If you have read my previous posts and are following along, you not only have a solid understanding of the tools you need to start your first quilt but have had the opportunity to obtain these tools as well.
Now, it’s time to put what you’ve learned and those tools and notions you bought to work!
You may be asking, how is making a quilt a good place for a beginner to start? And, what exactly makes a quilt pattern foolproof?
The answer to the first question has to do with the size of fabric pieces used. Larger cuts of fabric, for example, the 10″ squares in a “layer cake” or 5″ squares in a charm pack are the easiest to measure, cut and sew. This will be more obvious when you tackle a quilt that requires a multitude of 2 1/2″ or 3″ squares that are sub-cut into smaller units then sewn to rectangles to create a unit that is later sewn to another unit, etc.
Granted, it is the quilts with the greatest variety of piecing and color contrasts that grab one’s attention when searching for a quilt pattern. And there’s nothing wrong with pursuing that path. However, it is my opinion, when a beginning quilter attempts a pattern that requires a higher level of skill (and often the purchase of additional tools and notions) that inevitably leads to discouragement which results in abandonment of the quilting project, and often, ultimately, quilting as a hobby, altogether.
The good news is, with a little planning and a calm approach, quilting success is not only possible but inevitable!
Whenever possible, I like to use my own quilts as examples however, during the past 5 years, I’ve gifted a vast majority of the quilts I’ve made. Until my quilt stash is replenished, the quilts shown here will be my own mixed with quilts from some of my favorite fellow quilters.
A Fine Place to Start
Sweet and Simple Squares – Pattern by Bonjour Quilts
Sweet and simple, in my opinion, is an understatement. This stunning quilt can be made by using pre-cut 5″ squares or, if you have a layer cake, each 10″ square can be cut into (4) 5″ squares. Each pre-cut (layer cake or charm pack) gives you the option to create the color combination you desire.
What makes this pattern foolproof?
Minimal to NO cutting. Gives an opportunity for chain piecing. Color variety is great for camouflaging where points don’t match up exactly. Easy geometric / grid pattern to follow when quilting. No size limit – you determine the quilt’s size by the number of squares you choose to use.
The only way to make this easier would be to use 10″ squares. I need to try this – I’m imagining the whole quilt could be finished in a day, or less!
The Puff Quilt – aka Bubble Quilt
This was my very first attempt at making a quilt like this. It is an easy pattern; however, I am debating if it is truly beginner friendly.
Typically, a quilt like this will use 8″ squares – I went with the standard 5″.
What makes this pattern foolproof?
Squares are sewn together on three sides. The pleat on each side not only creates a pillow effect but keeps you from having to perfectly match points. No creating a quilt sandwich (which, in my opinion is the worst part about quilting!). The loft is created by filling each square pocket with soft fiber fill. “Quilting” consists of tying thread at intervals where four corners meet.
A quick Google search will reveal hundreds of patterns and tutorials to follow, but I chose to use this pattern by SeeKateSew.
Shabby Fabrics also has free pattern and tutorial (BTW – Shabby Fabrics has a fabulous fabric selection as well!) If you make this quilt and feel it is beginner friendly, let me know!
Jolly Bar Quilts
If you’ve reached this point, I have no doubt there is some head scratching accompanied by the obvious question: “What the heck is a Jolly Bar”?
This is a cut of fabric – exclusive to the Fat Quarter Shop that consists of fabric cut into rectangles measuring 5″ x 10″. (Actually, a 10″ square from a layer cake cut in half).
I have made many quilts using a jolly bar and this is one of my all-time favorites: Scones & Tarts using Bunny Hill’s Blueberry Delight Fabric.
This particular pattern is probably best suited for the advanced beginner. It requires more cutting and paying closer attention to placement to get the various shades of blue evenly distributed.
A better choice for a beginner wanting to use a jolly bar cut of fabric would be – yes, the Jolly Bar Jig!
It is entirely possible to make this quilt top by simply arranging then sewing the 5″ x 10″ strips of fabric together along the 10″ side until you have a width you desire. However, this pattern creates a bit more visual interest by cutting the rectangles into varying widths and then adding sashing between the rows.
What makes this pattern foolproof?
Uses pre-cuts (jolly bar pre-cuts) eliminating the need for a lot of fabric cutting. You choose fabric placement – there is no right or wrong way to piece the top. The size is determined by the number of strips you choose to use. Quilting is easy – perfect for free-motion or straight line.
In summary, here is a list of things to consider when making a quilt that is simple, quick and above all – Foolproof:
Once you’ve found that perfect starter quilt pattern and fabulous fabric keep this in mind: keep your focus on the process and do not, under any circumstances, try to be perfect.
None of us are perfect therefore, we can’t expect to create perfection.
The only place perfection comes before quilting is in the dictionary! So, grab that fabric, turn on your machine and have fun making something today!
