Quilt Kits: A Simple and Easy Guide for Beginners

Are you tired of looking for a suitable matching fabric and pattern for your quilt? If you are a beginner at quilt-making, matching your quilt fabric and patterns correctly can be challenging. Therefore, you need a quilt kit!

Are you tired of constantly making cutting errors? For experienced quilters, quilt making kit can be a way to evade time-consuming calculations and cutting procedures during preparation.

The majority of quilt kits comprise the basic fabric sewing quilting necessities to enable speeding up the elaborate quilt-making process. The fabric is usually cut into pieces of accurate and gorgeous shapes, and sizes and all you need to do is match and stitch them together.

Check out this detailed quilting video guide, from start to finish.

Let’s proceed to an in-depth discussion.

Table of Contents

What is a quilt kit?

Also known as the quilting starter kit, a quilt kit contains selected pre-quilted fabric needed to make a quilt. Each quilt kit consists of pre-cut fabrics, a good option for beginners who find trouble creating a pattern.

Some quilt kits have various yardages and fat quarters from different designers, while others have uncut fabric and no-sew quilt kits for people who enjoy cutting their fabric.

What Does a Quilt Kit Include?

Quilt kits typically contain the necessities needed for a quilt, but not everything is needed to make a complete quilt. Some necessities in a quilt kit include

1. Quilt Fabric

Quilt kits come with pieces of quilting fabric usually cut into specific shapes and sizes that are easy to sew. Quilt kits often come with matching fabric designs and patterns to save the quilter from the frustrations of selecting a matching fabric.

Often, a quilt kit with fabrics is selected by an experienced quilter.

2. Quilt Pattern

Quit kit patterns guide the quilter when laying out the pre-cut pieces of fabric to alleviate the quilting process. In addition, instructions on how to bind a quilt are usually provided.

Although quilt kits contain enough fabric to design a specific size, a quilter can use the provided patterns to sew any quilt size of their choice.

3. Backing Fabric

Medium weight lame fabric
Image Source: Present Perfect Creations

The backing fabric is the back or bottom layer of your quilt.

Quilt backing fabrics are usually single designs that match the quilt top. The quilt backing fabric consists of multifold yardages cut into huge pieces that completely cover the quilt’s back.

4. Binding/ Bias tape

For a smooth finish on the edges, quilt kits contain binding or bias tape. However, not all quilt kits include binding or bias tape in their package.

5. Instruction Manual

The quilt kit comes with an instructions manual that displays the photo of the final quilt, instructions to follow, and the fabric sizes and requirements.

6. Matching thread

A quilt kit containing a matching quilting thread helps the quilter save on cost and time spent looking for a suitable thread. However, while some quilt kits include a matching thread, some don’t.

Types of Quilt Sewing Kits for Beginners

Shopping for the right type of quilt kit can be challenging at times especially if you are a beginner. To help you with your decision-making process, let’s have a look at the types of quilt kits for beginners available in the market today.

1. Pre-cut Quilt Kits

If you find the cutting process challenging, then pre-cut quilt kits are made for you. The kit contains pre-cut quilt fabric that is cut according to the recommendations within the pattern.

While some precut quilt kits for beginners contain all the materials and tools required for quilting, some do not.

2. Baby Quilt Kits

Baby quilt kit
Image Source: Anniescatalog

The baby quilt kits often come with pre-cut patterned fabrics that make your work less tedious. The baby quilt fabric kits come in various colorful styles and designs that exhibit a sense of love and sentimental value.

There are two types of pre-cut baby quilt kits to match the baby’s gender. They are

1. 1. Baby girl quilt kits
  2. Baby boy quilt kits

Also, both quilt kits contain necessities like binding, backing, pre-cut fabric, and borders. The necessities found in baby quilts provide the easiest way to know how to sew a handmade quilt without the hassle of creating fabric blocks.

Here’s a video guide to help you with your practice.

3. Quilt Wall Hanging Kits

Not all quilts are made for beds. Quilts can be used to decorate your home in the form of wall hangings, placemats, and table runners.

Wall hangings have no specific measurements since the sizes and shapes vary from person to person. Since there are no standard measurements for wall hangings, the safest approach is taking accurate measurements of the accessory to determine the size of fabric required.

