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.
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?
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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):
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 the easiest quilt pattern for a beginner is a 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 as I think they are just so charming. If you have novelty fabrics that you want to “show off” patchwork quilts are a great option!
I have a full tutorial for a simple patchwork quilt here on the site. 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.
Now please enjoy these 45 quilt patterns and tutorials PERFECT for beginning quilters!
Free Beginner Quilt Patterns & Tutorials on our Site
1. Triangle Quilt Tutorial (NOT a full pattern).
However, 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.
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.
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.
4.Simple Chevron Quilted Throw Tutorial.
This is a VERY easy pattern that is perfect for a beginner because there are only 9 squares.
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.
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 2 or 3rd, I’d say go for it!
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.
8. Strips Quilt.
Matching corners when you’re quilting is one thing that 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.
This Sensory Row Quilt is a great baby quilt to give as a gift. It features several different textures of fabric which makes it perfect for a baby. It’s also only made from strips of fabric, so there are no corners to match.
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.
This quilt features piecing only along the borders of the quilt making it great for beginners.
A very simple baby quilt that is 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″-60″ wide and they will be the perfect size for a baby. Not too big, but big enough to snuggle a new addition.
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.
This quilt is made from a 10″ stacker of fabric to save time cutting. The only yardage needed is for the back of the quilt and the binding.
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.
14. Queen Size Patchwork Quilt.
I created this quilt using simple squares organized in rows by color. It’s is large enough to fit on a queen-size bed.
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.
15. Strip & Flip Quilt Tutorial. This quilt is made using 2 ½″ strip precuts, sometimes called jelly rolls.
16. Weekend Flannel Squares Quilt Tutorial
17. Baby Quilt made from Scraps
18. 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
19. Charm Quilt
20. 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.
22. Road Trip Quilt
24. 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.
25. Simple Stripes Easy Baby Quilt
27. iSpy Baby Quilt
28. Patchwork Quilt
30. Striped Quilt
31. Half Square Triangle Baby Quilt
32. Churn Dash Quilt
35. Fast 4 Patch Quilt Tutorial
36. Polaroid Quilt – this tutorial has been removed. You can find a tutorial to make Polaroid Quilt Blocks HERE
40. Plus Quilt
41. How to make a Quilt from Start to Finish
44. Clementine Quilt (from Craftsy Class)
45. Simple Heart Quilt Tutorial
New Free 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.
Scrappy Strips Free Baby Quilt Pattern
Sundance Quilt Pattern – A Modern, Simple Southwest Inspired Quilt Pattern
Beginner Quilt Patterns You Can Buy
(these are not free, but come with LOADS of tips, photos, and instructions to help you out)
Gingham Daydream Quilt Pattern
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Phyllis says
Some great quilts here, thanks for sharing!
Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side says
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 🙂
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.
Ingrid says
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
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.
Claire says
It’s hard to pick a quilt because they are all so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Amanda Rose says
I love the triangle quilt. I am wondering what size the triangles are, and when finish, how big is the quilt? Thank you!
Cathy says
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
It’s the Snuggly bricks quilt. Just click on the words below the photo and it will take you to the tutorial
Marilyn rulseh says
I’m looking for the same one. ?????
Krissteena says
I just love quilts and I want to get into this.
Camille says
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
Donna Ballotta says
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
Carleen says
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.!
Tiffany B says
They are all so lovely! But there isn’t a link to the polaroid quilt?
Betty Pitstick says
So glad I found this site! I am always looking for not so difficult patterns!
Patty StClair says
Looking for a tumbling block pattern for a full-size bed without the Y seams.
Marilyn Schmidt says
I love your simple but beautiful quilt patterns!
Shirley Bailey says
I would like to purchase your book (45 Beginner Quilt Patterns)
Hi, It’s not a book, it’s a blog post. Just click the links in the post for more information about each pattern.
Tina says
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.
Tanya says
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
So glad to be of help!