Baby Quilt Patterns

Nothing could ever be more special than gifting your loved ones with a handmade baby quilt. A look at some ways to make easy  baby quilt patterns. 

An ideal gift for an expecting mother, or a treasure that is being handed down from generations, the baby quilt forms one of the many items mommies-to-be will receive amongst other gifts like clothes and toys. The quilt is used to cover the baby or even the crib, or it can be used inside the crib and once your baby grows too old for it, these pretty cribs can even adorn the walls for sentimental value.

Although  stores stock a wide range of quilts,  the best baby quilts are the ones that are handmade by your loved ones. It is not only the beauty of the quilt but the thought that counts into the making of the piece, which is what makes it most desirable. Some of the most common patterns used are ducks, letters of the alphabet, trains, planes or cartoons.

Before you choose the baby quilt pattern do ensure the following:

The purpose of the quilt- If it is meant to cover, or if it is to be used as a bed cover or simply as a wall hanging.

This will help you determine the size of the quilt. Once the size if finalized, it will be easier to finalize the pattern, as some patterns look good on a large area.

Know the occasion and choose your colors accordingly. If it goes on the wall, think about the colors of the room and co-ordinate.

Think about the material and how it will support the design. The fabric goes a long way in displaying the design.

 

Easy ways to baby quilt patterns:

One of the most basic patterns is the square and blocks. Here’s a look at two ways to make your own design. An easy baby quilt to make, this pattern can be made into a lap robe by using scraps of material. You can even make it larger by adding longer rows.

Method1:

Cut 6"x6" squares around 64 in total. (Try to use at least different fabrics.) Now arrange the 6" squares in rows. This should be in every other color. You should lay them in such a manner that eight should go across and eight down. You need to pick up the first row of eight. Then pin it together with a number one on it. Repeat this procedure for all the other rows. It is time to sew each row. The squares should be all sewn together but in row one. Proceed to do row two etc. Do ensure you use a 1/4" seam. Once the rows are done sew them all together. Now, press the seams towards the border. Once done, layer and quilt by hand or machine.

Cut some strips of 2 and 1/4" length of the quilt. The strips are to be used as borders. Sew the strips to quilt once you put right sides together. Now, turn the quilt over. Sew the strips on the wrong side by hand.
Your quilt is ready to be gifted!

Method 2:

Cut 7" x &" squares, 91 in total. Arrange the squares in different rows, and number them as one, two etc. Number 1 goes in the center of the quilt, followed by 2. Use different materials or scraps for the rows. Now, pick up the first row. You have to pin these all together. Use the number one row on it. Repeat the procedure for the other rows, marking rows 2, 3, etc. Each row needs to be used. The squares should be all sewed together in one row. Repeat for the other rows. For this, use a 1/4" seam. Now you have to press the seams. All the seams from row one and other odd rows have to be pressed down. The even rows should go seam up. The odd and even row placement is very important. Once the rows are pressed it is time to sew the rows together. The seams should now be pressed all over to the left and sewed. Now you can layer and quilt using your hand or machine.

For borders cut strips 2 1/4" wide and the length of the quilt on all sides. Use the right sides together of the strip and quilt. Now sew 1/4" from the edge. Use the wrong side to sew strips down by hand.

Now, all you need to do is simply gift wrap the entire quilt!

There are more innovative methods available to making some really unique baby quilts. The designs can involve fantasy, animals, and nature or even rag quilts where you don’t have to worry about having perfect seams. Browse the Internet or drop into a bookstore to get some really fascinating designs you can use to create your own masterpiece. This will be one such gift that would be cherished forever.

By Kashmira Lad
Published: 11/6/2007

 

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