How to Quilt a Baby Blanket
Quilting a blanket can be a little more complicated than crocheting one, but this shouldn’t discourage you. Here are some basic instructions to get you started. To learn more, pick up a copy of Quilting 101: A beginners guide to quilting
Choose your desired difficulty
Quilting a blanket can be very hard or very easy. It all depends on what pattern you use. If you decide to use a simple kit such as those at Quilting @ Joann.com, it will be much simpler. They are often precut and very easy to assemble.
If you pick a very complicated pattern, of course, it’s going to be much more difficult, especially if you are new to quilting.
If you are an advanced quilter, pick whichever pattern you want and however difficult you want. If you are a beginner and you are just planning on making this one quilt, you might want to go with a kit. If you are a beginner or intermediate that wants to try your hand at quilting and possibly advance later on, choose a simple pattern and work your way up.
Familiarize yourself with the instructions
You need to read through the pattern first. There’s nothing worse then getting halfway through something only to find out you did something wrong.
Make sure you have all the correct supplies and know what you are supposed to do in what order. Being familiar with the pattern ahead of time will prove to be very beneficial as you move forward with your quilt.
Pick out your fabric
When you are choosing fabrics, think of colors and types of fabric. Do you want it to be extra warm and cozy? Try using flannel fabric. If you want it to be a regular quilt, use 100% cotton fabric.
Choose colors that you know will go well with the baby’s room or that they will like. You could choose a pink or blue theme, depending on gender, and use different variations of that color. For example, if you are doing pink, you can use pink floral print, hearts print, other pink prints, and a solid pink fabric.
You could choose to use one solid color and one print, for example, use white solid with teddy bear print.
It is completely up to you just make sure it looks good! Find great fabrics at Quilting @ Joann.com!
Measure and Cut
If you are using a kit that has precut quilting blocks, then you are in luck! That will save you a lot of time and agony.
If you are using a regular quilting pattern, you will need to measure and cut each square. Be 100% it is the right size before you cut it. Remember, you can make it smaller if you made it too big, but you can’t go vise versa.
Start Sewing
If you have a sewing machine, making a quilt will be considerably faster and easier for you. You begin by sewing smaller squares together and building up until it’s one piece. Follow along the pattern until it is finished.
Finish it up!
Make sure you add the batting if necessary so that it is warm and toasty. Finish up your baby blanket, wrap it up, and give it to the special baby!