Christmas gift for 16 year old
 

My 16 year old Granddaughter has made a couple of quilts - one in school and one with my help. For Christmas, I would like to make her a kit to make a quilt that she could do on her own. What would be a good pattern?

Rail fence is the easiest pattern I know. But if she's already made a couple of quilts, it might be too easy. Warm Wishes is my go-to favorite, especially if I have a focus fabric I really like for the main squares.

My go to quilt block is the depression block that you can find right here: https://www.quilterscache.com/D/DepressionBlock.html . I know it is all HST's but it is so scrappy that you can use 4" or 4"1/2" squares that when squared up will be 3 /12" HST'S. Great block for working on building skills.

What a great Christmas gift!!
I would make the kit with lots of different fabrics rather than a few. This allows your GD to mix and match and create an unique quilt, ideally with no two blocks the same. I would choose either:

• Pre-cuts - There are many great patterns to choose from. You can also make your own pre-cuts from your stash.
• Quirky or Fun - Think cat or dog blocks where each block is done in Black on White or White on Black with a constant background and maybe the same collars. Two pattern designers that I really like are: sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com or madebymarney.com (I'm not affiliated with either but would love to meet them).

I like the Double Slice made with layer cakes. Does she live close to you? Perhaps a monthly meeting time to spend quilting would be fun for both of you. If she isn't close by perhaps a virtual meeting works.

Your idea is a wonderful gift idea!

PS: Maybe a quilting care package each month would be something to look forward to for her.

Maybe Yellow Brick Road?

How about a Warm Wishes quilt?

Leslie

I may be out of line here - but for me, I like to make what I pick out. It's very hard for me to complete a project that I don't like. Not to say that she won't like what you buy, but for me I would buy the batting and attach a gift card, or check with an offer to the fabric store or online shopping together. That way she will pick out what she likes and more likely to complete it. (I have been sewing since I was 8 years old, made most of my clothes from 8th grade to 12th grade. And my mother never picked out the patterns or the fabric. One reason I don't buy kits is because I want to choose my fabric.

I agree with Quiltingcandy. I know how excited I am to start a new quilt....imagine how excited a new quilter would be with a gift card or cash to chose any pattern and fabric. If you live near her, put in your gift the promise of a day of shop hopping to pick it out (with your guidance), and lunch thrown in for good measure. Most 16 year olds have definite tastes and really love to pick their own stuff.
What a wonderful gift idea and what a wonderful memory you can make with and for her.