabric. All you do is sew the strips together in rainbow order without cutting them at all. Add inner border and backing fabric to finish your quilt in no time.
6.Make A Solids Quilt For Beginners
If you want to focus on perfecting your piecing technique without worrying too much about colors matching, a solids quilt is ideal. Pick just 3-5 solid fabric colors and use basic block patterns like diamonds, squares or triangles to piece the top from all one print.
7. Embroider A Quilt Block Or Two
Hand embroidery is relaxing to learn and a great way to practice your skills on small quilt blocks before embarking on a large pieced quilt top. Try embroidering patterns like cross stitch, backstitch or satin stitch on squares measuring 6-12 inches.
8. Consider A Panel Quilt With Fabric Borders
A panel quilt takes the guesswork out of the piecing because the center motif is already designed and printed on a single piece of fabric. Simply add borders cut from coordinating fabrics around the panel for a complete look that’s very beginner friendly.
9. Make One Block Quilt With Precut Fabrics
For those with limited time and materials, a “one block wonder” quilt uses only one repeating block pattern cut from your favorite jelly rolls, layer cakes or charm squares. Layout the blocks in rows to form a scrappy yet cohesive quilt top to teach basic piecing skills.
10. Try A Log Cabin Quilt In A Box Kit
Log cabin blocks are a classic starter pattern that lets you practice both straight and diagonal piecing. Many quilt shops offer log cabin kits that contain all the pre-cut fabric pieces and instructions needed to assemble the blocks. A kit takes the guesswork out of planning your first project.
11. Create A Crayon Roll Quilt For Kids
Made from squares of brightly colored printed fabric, crayon roll quilts look just like a giant box of crayons. They’re an engaging hands-on project for young sewers just starting out or that special youngster in your life. The repeating squares are simple to make.
12. Learn Freezer Paper Piecing
Freezer paper piecing lets you trace patterns onto freezer paper, then sew small sections at a time rather than doing whole units. This method builds skills while breaking down overwhelming blocks into manageable mini projects. Fantastic for tiny triangles!
13. Make Placemats, Coasters or Wall Hanging Sampler
Small wall-hanging sized projects like placemats, table runners and quilted coaster sets are ideal to hone techniques on without a major time commitment. Use leftover charm squares or practice applique, embroidery or new block patterns. Hang the finished pieces as a sampler.
14. Try Foundation Paper Piecing
With this technique, you sew fabrics onto a printed foundation pattern rather than relying on cutting alone. This process builds advanced piecing skills while breaking down fussy or complex blocks into easy steps. Alphabet blocks or rail fence make charming introductions.
15. Experiment With English Paper Piecing
This retro hand piecing method uses paper templates to hold fabric shapes in place as you precisely whipstitch them together. It’s very portable and helps improve accuracy and precision important for more challenging patterns later on. Hexagons and stars are classic starter shapes.
16. assemble A Pre-Made Quilt Kit
Many major quilt shops offer beginner kits that provide the fabric, batting and backing all pre-cut to detailed instructions for a specific pattern. Simply follow the steps to stitch a complete top-to-bottom quilt. Takes the planning out of your first project.
17. Try free motion doodling on fabric scraps
Much can be learned by practicing random stitching rather than planned patterns. Lay fabric scraps under your machine and focus on moving the quilt with confidence as you stitch various lines, spirals and shapes. Play to refine free motion skills without pressure.
18. Make A Fabric Postcard Swap with pals
Postcard swapping lets you try new techniques while staying connected with fellow crafters. Cut patterns measuring 4×6 inches from cotton, felt or fleece. Embroider, quilt, applique or embellish designs then trade in the mail for motivation.
19. piece a themed community tote out of scraps
Totes and bags that can be personalized make useful gifts or fundraiser items. Piece bright squares and rectangles into animal shapes, letters, foods or landmarks of your town. Add fabric handles and a cotton or flannel lining.
20.learn hand quilting with stitching hoops
Hoops hold quilt sandwiches taut without machinery. Practice running stitches, feathers or patterns through layers. It’s slower paced and lets your hands learn while watching TV or on travels. Consider small coaster or potholder sizes at first.
21. piece a simple patchwork pot holder
As with potholders, basics like triangle squares or railroad tracks translate to useful items made from scraps. Aim to understand accurate piecing and add cotton batting within. Great confidence booster and perfect for hand-stitching practice.
