Beginning Quilting

Kids Clothing Week starts today! Do you have any plans to participate?! You can see what I’m planning here and follow on Instagram and Facebook to see my progress. This past Saturday, I offered a class for a few local friends to get them started in quilting! The project was a 40″ x 60″ lap quilt…

Kids Clothing Week starts today! Do you have any plans to participate?! You can see what I’m planning here and follow on Instagram and Facebook to see my progress.

This past Saturday, I offered a class for a few local friends to get them started in quilting! The project was a 40″ x 60″ lap quilt – a great introduction to rotary cutting,  simple piecing and finishing by the envelope method and tying.

UPDATE: This quilt is now available as a FREE PDF Tutorial on Craftsy!

Beginner's Quilt | JaimeSews

Here are some photos of our day and be sure to scroll to the bottom for fabric requirements and basic instructions. This would make a great project for someone just starting out, for prayer quilts, kids, a quick gift, etc.

Becky cutting her squares

Quilting Day | JameSews

Jewell, Morgan & Karen Sewing Away

Quilting Day | JaimeSews

My dd “helping” Becky lay out her quilt

Quilting Day | JaimeSews

Morgan’s Ombré Chevron Quilt (Morgan’s not a beginner, she just came for the sew day!!) No pattern, just 3″ strips made into 6″ squares and a little layout planning!

Ombre Chevron Quilt

More of the adorable baby lol

Little Quilter | JaimeSews

So here are the details for making the quilt yourself!

(UPDATE: This quilt is now available as a FREE PDF Tutorial on Craftsy!)

Supplies
1/4 yd each of 6 coordinating fabrics
5/8 yd border fabric
1 1/2 yd backing
Crib size 45″ x 60″ Warm & Natural batting (or equivalent)

Cotton thread
Thin yarn/embroidery floss for tying
Chenille hand sewing needle
Sewing Machine
Rotary cutter & mat
Rotary ruler a minimum of 7″ wide (or combination of 2 rulers to achieve width)

Instructions

  1. Cut one 7″ strip x the width of your fabric from each of your 6 coordinating fabrics.
  2. Cut each strip in to six 7″ squares.
  3. Lay out the squares in the desired format putting 5 squares across and 7 down.
  4. Use a 1/4″ seam to sew squares together row by row. Press seams in row 1 all one direction, then row two seams in the opposite direction, alternating each row.
  5. Pin row one to row two, butting up each row one seam against each row two seam. Sew rows together with a 1/4″ seam, removing pins as you go. Press seams to one side.
  6. Cut five 4″ strips by the width of your fabric from your border fabric. Cut one strip in half and attach each half to two of the longer strips.
  7. Measure the length of your quilt through the center and cut the joined strips to this measurement. Sew these to each long edge of your quilt using a 1/4″ seam. Press seams to one side.
  8. Measure the width of your quilt through the middle and cut the remaining border strips to this length. Sew to he top & bottom edges of your quilt using a 1/4″ seam. Press seams to one side.
  9. Finish as desired with the envelope method and ties or layer, quilt and bind (additional fabric needed if you choose to make & use binding).

Beginner's Quilt | JaimeSews

13 Comments

    1. Hi Jaime! I printed out your Beginner’s quilt instructions & with some tweaking, I made my daughter a King size quilt (well, the top is done) then decided to make a lap quilt for my grand daughter using your instructions which were a breeze to follow. HOWEVER, after step 14 it says “If you plan to layer, quilt by machine and add binding, this is the time to do it” If I decide to do it that way, you can’t use the envelope/tie method, right?

      Is there a way to quilt & still use the envelope method? I’m only asking cause I want to make a few of these rather quickly without binding. My eyes aren’t that great to sit & do the binding my hand.

      Sorry this is so long. I do love your instructions & it made making the quilt a breeze. Thanks!

      .

      1. Hi Debbie! I’m SO THRILLED you’ve had success with the Quilt Pattern and upsized it to a king! WOW! To answer your question, I did a little searching and came across this method by Red Pepper Quilts. She has instructions on her blog for quilting the top to the batting, then enveloping the quilt for a no-binding finish! Here’s the link: http://www.redpepperquilts.com/2011/09/quilt-without-binding-tutorial.html I hope this works out for you – I’d love to see your finished quilt(s)!

        1. Whoo Hoo..thanks for the quick response Jaime & I’ll check out Red Pepper. I’ll definitely post a picture when done. I don’t think I’ll ever make a King size quilt again!!! LOL
          Debbie

        2. Jaime: Where can I post a picture of the quilt? I was shamed into doing binding..LOL I do have to say it was such a fun project, my granddaughter will love it & I’m starting another one for a friend.

          1. Wanted to let you know I made 4 quilts in 2 weeks with your instructions. I showed them to the owner of the fabric shop I go to & she was amazed how they came out and said I was an inspiration. My dad, my aunt (who’s getting hers for her 90th birthday) , girlfriend and granddaughter are going to love their gifts this year. So happy I found your site. Happy Holidays!

          2. Debbie! I’m so happy you’ve taken this pattern and run with it! They really are a great size for any age – I know the recipients will love them. Giving handmade is the best!

  1. Thanks Jaime. This is a fun and easy quilt to make. I made two of these today for our church. We donate quilts to several hospitals for their chemotherapy clinics and a few charities in town. I love your blogs.

  2. I sew very much enjoyed myself and the great company of women!! young women!! go girls!
    thank you for a great day and keep at it. blessings to each of you.

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