4. Table Runner Quilt Kits

Charm pack modern table runner quilt kit
Image Source: Favequilts

A table runner quilt uses the table to define the measurements. The standard size of a table runner is 12 inches in length and 40 inches in width. Ensure that you have the best sewing machine for quilting before starting your process.

5. Batik Quilt Kits

Batik quilt kit
Image Source: Quilting Creations

If you are a beginner, I’m sure you’re wondering what a batik quilt kit is. Batik is a quilt made with primarily batik fabrics. While some brands choose to use batik fabrics exclusively, others mix with other traditional quilt fabrics.

The batik fabric is handmade from 100% cotton material using a wax resist procedure. Batik fabrics are popularly known for their diverse colors and designs.

6. Panel Quilt Kits

Pre cut quilt kits
Image Source: Everything Quilts

Panel quilt kits are your savior, whether you are looking for a quilt kit to sew a statement piece, decorative accessory, or a quick birthday gift. The kit comes with a printed fabric panel that helps speed up your quilting process.

You can learn how to make a t-shirt quilt using the panel kits.

7. Mini Quilt Kits

The mini quilt kit is a small matchbox-style package with batting, quilt fabric, and matching thread. If you are a beginner, the mini quilt kits are a great place to start. They are easy to grasp and make quilting enjoyable.

8. Laser-cut Quilt Kits

Custom laser cut quilt kit
Image Source: Laser Cut Quilts

Laser-cut quilt kits are pre-cut fabric that has been laser cut into small sizes and shapes to fit the pattern. In addition, the laser-cut fabrics include an ironed fusible web.

Most laser-cut kits include a laser-cut adhesive and fabric, excluding the backing.

9. Block of the Month Quilt Kits

The block of the month quilt kits is only purchased only once a month by customers. The quilt block kits contain quilt fabric and instructions to follow to complete every block.

If you are a beginner, block of the month quilt kits is an ideal option since you can work on your quilt without any hurry.

10. Log Cabin Quilt Kits

Quilt making kit
Image Source: Ablockaway

The log cabin quilt kit is a traditional block sewn from the center towards the edges while adding longer pieces of fabric in each step. If you are not aware, the log cabin block is the most elegant design worldwide.

In addition, the log cabin quilt block is easy to make since the final quilt measures 10.5 inches when unfinished and 10 inches when finished.

Note: Ensure to leave a ¼ inch allowance on all seams.

But what do you need when creating a log cabin block?

- - 2.5 inches pre-cut fabric strips
  - Ruler
  - Rotary cutter
  - Thread

How to sew a log cabin quilt block

1. 1. Cut the fabric according to the instructions:

- - - 2 squares- 2.5 x 2.5 inches
    - 2 strips- 2.5 x 4.5 inches
    - 2 strips-2.5 x 6.5 inches
    - 2 strips-2.5 x 8.5 inches
    - 1 strip- 2.5 x 10.5 inches

1. 1. Assemble and stitch the first two squares, right sides facing each other
  2. Open the seams and flat press
  3. Take a strip from the first batch of strips in the cutting instructions and place it on the seam of the newly stitched squares (right sides facing each other)
  4. Leave ¼ inch allowance and stitch the seam along one side
  5. Open and flat press the seam towards the darker shade
  6. Repeat steps 4-5 until you move further from the center
  7. After finishing your block, press with a medium-hot iron and fold in a square shape
  8. Repeat process 1-9 and create as many log cabin blocks as possible

11. Applique quilt kits

The applique quilt kits are the most common type among quilters. The applique enables you to explore any other shape outside the category of squares, rectangles, and triangles.

If you don’t know how to applique on a quilt, there are two methods. They include

1. 1. Raw edge technique
  2. Interfaced technique

Ensure that your quilt kit comes with instructions on how to make an American quilt.

12. Paper Pieced Quilt kits

Paper pieced quilts are the easiest and most efficient way to make quilts. The technique allows you to achieve perfect crisp points that make excellent designs and patterns.

13. Pieced quilt kits

The pieced quilts are typical blocks sewn together, flat pressed, and sewn into huge rows and columns that form a quilt. The pieced quilt is one of the easiest quilts to make.

In addition, you can either use your hand or machine to stitch a pieced quilt.

