Plus Quilt Pattern Tutorial: Easy Quilting For Beginners

Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of quilting? If you're anything like me, you love the cozy feeling of a handmade quilt, but maybe the thought of making one seems a bit intimidating. Well, guess what? I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be! In this tutorial, we're going to create a fantastic plus quilt pattern, perfect for beginners. This quilt pattern tutorial is designed to be easy to follow, fun to make, and results in a stunning quilt that you'll be proud to show off. We'll break down each step, from choosing your fabrics to the final binding, making this a truly accessible project for quilters of all levels.

So, what makes the plus quilt pattern so great, especially for beginners? Firstly, it's incredibly versatile. You can use any fabric combination you like, creating a unique and personalized piece every time. The simplicity of the design, with its large, bold plus signs, makes it a quick and satisfying project. Plus, the forgiving nature of the pattern means that small imperfections are easily overlooked, so you don't need to be a perfectionist to create something beautiful. Also, the plus quilt pattern provides a fantastic foundation for learning basic quilting techniques. You'll gain experience with accurate cutting, consistent seam allowances, and the basics of quilt construction. These skills will serve you well as you progress in your quilting journey. Let's get started on this exciting adventure, and let's turn some fabric scraps into a cozy masterpiece. In this tutorial, we'll cover everything you need to know. We'll start with gathering your supplies, cutting your fabric, sewing the blocks, assembling the quilt top, quilting, and finally, binding your quilt. Are you ready to unleash your inner quilter? Let's begin! Remember, this is about the joy of creating. Even if your first quilt isn't perfect, it will be made with love and will be a cherished item for years to come. Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and enjoy the process. Quilting is a relaxing and rewarding hobby, and the plus quilt pattern is the perfect way to get started.

Gathering Your Supplies for the Plus Quilt

Alright, before we get started with this quilting tutorial, let's gather all the supplies we'll need to make our gorgeous plus quilt! Having everything ready before you begin will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me on this one. First and foremost, you'll need fabric, and the fun part is picking it out! For the plus signs, choose a selection of fabrics that complement each other. Consider using fat quarters or a charm pack for variety. A charm pack is a pre-cut set of 5-inch squares, which is super convenient, especially for beginners. For the background, select a solid or a subtly patterned fabric that will make your plus signs pop. Make sure to pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinking after your quilt is made. This is a very important step! Next up, a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and ruler. These tools are your best friends when it comes to accurate cutting. A rotary cutter is a circular blade that makes cutting fabric a breeze. A self-healing cutting mat protects your work surface, and a quilting ruler, preferably a large one, is essential for measuring and making straight cuts. A sewing machine is, of course, a must-have. Make sure your machine is in good working order and that you have a fresh needle. Also, you will need thread. Choose a high-quality thread that matches your background fabric. A neutral color will work well if you're unsure. You'll also need pins, a seam ripper (because everyone makes mistakes!), and scissors for trimming threads. For the batting, select a batting material of your choice. Cotton, polyester, or a blend will all work. The thickness of the batting will determine the warmth of your quilt. The backing fabric is another fabric selection you will need to think about. Choose a fabric that coordinates with your quilt top. You can choose a solid, a print, or even a different color than the background. You'll also need binding fabric. This fabric creates the finished edge of your quilt. It should coordinate with your quilt top. Other things you will need include a walking foot (optional, but helpful for even feeding of fabric layers), a marking pen or pencil, and a pressing iron and ironing board. With all these materials on hand, you'll be well-equipped to start this quilting adventure. Now, let's get into the step-by-step instructions.

