As a fairly new quilter I am always on the lookout for quilt patterns and designs with two purposes in mind. The first thing I look for in a quilt pattern is its ability to increase my quilting skills while not overwhelming me. The second feature I want from a quilt pattern is simplicity because I know I must first conquer the basics before moving on to more complex designs.
With those two thoughts in mind I created a small collection of quilt patterns and tutorials for beginners. The designs meet my two main criteria of being simple but still allow for skill building. If you are a quilting newbie or someone who needs to advance your skills then I believe several of these patterns and tutorials will be ideal.
I’ve broken down the patterns into four different categories so it will be easier to scroll through to the ones that have the most value to you.
Disclosure: The patterns below contain affiliate links.
Free Projects:
1. Star Gazing
If you look carefully, this design uses the half square triangle which is a building block to many quilt designs. Conquer this technique and you will be on your way to becoming a quilting rock star. Note: I will be talking all about half square triangles in an upcoming post!
2. Off The Rails
While this design may appear complex, it’s really a series of rectangles. I also like that the design uses neutrals with a splash of color. This is excellent for learning how to work with neutral fabrics and solids.
3. Foundation Paper-Pieced Fox
Its no secret that one of my favorite woodland creatures is the fox so I’m naturally drawn to this design. That thought aside, if you want to try your hand at foundation paper piecing then this pattern would be a great place to start. I like how the design allows you to stop with one block or continue to create an entire quilt.
4. Soft and Colorful Baby Blanket
One of my first successful quilt projects was a baby blanket similar to this one. I think this is an excellent place to start if you’ve never pieced a project before. The pattern calls for minky fabric on the back. If you decide to do this be sure to use a walking foot when connecting the front and back. Minky can be a little shifty.
Craftsy Projects:
5. On a Jelly Roll
This design uses a jelly roll pre-cut which removes the work of cutting out all of the pieces. Scroll through all of the photos to see how amazing this design really is. I’m a huge fan of Cheryl Brickey’s work. Her designs are always clever and well thought out.
6.Rainbow Diamonds Baby Quilt
I like this quilt for two reasons: It uses half square triangles to create the design and the rainbow colors are perfect for either a baby boy or baby girl. It’s both simple and beautiful.
7. Division Quilt Pattern
I believe this pattern is ideal for someone working on skill building. Another feature is the quilt’s modern design. If you’re wanting to dip your toes into the modern quilt movement then this pattern would be great. The pattern is ‘jelly roll friendly’ but still comes with fabric requirements.
8. Tiny Geese Keychain
Technically, this is not a quilt; however, it is great pattern for using up some of those teeny-tiny scraps. The pattern uses the paper piecing technique which would be for skill building.
9. Charming Geese Bag
This pattern is designed around a pre-cut Moda Charm Pack. It’s ideal for building patchwork skills but not so difficult because it incorporates the pre-cut Charm Pack.
Creativebug Projects:
Creativebug is similar to the Craftsy platform but operates differently. They charge members $4.95 a month; however you can cancel at any time. The membership fee allows you to access over 600 of their classes anytime. Each month that you subscribe, you will receive one token to save the class of your choice to your personal library. Classes added to your library never expire, even if you cancel your subscription.
In our family, we like to give short subscriptions as gifts.
10. Quilted Pot Holders
Perfect for the absolute quilting beginner. You will learn patchwork techniques, binding, and quilting. I did something similar for one of my first quilting projects.
11. Improvisational Patchwork
One of the main-stays of modern quilting is called improvisational piecing. If you want to learn this cornerstone of modern quilting, then this class would be an excellent option.
12. Modern Log Cabin Quilting
This is a fresh look at traditional log cabin piecing. The four-part class includes instructions on making a pillow, a baby quilt, a table runner, and tote bag. By the time you’ve completed the course you would have developed some serious piecing skills.
Various Tips for Quilting Beginners:
13. Quilting Tools 101
You want to start quilting but you don’t know where to begin, and walking down the quilting aisle can be a little daunting to a new quilter. This class dispels the mystery and gives you sound advice for which tools work best for new quilters.
14. How to Attach Bias Tape
Attaching binding is a quilting fundamental, however, it can be one of the scariest steps in learning to quilt. This class removes the mystery and teaches how to bind your quilts like a pro.
Thank you for your time in collecting all these valuable patterns and tips. It’s very helpful.
You left off Bargello – my favourite and it is easy if mind bending.
Just strips arranged and sewn then cut into strips and sewn matching seams. Easy, focused, teaches colour flow and astonishing results.
Thanks for reminding us about this awesome quilting technique. It seems a little challenging for beginners, but certainly possible for an intermediate or advance quilter.
Thank you for all the lovely patterns and tips. I am excited to get started on one or more of them.
I have always loved quilts. 5 years ago I took a class at a local shop. There were 9 of us in the class, every week we were taught 2 diffent blocks and then sent home to make I think 4 more of each block. It was a finally moment when I got the all the blocks done. Then we were told to measure each block….which makes sense, but quite a few of mine were wonky, instructor told me irredeemable and start over. It was so discouraging. I never finished it. I wish she would have had us check measurements after each block was made and then only taught us some very simple blocks. I think it would have been less stressful and more enjoyable. Maybe someday I will finish it with your hints.
Maddy, you could take each block you made and surround it with a background fabric, the same on each block, make the strips big enough that you can trim to make each block the same size. This will make any wonkiness barely, if at all disappear. My guild has used this method when we have numerous people making blocks for a quilt. It’s rare for everyones 1/4″ seam to be the same. I don’t know when you commented, but today is April 15,th 2017!
Beginning quilters should learn about “Glue basting”. It helps in having your seams match up. After I discovered it, I took apart some ten year old blocks that I was never happy with and now they hang proudly. There are several you tube videos, but the best I think is Christy Fincher of Purple Daisies, or her mother Sharon Schaumberg.
Leslie – thanks for some super ideas! I would like to link to the Stargazing pattern, but couldn’t. Is it available?
Thank you so much for featuring our Star Gazing Pattern! We’re glad you liked it ♥
Just took a quick look
Love this site. Thanks
It always makes my day when I help someone.
Love all your choices.
I purchased the Arrow feather baby quilt pattern on Etsy. Beware-there are many errors in this pattern!!!
I gave it to my daughter…