Winter is the perfect time for giving.  It is a time for wrapping your love with a bow and giving it to those near and dear to you.  Sometimes finding the perfect gift for each recipient is difficult.  This year, search no further than Free-Quilting.com for a unique handmade present.  Everyone on your list would love a quilt, decoration, or clothing item as a gift.  Browse our entire line of Free Quilting Patterns for Winter Gifts, and you will be crafting the perfect gift in no time.

Click Image to Download Free Pattern

Our free quilting patterns for winter gifts include unique Christmas patterns for anyone.  Quilted ornaments are a sweet way to start the holiday season.  Tuck one into each Christmas card you hand out, or secure one to a bag of festive candy to give to friends or co-workers.  These quilted ornaments will dress up any tree.

Click Image to Download Christmas at the Lake Pattern

Turn an ordinary gift into something extraordinary and timeless when you use Christmas at the Lake, one of our free quilting pattern for winter gifts.  This special occasion quilt is a favorite, with a variety of green and burgundy fabrics.  The scrappy feel of this beautiful quilt will remind the recipient of lazy days fireside, wrapped in a warm blanket overlooking the lake.  You know this Christmas gift will not be re-gifted!

Click Image to Download
Woven Flannel Pattern

Christmas isn’t the only reason to give gifts in the winter months!  Make any dull winter day special by creating a housewarming gift basket for a loved one.  Include a warm Woven Flannel created from our free quilting patterns for winter gifts.  Add some cinnamon candles, a good book, hand lotion, and hot chocolate mix, and you will have created the perfect night in.  The Woven Flannel pattern is something anyone will love.

Give the gift of love when you create a precious treasure by using our free quilting patterns for winter gifts!

You’ve admired gorgeous quilts for awhile now, and you’re afraid you may have been bitten by the quilting bug!  If you dream of quilting, why not make the jump and become a quilter?  Quilting is a great hobby and pastime, with finished products that are not only useful, but which also beautifully tell a story or evoke an emotion.  Quilts are great to keep for yourself or to share with others.  Friends and family cherish the gift of a quilt, whether it is for a birth, birthday, special holiday, or wedding.  A quilt is a great way to say a long-lasting “I love you.”

Click Image to Download Free Pattern

To get started quilting you should first decide which method of quilting is right for you.  Would you rather machine quilt, hand quilt, or do a combination of both.  The machine quilting versus hand quilting choice is a big one, and each quilter has a preference.

Next, you need a pattern.  Browse our selection of Free Beginner Quilt Patterns for the perfect choice for your first project.  There are a number of gorgeous quilt options, including the Cabin in the Orchard pattern.  This vibrant print is a whimsically off-center Log Cabin Design that will showcase your new skills in style.

Click Image to Download the Free Pattern

In your quilting quest you will need guidance along the way.  Our Quilt Glossary will help sort out the myriad terms associated with quilting.  You may also wish to purchase a guide to quilting, which is a guide to making a quilt from start to finish.

While you are working on a quilt, you may get ideas for future quilts.  A great way to keep track of your future quilts is to create a design wall.  When a pattern or fabric catches your eye, simply add it to the wall.  The visual reminder will spark your creativity, giving you a format for thinking through your fabric, pattern, and binding choices.  It will also motivate you to finish the current project, since you will be eager to move on to your next project!

Deciding to join the world of quilting is one of the most rewarding choices you will make.  Happy quilting!

When creating a quilt from blocks, it is not unusual to end up with blocks different in size from what the pattern calls for.  Whether the blocks are too small, too large, or simply a bit crooked, it is important to square up the blocks, or to make the blocks square again.  This creates a more uniform quilt top with professional-looking results. 

Click Image to Download the Pattern

Squaring up a quilt block is the solution to blocks that are a bit too large.  Blocks that are smaller are a different story.  Squaring up a block can be accomlished by using the following simple steps:

1.  Carefully press the block: Be sure not to stretch the block, which causes the seams to bow.  Ensure the seams’ blacks are flat, with no creases. 

