Quilt Patterns

While modern quilt designs and patterns may take the spotlight, it's the tried-and-true vintage quilt patterns that remain popular year after year. The most popular of these traditional quilt patterns include:

• Log Cabin
• Flying Geese
• Sawtooth Star
• Nine-Patch
• Bear Paw
• Baskets

Quilt blocks can be any size from 3" to 24" square, but 12" x 12" is likely to be the most popular. It's a great size for beginners, as it is the most common block size used in quilt design. And it can easily be broken into a 4-, 9-, 16- or even a 36-patch design.

One of the easiest patterns for new quilters is the traditional charm quilt. Charm quilts, also called charm square quilts, are simply squares of different prints sewn together. Quilters commonly use Charm Packs and Layer Cakes for this type of quilt. It is great quilting practice for beginner quilters to piece an even charm quilt top. Then they simply add the batting and backing and quilt whatever pattern they like.

For beginning quilters, a smaller quilt size is recommended to start with for easier piecing and quilting. Beginners may also opt to shop for quilting kits that contain all the materials needed to sew a quilt.