How to Design a Quilt and Make Your Own Pattern

One of the things that we quilters like most about our craft is the ability to be creative. Knowing how to design and make a quilt pattern is one way to show off your unique style and creativity. But how do you do it? It’s really easy once you know the steps, this tutorial will teach you how. We will also cover how to write your pattern once you have created it with detailed instructions.

Do you love to quilt and have been at it for a little while? Do you ever come up with your own quilt patterns? The answer should be YES, and let me tell you why.  You should know the basics of quilting by now and probably have completed a ton of quilts and quilt projects.

You’ve most certainly made free quilt patterns or even purchased patterns. Or maybe you can look at easy quilt patterns and can figure out how it’s constructed just by looking at it, then replicate it yourself. Or maybe you want to start selling your quilt patterns on Etsy but need to produce a pattern that you can sell to others.

Whatever situation you are in, we will cover them all. After reading this post, you will know how to design a quilt and make your own pattern. It’s fun and easy to do.

After you read this post, make sure you also check out How To Learn How To Quilt: Beginner Quilting Guide. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free quilt patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!

Where to Begin – Get Inspiration

It all starts with an idea, but where do you begin? Here is the best place to start when looking for inspiration: social media, quilt books, quilt blogs and design cards. The first step is to get your creative juices flowing. If you are a beginner quilter you may look for a simple patchwork quilt or a simple quilt pattern and tweak it to make it your own. You want to find patterns that match your quilting skills of course.

Social Media

Social media like Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are all great places to go for inspiration. There is something for quilters of all skill levels in one of those places but be careful you don’t go too far down the rabbit hole. It’s best to do a quick search for quilting inspiration, quilt patterns, vintage quilts, modern quilts and the list goes on.  You can search for inspiration from the comfort of your own home, no need to go anywhere.

Books

Libraries are an excellent place to get inspiration. Find a book with easy quilt blocks and make sure to look in the back for suggested design layouts too. You can go to your libraries website and search for books to save time and place them on hold.  Then just pop in and check them out as self checkout. Look for books on quilting and specifically quilt blocks. You can check out the book and keep it for anywhere from 7 days to 3 months depending on how new the book is.

Book stores and craft stores are also an excellent place to get inspiration and will have lots of quilt blocks and quilt pattern books. You can also get good discounts when they have coupons on these items but will have to pay for the inspiration and physically go to the store to shop. You will find a wider selection of newer quilt books here than at the library.

Quilt Blogs

Quilt blogs are another wonderful place to get tutorials and formula charts with fabric measurements to create certain quilt blocks. You want to make sure your blocks are the same size but it gets confusing knowing how much fabric or what size fabric pieces you need. Amy Smart from Diary of a Quilter is an excellent resource for these formula charts. Amy has been blogging for a long time and has painstakingly made these charts to help new quilters. You can also do a google search for free formula and cutting charts as well.

Design Cards

Amazon sells products by C&T Publishing that help you design your own quilt in the form of design cards. I’ve purchased two of their offerings: Half-Square Triangles and Block Tool Series (pictured above). You use the cards to create new HST block designs and layouts to design your own quilt. The Block Tool Series gives you 40 blocks and 6 layouts along with cutting information which always is a challenge for me. The blue box gives your the fabric measurements to make the blocks which is so helpful, check them out.

How to Make a Quilt Pattern – 4 Easy Steps

Type

Now that you’ve gotten some inspiration, it’s time to start planning. Select the type of quilt you want to make but generally it will be a simple pattern for your first quilt pattern. First quilts are often made with fabric squares or half-square triangles, strip sets made with jelly rolls or a combination of these.

Other quilting patterns are generally made with one or two quilt blocks that compliment each another. If you are up for a challenge, you could use a design wall and layout different pieced units (squares, HSTs, flying geese and others) or different size blocks to create a quilt design. Lastly, you could also design a quilt block or HST design from the design cards listed above.

Size

Decide on the size of your finished quilt. Add the block sizes together minus the seam allowance to determine the approximate quilt top size. Keep in mind that the quilt top will get smaller as you attach the blocks to form rows. And again when you sew the rows together.  If the quilt top is too small, add more blocks or look at different layout options below to extend the finished size of your quilt design. Borders and sashing can enlarge the size of your quilt.

Quilt Size Reference Chart

Below is a chart outlining standard quilt sizes for various bed sizes, from baby crib to California king:

Quilt Size	Dimensions (inches)
Baby Crib	36 x 52
Toddler Bed	42 x 58
Lap Throw	52 x 60
Twin	68 x 86
Twin XL	68 x 90
Full/Double	80 x 90
Queen	90 x 90
King	104 x 90
California King	104 x 100

These dimensions are approximate and may vary slightly depending on personal preference, quilt design, and desired drape. It’s always a good idea to measure your bed and consider the intended use of the quilt when determining the final size.

Layout

Once you decide on your overall design, pick a layout that you like. You can have standard rows or on point. You can sew the blocks or squares together or you can have sashing in between and maybe even cornerstones where the sashing connects. These elements will change the overall look and feel of your quilt. They will also make the quilt top larger if you add sashing and borders. Most quilts will be more long than wide. There should be more rows than there are blocks in the rows (if using 12 or 12.5″ blocks). If you want a square quilt and are using quilt blocks, the number of rows will be the same as the number of blocks in each row (if you are using 12″ or 12.5″ blocks). 

