Perfect Quilt for Beginners!

As I’m working on the newest video for the Traditional Quilt Block Series, I couldn’t help but notice – this quilt layout with 9″ blocks is PERFECT for a new quilter!

These simple blocks are a great way to improve on the 1/4″ seam (or slightly scant for wiggle room). Already after only 3 blocks there’s been great skill builders like making 4 at a time flying geese and half square triangles. The little 9 patch cornerstones in the quilt layout for 9″ blocks are a great entrance into strip piecing and making small blocks – the squares finish at 1″.

The first real skill building quilt I made was during a sampler sew along in 2022 called “Sewcialites 2″ put on by the Fat Quarter Shop. I felt like I was on quite a steep curve! Some of the blocks, even at 9”, I am stubborn, so I finished every block and eventually the whole quilt, but wow I struggled at times! Fortunately there was a robust Facebook group for the sew along to remind me I wasn’t the only newb.

If you’re new to quilting and would like a little support, click here to join the private Facebook group. It is small now but is growing, and there are several people already in there that would be happy to help a new quilter.

After we make all 12 blocks I will share the process of finishing the throw size quilt made of 9″ blocks. I’ll be posting the cutting instructions and fabric requirements for the baby quilt made from 6″ blocks in the next couple of weeks. We’ll be putting together both quilts in videos at the end of this series. As for the 16″ (or larger) throw pillow using 3″ blocks, at the very least I’ll link to my favorite tutorial for making a sleeved pillow cover. Who knows, maybe I’ll make that on video too, we’ll see – it will be so cute!