Design your own quilt

Would you like to design a quilt and don’t know where to start?

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a simple yet rewarding process of turning those blocks into a beautifully coordinated lap quilt that you can proudly call your own. Let’s get started!

To make it easy for you, pick a block size. 12″ is popular, and I even put all my 12″ block tutorials in a playlist on YouTube that you can see here.

Designing your first sampler quilt

Creating a lap quilt can be a wonderful way to showcase your quilting skills while making a manageable-sized project.

Follow these steps to turn your favourite blocks into a beautifully coordinated lap quilt

• Select Your Blocks: Choose a selection of block tutorials that catch your eye from the playlist above.
  
  Aim for around 12 to 20 blocks, considering a mix of designs that resonate with you.

• Curate a color palette: Take inspiration from the colors in your chosen blocks. Create a color palette that unifies the diverse blocks you’ve selected. This will give your lap quilt a cohesive and pleasing look. You can use Adobe color to help with this.
• Gather fabrics: Using your color palette as a guide, gather fabrics that match the colors and patterns you’ve chosen. This is your chance to add your personal touch and make the quilt truly your own.
• Plan the layout: Sketch out a layout for your lap quilt. You can experiment with different arrangements to find the perfect configuration. Think about how the blocks will complement each other when placed side by side. Pattern jam is free and can help with this phase.
• Sew and assemble: Follow the block tutorials to create each block. Pay attention to precision while sewing to ensure your blocks turn out beautifully. Assemble the blocks according to your planned layout.
• Add sashing and borders: To enhance the overall design, consider adding sashing (strips of fabric between the blocks) and borders. These elements not only frame each block but also contribute to the lap quilt’s visual appeal.
• Quilting and finishing: Layer your quilt top with batting and backing fabric. Choose a quilting technique that complements your chosen blocks – this could be simple straight-line quilting, free-motion quilting, or any other style you prefer. Once quilted, bind the edges of your lap quilt for a polished finish.

Attracted by the idea of a sampler quilt but can’t decide on what design to use? I have a sampler that I made a long time ago.

You can get the free tutorial on my blog.

Share Your Creativity

I would love to see your unique take on designing a lap quilt based on the ideas shared in this post!

On Instagram share with @teresadownunder and #teresadownunder, or join my Facebook group and Facebook page.

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My book and other publications

You can now purchase individual chapters from my book as bundles of 4 unique quilt patterns.

If you prefer to own the complete book, Turnabout Patchwork, please note it is currently out of print. However, you might still be fortunate enough to find a copy on Amazon.

Explore all the quilts from the book in real-life projects!