2.  Lay the block on the cutting mat and check the size using a square or a ruler. 

3.  Sit the ruler on top of the block, and center the ruler on the block. 

4.  Trim the edges with a rotary cutter.

Click Image to Download Pattern

There are a variety of tools made to ease the process.  Check out Annie’s Crafts for the best selection of aides for squaring up a block. 

Of course, while in hte perfect world there is no need to square up blocks, the reality is you will probably need to square up once or twice.  Try to avoid the need to square up a block by double-checking the measurements and keeping an accurate seam allowance.  The more you practice, the better you will get at squaring up blocks.  Make it a point to square up each block you create.  You will notice a difference in your finished product, and the small effort will be worth the beautiful result.

Click Image for Free Pattern

You’ve finished your quilt, and now it is time to add the final touch. A quilt is not truly a quilt until it is bound. Binding frames the beautiful work you’ve created and holds the quilt together, giving a beautifully finished look to the piece of artwork you’ve fashioned. Binding a quilt creates a more resistant quilt, which stands up to the wear and tear of daily or occasional use. You should decide if you’d rather make a single bind or a double bind. A single bind is a practical solution for a quilt you will not use on a regular basis, as it is not as resilient as a double bind. A double bind is a wider strip folded doubly before it is applied to the quilt. If you will be washing the quilt frequently, it is a good idea to use double binding. If you are not planning on washing it often, single binding should suffice.

Click image to download Free Pattern

Once you have decided the type of binding you will be using for the quilt, you will need to choose and cut the fabric. Choosing a fabric to use for the binding is the perfect way to give a unique look to your quilt. Binding for a quilt can be made from scraps of fabric that match the quilt or complement the colors, adding an eclectic feel to a more traditional quilt. The fabric can be scraps from another project, or you may use pre-fabricated binding, available from a craft store.

There are numerous methods used to bind a quilt. The beauty of quilting is in finding a style and making it yours. Sorting through the different methods sometimes feels a bit overwhelming for a beginning quilter. The Ultimate Binding Guide takes the guesswork out of your binding projects. It’s the perfect tool for creating gorgeously bound quilts with ease.   If you would rather complete the project using a different method, but want a little help with the final mitered corner, The Binding Tool is the perfect solution to creating a perfect ending every time!

 Whichever method you choose to bind your quilt, you will love the look of your beautifully-bound creation!

When creating a quilt, a border is used to hide the unsightly raw edges while adding a decorative finish. The finishing touch, borders are important in achieving the overall desired look of a quilt. Borders come in different styles, including squared corners and mitered corners. Squared corners feature straight edges along the sides, top, and bottom, whereas mitered corners meet at a diagonal, or bias. Mitered corners are a more advanced technique and are typically more desirable in today’s quilting world. With some accurate measuring and careful cutting, you will be pleased with the professional-looking results achieved when you miter a quilt’s corner. Many of our autumn quilting patterns would look stunning with a mitered corner.  

Click the Image to Download the Thanksgiving Tree Pattern

Miter a Quilt’s Corner Mitered borders are constructed from border pieces that meet at a diagonal, or a bias, rather than at a right angle. First, you need to measure the length of each border using an equation. This is the length of the side, plus twice the width of the border, plus six inches. If you are creating a quilt that is 16 inches long with a two-inch wide border, you’d want to cut a border length of twenty-six inches. Fold the border and quilt in half and mark the center of each. Line the centers up and pin these together. Next, sew the border to the top of the piece, stopping 1/4” away form the edge of the quilt, and then backstitch. Repeat this for each of the borders. 

Click to download the Turning Leaves Pattern

You will now want to fold the quilt top in half, diagonally, with the right sides facing each other to create a triangle. Line two borders on top of each other with the fold running at a 45 degree angle between the two. Carefully line up the borders. Using a pencil and a ruler, extend the angle over the borders. Trace the angles onto the border and pin it to secure the borders. Begin sewing the border at the point you sewed the border to the top of the quilt. Sew from the stitch line out to the edge of the border, following the pencil line. Backstitch at the end and the beginning.

Unfold the quilt top, trim the excess border, and press the seams. You can miter a quilt’s corner. You just did! This border style is a bit more work than a squared border, but the result is worth the effort.

