Welcome to the world of quilting! You’re about to embark on a journey filled with creativity, joy, and the satisfaction of crafting something beautiful with your own hands. Today, we'll guide you through the process of choosing your first quilt pattern.
How to Find Quilt Patterns for Beginners
First, let’s study two classic quilt blocks to learn what to look for in beginner-friendly quilts.
Start with Squares
The Nine Patch quilt block is composed of nine equal squares arranged in a 3x3 grid. Alternating between contrasting fabrics, it creates a visually appealing checkerboard effect. This simple yet versatile block serves as a foundation for countless quilt patterns, making it a perfect choice for beginners.
Stretch into Rectangles
The Log Cabin quilt block starts with a small square, which is then surrounded by rectangles. In traditional quilt lore, the central square symbolizes the hearth, surrounded by strips of fabric forming concentric rectangles. The strips in these rectangles represent the contrast between day and night.
Both Nine Patch and Log Cabin blocks stick with shapes that have 90-degree corners. Starting with squares and rectangles will allow you to practice careful cutting and sewing without having to worry about multiple angles as you cut and sew pieces together
Recommended Patterns
At Nebraska Quilt Company, we carry plenty of patterns based on squares and rectangles. We recommend any of these as great options for a first quilt.
Oh Happy Day Pattern
Oh Happy Day! is a quick and easy quilt pattern featuring fat quarters or ¼-yard cuts. Rectangles are combined into squares that are arranged in a stair-step pattern. This pattern doesn’t cut the fabrics up into tiny pieces, so your favorite fabrics can shine! This pattern includes 5 sizes – Baby, Throw, Twin, Queen, and King – and features simple piecing.
Stepping Up Pattern
The Stepping Up Pattern also features rectangles paired to form squares. Based on your color choices, you can create a staircase effect that elevates the design.
Plus and Minus Pattern
The Plus and Minus Pattern makes a bold graphic statement. We recommend choosing fabrics with a strong contrast to take advantage of this design feature. This pattern is fat quarter and layer-cake friendly.
Ready to Pick a Pattern and Fabric?
When you’re ready to choose your pattern, stop into your local quilt shop for help. Quilt shops are literally full of people who love nothing more than sharing their #quiltlove with others. Tell the staff what you want to make and what colors you love. They’ll guide you through options until you find your favorite.
Take a Quilting 101 Class
If you like to learn in a classroom setting, check your quilt shop to see when they’re offering their next class for beginners. At Nebraska Quilt Company, we offer our Quilting 101 series several times per year. The next 4-class series is in March 2024- visit the class page to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your first quilt pattern is a personal and exciting step. We hope that this information has helped you feel more confident about how to begin.
At Nebraska Quilt Company, we encourage you to take pride in your creations and share the joy of your quilting journey. Join our vibrant quilting community and share your quilt photos in our Facebook community. Let's celebrate the art of quilting together!
At Nebraska Quilt Company, we are committed to nurturing the quilt community. We’re your source for classes, retreats, machines, patterns, fabric and more! Visit us online or in store to learn more.