Quilting

Quilting is a craft that grows with you. One simple block can turn into a full quilt, and one finished quilt often leads to the next idea waiting patiently in your fabric stash.

Getting started with quilting

If you’re new to quilting, begin with simple quilt blocks and easy patterns that focus on straight seams and basic construction. Learning to cut fabric accurately and sew a consistent quarter-inch seam will set you up for success on every project that follows.

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Essential quilting supplies

You don’t need a full studio to begin. A sewing machine, rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, and quality quilting cotton will take you far. As your skills grow, you can add specialty tools like spray basting, walking feet, or a design wall.

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Quilting styles, explained

Not sure what kind of quilter you are yet? Traditional quilting favors classic blocks and time-tested patterns. Modern quilting plays with negative space, improv piecing, and bold color. Art quilts treat fabric as a painter treats canvas, often telling a story or making a statement. Most quilters end up borrowing from all three — and that’s part of the fun.

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Explore quilting techniques

From traditional piecing to paper piecing and modern improv styles, quilting offers endless ways to create. Try new approaches, mix techniques, and discover what feels most natural to your hands.

Meet the makers

Every quilt has a story — and the people making them are just as inspiring as the finished piece. Our maker spotlights go behind the scenes with traditional quilters, modern designers, and fiber artists to hear how they got started, what drives their work, and what they’ve learned along the way. RELATED: Spotlight Stories

Find your next project

Browse our collection of quilt patterns, tutorials, and creative ideas to start your next quilt. Whether you’re making your first block or your fiftieth quilt, there’s always something new to learn and explore.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest quilt pattern for beginners?
Simple patchwork and basic square blocks are great starting points. They help you practice cutting and sewing without complicated angles.

What supplies do I need to start quilting?
Start with a sewing machine, fabric, thread, rotary cutter, cutting mat, and ruler. These essentials will cover most beginner projects.

What is a quilt block?
A quilt block is a single unit of a quilt design. Multiple blocks are sewn together to create the full quilt top.

How do I choose fabric for a quilt?
Look for quilting cottons and choose a mix of colors, values, and patterns that work well together. Start simple and build confidence.

How long does it take to make a quilt?
It depends on the size and complexity. A small beginner quilt can take a weekend, while larger or more detailed quilts may take weeks.

What’s the difference between traditional, modern, and art quilts? 
Traditional quilts follow classic blocks and patterns passed down through generations. Modern quilts favor bold color, negative space, and improvisational piecing. Art quilts use fabric as an expressive medium, often to tell a story rather than to make a bed covering.

How much fabric do I need for a quilt?
It depends on the quilt size and pattern, but as a rough guide, a lap-size quilt typically needs 3–4 yards total, including backing, while a queen-size quilt can need 8–10 yards. Most patterns include a specific fabric requirement chart.

Do I need a sewing machine to quilt, or can I quilt by hand?
Both are possible. Machine piecing and quilting is faster and common for modern and traditional quilts, while hand quilting and hand piecing (including English paper piecing) offer a slower, portable, meditative process many quilters love.

What’s the difference between piecing and quilting?
Piecing is sewing fabric pieces together to create the quilt top design. Quilting is the process of stitching the top, batting, and backing together to create the finished, layered quilt.