There is a definite trend moving toward vintage reproductions in the fashion and home design industries. As people are searching to connect with their roots, this movement toward the old is reflected in the popular choices of styles, fabrics, and design lines. The quilting world is no exception, as Grandma’s quilting patterns are hip again. Our fine assortment of vintage free quilt patterns create beautiful pieces to keep or share. Displaying classic charm and timeless beauty, these time-honored patterns are perfect for your next project.  

 Vintage Free Quilt Patterns

 A popular traditional pattern, Going in Circles, is a perfect first step in the vintage reproduction direction. Its pretty circles pair perfectly with an old-fashioned type of fabric, nodding to days past. This original vintage free quilt pattern will create utilitarian coasters to pass down for many generations.                                                     

Pair the traditional Dresden Star quilt pattern with contemporary fabric designs and colors. This vintage free quilt pattern marries old with modern, creating a perfect hybrid style that is reminiscent of yesterday, while looking for sunny skies ahead. The quaint hearts dance around pinwheel patterns, crafting a pleasant quilt that will add love to any space.

           Click the image to download the Pattern

For another unique project, design your own vintage-inspired appliqués with the help of Free Quilting. Draw inspiration from a family heirloom or a special purchase from an estate sale or antique store. Using details from your favorite vintage piece, sketch a one-of-a-kind appliqué. Nothing is more satisfying than creating your own design for a loved one or for yourself.

 Use vintage free quilt patterns for stunning quilt projects that will bring snippets of the past into your home.  

Nothing says fall like a quiet evening at home in front of the fireplace with a peaceful quilting project. However, with the hustle and bustle of back-to-school and other activities, most of us just don’t have the time to dedicate to a long-term project. This fall, consider one of these easy-start, quick-finish quilting projects, sure to satisfy your creative itch.

Autumn-Inspired Home Décor
From harvest-themed wall hangings to Thanksgiving-inspired table runners and cloths, our collection of autumn-inspired home décor patterns are sure to help you get settled into the fall season. Choose from our selection of beginner patterns, which provide you the flexibility to finish a fall-inspired project quickly. At the end of just one evening, you will walk away with a beautiful autumn colored bed quilt or perhaps a fall-inspired table runner perfect as decorating for your Thanksgiving spread.

Halloween Décor
Looking to create a beautiful Halloween décor piece for your home, but want to finish the project in one sitting? Check out Boo, the bobbin-quilting technique pattern featuring a spider-web design for Halloween. This tasteful piece is a spooky décor piece that shouldn’t take you more than a few hours to complete.

Boo Pattern

Organize Your World with Quilted Accessories
As the kids head back to school, every busy home could benefit from a little extra organization. Why not organize in style with these great quilted accessory patterns? For example, our Brown Baggin’ It lunch bag pattern is a great way to ensure your little one never mixes up her lunch box with a friend’s.

Brown Baggin’ It

Likewise, the Flower Magnet Message Board is a handy door-side hanging, perfect for posting after-school schedules, club calendars, and sporting events.

Fall is the perfect time to start up a crafty service project. Whether you are a new student looking to fulfill your service hours for a school club or an active community member seeking to help out a neighbor in need, quilting combines the creative outlet you demand with the community service element you crave. From donations to your local hospital to quilting projects for children’s organizations, here is a list of projects sure to fulfill your service project this fall.

Easy Quilting Patterns for Hospital Donations
No one likes to spend the beautiful fall season cooped up in a hospital bed. Consider bringing some joy to the long-term guests at your local hospital by downloading an easy-start quilting pattern. While our patterns are available for every skill set, the easy-start patterns are a surefire way to crank out multiple quilts, allowing you to spread joy to more hospital patients.

Download more easy quilt patterns here.

Dress Up the Nursing Home with Quilted Wall Hangings
Nursing home guests love visitors, specifically those who bring gifts! Don’t show up to your next social visit at the nursing home without one of our beautifully quilted wall hangings, sure not only to bring joy to the guests you visit, but also to brighten up the common areas of the nursing home. These beautiful wall hangings are available in a variety of patterns, perfect for any season.

