How to Choose your First Quilt Pattern to Help you Succeed
You have made the decision to make your first quilt and I’m excited for you. Now it’s time to choose your first pattern and I want to set you up for success.
While I know you might be tempted to choose something other than a beginner level pattern, I don’t advise it. Let’s help you get off on the right foot.
Stay Away From Patterns Calling for a Scant Quarter Inch Seam
You will hear the term “scant quarter inch seam” a lot in quilting. However, I do not recommend starting off by attempting to sew a scant quarter inch seam. For one, the only way I know to achieve a scant quarter inch seam is to adjust the needle position on your machine every time you sit down to sew. As a beginner, you can easily forget this extra step.
Instead, purchase a quarter inch presser foot for your machine and use it to piece with. In my opinion, attempting to sew a scant quarter inch seam, especially for beginners, is a lesson in frustration and many new quilters give up. So please stay away from the 3-Yard Quilt Patterns which are mostly easier patterns, but they require a scant quarter inch seam.
Simple is Better
Start off with a simple pattern with no more than two different block types. This way, you can work through constructing the blocks without getting overwhelmed. A couple of great starter patterns by Atkinson Designs are:
Smaller is Your Friend
Stick to smaller quilts such as wall hangings, table runners or baby quilts. A smaller project will be easier to handle as you sew the rows together and assemble the quilt top. The largest quilt you should look for is 50” x 60”. Smaller will definitely be the way to go.
Straight Block Setting
A block setting is the orientation of the blocks in the quilt. Quilts with diamond shaped blocks are beautiful to look at, but are not where you, as a beginner quilter, should be starting.
Make sure your pattern has a straight block setting across the quilt, like my picture right above.
Try Sashing on your Next Quilt
Sashing are the thin horizontal and vertical lines that run between quilt blocks. They provide a frame for the blocks. I would suggest that you avoid patterns with sashings for your first quilt. They are a little fussy and I want your first quilt to be a success.
Avoid Multiple Intersections at All Cost
For your first quilt pattern, the only intersections you want are the ones where your square blocks come together. Having to match points in a star block is not a great place to start. Let’s start simple and build your skills on your next quilts.
Fabric
Try to choose a pattern that doesn’t use more than 4-6 different fabrics in the design. This way, you will get less overwhelmed. I highly recommend making a copy of the pattern and colouring your pattern so you can keep the colours straight.
Precut fabric packs are a great invention in quilting, however, try to stick with square precuts such as layer cakes (10” squares) and charm squares (5” squares). In my experience, jelly roll precuts (2 ½” strip packs) can often be cut inaccurately, resulting in a bump in the middle of the strip, so try to stay away from them.
If you prefer, you can also consider purchasing yardage which is fabric off the bolt. This option will involve more cutting, so keep that in mind when choosing your fabrics.
Final Thoughts
I know I have given you a lot to think about, but I want your first quilt to be a success. Please do not worry if it is not perfect since you are learning a brand new skill set. Even if you already know how to sew, constructing patchwork and a quilt require different skills.
I hope you have found this helpful. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me here.
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Until Next Time,