New to quilting? The only way to improve your technique is to keep practicing. Of course, it’s easy to look through patterns, pick something that looks simple enough—and realize halfway through that you’re in way over your head. It happens to everyone, but no one wants to waste their time and fabric.
With this in mind, we’ve assembled some foolproof quilting ideas for beginner quilters in Albuquerque, NM. Some are full-sized quilts, while others are smaller projects, but all of them are simple enough that a novice quilter should be able to make them work. Try these easy projects on for size:
- Quilted key fobs: These are the smallest project on the list, but they’re a great way to make simple, easy gifts and practice your technique. Make stocking stuffers for friends and family, easy “thank you” gifts for your child’s teachers and more.
- Quilted mug rug: Speaking of great gifts, these mug rugs with napkin pockets are a cute way to cheer up a breakfast nook. Use your brightest fabrics to add a pop of color, or coordinate to your aesthetic choices. If the mug rugs are too small for your tastes, you can always try making them in placemat size.
- Fabric buckets: Hanging plants are more popular than they have been since the 1970s, and these fun fabric buckets are a great way to display your own. Add handles to hang them or just use them to dress up your regular plant pots.
- T-shirt quilt: Got a ton of old t-shirts you don’t want to let go of, but will never fit the same way again? You can make a sentimental, soft and incredibly easy quilt by cutting up your old shirts and piecing them together. It’s the perfect way to commemorate your college concert-going years, remember previous vacations or even repurpose your kids’ favorite shirts from when they were growing up.
- Floral snowball quilt: These floral “snowballs” are easy to cut up and piece together. Practice your skills with this cheerful, unusual design.
- Small spools quilt: Why not create a sewing-specific wall hanging for your craft room (or a similarly crafty friend)? This cute design makes a 36-inch square quilt hanging—small enough to practice your skills, but big enough to make a nice visual impact.
- Simple puff quilt: This quilt might look like fabric bubble wrap, but that just means it’s extra satisfying. To make the puffs, you stitch the pieces with extra space so you can stuff them with fiber fill. Make a smaller version to start, so you know whether you want to spend your time and materials on a larger, cozier version.
Working with smaller or simple quilting patterns is a great way to practice and make custom gifts at the same time. Whether you use one of these patterns, purchase a pre-cut kit or take one of our classes, there are plenty of ways to work on your skills.
For more quilting ideas for beginner quilters in Albuquerque, NM, stop by The Quilt Works, Inc. today.