Before you take a deep dive into quilting, it might pay to check out a few free patterns, in an effort to keep costs down. It can be tempting to purchase a number of patterns you like the look of - and then never get around to making them. Believe me, I've done it! Even though these patterns are suited to the beginner, they are suitable to any skill level. They're visually appealing patterns, fun to make and of course FREE! Let me know if you've already made one of these quilts or if you have a favourite you'd like me to add to the list.
ONE
Checkered Garden Quilt by Film in the Fridge
In this free tutorial, Ashley shares her method for constructing this block which can ultimately make a quilt of any size. It's a little bit scrappy trip around the world, a little bit tilted granny block. But Ashley has simplified the block by limiting it to 5 colours per block, and by keeping the corners one colour. She even provides details on speeding up the block making process. It looks great using solids but would look equally fantastic if you used your scrappy stash.
TWO
Simple Hearts Quilt by Cluck Cluck Sew
This sweet pattern pops up at the beginning of most years in preparation for Valentines Day. It's a pattern that can be easily varied using curated fabric bundles or a fabric collection with the addition of a few blender fabrics. The background can by a crisp white as shown to the right or use a low volume fabric or even a solid colour to add more depth. Allison also has a pattern for these hearts in different sizes here and a sweet heart mini quilt here.
THREE
Alabama Quilt by Scribbly Gum Quilt Co.
To get this quilt pattern you need to sign up to Scribbly Gum's newsletter. It's totally worth it - Jodie has inspirational quilt bundles! If you make the medium sized blocks for this quilt you'll use almost 90% of each fat quarter. (Background fabric is additional.)
I love a pattern that makes the most of fat quarter fabric cuts!
FOUR
St Louis 16 Patch by Scribbly Gum Quilt Co.
Jodie also has a great tutorial for a St Louis 16 Patch Quilt. There are few St Louis tutorials out here but Jodie's gets my vote with her efficient use of fat quarters. I love that Jodie has calculated that over 85% of each fat quarter is used and there's no background fabric required! You can also make this quilt as big or small as you like and 7 different quilt sizes are given in this tutorial.
FIVE
Boot Room Quilt Pattern by Modernly Morgan
While not fat quarter friendly, this pattern incorporates two simple quilt blocks which will really hone your skills in all things quilting. There's a little bit of fabric waste as you trim blocks up but I think it's worth it for this fun and sunshiny quilt pattern.
As always, let me know if you have any questions, I love hearing from my Quilty friends!
Happy sewing,
