Quilting has become a popular craft over the years, especially patchwork quilting. It gives a person the chance to create a work of art using fabric and some thread. The practice of quilting has been around for centuries and comes in many shapes and forms. Patchwork quilting is where small pieces of fabric, called quarters, are sewn together to create a design. Quilting can be one of the more stressful crafts, but the end result is a reward worth boasting about.
A quilt is made of three layers – the quilt top, batting and then the back piece. Then you put it all together in the fine craft of “quilting”.
Let’s look at each of these:
Quilt Top
The quilt top is the part of the quilt that will have the patchwork on it. This part of the quilt is made from small blocks of fabric which are sewn together. Each piece is designed to fit together with a pattern that creates a bitter picture. When you are just a beginner at patchwork quilting you will start with a basic four patch square. This is where you take four pieces of fabric and sew them together. Similar to the way a folded piece of paper has four sections, each fabric is one section.
Lay two fabric squares together with the good side facing each other. Pin with straight pins on one side. Next you will want to sew the pinned side with ¼ inch seams. Once sewn, remove the pins and repeat this step on an adjacent edge with the other two pieces to form a square. Continue to make four piece squares until you have enough for your entire quilt project.
Backing
The backing for the quilt should be approximately six inches longer and wider than the quilt top. This will account for three inches on each edge of the quilt top. The quilt back will wrap around the front of the quilt. You will want to start by placing the two right sides of the quilt backing and the quilt top together and pinning two adjacent edges. Next, turn the fabric so the right sides are facing outwards. Use a large table for this part of the quilting process. Place a low-loft batting in between the wrong sides of the two fabrics. Next you will pin and sew together the other two sides to begin the final quilting phase.
Batting
This is the soft, fluffy middle of the quilt that provides the wonderful comfort feel … and keeps you warm. When you first start quilting you will want to start with a low-bulk batting to make it easier to sew.
Patchwork Quilting – the final step in the process
Quilting actually gets its name from the process of sewing through the item and giving it a quilted effect. If you do it with a sewing machine (my granny would turn over in her grave!) then you will need your sewing machine on a large table for this part as well. There are many different ways to quilt. The easiest for a beginner is to start by running a quilt stitch along the edge of the quilt, approximately two inches inside. You can then sew other square sections inside that space. As your skills as a quilter improve you will be ready to take on more detailed quilting techniques such as sewing a flower pattern onto the quilt.
And, some day … when the bug has really grabbed your needle crafting soul, you should try your hand at a handmade quilt. Start with a baby quilt … then work your way up to the masterpiece of your dreams.
I was searching for your site on FB. Do you have a fan group there?
Not at this point in time. Thanks for asking though
I would imagine patchwork quilting would be a satisfying sort of craft to take up. We only did sewing at school for 1 year and I didn’t do well at all. Made some pyjama pants last weekend that are at least usuable though. Quilting looks like it takes more skill. Would be nice to complete a patchwork project to give to a friend whose having her first baby soon though. Interesting article – thanks:)
Your blog is looking really good… nice work keep it up mate. I especially like the patchwork quilting for beginners info.
Well I sincerely enjoyed reading Patchwork Quilting for beginners. This article offered by you is very effective for correct planning.
I agree with your Patchwork Quilting for Beginners post – a good idea to begin with a patchwork quilt for a baby.
I liked your post on Patchwork Quilting for Beginners. It sounds easy but then I failed sewing at high school still worth a try perhaps.
Good tips for the beginner on this post on patchwork quilts. I enjoy going to patchwork quilt displays at our local arts and crafts center. Great inspiration from the ladies who have been quilting years longer than I have.
Have been quilting for more years than I care to remember. Totally agree that quilting can really get quite a hold on you! Thanks for a great post.
I think that you’ve stating patchwork quilting as one of the most stressful crafts is correct. I’ve tried it and find it very frustrating. Having said that though I love your idea for the beginner to start with a basic four patch square. I’m gonna give that a go rather than the elaborate one I’m frustrated with.Cheers!
Great site. Plenty of helpful information here. I’m sending it to some buddies who also love to knit and sew.
