Looking for suggestions
 

I am looking for suggestions on what kind of quilt to make for a friend who is having her first baby. She is very traditional in most things and I cannot seem to settle on a particular pattern.

How about a trip around the world or irish chain?

I Spy is always nice. Think of it as a giant, soft picture book, which can also be used to comfort and keep the child warm.

One of my favorite patterns for a baby quilt is a rail fence. Fast and easy and they always look good.
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Cari

Those are sew cute. Love the polka dots and stripes.

I have made this quilt called Spring Splash http://www.mccallsquilting.com/conte...ing_Splash.pdf - its a free pattern and uses two colors - its very easy and fast.

I like rail fence or just a 4 patch with alternating blue and white or pink and white. If I don't know anything about the baby I make pastel green and white.

thanks for some great ideas!

What a beautiful quilt, thanks for that link!

I'm always on the lookout for beautiful, yet simple baby quilt patterns. All of these are great!

I printed the pattern for Spring Splash. I have 2 baby quilts to make. Thanks for the link.

Here's my take on a good baby quilt for traditionalists. Hearts and bows; works for girls or boys.

Jan in VA

(This quilt is my own design and I have a pattern if you are interested.)

Unless it is a surprised, I would taking her out to look at patterns and fabric.

Thank you, lovely quilt, I, too, down loaded the pattern :)

Just my two cents. I make several dozen Linus quilts each month. For a new baby there are some lovely preprinted panels out there. Use one of them to make a simple quilt by layering one with batting and flannel on the back and either machine quilt it in a simple pattern all over or hand quilt around the designs or figures on the preprinted panel. The idea is for the mother and child to use the quilt. The less fuss involved the more likely that is to happen. The simple quilt holds up to the constant laundering required by a baby's things.

Totally agree!

For the little ones, I love to make an "I Spy" quilt and as they get older they can ID the cat, or dog or fish or whatever, sunshine, snow, etc. I made one for our neighbors who had a little girl - She still uses it and knows it all by heart now.
I make a 12" block with fussy cutting for the centers or wherever there is a square. I have three blocks across, five blocks down - 2" sashing, 4" border and it lays on the floor while baby is napping or on the couch while little child has a tummy ache or on top of a twin size bed. I generally use 4" squares for the backing with some form of I Spy pictures. I just sew them altogether and I have my backing, used up some fabric and had fun making it - joyous time all 'round!

Have fun! Edie

Go to Moda Bake Shop. There are some great baby quilts on that site.

If she is traditional, I would do something in a soft simple pattern perhaps with the baby's name appliqued on it.

Otis, Thank you for the Spring Splash link. I love this wall hanging and would like to make it into a quilt.

I love you stripes & polka dot combos!

Jan in VA
I love your quilt Jan but I don't think I have the knowledge yet to make it, but someday I would surely love to learn it as you say perfect for either boy or girl.
Jeri
I love all your advice and your quilts you inspire me me very much.

As a grandma of 4 here is what I know for sure. The favourite quilts my children received were the simple quilts backed with beautiful quality minky fabric. No batting required. They wash like a rag. One thing about babies....they leak!

Many thanks for the great ideas, will be sure to post pictures when completed.

This is my ideal. Maybe some pins wheels in different colors. Or unless you know the sex of the baby. Check out the technique for pinwheels from the, Missouri star quilt company

I also downloaded the spring splash. So cute, thank you!

Now on to the question...warm wishes is very cute plus quick & easy. The pattern is on the Project Linus website. Rail fence as was also posted here is always a good one too. Please post a pic after you get it finished ok?

I am working on one now that is tumbling blocks made using a diamond shape. It makes the blocks look 3D when
you use a light med and dark fabric. [ATTACH=CONFIG]500237[/ATTACH]
The pic I attached is one I am trying to decided on a background with. It is kind of dark, I hope you can see it.

Thank you everyone for the comments on my rail fence quilts. And thanks for the Spring Splash pattern, I'll be making that one soon.

I've also found that baby quilts backed with fleece or flannel are the ones that end up being used the most. They have become the toddlers "drag arounds", and it makes me much happier to see them still being used than the ones that are now put away being saved. I always ask, saved for what?

Cari

Warning about flannel- prewash it Before cutting due to shrinkage. It can get rough so find a non-pilling brand. I wash baby quilts in hypoallergenic detergents and don't use dryer sheets if the fabrics haven't been prewashed this way before assembly. Also- if using fleece or Minky be aware some don't stand up to high heat by melting a bit and becoming scratchy so label it for cool or low dryer temps. I make either rail fence or I spy. For the I spy I use 6 1/2" (unfinished) squares alternating with 6 1/2" 4 patches made from 3 1/2 " strips. Just as easy with a single focus fabric. On Maryquilts.com http://www.maryquilts.com/quick-strippie/ I found a super simple free quilt pattern called Quick Strippy. It's very fast to sew- made simply with horizontal strips- no intersections to match up. I've made this with beginning quilters- great confidence booster.

So many great ideas!!