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    Home » Quilts

    45 Easy Beginner Quilt Patterns & Free Tutorials

    Updated: Aug 10, 2022 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 23 Comments

    This beginner-friendly quilting patterns list features free quilt patterns all with clear, step-by-step instructions. Learn how to quilt by starting with one of these simple quilt patterns.

    I am frequently asked “what is a good quilt pattern for a beginner?”. I’ve spent a lot of time researching on the web for free quilt patterns for beginners. Today I’m going to share with you what I’ve found, most of them are, simple, easy to follow, and free patterns! If you like this post you may also enjoy this article on 3 tips for beginner quilters.

    beginner quilt patterns - triangle quilt

    One of the MOST frequent questions I get from readers is,  I don’t know how to quilt but I want to, what is a good place to start? How do I make a quilt?

    Table of Contents
    • 7 Tips for Beginning Quilters!
    • Recommended Supplies for Beginning Quilters
    • What is the Easiest Quilt Pattern for a Beginner?
    • Video Tutorials
    • Free Beginner Quilt Patterns & Tutorials on our Site
    • Free Quilt Patterns from Quilt Blogs
    • Newest Free Beginner Quilt Patterns
    • Beginner Quilt Patterns You Can Buy

    Having been a beginner quilter in the not too distant past I can totally relate to where they are coming from. The quilting world at times can seem overwhelming and a bit hard to “break into”. You might feel like your sewing skill level is not good enough to make a quilt. But I’m here to tell you that you CAN make a quilt if you choose to do so.

    If you want to learn how to make a quilt from start to finish then I recommend diving right into one of these easy quilt patterns or tutorials. In my opinion, the best way to learn how to do something new is just to do it!

    Aside from taking on a new quilt project, here are a few other resources on this site that I recommend if you’re wanting to learn how to make a quilt.

    7 Tips for Beginning Quilters!

    1- Must-Know Techniques for Beginning Quilters

    If you’re brand new to quilting these are a few tips that I think are really helpful. Things that I did wrong when I first started to quilt. Sometimes simple changes in what you are doing can make a big difference.

    2- Quilting Basics

    Before you start, you need to learn the basics of quilting. This post covers the very basics of quilting. What tools you need, how to cut your fabric, and some common quilting terms. It’s a must-read before you dive right in.

    3- Quilt Block Constructions Tips

    Once you get started quilting you’ll notice that you’re making quilt blocks a lot. I think most people start out with a simple patchwork row quilt, then branch out into a quilt that features a series of blocks. If you’re reading to move on to making quilt blocks, then the quilt block construction tips post I think is a big help.

    4- Polka Dot Chair Free Quilt Block of the Month Series

    Once you’re ready to start making quilt blocks, you may enjoy my Block of the Month series. It’s a series of free quilt block patterns shared one month at a time designed to create an entire quilt. The year is up, but you can still find all of the blocks in the archives!

    5- How to Pick Fabrics for a Quilt

    One of the hardest things for people who are learning how to quilt is deciding what fabrics and colors to use. I even struggle with this at times. This post is designed as a jumping-off point to help you get started while choosing your quilt fabric. I take a lot of inspiration for my quilt designs from designer fabric collections. The colors are already coordinated for you so it’s a great place to start if you’re new to quilting.

    6- Tips to Improve your Quilt Piecing

    After you’ve stitched up your first quilt, you may notice that quilt piecing can be tricky at times. I’m a self-taught quilter and typed up a bunch of tips to help you out!  Things that I wish I knew before I started quilting.

    7- How to Make a Quilt from Start to Finish

    If you’re brand new to quilting and don’t know where to start, I’ve created a “go-to” guide to help you out.

    Recommended Supplies for Beginning Quilters

    Must-Have (I’ve linked you to my personal favorites):

    • Rotary Cutter
    • Cutting Mat
    • Quilt Ruler
    • Pins
    • Iron
    • Sewing Machine

    Nice to Have:

    • Binding Clips
    • Additional Quilt Rulers
    • Smaller Rotary Cutter
    • Pre-Cut Fabrics – I love to buy Fat Quarter packs since they give you many fabrics in one package.

