Stitch up a keepsake that you will treasure forever with one of these modern baby quilt patterns. Our list includes both free modern baby quilt patterns and patterns that are available for purchase.
Table of Contents
What is a Modern Quilt?
Ok so first up, let’s chat about what someone means when they say they want to create a “modern quilt”.
The Modern Quilt Guild defines a “Modern Quilt” as:
Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in different ways, but several characteristics often appear which may help identify a modern quilt. These include, but are not limited to: the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work. “Modern traditionalism” or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting.
Modern Quilt Guild
Taking that definition into consideration, all of the quilt patterns I’ve linked below contain some sort of “modern” element. Some are made from all solid fabrics, some feature high contrast and others explore “non-traditional” methods of piecing.
I will say, if someone tells you they want you to make them a “modern baby quilt” they are most likely asking for something that is graphic, simple, and created using a “current” color scheme. Something that would be sold in a home decor shop.
What is the Best Baby Quilt Size?
Okay, now for the next most popular question. What size should I make my baby quilt?
Well, baby quilts are pretty forgiving as far as sizing goes. Most are designed to be comfortable for a baby to lie on or be wrapped up in. A quilt that is too large may be cumbersome to carry around with the baby. A crib-sized quilt is meant to fit into a standard size crib mattress (however, it is now not advised to place a baby to sleep with a quilt). Here are the most “common” baby quilt sizes.
- Square: Sizes typically range from 36″ square up to 54″ square
- Crib: This size is typically 36″ x 52″, but can be as small as 30″ x 46″
How Many 5″ Squares does it Take to Make a Baby Quilt?
Another common question I get when asked about creating a baby quilt is, how many 5″ pre-cut squares do I need to make the quilt?
This Color-Blocked Baby quilt that I created contains 64 5″ x 5″ squares set into 8 rows of 8. Most 5″ pre-cut stacks come with 40 squares. So you will need 2 packs of 5″ squares to create a baby quilt.
Baby Quilt Patterns
Modern Baby Quilt Patterns
Stitch up a keepsake that you will treasure forever with one of these modern baby quilt patterns. Many of the listed patterns are free; however, a few are quilt patterns that require a purchase.
I do not mind supporting small businesses and figured that you would not mind either, so I included paid patterns on the list.
Clementine Applique Quilt
I created this baby quilt from a class that Elizabeth Hartman offered on Craftsy. You can still find the class "Inspired Modern Quilts: 7 Small Projects With Big Style" on the platform.
Herringbone Baby Quilt Pattern
This quilt is quick to sew thanks to a method for creating the half square triangles that allow you to create 8 at one time.
Giant Star Baby Quilt Pattern
This free baby quilt pattern was created by accident! I meant to write a pattern for a much smaller quilt and ended up making it two times too big. Turns out it was just the right size for a baby quilt.
Just for Fun Quilt Along
In 2019 I hosted a quilt along called Just for Fun. The block patterns were shared each month during the year. Now that the year is over, you are able to buy all the blocks and create the quilt all at the same time.
Derby Day Medallion Quilt Pattern
Erin Harris of House on Hill Road created this baby quilt from a "mix and match" pattern in her book, "Make your own Medallion".
Simple Sawtooth Star Baby Quilt
Most of this baby quilt is sewn from 8" squares. To add a bit of interest I added a few sawtooth stars.
Positively Plus Mini Quilt and Crib Quilt Tutorial
You can create this quilt in two sizes; one of them is the perfect size for a baby quilt. Amy has a free tutorial for the quilt on her blog.
Irish Chain Nine-Patch Quilt Tutorial
A monochromatic color scheme lends a modern feel to this traditional quilt pattern.
Free Swiss Cross Quilt Pattern - A Modern Black and White Quilt
Bold, graphic, and simple to design. Grab the tutorial for this quilt on Simple Simon & Co.
Simple Turnstile Quilt Block Pattern
A turnstile quilt block is a very traditional block. If you'd like to create a quilt with traditional blocks but with a modern slant, try increasing the size of the blocks, using solid fabrics, or setting them in a layout that increases the negative space. If you like this baby quilt, you can find a free tutorial to create it on our blog.
Sliding Geese Quilt Pattern Modern Quilt Pattern
A beautiful quilt pattern with a striking design.
Rainbow Falls Quilt | Wren Collective
The Wren collective has a series of beautiful baby quilt patterns. Hop on over to their site for all the details.
Black and White Gingham Baby Quilt
Gingham quilts are so fun to create! All you need is 3 colors of the fabric in light, medium, and dark. Arrange the squares in a specific pattern, and it creates gingham.
An Easy and Free Quilt Pattern: Meet Punch Lines
The Wren collective has a series of beautiful baby quilt patterns. Hop on over to their site for all the details.
Marcella and Mae Quilts
The Wren collective has a series of beautiful baby quilt patterns. Hop on over to their site for all the details.
Quilty Stars Quilt Pattern
Emily Dennis has quite a few modern quilt patterns on her site. This clever pattern combines a simple patchwork pattern with a Sawtooth star block.
Playroom Quilt Pattern
Abstract shapes, bold colors, and clean lines make this baby quilt particularly striking.
Dresden Burst Baby Quilt Tutorial
The Dresden is a traditional quilt block. Setting it non traditionally gives this free quilt pattern a modern feel. Stitch it up with solid fabrics to create an even more modern feel.
Increase Quilt | Modern Handcraft
This new pattern from Nicole of Modern Handcraft features "plus" quilt blocks that increase in size.
Fabric Panel Baby Quilts
This baby quilt is made from a "cheater" print. All you need to do is stitch on a border, quilt, and bind it.
Shelly says
Thanks for sharing my pattern. This is such a fun list.