tutorials

i have been designing quilt patterns from my very first attempt at quilt making, often just making decisions of how to use the simple shapes in front of me. as a beginner, i was often frustrated with assumed knowledge that many "beginner friendly" patterns had. so i have written many of my beginner tutorials in a very detailed, step-by-step manner. they're long! someone with a little experience can just take the basic information in the introductions and get making without reading all the details. but i hope the beginners get enough handholding.

as a quilter of 14 years now, i often only need a few measurements and explanations to make a quilt. classic quilt blocks and elements need no explanation for the experienced and i don't always want to record the details. so some of these write-ups are less detailed tutorial and more basic information to guide an experienced quilter as they start.

i am a hobby quilter, not a professional. i take joy in sharing what i have discovered or designed without any compensation, which is why i offer these tutorials. i've written them up, voluntarily, choosing to spend my precious time to record and share with others. so if something here isn't quite what you were hoping or polished enough, remember you get what you pay for. still, if you are interested in making something i've written up and shared, i hope you find the help you need! you can always message me with questions.

quilt patterns

stella grande quilt

this big star is an easy make with big impact that allows for lots of color play in the elements. see the tutorial to understand all the variations on the basic elements of the quilt that allow you to make a unique version of your own. i've done 13. how many can you dream up?

pretty maids all in a row quilt

some brief cutting and assembly instructions for this easy strip quilt i made from leftovers of another quilt in liberty + chambray.

6 and a half dozen baby quilt pattern

a quick and easy baby quilt that can be made with 6 fat quarters, 1.5 yds backing fabric, and a few hours

perfect for beginners, designed by one

cinched quilt pattern

a beginner-friendly, jelly roll-friendly quilt pattern that i designed in my earliest days of quilt obsession.

like, it was the second full-size quilt i started after making my first.

arrow check quilt pattern

a charm square-friendly, super quick and easy pattern that works up fast and bold.
almost completed - start here

4 square baby blanket

4 square baby blanket
part one - supplies and prep work
part two - sewing the top
part three - completion, back and edge stitching

a simple but darling baby blanket that will come together easily and make you look good

just right for first-timers

uses 4 fat quarters, a yard of flannel, and embroidery floss

blanket stitch

in-depth, step-by-step instructions for this easy border/binding stitch full of rustic charm

i use it most often for finishing the edge of my 4sq baby blankets

with a bit more about securing the corners here.

quilt blocks

cute betsy heart block how-to

wonky stacked coins quilt block

great for scraps; a clean, modern, improv look

3.5" square in a square block

this itty bitty block is used in the gypsy wife quilt several times. since i couldn't find an alternate method to the pattern instructions for this size online, i figured it out myself.

chevron block

this large 16" block composed of 4 hsts is a quick and easy make.

quilt elements

my process for a pieced backing

how i think or plan my way thru creating a pieced quilt backing

specifically, how to make the 3-strip accent strip pieced backing here

and my favorite backing accent touch with selvages here and here.

fat quarter makes

fat quarter lollipops

turn a yummy fat quarter into a sweet treat for a sewing friend

whip up an apron

some general guidelines for creating a child's apron out of 2 fat quarters and 2 yds of grosgrain ribbon

supremely simple child's fat quarter apron

basic instructions for creating a simple apron from a fat quarter and some ribbon that will fit a little one perfectly for baking time

sewing room gear

diy pressing board
pressing quilting seams on a pressing board (as opposed to an ironing board, which is cushier and less firm) makes for more accurate seam pressing and less fabric distortion. with just a few basic supplies and about an hour, you can make your own at home.

bonus:  also doubles as a photo backdrop board!

methods

easy half square triangles using "triangles on a roll" paper template

a detailed look at using "triangles on a roll" paper templates to churn out half square triangles with a minimum of fuss

makes chevrons a snap to produce

easy individual half square triangle method

a simple method for making hst's when using precuts or individual squares of various fabrics

save time by chain piecing and avoid distortion by cutting after you sew the bias seams