    What is the Easiest Quilt Pattern for a Beginner?

    I believe that there are two quilt patterns that are the easiest for a beginner to sew.

    One: Simple Patchwork Quilt

    If you’re a beginner, there are few quilts more simple to make than a simple patchwork quilt. They are also one of my favorite quilts; I think they are just so charming. If you have novelty fabrics that you want to “show off” patchwork quilts are a great option!

    Here on the site, I have a full tutorial for a simple patchwork quilt. It features the use of a pre-cut stack of fabric. So half the work is already done for you! After you’ve tackled a simple patchwork quilt, you’re ready to move on to other shapes. I recommend quilts with simple rectangles or half-square triangles.

    Two: Simple Strips Quilt

    The second quilt that I think is the best for a beginner to tackle is a simple strips quilt (I have a full printable tutorial on the site). This quilt pattern is great for a beginner because there are no corners to match. All of the pieces are long strips of fabric. The construction is really as simple. Just sew rows of fabric together.

    Now please enjoy these 45 quilt patterns and tutorials PERFECT for beginning quilters!

    Video Tutorials

    photo of woman holding a quilt block

    We have so many beginner quilt tutorials on YouTube! A step-by-step video is a great way for a beginner to learn. Stop by our site and check it out, we add new tutorials on a regular basis!

    Free Beginner Quilt Patterns & Tutorials on our Site

    Triangle Quilt

    1. Triangle Quilt Tutorial (NOT a full pattern).

    Even though this is not a formal pattern, I share my process of creating a simple patchwork quilt with you. You don’t always need a pattern. In this case, I stitched and cut out triangles until I found a layout I was happy with. If you’re someone who likes to “figure it out as you go,” then you may like this method for making a quilt.

    hexagon quilt pieces on white design wall in bedroom

    2. Large Hexagon Quilt Tutorial.

    Hexagons are usually pretty tricky to piece, and the technique is usually not recommended for beginning quilters. However, I figured out a “cheater” way to make a hexagon quilt perfect for someone new to quilting. Piecing the quilt using this method makes it as simple to piece as a simple patchwork quilt.

    blue and white checked baby quilt

    3. Color Blocked Charm Square Baby Quilt.

    This is an easy beginner quilt pattern. The quilt uses 5″ pre-cut squares, usually called Charm Packs. Sewing with precut fabrics can save you so much time when you’re quilting. There is nothing to cut out when you use this method.

    blue and gray quilt hanging on wall

    4. Simple Chevron Quilted Throw Tutorial.

    This very easy pattern is perfect for a beginner because there are only nine squares. The squares are also quite large, so there are less pieces to sew together.

    photo quilt hanging on side of bed

    5. How to make a photo quilt

    This is a unique take on a simple patchwork quilt. Some of the fabric squares in the quilt are replaced with photos printed on the fabric.

    quilt with 3 dresden blocks hanging on wall

    6. Dresden Burst Baby Quilt Pattern

    This pattern is a bit more advanced but totally “do-able” for a beginning quilter. I wouldn’t recommend this as your FIRST quilting project, but second or third, I’d say go for it!

    Simple Patchwork Quilt in pinks

    7. Patchwork Quilt Pattern.

    I love a Simple Patchwork Quilt! This quilt was a gift and remained one of my favorite quilt finishes. If you are BRAND new to quilting and have never made a quilt, then a simple patchwork design is a great place to start.

    Simple Strips Quilt in blues

    8. Scrappy Strips Quilt

    Matching corners when you’re quilting is one thing I find new quilters struggle with most. This quilt is pieced together in a way that there are no corners to match! It also features a unique cutting method that helps you to save time.

    striped textured baby quilt in pinks and blues

    9. Soft N Snuggly Baby Quilt.

    This Sensory Row Quilt is a great baby quilt to give as a gift. It features several different fabric textures, making it perfect for a baby. It’s also only made from strips of fabric, so there are no corners to match.

    blue, green, and pink quilt on couch

    10. Snuggly Bricks Quilt.

    This quilt is made from a Fat Quarter Pack of fabric. Each piece is cut into 4 pieces then sewn back together again. The pieces are all laid out in a brick pattern.