14. English Paper Piecing

The English paper piecing is typically a hand-sewing technique used to create antique quilts. All you need to do is buy or design paper templates, wrap the quilting fabric around the template pieces, baste, and press.

You can create a hexagon-shaped quilt using the English paper piecing technique.

15. Clearance quilt kits

These are quilt kits with precut fabric sold at a clearance price while the store prepares to stock a new batch. Clearance kits are convenient for beginners who want to save on cash when buying a quilt kit.

Quilt Kit Sizes

There are many quilt kit sizes available in the market. However, quilt sizes are often categorized according to various mattress sizes.

Mattress-sized quilts are typically measured according to the size of your mattress top size. In addition to the mattress top size, you need a piece of extra overhand fabric for tucking in.

However, overhang depends on factors like the thickness of your mattress, bed height, and the tuckable portion of the quilt. For a quilt with excess overhang, ensure to leave up to 20 inches extra on all four sides of the quilt.

Note: Like many sized products, ensure to double-check your mattress size before purchasing your quilt kit due to differences in manufacturing brands and even countries.

Below is a comprehensive table showing the different types of mattress sizes available and their corresponding quilt sizes.

Mattress	Size of Pre-cut Batting	Size in inches	Size in cm	Size of quilt(Inches)	Shape of the quilt
Crib	45×60	27 x 51	69 x 129.5	36 x 54	Rectangular/ Square
Small single	45 x 60	30 x 75	76 x 190.5	45 x 60	Square
Twin single	72 x 90	38 x 75	96.5 x 190.5	68 x 80	Rectangular/ Square
Twin XL	72 x 90	38 x 80	96.5 x 203.5	85 x 117	Rectangular
Full	90 x 96	54 x 75	137 x 190.5	86 x 90	Rectangular
Full XL	90 x 96	54 x 80	137 x 203.5	98 x 117	Rectangular
Queen	90 x 108	60 x 80	152.5 x 203.5	104 x 122	Rectangular
King	120 x 120	76 x 80	193 x 203.5	96 x 110	Rectangular
California King	120 x 120	72 x 84	183 x 213.5	122 x 122	Rectangular

Factors to Consider When Buying a Quilt Kit

Like any other product, there are several factors to put into consideration before making the final decision. Let’s discuss some factors.

1. Contents of the Kit

As you shop for a quilt kit, ensure to check if the package contents are complete. Apart from the main quilting necessities, some brands include extra sewing accessories while some do not.

Consider quilt kits with additional accessories such as matching thread, rotary cutter, or seam ripper to save on costs.

2. The Brand

Let’s be honest, there is a rise in demand for quilting products and raw materials. Consequently, many brands have emerged to meet the demand. Therefore, to save yourself the stress of selecting the best quilt kit, choose reputable and experienced retailers.

Reputable brands often provide quilt kits with quality tools and materials, packaging, and an instructions manual. You can search for various online sources or seek recommendations from people.

3. Cost of the Quilt Kit

Before buying a quilt kit, ensure that it’s within your budget. Some quilt kits tend to be more costly, while others are more affordable.

Therefore, select a quilt kit within your price range to avoid hurting your pocket.

4. Patterns

Quilt sewing kits
Image Source: Etsy

If you are a beginner, consider buying quilt kits with easy and simple patterns to make your first quilting experience enjoyable. In addition, select quilt kits with pre-cut fabrics and instructions manual such as how to baste a quilt.

Experienced quilters often select quilt kits with different patterns to enhance their creativity.

See more quilting patterns for beginners here:

5. Mode of Stitching

When buying a quilt kit, consider stitching the quilting fabrics. There are two types of stitching used to make quilts. They include

1. 1. Hand-stitching
  2. Machine-stitching

If you are a beginner, consider selecting a quilt kit with hand stitching options to help you perfect the basics of quilting.

6. Quilt Size

Quilt kits come in different fabric sizes. There are many quilt sizes in the market today. They include

- - King size quilt kits
  - Double king-size quilt kits
  - Single bed-size quilt kits
  - Queen size quilt kits

Ultimately, the size of your desired quilt determines the type of quilt kit to buy.

7. Occasion

There are many types of quilt patterns to fit your specific occasion. If you are hosting a baby shower, Christmas, or Halloween party, consider selecting quilt colors and patterns that fit the occasion.

