Learn to Quilt: A Beginner's Path

Your first quilt should be small, square and forgiving. A lap quilt or a baby quilt is perfect. Here’s the path I’d walk you along.

What you’ll need

• Fabric. Cotton, washed and pressed. Old shirts count.
• Cutting tools. Sharp fabric scissors, or a rotary cutter, ruler and mat.
• Needles and thread. Quilting needles and a cotton thread in a neutral color.
• Wadding and backing. The soft middle and a plain fabric for the back.
• Pins and a thimble. Your fingertips will thank you.

The steps

1. Cut your squares

Cut every square the same size. Measure twice. A cardboard template helps if you’re using scissors.

2. Lay them out

Arrange the squares on the floor and move them about until you’re happy. Take a photo so you remember the order.

3. Piece the rows

Join squares into rows with a small running stitch and an even seam allowance. Press seams, then join the rows. You can do this entirely by hand.

4. Make the sandwich

Lay the backing face down, then the wadding, then your patchwork face up. Smooth it flat and pin or tack through all three layers.

5. Quilt it

Stitch through all layers along the seams or in simple lines. Hand quilting is slow and soothing. Tying the layers with knots is quicker and just as sound.

6. Bind the edges

Wrap a strip of fabric round the raw edges and slip-stitch it down by hand. Then sign and date a corner.

Bring the family in

Children can choose colors, plan the layout and tie knots. See when children can start. If your fabric holds memories, read making a memory quilt from old shirts.