    11. His & Hers Baby Quilts.

    This quilt features piecing only along the borders of the quilt, making it great for beginners. The names are created using raw edge applique.

    Baby Quilt and Dress made from Fat Quarters

    12. Fat Quarter Baby Quilt.

    A very simple baby quilt made up entirely of fat quarters of fabric.

    TIP: When making a baby quilt, you don’t need to worry about the quilt dimensions as much. Stick to baby quilts between 40″ to 60″ wide, and they will be the perfect size for a baby. Not too big, but big enough to snuggle a new addition.

    What is a Fat Quarter?

    A fat quarter of fabric is a quarter yard of fabric that is cut to yield an 18″ x 22″ piece of fabric rather than a 9″ x 44″ piece of fabric from a traditional cut. It is common to see pre-cut fat quarter packs of fabric for sale. Many designers write quilt patterns designed specifically for Fat Quarters.

    girl wrapped up in a brightly colored quilt

    13. Snuggly Layer Cake Throw

    This quilt is made from a 10″ stacker of fabric to save time cutting. The only yardage needed is the back of the quilt and the binding.

    Giant star baby quilt being held

    14. Giant Star Baby Quilt

    A baby quilt pattern is great for beginners because the pieces are large and not as fussy to sew as some quilts with smaller pieces.

    pink, aqua and black queen sized quilt hanging on deck

    15. Queen Size Patchwork Quilt.

    I created this quilt using simple squares organized in rows by color. It is large enough to fit on a queen-size bed.

    close up of coral and white baby quilt

    16. Half Square Triangle Baby Quilt Tutorial

    Once you learn how to make a half-square triangle, which is one of the basic building blocks of most quilt patterns. You can rearrange the triangles to make so many designs! This pattern can be easily rearranged to make nine different baby quilts!

    17. Fabric Panel Quilt

    Fabric panels sometimes called “cheater panels” are fabric prints that are created to look like a finished quilt. There are so many CUTE panels on the market today. Most of the work is done for you, and it’s easy to personalize the panel a bit if you’d like.

    18. Herringbone Quilt Pattern (or Chevron Quilt)

    navy and white herringbone quilt on white wall

    Another quilt pattern made using Half Square triangles. This quilt pattern appeals to those who prefer modern-style quilts.

    Free Quilt Patterns from Quilt Blogs

    There are so many great Quilt Blogs online now. Here are a few beginner patterns from some of my favorite Quilt Blogs.

    Strip & Flip Quilt Tutorial

    19. Strip & Flip Quilt Tutorial. This quilt is made using 2 ½″ strip precuts, sometimes called jelly rolls.

    Weekend Flannel Quilt

    20. Weekend Flannel Squares Quilt Tutorial

    Baby Coin Quilt

    21. Baby Quilt made from Scraps

    Strip Quilt

    22. Easy Quilt Top Tutorial. If you’re looking for an easy quilt pattern with detailed instructions, this tutorial by Simple Simon & Co is great. I

    Strips Quilt, Purl Bee

    23. Sunny Tied Quilt. A colorful take on a simple strips quilt. You can find step-by-step instructions (including fabric color names) on the Purl Bee website.

    Pixelated Heart Quilt

    24. Pixel Heart Quilt

    Road Trip Quilt Tutorial

    25. Road Trip Quilt

    Hourglass blocks quilt

    26. Hourglass Blocks Quilt

    Seeing Red Quilt Tutorial

    27. Seeing Red Quilt. This quilt is made from simple half-square triangle quilt blocks. It’s a great one for a beginner since you get a lot of practice making the blocks. By the time you’ve sewn enough blocks for the entire quilt top you’ll be an expert at half square triangles.

