Posted by Cathy Cooper

11 Baby Quilt Patterns to Celebrate a New Arrival

A baby quilt is an ideal gift for your own new arrival or someone else’s—after all, it can become a beloved heirloom that stays in the family for generations.

Baby quilt patterns have particular appeal for new quilters or those wishing to learn a new technique; their small size lets you experiment more freely. (And finish more quickly!)

If you’re looking to welcome a new baby, have a look at these delightful baby quilt patterns. We’ve tried to include a variety of techniques on this list, for all skill levels, so you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy making and giving.

 

A note about safety

Baby quilts make an ideal addition to any nursery, but you’ll want to avoid certain techniques.

It can’t be said enough, for example, that you should stay away from beads, buttons and other small embellishments; the risk of them coming loose and creating a choking hazard means they’re not appropriate for a baby quilt.

Don’t forget, either, to make sure all seams are secure, and that the finished quilt doesn’t have loose strands of thread that could become entangled in hair or wrapped around little fingers or toes.

 

Pinwheel quilt

With lively colours on a fresh, white-on-white background, this free baby quilt pattern is ideal for any new arrival. This charming take on the traditional pinwheel pattern uses traditional piecing methods and has a border or dimensional prairie points for added interest. Simple triangle blocks and straightforward assembly make this pattern a good challenge for an intermediate quilter.

 

Colourful striped ombre quilt

This might be the easiest pattern on our list; simple strips of colour are easily assembled and quilted, but the end result looks anything but speedy. Use the rainbow colour scheme shown here, or choose your own to create a customized piece for the nursery.

 

Baby bright

You’ll take one look at the vibrant colours and patterns that make up this delightful piece and fall in love. But infants and toddlers will adore checking out the lively patterns, too. We love this cleverly constructed piece, which combines simple piecing with applique and is ideal for beginners.

 

Modern confetti quilt

More contemporary than most, this stunning piece makes an amazing impression, but is surprisingly easy to make. Simple shapes and easy applique construction will help you make the most of your fabric selections and to match virtually any colour scheme.

 

Oversized chevron baby quilt

Big bold swaths of colour add up to style and ease. This delightfully fresh quilt allows you to create an elegant and appealing gift with enduring appeal.

 

Simple, elegant squares baby quilt

This fast and easy design packs a big punch, and is an ideal way to showcase some of your favourite fabrics. Simple strip piecing and basic shapes allow you to whip this piece up in a hurry; it is ideal for a handmade but last-minute baby shower gift.

 

Embellished baby quilt

Big, bold three dimensional flowers appeal to baby’s senses—and are fast and easy to add to this charming quilt. Showcase printed fabrics and try a few new techniques when you complete this fast and easy baby quilt pattern.

 

Super-fast scrappy top

It only looks like it takes forever! This “one-hour baby quilt” assembles in a hurry using strip piecing techniques; once the top is complete, simply layer your batting and backing, then stitch in the ditch to finish.

 

Monogrammed baby quilt

Welcome baby by name with this attention grabbing, but surprisingly easy pattern. Simple applique techniques allow you to work this up quickly but still add a personal touch.  

 

Sweet log cabin

Log cabin blocks are fast and easy to make—and they’re addictive, too! Whether you choose the colours shown here or come up with your own unique spin on the log cabin baby quilt, this classic is sure to please.

 

Puffy baby quilt               

This fun technique is as easy to get hooked on as it is easy to complete. The puffy blocks are fun to make and assemble, but yield a stunning finished result. Combine your favourite fabrics or colour schemes and this innovative block technique to come up with a fresh and lively piece baby will love.  

 

Grandmother’s flower garden

Don’t let the name fool you—the flowers here are hexagons and can be used for boys or girls! This piece uses traditional English paper piecing for the hexagons, and since these components are created first and then assembled, you can take them along wherever you go. If you haven’t tried paper piecing before, then a baby quilt is a great place to begin with this fascinating and time-honored technique.

 

With all these baby quilt patterns, where will you start?

The fabrics you choose for your piece make all the difference and allow you to create a stunning baby quilt that is totally yours. Fortunately Runaway Quilting has hundreds to choose from.

Need quilting supplies or notions? You’re in the right place.