There are many types of easy quilt kits designed for specific occasions. For example, Christmas quilt kits, Halloween quilt kits, and Baby quilt kits.

8. Ratings and Reviews

Like any other product, consider checking the customers’ feedback and ratings and select the brand with the most positive response. As you navigate through the reviews and ratings, ask yourself the following:

- - Are the customers happy with the quality of the content?
  - Is the customer service top-notch?
  - Is the quilt kit complete?
  - How much time before delivery?

If a quilt kit has high ratings and positive feedback, you are most likely in safe hands.

Examples of Quilt Kits in the Market Today

1. Moda quilt kits

The Moda kits have all the requirements for quilting except the wadding and the quilt backing fabric. Nonetheless, instructions on how to create a patchwork design using the provided fabric have been included.

Moda fabrics also provide pre-order options and payments made on the day your order is dispatched.

2. Riley Blake Quilt Kits

The Riley Blake design is a fabric manufacturer popularly known for its impressive vintage and modern quilt kits. Their quilting fabrics exhibit elegance and vibrancy due to the combination of colors and patterns.

If you are a beginner, consider choosing among the numerous various Riley Blake quilt kits.

3. Keepsake Quilting Kits

The Keepsake quilting kits are a collection of high-quality types of cotton fabric, patterns, and colors. Their wide range of quilting fabrics, from traditional to modern designs, are stunning and of top-notch quality.

Keepsake quilt kits accommodate not only experienced quilters but also beginners who want to learn how to quilt kit.

4. Connecting Threads Quilt Kits

The connecting threads kits have a range of fabric shapes, such as half-square triangles, among many others. The connecting threads quilt kits apply the pieced technique to sew a quilt and fit the beginner.

Pros and Cons of Quilt kits

Pros	Cons
Convenience	Difficulty in assessing the quality of fabric
Portable	Insufficient fabric
Beginner-friendly	Lack of additional sewing tools
Saves time
Cost-effective
Customization options
Selected fabric
Easy to use

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the best quilt kit for a beginner?

If you are a newbie, consider starting with east quilt kits such as the baby quilts and the laser cut quilts.

2. How much quilt fabric do I need to make a quilt?

The size of fabric required depends on the size of your final quilt. More oversized quilts use up more fabric, while mini quilts use little fabric. When choosing quilting fabric, ensure your pattern gives you the exact amount of fabric required.

3. Are the contents of the kit enough to make a quilt?

No, most quilt kits often lack some essential quilting tools such as a rotary cutter, seam ripper, and tailor’s chalk, to mention but a few. Therefore, you may need to purchase some quilting essentials separately.

4. How do I check what is in the quilt kit?

If you are ordering a quilt kit online, ensure to read the description box that contains information about what to expect in the kit. If you are buying from a store, check the base of the package for any sticker. The sticker will show you a list of what is included in the kit.

5. Can I buy two similar quilt kits?

Yes, you can. However, the variety of colors is different in each kit.

6. Do quilt kits expire?

Since the main contents of a quilt kit are the fabric, it’s safe to say quilt kits do not expire. However, trends change quickly, and if the quilt kit is not used, the patterns and materials might be outdated.

7. What is the block of the month?

Block of the month is the time where customers purchase a block kit every month. Usually, instructions along with a finishing pattern are provided to guide you when assembling the quilt.

8. What is a fat quarter?

A fat quarter is regarded as a quilter’s unit of fabric measurement. In other words, a fat quarter is a piece of pre-cut fabric whose measurements are 18 inches in length by 22 inches in width.

9. Are quilt kits worth it?

Yes, quilt kits are worth it because they are suitable for experienced quilters and beginners. In addition, the pros outweigh the cons hence making it a worthwhile product.

10. Are quilt kits expensive?

If you compare the cost of buying wholesome fabric to buying a kit, quilt kits are more cost-effective. They provide precise pre-cut fabrics hence avoiding wastage. In addition, some kits come with extra sewing accessories, and further purchase costs are avoided.

Conclusion

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced quilter, you can enjoy dealing with a quilt kit. If you are new at quilt-making, you can learn to sew using the quilt kits.

Although there are many types of fabric and selected patterns in the quilt kit, you can get creative and play with the different designs. You don’t have to follow the given patterns. Finally, you can learn to quilt kit if you keep at it.