Quilt Layout Reference Chart

Below is a chart outlining some common quilt design layouts:

Layout Name	Description
Straight Set	Blocks are arranged in a grid pattern, with each block positioned in rows and columns.
On Point	Blocks are set diagonally, creating a diamond-shaped layout.
Medallion	Features a central focal point surrounded by multiple borders or frames, creating a layered effect.
Chevron	Blocks are arranged in a zigzag pattern, creating a dynamic and modern look.
Log Cabin	Blocks consist of strips of fabric radiating from a central square, resembling log cabin structures.
Sampler	Each block in the quilt is unique, showcasing a variety of different patterns and techniques.
Bargello	Features strips of fabric sewn together in a repeating pattern, creating a sense of movement and depth.
Attic Windows	Blocks are framed with strips of fabric to resemble windows, creating a three-dimensional effect.
Irish Chain	Features blocks arranged in a grid pattern with a secondary chain design created by the placement of blocks.
Nine Patch	Blocks are constructed from nine smaller squares, arranged in a grid pattern.
Starburst	Blocks radiate outward from a central point, creating a dramatic starburst effect.
Disappearing Nine Patch	A variation of the traditional Nine Patch layout where blocks are cut and rearranged to create new designs.
Modern Improv	Emphasizes improvisational piecing and asymmetrical design elements for a contemporary look.

These are just a few examples of quilt design layouts, and there are countless variations and combinations to explore. Experimenting with different layouts can add visual interest and personality to your quilts, allowing you to create truly unique and beautiful works of art.

Fabric

Time to select the fabric for your new quilt design. This is where I usually get stuck because I have too many fabric options. Most of my quilts are made with an assortment of fabric yardage bought from the local quilt shop at discounted prices, more info here. There are too many options and not all fabric is from the same line.

For some, fabric selection is the first place they start when they design their own quilt. Others save fabric selection for the last step. Choose what works best for you.

Sometimes using too many fabric options can really stop you from starting your project. It can get too overwhelming so try to keep it simple. When making patchwork quilts, it’s nice to have three fabric options for block quilts. One low volume fabric, one print and a background fabric.

Pre-cut fabrics are another option (charm packs, layer cakes or strips of fabric) but not for most quilt blocks. It’s best to use fat quarters or half yard pieces of fabric. Scrappy quilts tend to use fabric that comes from different designers and fabric manufacturers. Modern quilts tend to be more reserved in the number of

How to Write Your Own Quilt Pattern

Writing Patterns for Yourself

There are several ways to actually write your own quilt pattern. Most will have a photo or diagram of the quilt layout along with fabric requirements, cutting instructions and step-by-step instructions for assembly. If you are writing the pattern for yourself, try graph paper or a quilt journal.

Graph Paper – Graph paper allows you to write up the pattern, determine the quilt dimensions and color options with just some paper and writing tools. Colored pencils are wonderful for mocking up the look and feel of your design. It’s nice to keep a pattern album that you can refer back to. You want to include all the info needed to make the quilt based off your notes.

Quilt Journal – Make a sketch of either the blocks sizes and layout or sketch out each block. Again, include all the details needed to recreate the quilt. You can draw in the journal, make notes, include fabric scraps or printed photos and store like any other journal.

Here is my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and some note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts! I have been using mine for a little while and already I am jotting down ideas as I see them and reminders about websites where I have seen some ‘must have’ fabric, so I think this can be so much more than just a design book. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process!

Writing Patterns for Others

Professional quilt patterns will also include fat quarter cutting instructions, very accurate fabric requirements, and provide different quilt size options from baby to king size or full to king size. If you want to print a pattern to sell it, try Canva, Stitchfiddle or Electric Quilting.

Canva – Everyone is using Canva to write books, free handouts, printed items to sell and also to write patterns. Canva allows you to upload jpg files of fabrics so you can insert the fabric into your quilt design. There currently is no template in Canva for quilt patterns or any pattern that I could find. Zen Chic is a fabric designer, pattern writer and YouTuber who has a vlog showing how to create a pattern in Canva, check it out here. She also has free pattern templates you can download from her vlog.

Stitchfiddle – This is a free app but you can pay a small fee for more functionality. This app helps people create crochet, knitting or quilt patterns. Personally, the software is not that user friendly but give it a try. They have an app for your phone or go to their website.

Electric Quilt Software – EQ8 is software to make your own patterns. There are also a bunch of add on packages you can purchase once you get the hang of it. Here’s a good YouTube vlog with a demo by Elizabeth Chappell. This software is $250 USD so it’s pricey but may be a good option for you. I’ve heard this software will calculate the fabric requirements on it’s own. That’s amazing and one of the hard parts of manually writing up my own patterns.

Pattern Writing Courses

If you aren’t ready to spend $250 USD on Electric Quilt, then you have to check out Quilters Candy for their pattern writing courses. She has free mini course and paid full course. She also offers a pattern template you can purchase for $49 USD if you don’t want to start from scratch. The link for the free mini class is only good for 3 weeks. It’s a great place to start if you are serious about writing and selling your own quilt patterns.

Sew Nikki FREE RESOURCES

Free Patterns

Tutorials

How to Make a Quilt Pattern – BEGINNER SUPPLIES

Here are some quilting tools and supplies I recommend. I make a small commission if you purchase through the links, this helps to support this free content. For more info, check out Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.

Making a quilt pattern by yourself is easy once you know the steps. It’s harder to actually write the pattern for sale. Best of luck if you pursue writing patterns to sell. For now, my blog will continue to post tutorials and free patterns by using photos and written instructions. One day soon, I hope to be selling proper quilt patterns for sale on this blog and other platforms.

Follow me on social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) so you get notifications when I post new patterns and tutorials. 

Want to learn how to crochet? Then check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.

Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!