Learn to make a quilt for complete beginners - The entire process from start to finish!
If you’ve been with me for the past 6+ months on TikTok, you know that I’ve shared this process before in my 10 part learn to quilt series. I wanted to redo this series one more time to add even more detail and answer all of the questions that were asked the last time I shared. If you have never made a quilt before, this is definitely for you! I know how it can feel overwhelming to learn a new skill like making a quilt and that is why I love to help others with their first quilt! I walk through the entire process from necessary tools, to binding and finishing your quilt.
Though it’ll be in multiple parts on my TikTok, I have put them all together into one video that can be viewed on my YouTube channel as well.
Though I share a simple beginner pattern using charm packs (5” precut squares) if you have another pattern already picked out, you can most definitely join and watch along as I will be going over quilting and binding (something that most quilt patterns don’t go into detail about).
In addition to adding more details and tips about the process, I am also including a guide below for fabric requirements for different sizes! Though for an absolute beginner sewing on a home machine, I probably wouldn’t recommend going any larger than 3 charm packs - this is your quilt and your project! So I wanted to include all sizes and fabric requirements.
See below for fabric requirements, all are assuming the width of your fabric is 42”:
| Quilt | Finished Size | Layout | Number of Charm Packs (5" Squares, yardage if cutting squares) |
Backing (and batting) |
Binding (number of 2.5" strips) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table Runner/Bench (size I made in this tutorial) |
18"x36" | 4x8 | 1 (32, .75 yards) |
1 yard | .25 yard (3) |
| Mini Quilt/Stroller Lap Quilt | 27"x31.5" | 6x7 | 1 (42, 1 yard) |
1 yard | .5 yard (4) |
| Baby Quilt | 36"x45" | 8x10 | 2 (80, 1.5 yards) |
2 yards | .5 yard (5) |
| Throw Size | 63"x63" | 14x14 | 5 (196, 3.5 yards) |
3.75 yards | .5 yard (7) |
| Twin | 72"x90" | 16x20 | 8 (320, 5.75 yards) |
6 yards | .75 yard (9) |
| Bed Size | 90"x108" | 20x24 | 12 (480, 8.5 yards) |
9 yards | 1 yard (11) |
Here are the materials I recommend, check out my Amazon storefront for specific brands/items that I use every day!
Required:
Fabric and Batting (see fabric requirements above)
Sewing Machine
Seam Ripper (one probably came with your machine)
Pins
Binding Clips
Thread for piecing (I prefer 50wt aurifil) pick out a neutral color if possible
Thread for quilting (I prefer 28wt aurifil for a chunky stitch look, you can also use the same thread as you used for piecing, this is totally dependent on personal preference) This will be the thread that shows on the top of your quilt
6”x24” Ruler (or similar size, if you can only start with one ruler this is the size I recommend)
Rotary Cutter and Blade (I swear by these blades)
Cutting Mat (go as large as your budget and space allows, you won’t regret it)
Iron and ironing board or wool pressing mat
Nice to have:
Starch Spray
Square Rulers
Elmer’s Washable Glue
Square Rulers, I would start with a large one but I really love and recommend this pack here
For the complete learn to quilt series on my YouTube, click here