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Step 1
Another quilt block patternHow will I piece the quilt top by hand or using machine-piecing techniques? If hand piecing, just about any pattern will work, it just takes time to trace and cut out each piece of fabric. If machine piecing, you can use rotary cutting techniques to cut the fabric exactly for machine stitching, but it gets complicated going beyond basic squares and triangles.
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Step 2
One of many block designs you can choose from.How complicated do I want my quilt block? If you are new to quilting, stick with simpler patterns that have squares and limited triangles. If you are looking for a challenge, choose quilting patterns with set-in seams and odd-shaped pieces. Some quilting resources divide quilt blocks into 4-patches, 9-patches, 16-patches, and 25-patches. For simpler quilt blocks use blocks that are 4-patches or 9-patches.
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Step 3
Another quilt block pattern.What is the quilt's use? - Wall quilt, Lap quilt, or Bed quilt. This determines the size of the quilt top and the amount of time it will take to finish the project. Wall quilts are usually 36 inches or less on a side; lap quilts average 45 inches by 60 inches; and bed quilts run from 72 inches by 90 inches for a twin and up for queen and king sized quilts. The answer to this question determines how many quilt blocks you will have to make to complete your quilt. If it is a small wall hanging, choosing a complicated quilt block with 60+ individual patches (pieces of fabric) will still allow you to finish it in a reasonable period of time because you won't need too many blocks. But if you are making a king sized quilt that requires 60 quilt blocks, you may want to consider easier, less complicated patterns with 20 or less individual patches per block.
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Step 4
One of many block designs you can choose from.What size quilt block should I choose? Quilt blocks come in many sizes, from 3 inches to 18 inches, with 12-inch blocks being the most common. Once you know the approximate size of your quilt, you can determine how many blocks you will need to make in any size for your quilt. The bigger the block size, the less blocks you will need to complete for your project.
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Step 5
Another example of a quilt blockHow will the quilt blocks be sewn together? This step is called "setting" the quilt. Common choices include: adding sashing strips (like a frame) between each block, sewing blocks together to create an all-over pattern, or alternating pieced blocks with a solid fabric.
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Step 6
Once you have chosen a block for your next quilt, make a sample before cutting all your fabric. This lets you check the measurements in the pattern and also the difficulty of the block before you commit your fabric and time to the project.