Cutting the Fabric for Your Beginner Quilt Pattern

Okay, now that we have all our supplies, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and start cutting the fabric for our beginner quilt pattern. Precise cutting is key to a well-made quilt, so take your time and be as accurate as possible. Trust me, it makes a huge difference in the final product. First, let's determine the size of our plus signs. The beauty of this pattern is its flexibility. You can customize the size of your plus signs to create different looks. I recommend starting with plus signs that are 10 or 12 inches square. This size is easy to manage and will give you a good-sized quilt in the end. Next, calculate how many plus signs you want. A simple layout could be a 3x3 grid, giving you a quilt with nine plus signs. Adjust this based on your desired quilt size. Now, onto the actual cutting. For each plus sign, you'll need two sets of squares. For example, if you're making 10-inch plus signs, you'll need to cut squares for the plus arms and the background. Cut the squares for the plus arms first. These should be the same width as half the size of the plus sign. So, for a 10-inch plus, cut strips of fabric that are 5 inches wide. Then, cut these strips into 5-inch squares. The amount of squares you need depends on how many pluses you are making. Now, for the background fabric. Cut the same number of background squares as the plus arm squares. The background squares need to be the same size as the plus sign. For a 10-inch plus sign, cut squares that are 10 inches by 10 inches. Remember that you may have to adjust the number of squares you need based on the layout you chose. Use your rotary cutter, cutting mat, and ruler for precise cuts. Place your fabric on the cutting mat and use the ruler to measure accurately. The rotary cutter makes it easy to cut through multiple layers of fabric at once. Make sure to press firmly and keep your fingers away from the blade! And please be careful! If you are using a patterned fabric, pay attention to the direction of the pattern. You'll want to ensure that all the plus signs look the same. As you cut, organize your squares into sets for each plus sign. This helps prevent mistakes and keeps you organized. Once you have all your squares cut, take a moment to admire your work. You're already halfway there! Take your time with this step, and you'll set yourself up for quilting success. Your cuts set the stage for a beautiful finished quilt. We're doing great, guys!

Sewing the Plus Quilt Blocks Together

Alright, guys, time to get sewing! Now that you've got all your fabric cut, we're going to put those plus quilt blocks together. This step is where your quilt starts to take shape, and it's super rewarding. Here’s how we do it. First, take one square of your plus arm fabric and place it on top of a background square. Right sides together. Pin the edges to keep them in place. The pins are optional, but they're helpful, especially when you are just starting out. Sew along the edge of the background square, using a ¼-inch seam allowance. This means that you will sew ¼ inch from the edge of the fabric. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure the stitches. Remove the pins as you sew, and take it slow if you need to. Repeat this step with the other three sides of your plus sign. You’ll sew the plus arms to each side of the background square. Once you have sewn all four plus arm squares onto the background square, it’s time to press your seams. Press the seams towards the plus arm fabric. This helps to make your block nice and flat. If the seams are bulky, consider pressing them open. Take your time with the pressing; it really makes a difference. Make sure that your corners are square and the edges of your plus sign are straight. Use your ruler to double-check. Use your iron to press and check your seams, and remember to use a pressing cloth if necessary. Trim off any excess fabric or threads to neaten up your block. Now, repeat the process for all of your plus sign blocks. Having all your blocks complete before assembling the quilt top makes the next step even easier. As you sew, you’ll become more comfortable and confident with each block. Don't worry if your seams aren't perfect. As I said earlier, small imperfections are part of the charm of a handmade quilt. Before moving on, double-check that your blocks measure the correct size. If necessary, trim them to ensure that they are all the same size. Consistency is key when assembling your quilt top, so don't rush this step. And there you have it – your very own plus quilt blocks! You've done the hardest part. Let's move onto assembling the quilt.