Hey I’d prefer quilting anyday to other forms of craft such as cross stitch. I like to create something I can use rather than something that just hangs on one’s wall. Great post…keep it up!
Love patchwork it’s a really good past time. Thanks for posting.
Pretty colors, pretty fabrics, pretty designs…you can’t beat that
Cool post it is surely. My mother has been waiting for this info for a while. She’s been talking about getting started on patchworking.
Finding a good tutor is essential to learn patchwork well.
I tried quilting but I don’t think I had the patience for it.
Big decision time. Will the red poppies design win or the beautiful shades of blue and cream sea shell theme.I just simply can’t decide. Thanks for the post on quilting. My fav topic
I am unusually excited. I’m about to begin my very first patch work quilt. I’ve chosen a pink and red cupcake theme! Watch this space baby!!!
Fantastic post about my favorite topic, patchwork quilting, not just worth boasting about but also putting on display for all to see.
I enjoyed your write up about quilting…it’s what I’m happy doing
I dearly wish patchwork could be taught at high school. Such a waste that it’s not an optional topic for those more right brain dominant.
Hi, Just wanted to say how nice it is to have some wit intertwined in your post. Thanks ;0
QUILTING IS AS STRESSFUL AS TRYING TO KNIT WITH THREE NEEDLES.
Patchwork and quilting are both very worthwhile hobbies to learn. Consider forming a group to make and donate to local rest homes, hospices, and hospitals.
I have discovered over the years beginning with the theme for a quilt is a good place to start then you can choose the colors. It’s a hobby I’ve adored for twenty plus years now
Yes Granny would be turning over in her grave at the thought of using a sewing machine. Times change though eh.
Your explanation about patchwork quilting was reasonably easy to follow.
I get were you’re coming from regarding quilting. I was blessed with good sewing school from my high school days so that tends to stand me in good stead for quilting too.
Great content on your post. My advice to other starting out is to start with something really simple to help build your confidence so you won’t give up.
I’m considering if I’ve taken on too big a project – perhaps going from doll pram cover to queen size bed patchwork quilt was too big a step. Time to call in some expertise.
Fantastic post about patchwork quilting and good to throw some wit in there two!!!
heya there, i’m so looking fwd to going down to the store and choosing my 1st lot of fabrics for my quilt, mom is going to help me thank goodness!
It gives me encouragement to give quilting a go after I read this post. All thank go to you
For someone just thinking about taking up the craft of quilting that was a really clear explanation of how the quilt comes together and what all the pieces are that make up the quilt.
Cheers
Tania
Suggestions gratefully accepted for patchwork ideas for a newborn as an heirloom. Not sure if it’ll be a boy or a girl. Was thinking about a stars and moon design. Something quite neutral but interesting.What have others done.
I liked reading through your articles especially this one about patchwork. My Raynaud’s makes it difficult sometimes for me to do my quilting.Some good days, some bad days!
Thorough info here for the beginner in patchwork. Well done
Dungeons and dragons quilt for my 13 year old. Ya reckon he’s think that was awesome or what!
Love your site. Thank God for the humble sewing machine otherwise I’d have never got started on patchwork. Can’t imagine all that stitching by hand.
You guys rock with your crafting site.I loooove quilting. Just perfect for a bed cover, a wall hanging, or anything that takes your fancy in a multitude of colors.
I just had a cool idea. A patchwork quilt with a video gaming theme. What do ya think?
Patch work quilting isn’t something I’ve tried. My mother in law did my eldest a beautiful patchwork farm yard scene picture that kept him mesmerised when he was a baby. Never know it may end up a hand me down to the next generation.
While my partner prefers gaming I prefer working on my patchwork quilt. Trouble is I don’t just have one on the go at a time. I’m a great starter but not always that good at finishing the projects I’ve started. Maybe that should be my goal for his year.
I’ve decided to give it a go at designing my own patch work design for my parents 50th wedding anniversary. Wish me luck guys. Gee will 6 months be long enough to get it finished. I’m studying too.