Baby Blankets for the Needy
Homeless shelters always are looking for warm blankets for children, specifically as the weather starts to get chilly. Create a heartfelt gift for the needy children in your community by quilting a treasure from one of our free, downloadable baby quilt patterns. Consider visiting The Baby Blanket Project for specific leads on where to donate.

At the end of the day, quilting will provide you the creative outlet you demand with the heartwarming feeling of knowing you did something good for your community.

If you love to quilt, the decision to machine quilt or hand quilt is a personal choice. Hand qulting is the process of sewing together the elements of the quilt (the blocks, seams, and binding) by hand using a quilting needle or a betweens. Hand quilters often use quilting frames or hoops to stabilize their work. The finish of a hand quilt is softer and looks more traditional. Our vintage-looking Old-Fashioned Scrappy Quilt Pattern is a perfect way to showcase your handiwork. This simple pattern is reminiscent of days gone by, and you will love to sit and quilt each piece by hand.

Click image to download the free quilt pattern

Machine quilting involves using a sewing machine to seam the pieces of the quilt blocks and to stitch together the quilt top, batting, and backing. A machine may also be used to do free-motion quilting if the feed dogs are lowered and the darning foot is attached. Machine quilting gives a more uniform and, some may say, a more professional look. Show off your style when you download the free Black Magic pattern. Its intricacies are breathtaking.

Click image to download the free quilt pattern

There is a great debate going on arguing which method is superior when it comes to machine quilting versus hand quilting. Staunch supporters of machine quilting make a strong case for the use of modern technology to speed the process along, all while achieving beautiful handiwork. Die-hard hand quilters yearn to preserve the natural art of hand quilting, finding it unnecessary, and compromising the craft, to use a machine to do the work that is meant to be completed by hand. Either method is perfectly acceptable, depending on the project at hand as well as the quilter. Some quilters hold a hybrid view of the craft, using hand quilting when wanting a slower paced, relaxing project and a machine to quilt when creating more utilitarian quilts or while experience a bit of a time crunch. Whichever stance you take on the great machine quilting versus hand quilting debate, www.free-quilting.com is sure to contain a pattern that is perfect.

Click image to download the free quilt pattern

Back-to-school season is wonderful, chock-full of new experiences and opportunities. This is a time of freshly-sharpened pencils, squeaky new shoes, and carefully-selected clothing that displays personal style. There is no better way for your loved one to show off a stunning personality, while heading back to school this fall, than by wearing personalized pieces of art created by you using fall quilting appliqués. Whether you lovingly craft a vest, bag, or whatever your heart so desires, you will get a big thank-you hug from the recipient!

 Spend cooler fall evenings snuggled under a handmade quilt or throw, reminiscing about the marvelous memories that are made each day of school. Create precious keepsakes using fall quilting appliqués patterns for family and friends to enjoy for many seasons to come. You can never go wrong with free Fall Quilting Patterns from free-quilting.com.

 Fall Quilting Appliqués

Send your favorite college student off with a handmade cozy quilt, complete with fall quilting appliqués. These will lend the perfect warm touch to a dorm room.

Click image to download the quilt pattern

 The Posies ‘Round the Cabin pattern will add a touch of cheer and charm anywhere. The Field of Nine-Patches is a lively pattern that combines appliquéd and pieced blocks, creating an 87” x 100 ½” quilt. This would be the perfect fall quilting appliqué pattern to make up in school colors, ready to pack for tailgating.  

Click image to download the free quilt pattern

Our popular Bountiful Harvest Quilt pattern creates a 31” x 35” quilt, welcoming guests into your loving home. This intermediate project sets the stage for the season, complete with a traditional cornucopia brimming with a bountiful harvest. Stitch up the Baby’s Stars Quilt pattern in autumn colors and transform your little sweetie’s nursery into a seasonal delight. Featuring appliquéd star shapes made with varying widths of fabric, this whimsical piece will be cherished for years to come. This quilt will be perfect for draping over a sofa or chair in the future.

 You are sure to find fall quilting appliqué patterns to fashion quilts, clothing, and gifts for any autumn occasion.