    Easy Strips Baby Quilt

    28. Simple Stripes Easy Baby Quilt

    Gingham Quilt

    29. Gingham Squares Quilt

    iSpy Baby Quilt

    30. iSpy Baby Quilt

    Simple squares quilt

    31. Patchwork Quilt 

    Churn Dash Quilt Along

    32. Churn Dash Quilt 

    Simple Sixteen Quilt Tutorial

    33. Simple Sixteen Quilt

    Strip Tango Quilt Tutorial

    34. Strip Tango Quilt

    Fast 4 patch quilt tutorial

    35. Fast 4 Patch Quilt Tutorial 

    Polaroid Quilt tutorial

    36. Polaroid Quilt – this tutorial has been removed. You can find a tutorial to make Polaroid Quilt Blocks HERE

    Strips Quilt Free Pattern

    37. Trendsetter Strips Quilt

    How to make a Plus Quilt

    38. Plus Quilt

    Charm Pack Baby Quilt Tutorial

    39. Charm Pack Baby Quilt

    Tumber-quilt-tutoril-free-pattern

    40. Tumbler Quilt

    Inspired Modern Quilts Class on Craftsy

    41. Clementine Quilt

    Simple Heart Quilt Tutorial

    42. Simple Heart Quilt Tutorial 

    Newest Free Beginner Quilt Patterns

    I keep this post updated regularly, so you guys always have access to some of the best free quilt patterns and tutorials. These patterns are new patterns since the first time this post was published.

    Simple Strip Quilt

    43. Scrappy Strips Free Baby Quilt Pattern

    Free baby quilt patterns including this one for a simple baby quilt made using a Turnstile Quilt block! So easy you could make it in a day.

    44. Turnstile Baby Quilt Pattern

    A southwest style simple quilt pattern and free tutorial.

    45. Sundance Quilt Pattern – A Modern, Simple Southwest Inspired Quilt Pattern

    Sawtooth star baby quilt hanging on old door

    46. Sawtooth Star Baby Quilt

    Beginner Quilt Patterns You Can Buy

    Each of these beginner quilt patterns are not free but comes with LOADS of tips, photos, and instructions to help you out. With purchased patterns you normally get a lot more instructions,s o sometimes it’s best to purchase a pattern vs finding a tutorial online.

    Tic Tac Cat Quilt Pattern

    Gingham Daydream Quilt Pattern

    photo of a blue, green quilt on gray chair

    Scrappy Strips Quilt Pattern

    Sawtooth Star Quilt Pattern

    Looking for more fun quilting ideas? Follow me on Instagram!

    You May Also Like:

    • 25+ Free Baby Quilt Patterns
    • Quilting for Beginners: Recommended Supplies
    • 5 Foundation Paper Piecing Tips Perfect for Beginning Quilters
    • 27+ Personalized Gifts you can make with a Cricut
    • 4 Things to do when you Get a New Sewing Machine

    More Projects You May Enjoy

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    • Scrap Busting Postage Stamp Quilted Pillow Tutorial
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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Phyllis says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:07 am

      Some great quilts here, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    2. Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side says

      August 25, 2015 at 1:52 pm

      Love this! It is hard to know where to start when you learn how to quilt. I took a quilting class and each week we made a different square that made up a big quilt of different squares, it was really fun. Mostly I like making up my own patterns and designs 🙂

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        August 26, 2015 at 5:21 pm

        I’m going to start a similar program here on the blog– each month a different block that will teach a few new skills. Then after a while everyone will have a finished quilt.

        Reply
    3. Ingrid says

      August 25, 2015 at 5:05 pm

      Hi :D….these are not only great for beginners BUT sometimes we just want to do a quick quilt 😛
      Get idea for gathering them together for us ….appreciate that.
      (i will be passing this on to my learning to sew friends LOL )
      Take care

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        August 26, 2015 at 5:20 pm

        Yeah that’s kinda what I was thinking too! Sometimes I love delving into a big project and sometimes I just need to get something done quick! It’s always nice to have a bit of a balance.

