| Tool |
Use |
Notes |
| Rotary Cutter |
Cut fabric with precision |
Use with cutting mat |
| Self-Healing Cutting Mat |
Protects surfaces |
Use size at least 18”x24” |
| Quilting Ruler |
Straight cuts and measuring |
6.5”x24” is versatile |
| Sewing Machine |
Piecing and quilting |
Walking foot or ¼” foot preferred |
| Pins/Clips |
Hold fabric pieces |
Clips avoid pinholes |
| Iron & Ironing Board |
Press seams flat |
Vital for accuracy |
| Thread Snips |
Trim excess thread |
Keep close while sewing |
| Seam Ripper |
Fix mistakes |
Essential backup tool |
Fabric Types for Quilting
| Fabric |
Description |
Best For |
Wash Before Use |
| 100% Cotton |
Soft, durable |
All quilts |
✅ Yes |
| Flannel |
Cozy, brushed cotton |
Baby & winter quilts |
✅ Yes |
| Linen Blend |
Textured, breathable |
Modern quilting |
✅ Yes (gentle) |
| Batiks |
Tightly woven, vibrant |
Intricate piecing |
✅ Yes |
| Upcycled Fabric |
Eco-friendly, varied |
Memory or improv quilts |
✅ Wash & test durability |
Quilting Terms & Concepts
| Term |
Meaning |
| Piecing |
Sewing fabric pieces together |
| Quilt Top |
The decorative front layer |
| Backing |
The bottom fabric layer |
| Batting |
Middle insulating layer |
| Basting |
Temporarily holding layers together |
| Binding |
Fabric edge that finishes a quilt |
| Sashing |
Strips between blocks |
| Seam Allowance |
¼” is standard for quilting |
Popular Quilt Blocks
| Block Name |
Style |
Skill Level |
Notes |
| Nine Patch |
Traditional |
⭐ |
Great first block |
| Log Cabin |
Spiral structure |
⭐⭐ |
Versatile design |
| Flying Geese |
Triangular |
⭐⭐ |
Ideal for borders |
| HST (Half-Square Triangle) |
Geometric |
⭐⭐ |
Endless variations |
| Ohio Star |
Star-based |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Classic Americana |
| Drunkard’s Path |
Curved piecing |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Advanced skills needed |
Quilting Techniques
| Technique |
Description |
Best For |
Tools Needed |
| Patchwork |
Straight seams |
All quilt types |
Rotary cutter, ruler |
| English Paper Piecing |
Hand-sewn with paper templates |
Hexagons, travel sewing |
Templates, hand needles |
| Foundation Paper Piecing |
Stitch on printed paper |
Complex patterns |
Sewing machine, printer |
| Free-Motion Quilting |
Drawing with thread |
Decorative stitches |
Darning foot |
| Walking Foot Quilting |
Even feed stitching |
Straight-line quilting |
Walking foot |
Quilt Sizes Cheat Sheet
| Quilt Type |
Dimensions (inches) |
Blocks Needed (avg) |
| Baby Quilt |
36 x 52 |
16–25 |
| Lap Quilt |
50 x 65 |
25–42 |
| Twin Quilt |
70 x 90 |
35–56 |
| Queen Quilt |
90 x 108 |
56–72 |
| King Quilt |
108 x 108 |
72+ |
Beginner Quilting Projects
| Project |
Time Estimate |
Blocks/Technique |
Skills Practiced |
| Nine Patch Pillow |
2–4 hrs |
Basic blocks |
Piecing, binding |
| Baby Quilt |
1–2 days |
Simple rows |
Layout, quilting |
| Table Runner |
4–6 hrs |
HSTs or strips |
Matching seams |
| Quilted Pot Holders |
2–3 hrs |
Improv or square |
Batting, binding corners |
| Tote Bag with Patchwork Panel |
6–8 hrs |
Strip piecing |
Combining with utility sewing |
| Project |
Techniques |
Challenge Level |
Best Fabrics |
| Sampler Quilt |
Multiple blocks |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Cotton or batik |
| Modern Minimal Quilt |
Improv piecing |
⭐⭐ |
Solids, linen |
| Memory Quilt |
T-shirt/fabric collage |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Upcycled fabrics |
| Bargello Quilt |
Wave illusion |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Coordinated colour |
| Appliqué Quilt |
Sew shapes onto base |
⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Fusible or raw-edge |
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
| Wonky Seams |
Irregular seam allowance |
Use ¼” guide or foot |
| Puckered Fabric |
Not pressing or pinning |
Press seams open & flat |
| Wavy Borders |
Uneven cutting or piecing |
Measure across center, not edge |
| Tension Issues |
Thread problems |
Re-thread machine, adjust tension |
| Skipping Stitches |
Wrong needle or thread |
Use sharp quilting needle |
Finishing Techniques
| Step |
Description |
Notes |
| Basting |
Layer quilt top, batting, backing |
Use pins, spray, or thread |
| Quilting |
Stitching design through all layers |
Start center out |
| Trimming |
Even edges for clean binding |
Use large ruler |
| Binding |
Enclosing raw edges |
Machine or hand-stitched |
| Labeling |
Add date and name |
Use fabric pen or embroidery |
Where to Sell or Gift Quilts
| Use |
Audience |
Tip |
| Baby Shower Gifts |
New parents |
Use flannel or soft cotton |
| Home Décor Shops |
Boho/minimalist crowd |
Lap quilts, throws |
| Craft Markets |
Quilt lovers |
Small projects like coasters |
| Memory Commissions |
Bereaved families |
Use personal clothing pieces |
| Online Stores (Etsy, Shopify) |
Global |
Offer custom sizing/colours |
| Platform |
Resource Type |
Best For |
| Missouri Star Quilt Co. (YouTube) |
Tutorials |
Beginners |
| SewCanShe.com |
Patterns + printables |
Free modern designs |
| QuiltingDaily.com |
Articles + classes |
Advanced techniques |
| r/quilting (Reddit) |
Community support |
Feedback & inspiration |
| Local Guilds & Fabric Shops |
In-person classes |
Project help & networking |
Quilting is not just stitches in fabric, it’s pieces of memory, comfort, and creativity sewn together in every square.