How to Quilt - Quilt Block Patterns

Quilt Block Patterns for the Beginner Quilter

Quilt blocks can be easy or complicated, traditional or modern, but they all have one thing in common: they are your stepping stones on the path of learning how to quilt, helping you to complete that heirloom quilt that you would love to make.

Quilt block patterns are generally divided into categories depending on the number of patches used to make each quilt blocks: four patch, five patch and nine patch are definitely the most common quilt block patterns. The point to note is that a nine patch block is not necessarily more complicated than a four patch block. It is possible to have a nine patch block made using nine single squares sewn together in three rows of three which is common in beginner quilting projects, while a four patch block could have several triangles of different sizes within each of the four patches. This would obviously be a far more complicated block to sew.

Quite apart from these choices for patchwork quilt blocks, there are many other options such as a plain block with an embroidered motif on it or with an applique design. These are particularly popular for baby quilts.

Many quilt block patterns are available to anyone across the world now because of the internet. You may find quilt blocks attributed to Nancy Cabot who appears to have been prolific: in fact this was the pen name used for a newspaper column devoted to quilting. A hundred years ago this was one of the most important ways for quilters to find patterns that they could use.

Once you have chosen your quilt design, cut out the blocks and sewn them together you still have several design choices to make. The first and most obvious choice is whether you want to use hand quilting or machine quilting. Traditional quilts were hand quilted simply because sewing machines did not exist at that time, but even after sewing machines became widely available quilts were still generally hand quilted for many years.

Machine quilting has become widely accepted over the last few decades as there has been a renewed interest in crafting. Quilts have been made for pleasure as a crafting hobby rather than as an essential requirement to keep warm using recycled clothing fabrics.

While a hand quilted project could take months and even years to complete, a machine quilted project can be finished in a matter of days. This obviously makes it far more attractive to today’s quilter who has so many other demands on his or her time. Yes, there are many very talented male quilters.

Another major factor that has had a great impact on which method of quilting to use is the explosion of sewing machines either designed specifically for quilting or with attachments that are designed to help quilters. Buying a longarm quilting machine is an expensive step that only a serious quilter would consider, but buying a sewing machine that gives you more room to the right of the needle to help with the bulk of a large quilting project makes sense. If the sewing machine comes with a walking foot quilt attachment as well, then it really is a good economic outlay and is within the financial reach of most amateur quilters.

No matter what your choice of quilt block - simple or complicated - and whatever choices you make in the design of your quilt, there’s no denying that quilting is a satisfying and rewarding hobby to choose.