        Reply
    4. Claire says

      December 09, 2015 at 3:52 pm

      It’s hard to pick a quilt because they are all so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    5. Amanda Rose says

      July 05, 2016 at 12:49 pm

      I love the triangle quilt. I am wondering what size the triangles are, and when finish, how big is the quilt? Thank you!

      Reply
    6. Cathy says

      November 03, 2016 at 8:24 am

      Hi!
      What quilt pattern is between photos 12 and 13? The photo is a girl wrapped in a quilt.
      Nice article, beautiful quilts!
      Thank you,
      Cathy

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        November 09, 2016 at 1:17 pm

        It’s the Snuggly bricks quilt. Just click on the words below the photo and it will take you to the tutorial

        Reply
      • Marilyn rulseh says

        May 20, 2017 at 4:33 pm

        I’m looking for the same one. ?????

        Reply
    7. Krissteena says

      November 06, 2016 at 7:54 am

      I just love quilts and I want to get into this.

      Reply
    8. Camille says

      March 19, 2017 at 9:23 pm

      Hi Melissa, I already receive your news letter, and wanted you to know I love your blog. I am mostly home bound and live, ummm look at Pinterest a lot. ? I love this triangle quil and am going to give it a try. I am always clicking on sewing tutorials and it lead to the Polka Dot Chair. Thanks, Camille

      Reply
    9. Donna Ballotta says

      January 07, 2018 at 7:24 pm

      I really enjoyed all the pics posted and can picture using all the fabric I have laying around.
      will love to see something finished soon lol
      thank you for this post

      Reply
    10. Carleen says

      January 28, 2018 at 9:31 pm

      Thanks.! I plan to try some of these. ? As an FYI: Your pin it button on images sends the iPad wonky. It opened my Pinterest app over and over while I frantically tried to close it and I finally had to shut down the iPad. The pin share at the end of the post works fine though. So check whatever plugin you use to add the button to the images, it is causing mobile issues.!

      Reply
    11. Tiffany B says

      March 08, 2018 at 11:17 am

      They are all so lovely! But there isn’t a link to the polaroid quilt?

      Reply
    12. Betty Pitstick says

      September 07, 2018 at 3:34 pm

      So glad I found this site! I am always looking for not so difficult patterns!

      Reply
    13. Patty StClair says

      September 09, 2019 at 9:56 pm

      Looking for a tumbling block pattern for a full-size bed without the Y seams.

      Reply
    14. Marilyn Schmidt says

      January 07, 2020 at 10:43 am

      I love your simple but beautiful quilt patterns!

      Reply
    15. Shirley Bailey says

      January 16, 2020 at 8:54 am

      I would like to purchase your book (45 Beginner Quilt Patterns)

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        January 16, 2020 at 10:03 pm

        Hi, It’s not a book, it’s a blog post. Just click the links in the post for more information about each pattern.

        Reply
    16. Tina says

      February 09, 2020 at 10:35 pm

      I don’t have very creative bones. So I really appreciate the ideas. I like that I can pin the ideas for later, – I have been having bouts of tendonitis. Sad, cuz I finally have the time and some money to be able to try more diligently to quilt. Tried before and set aside(years ago) and never did see the pillow case I was making as a beginner project. Quite a few in here seemed simply enough. And the definitions of what fat qtrs. are and that 10″ squares can be bought(no cutting), a lot of persons don’t give terminology for the newbies. THANK YOU.

      Reply
    17. Tanya says

      March 04, 2020 at 7:39 pm

      I was looking for simple quilt ideas for my granddaughter to learn to quilt this summer and this site was perfect. We just found out that shes gonna be a big sister again in October and what better way to say I Love You Baby than with a quilt made by babies big sister. Thank you

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        March 05, 2020 at 10:12 am

        So glad to be of help!

        Reply

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    I’m Melissa. I like to design things, like fabric, printables, and projects.

    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

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