Sewing a quilt: A self-sewn patchwork blanket is something very special. With my instructions, you can easily sew a quilt – you will be amazed at how fast it goes!
The most important points at a glance
- In this post, you will learn how to sew a quilt quickly and easily
- and which fabrics are particularly suitable
- Among other things, I share tips on quick cutting, thread color, and the rotary cutter
- You don't need a pattern to sew a quilt
- Sewing time: 1 afternoon
- Sewing level: Beginner
Why should I sew a quilt myself?
A self-sewn quilt is a valuable and very personal gift. You can let your imagination run wild when combining fabrics. Of course, you should also take into account the recipient's individual preferences so that the quilt will actually be used.
You can also consider the intended use of the blanket when choosing the back. Should the quilt be used as a light sofa throw or as a summer quilt? You can adapt not only the thickness of the backing fabric but also its material composition.
Perhaps you are already familiar with my tutorial on how you can easily sew a patchwork blanket?
Reading tip: You are cordially invited to also check out our detailed posts on patchwork and quilting. :)
Sew a quilt quickly and easily
No store-bought quilt can compare to a self-sewn one, I promise! Because you decide which colors, patterns, and motifs it will have.
You can also, as in my case, choose a theme. Mine is nature films. Hedgehogs, mallards, blue tits, televisions – everything bustles about in the blue-green of the quilt. Wonderful!
I have been involved with the topic of patchwork and quilting for quite a while because I just find it so exciting. Take a look here to learn the differences between quilting, appliquéing, and patchwork. Just the tools and accessories: so mysterious and practical!
By the way: Before I dared to tackle a quilt, I first sewed cute placemats. For practice, so to speak. Because all the techniques you need for a patchwork blanket also appear in placemats!
If you don't want to cut the fabric strips yourself, you can also use a pre-made Jelly Roll. What is a Jelly Roll anyway and how do you sew with it? I reveal that in my blog post Sewing with Jelly Rolls. The pillowcase, which I use to show you the sewing technique, is by the way a beautiful companion for the patchwork blanket! :)
The blanket is bound with a simple polka-dot bias tape that I made myself.
And because it goes so fast, I also call this quilt a "half-day blanket". ;)
Which fabrics are suitable for a quilt or a patchwork blanket?
The most suitable are firm, woven fabrics made of
- Cotton woven fabric* (e.g., chambray fabrics* or Kokka fabrics*)
- Cotton batiste*
- Linen fabrics*
- Denim fabrics*
- Canvas*
- Decorative fabrics*
Keep in mind that a quilt might be washed frequently. For example, if you want to sew a baby blanket. Therefore, it is important that the fabrics wash well. Such a quilt is not necessarily difficult to sew. But due to the long seams and the large amount of material, it is a somewhat more demanding project.
Therefore, I recommend that you use high-quality cotton fabrics. They still look great after dozens of washes and are very easy to work with.
For the back, I recommend a fabric that feels soft and comfortable. A nice cotton fleece fabric* works really great, for example, or, very classically: a soft flannel*. The colors of the back should match the quilt top well.
Read more here about sewing with cotton fabrics.
By the way, you can easily make the bias tape for binding yourself. I explain how this works in my tutorial making bias tape yourself.
Which batting is suitable for quilting and patchwork
When choosing batting, you should think beforehand about how your quilt is going to be used. If you are sewing a baby quilt, it is to be expected that it will have to be washed frequently. Consequently, you should use batting that washes well and possibly also dries quickly. If you want an insert without artificial fibers, soy, cotton, or wool batting are suitable options.
My tip: Take a look at our post Fabrics and batting for patchwork, in which you will learn everything you need to know about the topic
Reading tip: Strengthening fabrics
Putting together fabrics for a quilt
Putting together the fabrics for a quilt is great fun. The selection of patterns and colors is huge.
If it is difficult for you to decide or you are unsure what goes together, you can buy a ready-made fabric pack*.
The following considerations can make your decision easier:
- How about a themed quilt, e.g., a flower quilt?
- Or do you prefer colorful and bright?
- Is there a special occasion, such as a birthday or upcoming retirement?
Tip: If you are sewing a patchwork blanket from fabric scraps, I have a tip for you that saves you the pondering when choosing the fabrics. Put all the fabric scraps that come into question into a large box and take a piece of fabric without much thought and sew it.
Directional fabrics
Do the patterns or objects on your fabric have a direction? Consider beforehand whether you want to take this into account when arranging the fabrics.
Washing and ironing the fabrics
Fabrics like cotton and linen shrink differently when washed.
I wash newly bought fabrics before I sort them into my fabric cupboard. This way I can start sewing right away when I begin a new project. Furthermore, you will see if fabrics bleed when washing.
Tip: If the fabric still loses color after repeated washing, you should not use it in a quilt that is intended to be washed.
Cutting strips in a flash
Are you looking for a quick-cutting method?
Then fold your fabric in half or into a quarter. This way you can cut several layers of fabric with one cut.
Tip: Important here is a well-functioning blade on the rotary cutter.
Reading tip: Read everything about rotary cutters here!
Which sewing machine needle for sewing a quilt?
You can use simple universal sewing machine needles* for this project. Preferably in size 80 - 90 so that it handles the many layers of fabric well.
Many quilt fans swear by titanium needles*, which are particularly hardened. From my own experience, I can say that these needles have excellent durability. Highly recommended.
Also very suitable, especially when sewing fleece, are anti-glue needles*. They are specially coated and glide quite easily through the different fabric layers. Also tested and found to be very suitable. ;) You can use them as completely "normal" sewing machine needles.
For topstitching, quilting needles* are fantastic. They are extremely sharp and create gorgeous quilt stitches. Incidentally, quilting needles are also a real insider tip for sewing a bag.
With which thread color to sew?
If you are using fabric strips in different colors in your quilt, medium gray or a dark beige are suitable thread colors.
This way you can relax and sew all fabric strips with the same thread, and the annoying thread change is eliminated.
Tip: Prepare several bobbin threads directly so that you don't run out in between.
What other accessories do I need to sew a quilt?
- Cotton fleece
- self-made cotton bias tape for binding (width 7 - 8 cm)
- Trick marker*
- Sewing thread* (also feel free to use a contrasting color for topstitching!)
- Rotary cutter*
- Fabric scissors*
- Sewing machine*
- Pins*
- Iron and ironing board (feel free to read more about practical ironing aids)
- Fabric clips*
Conclusion: Sewing a quilt is hard? Nah, all done! :)
The entire quilt takes about half a day for experienced sewers and is totally fun. And it is a wonderful gift for a loved one. Many quilts and patchwork blankets are passed down from generation to generation in families. A wonderful tradition that you can keep alive with your self-sewn quilt.
If you have a question about sewing a quilt, feel free to write me a comment.
Happy simple quilting
your Sabine
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