Good description about patchwork. I wish sewing was taught in high school still, it’s a great skill to acquire.
Hi, i loved your post about patchwork quilting. So cool that we have sewing machines at our disposal. Hand stitching like in the olden days must have been such a chore rather than a pleasure. DOes anyone still hand stitch patchwork these days?
Keep up the great piece of work about quilting.
I can see you’re an expert at a range of crafts. Thanks for the interesting read!
I love the way you write
“when the bug has really grabbed yr needle crafting soul” cus it certainly will. Hehe
Though it took me a while to get the hand of quilting, perseverance paid off
Today I like to complete themed quilts…keeps me happy 
You’ve written a really good article about patchwork. This spring I’m making a fun patchwork for the beach, I know it’s going to get trashed but figured it’ll make a nice change to the usual beach blanket. Has anyone else tried it before?
Good work, quilting can be time consuming and awkward at times so I first began by making a small quilt for a dolly pram
Too right patchwork quilting is stressful, too dam fiddly. Tried it once and sticking with crocheting thanks
~~~wow, awesome article!~~~
Sounds easy enough, I’m confident with a sewing machine so may give this a whirl for my next challenge
You’ve made an excellent point about making the backing larger than the quilt top.
Nice post!
Best advice is to go join a patchwork quilt class
A very worthwhile tip for the person who is new to quilting to use low bulk batting…..an absolute must.
I dream that one day I will create a masterpiece patchwork for my bed of many colors. Great article, great site. Thanking you.
I agree the rewards can be terrific after hours of fiddling and sewing one’s patchwork quilt. The pleasure and pride one feels displaying the latest project is priceless
Great delivery. Great arguments. Keep up the amazing work. Sensible tip about a large table for patchwork.
I started quilting a few weeks ago, so I’m still very much a beginner? Can anyone point me in the direction of a few good sites with beginner friendly directions and patterns? I’d like to try my hand at a few squares, instead of just making plain patchwork work quilts, but all the sites I keep finding assume I know what I’m doing, or are simply way beyond what I’m capable of right now.
Hi, have you tried searching on You Tube? You may find something suitable there. Cheers
I had been puzzling over how to wash my first quilt that I made about 4 years ago. It seemed to be full of dust. I ended up hand washing it with sugar soap which seems to have been successful. In case anyone else has been wondering.
Aw, this was a cool article about patchwork. It is an extremely popular hobby. Me, my mom and grandmother all do patchwork quilting. It’s addictive!
Great, thanks for sharing your patchwork knowledge…
Agree patchwork does take a certain level of skill. However, if you’re good with a sewing machine and can measure and pin accurately you ought to be fine. Give it a go, you don’t know unless you try huh!
Thumbs up for skillfully telling how it really is when it comes to patchwork. Tricky but worth it!
This was a very good post. I love the way you say it can be one of the most stressful crafts and I’d add frustrating too because it needs to be so darn (excuse the pun) perfect to look neat and tidy…great for the perfectionist
Fantastic, thanks for the detailed description about quilting. Cheers
Awesome read, ta! Someone said to me recently that there weren’t many uses for patchwork but I’d have to disagree. A wonderful gift for a wee girl could be a pram cover for her dollies. The possibilities are endless.
If there’s one aspect of quilting that i love is that you can hold on to a special quilt as a keepsake that will last for many special years. Thanks for writing
Hello there, Just wanted to say patchwork quilting shows are a wonderful places to visit for inspiration. Cheers!
You are wonderful! Thanks! your article about Patchwork Quilting for Beginners was awesome. Best Regards Marcia
Hi There. Others may disagree but I feel it is still far more satisfying to create a quilt hand stitched instead of by machine.
Good tips here! The big table – yes absolutely essential
Hi,
Do you know that if you get really skilled at patchwork you can command high prices for your creations.
With thanks for sharing with me.
Hiya,
Good suggestion beginning with a baby quilt.
Keep posting!
Patchwork Quilts are well worth the time and effort and worth their weight in gold.
I really liked your article about quilting for the beginner.
Your explanation of patchwork was simple and easy to follow in yr post – made sense to me!