Shopping cart
$0.00
How to Make a Quilt
Every video and blog post we make here at Grace Company is made to answer the question: how do I make a quilt?
Whatever your skill level, we have made something to help you improve your quilting. In this blog, we’ll break the quilt-making process down into its most basic steps, so you can find resources to help you expand your skills in whatever areas you deem your weakest.
Complete beginner with no idea where to start? Check out this series where a first-time quilter makes her first quilt.
Expert quilter looking for a new way to use your skills? Look at these event segments where our experienced quilters create thread paintings using longarms!
How to Piece Your Quilt Top for Machine Quilting
The first step in quilting is creating the quilt top. This is the part of the quilt you probably picture: the patchwork portion of the quilt. Here’s how it’s done:
How to Make Quilt Blocks
The most basic quilt tops are made up from rows of simple fabric squares sewn together, but more intricate quilt tops are made from more intricate quilt blocks.
The quilt pattern you use should guide you through what shapes to cut and how to sew them together, but if you’re looking for a place to start, you can check out our basic block series where we walk you through how to make a few essential quilt blocks that can be modified or combined to create gorgeous quilt tops.
Videos:
- How to Make Half-Square Triangles
- How to Make an Economy Block
- How to Make Flying Geese 4 at a time
- How to Make a Sawtooth Star Block
- How to Make a Rail Fence Block
- How to Make a Log Cabin Block
- How to Make a 16-Patch
- How to Make a 9-Patch
Blogs:
How to Lay Out the Quilt Top
Once your blocks are ready, it’s time to arrange them. This step lets you experiment with different layouts, balancing colors and patterns until everything feels just right. Laying the blocks out on a design wall or large flat surface can help you visualize the final look.
Don’t have a design wall? Check out this blog post or this video where we lay out a few different methods for making one that will work just as well as any store-bought solution.
How to Sew Together the Quilt Top
When you’re happy with your layout, sew the blocks together to create rows. Then, join the rows to complete the quilt top. Precision matters here, so take your time aligning seams for a polished result.
How to Quilt on a Machine
With the quilt top complete, the next phase is quilting—the process that brings your quilt to life by adding texture and durability.
How to Assemble the Quilt Sandwich
The “quilt sandwich” consists of three layers: the quilt top, batting (if you need help choosing the right kind of batting for your quilt, you can reference our ultimate guide), and the backing fabric. Smooth out each layer and center the quilt top on the batting and backing. Next, you’ll want to secure all three layers using pins, clips, basting spray, or long stitches. The method you use depends on personal preference as well as the quilting method you’re planning to use.
How to Quilt Your Design
Now comes the fun part: stitching through all three layers to create your quilt design. There are several techniques to choose from:
- Push Quilting: This traditional method involves manually guiding your quilt through a sewing machine. It’s a great option for smaller projects or those who enjoy a hands-on approach.
- Free Motion Quilting: For those who love creative freedom, free motion quilting allows you to move the quilt in any direction under the needle, creating custom patterns and designs. If you’re just starting out with free motion, you can find some essential designs to practice in this video.
- Pantographs: These are continuous line patterns that you follow using a quilting machine. Pantographs are perfect for achieving consistent, professional results.
- Automation: If you’ve added Quilter’s Creative Touch 6 to your longarm, you can set the quilted pattern you want and have your longarm do the stitching for you. Getting the hang of a new software is always tricky though, so if you’re looking for extra help, you can find out more about QCT6 here.
How to Bind Your Quilt
The final step is binding the edges of your quilt to give it a clean, finished look. Cut strips of fabric for your binding, fold them, and sew them along the edges of your quilt. This step not only adds a decorative frame but also protects the edges from wear and tear. Follow these step-by-step instructions for how to bind your quilt using a machine, or check out this video to get some other binding ideas.
Need a Little More Help Getting Started?
Quilting is such a fun, satisfying hobby and an incredible art form—but there’s a lot to learn. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for in-person guidance, check out our quilting classes! Whether you’re new to quilting or looking to sharpen your skills, our classes are designed to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to bring your quilting projects to life.
We can’t wait to see all the beautiful quilts you make.
Posted by The Grace Company
For over 25 years the Grace Company has been the leading manufacturer of high quality quilting frames and quilting accessories. What truly sets The Grace Company apart from other competitors is its level of quality, value, and experience toward all their endeavours. From products to external and internal customer experience, the Grace Company responds to market and customer needs and continues to lead the quilting industry. Grace Company frames and hoops are designed to be easy to build and compatible with most major quilting machines. They'll have the quilting product you need.
Related Posts:
Wondering how to use Quilt Clips, aka Quilt Frame Clamps, when Quilting? Click here for the step-by-step tutorial by the Grace Company!
Like many art forms, quilting has evolved and grown in po...
5 Essential Quilting Accessories for Beginners
If you’ve made it to this blog, you must be a quilter. Whether you’re a budding quilt enthusiast or a seasoned quilting veteran, there is...
Last month I began the story of the ‘old’ and ‘new' quilt I was making for a friend who’s daughter was having a baby. We incorporated pieces of a quilt the Mom had mad...