22. learn needle turn applique on tea towel shapes
Applique means stitching cut shapes onto backings. Tea towels make it approachable by keeping the scale small, and dishcloths still earn their keep! Trace multiple copies of a simple shape like hearts or stars to hone techniques on fabric that can get used.
23.try free motion monogramming on cloth napkins
Practicing name initials lets you comfortably move a machine without lines to follow. Napkins let basic lettering earn its keep – make a stack as gifts or keep for yourself. Consider fabric marking pens before stitching for confident lines.
24.learn basic hand stitching on a pincushion
Pincushions may seem small but teach taking stitches slowly, maintaining consistent size and holding fabric tautly – all handy habits for later quilting tasks like binding, applique or hanging sleeves. The reward is an immediately useful gift!
Top Quilting Techniques for Beginners
| Technique | Description | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Patchwork | Piecing together fabric scraps into a block or full quilt top | Beginner |
| Applique | Applying pieces of fabric onto a foundation to create pictures or designs | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Piecing | Sewing fabric pieces together to form quilt blocks | Beginner |
| English Paper Piecing | Applique technique where fabric is sewn onto paper templates | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Foundation Piecing | Sewing fabric pieces onto a foundation fabric or paper to create pieced blocks | Beginner to Intermediate |
FAQ
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What are some good starter quilting projects for beginners?
Basic quilting squares or patchwork quilts are usually the best choices for novices to get their feet wet. Focus on learning quilting techniques like accurate fabric cutting and precise sewing before moving on to more advanced designs. On the other hand, you could sort of dive right in and try a simple cooked up quilt that uses big triangle pieces. Just don’t feel bad if it’s not perfect!
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How much time should I expect a beginner quilt to take?
The amount of time it will take to complete a starter quilt basically depends on your available time for sewing each day or week. A very simple design put together from squares could possibly be done in under 30 hours of sewing. However, quilts with lots of tiny pieces will likely require 50 hours or more. At the same time, don’t forget about the time needed for preparation like cutting, pressing and basting. So schedule extra time for those important steps too. I’ve also heard quilting puts you in a kind of “flow state” where time flies by. Before you know it, hours have gone by and your quilt is nearing done!
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What basic tools and supplies do I need?
For beginning quilting projects, the essential gear includes a sewing machine, rotary cutter, cutting mat, rulers and quilt binding tools. It’s also wise to stock up on straight pins, scissors, marking tools and a quilting iron. Thimbles aren’t completely necessary, but they can help push the needle when sewing small stitches. You’ll also need fabric, thread and batting of course! I’ve read that quilters regularly run out of space to store all their materials. Makes me wonder if I’ll end up with a room dedicated solely to quilting gear.
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How do I choose fabrics for my first quilt?
When selecting fabrics for a starter quilt, look for 100% cottons that are easy to work with. Solids, prints and plaids are good simple options. Stay away from busy patterns or slippery synthetics at first. Go for medium to dark colors that hide stains and won’t show dirt after multiple washings. Avoid tiny prints that could possibly be mismatched. And don’t forget to buy enough yardage with extra for mistakes – you never know when seams might go off kilter. That said, don’t overly stress about fabric choice. Just pick what looks good to you and dive in! With a bit of practice, more complex selections will come.
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How do I learn basic quilting techniques?
The best way to pick up essential quilting skills is taking a beginner class at your local quilt shop or community center. In person instruction from an experienced teacher is amazingly helpful for newbies. Nevertheless, online tutorials or DVDs are also great if live classes aren’t attainable. I’ve heard good things about Missouri Star’s You Tube quilting channel for teaching cutting, piecing and more. Another good strategy is jumping into a simple pattern like a mug rug that practices crucial fundamentals. With small projects, mistakes aren’t as devastating. And don’t forget to ask other quilters for advice too! We’re generally a friendly bunch always willing to offer our knowledge.
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How can I avoid getting frustrated when starting out?
It’s only natural to feel overwhelmed or discouraged at times when trying new quilting techniques as a beginning quilter. To prevent getting too stressed, embrace imperfect pieces with a motto like “good enough is good enough.” Keep expectations modest at first and remember that even experts had to start somewhere. Taking frequent breaks can also help prevent fatigue or anxiety from setting in. You could also try setting small daily goals instead of big long term ones. Celebrating each tiny success along the way really helps the learning process feel fun. With care and practice, those wonky seams will smooth out before too long. So relax, have patience, and bask in the satisfaction of your growing skills!