Assembling the Quilt Top

Now that you've sewn all your plus quilt blocks together, it's time to assemble the quilt top! This is where you arrange your blocks and sew them together to create the main part of your quilt. It's like putting together a giant puzzle, and it's super satisfying to see it all come together. Lay out your plus sign blocks on a flat surface, such as a large table or your floor. Arrange them in the layout you planned earlier. If you're doing a simple grid, this will be easy! If you want a more complex layout, take your time and experiment until you're happy with the arrangement. Step back and take a look. Does the layout work? Does the color balance look good? Make any adjustments before you start sewing. Once you're happy with the layout, start sewing the blocks together into rows. Take two blocks and place them right sides together, matching the edges. Pin the edges if you like. Then, sew along the edge, using your ¼-inch seam allowance. Repeat this for all the blocks in the first row. Press the seams open or to one side. This will reduce bulk and help your quilt lay flat. Next, sew the rows together. Take two rows and place them right sides together, matching the seams. Pin them if you like. Then, sew along the edge with your ¼-inch seam allowance. Press the seams. Continue sewing the rows together until your entire quilt top is assembled. Carefully check your seams. The seams should be straight, and your blocks should line up neatly. If you see any uneven edges, trim them. Give your quilt top a final pressing. This will help to set the seams and give your quilt a crisp, professional look. And that's it! Your quilt top is complete! This step is a big milestone, and you should be so proud of yourself. You're doing great! You can now admire your work and prepare for the next steps: layering, quilting, and binding.

Quilting Your Plus Quilt

Now, let's get to the fun part: quilting! Quilting is what gives your quilt its structure and adds that cozy, cuddly texture. It's the process of stitching through all three layers of your quilt: the quilt top, the batting, and the backing. Before you start quilting, you'll need to layer your quilt. Lay the backing fabric right side down on a flat surface. Next, lay the batting on top of the backing fabric. Make sure the batting is smooth and wrinkle-free. Finally, lay your quilt top right side up on top of the batting. Smooth everything out and make sure there are no wrinkles or creases. Baste your quilt layers together. Basting is the process of temporarily securing the three layers together. This prevents the layers from shifting while you're quilting. You can baste by using safety pins, basting spray, or by hand-basting. If you're using safety pins, place them every few inches, making sure to pin through all three layers. Now for the quilting. There are a few different ways you can quilt your plus quilt. You can do straight-line quilting. This is a great option for beginners! Simply stitch along the seams of your plus signs or stitch lines across the quilt. You can also do free-motion quilting. This is where you move the fabric under the needle to create designs. Another option is to use a walking foot. This will help the fabric layers move evenly through your sewing machine. The walking foot is particularly helpful if you're doing straight-line quilting. No matter which method you choose, start quilting from the center of your quilt and work your way outwards. This will prevent the fabric from bunching up. Take your time and go slow. If you're quilting with a sewing machine, make sure to use a quilting needle and a thread that complements your quilt top. Once you've finished quilting, trim the excess batting and backing fabric, leaving a few inches around the edges of the quilt top. Now, let’s go to the last step!

Binding Your Beginner Quilt

Alright, almost there! The final step in your quilting tutorial is binding. Binding is the fabric strip that finishes the edges of your quilt. It gives your quilt a clean, finished look and protects the raw edges of the fabric. First, you'll need to prepare your binding strips. Cut strips of fabric that are 2.5 inches wide. The amount of fabric you need will depend on the size of your quilt. Join the strips together to create one long strip. You can do this by sewing the strips together at a 45-degree angle. Press the seams open. Fold your binding strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. This will create a neat, pre-folded edge. Now, attach the binding to your quilt. Place the raw edge of the binding along the raw edge of your quilt top, right sides together. Start at one corner and sew around the edge of the quilt, using a ¼-inch seam allowance. When you reach a corner, stop sewing ¼ inch from the edge. Fold the binding up, then fold it down to create a 45-degree angle. This will create a neat mitered corner. Once you've sewn all the way around the quilt, trim the excess binding, leaving a few inches to overlap. Overlap the ends of the binding and sew them together. Now, fold the binding over to the back of the quilt. Tuck the raw edge under and pin in place. You can either hand-stitch the binding to the back of the quilt or machine-stitch it. If you're hand-stitching, use a blind stitch or a whip stitch. If you're machine-stitching, sew close to the edge of the binding. And there you have it! Your beautiful beginner quilt is complete! You can now proudly display your handmade masterpiece. Congratulations on completing this project! I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial. Quilting is a wonderful hobby. With each quilt, you'll learn new skills and techniques. You'll become a more confident and creative quilter. So, keep sewing, keep creating, and enjoy the journey!