How to choose pattern for new quilt?
 

How do you choose a pattern? I have the fabric. It's really 2 pieces of yardage that I want to use up. One is solar system and the other is bears on a picnic. Making baby quilts and want to use 6" blocks finished. I have purchased patterns, web site patterns, and 37 pages of pics of quilts from Pintrest. I just get lost. I wish I had a Go To pattern. Just too much to choose from. I think I'm suffering from too much stimulation.

My criteria for baby quilts is much different than for bed/gift/occasion quilts. Baby quilts get a lot of wear and tear, and babies/kids aren’t usually particular about pattern. So for baby quilts I do something that looks nice but isn’t too intricate. Since you have a focus fabric and you say you want 6” blocks, I’d recommend Warm Wishes. Your focus fabric will be cut in 6.5” squares, and you can strip piece the alternate blocks with 2.5” strips. It will go together fast, showcase your focus fabric, and look good finished. You could also alternate plain squares with 4-patches, or do a 9P and Snowball quilt.

I have more patterns than Carter had little liver pills (you must be 60+ to understand that). I print pictures of quilts off Pinterest, or buy patterns and books that will never be used. A quilt has to really speak to me before I will attempt it. So far the conversation is mostly one sided. LOL

lindaschipper I got the biggest chuckle out of your response! I'm in the same boat you are! Only 60++...and it's still filling up! And I could have responded exactly as you did. But quilt lovers beware, you will definitely have collected more of everything, be it fabric, templates, books, etc---more than you will ever use in a lifetime...but it's addicting....but what fun! The love of quilting...
gotta love it!
Juliem1...google search and you will find more interesting pattern ideas AND the best part, FREE PATTERNS, than you can possibly imagine.

On my computer, I have a quilt folder, of coarse. And a folder marked "Pretty". I save images of quilts from all over for ideas.

Sometimes I hang onto fabric until a pattern strikes my fancy and it's perfect for the fabric. If I find myself not really liking the fabric anymore, I will choose something easy and get it done. I like simple baby quilts. Pinwheels, nine patches, lots of contrast.

A 3 yard quilt from Fabric Cafe might be a good go to, especially for kids quilts. We also use those patterns a lot for Prayers and Squares at church.

Being 76 I don't like real intricate, difficult patterns anymore. Been there, done that. Mine are mostly donated to different causes so want something practical and able to withstand washings. I also like using things I already have, be it fabric, patterns, etc.
But that quilting bug is alive and well so keep going gals.https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/biggrin.png

I get most of my ideas from seeing other's quilts, mostly on the internet. I copy the photo with it's name. I have several folders which helps me when I need a new idea. The folders are titled with titles like Baby quilts, Cowboy quilts, I spy quilts, ABC quilts, just interesting quilts (ones I like, but would probably never make), easy interesting quilts, List of quilts to make and panel quilts. This helps me when I find I want to make something. It kind of makes me focus on what I want to do at the time, although right now, I'm making 3 yard quilts for donation to Project Linus. I've run out of grandkids, grand nieces and nephews to make kids kids quilts and I have a lot of I spy squares, juvenile prints, etc. that need to be used.

bkay