baby quilt – Monday Morning Designs

baby quilts, mini quilts, quilting, Uncategorized

With Love Mini Quilt

October 22, 2018June 16, 2020 Deb Gehringer

Isn’t it funny how quilters automatically go into the ‘I’ve got to make something’ mode when they hear someone is having a baby? That’s exactly what happened to me over the summer when I learned my hair stylist was expecting. I had only one appointment before she’d be taking time off, so that limited me making her something small. I knew some sort of wall hanging was in order, so I searched and searched online, but to no avail. Since I couldn’t find what I wanted, I created my own.

I didn’t know what her decorating would include, colors or otherwise, so I designed something cute, but plain and simple and baby-themed enough that it would go with any decor. Interestingly enough, I wrote the pattern when I was working on my granny square quilt, so it was definitely granny square inspired.

With Love Mini Quilt pattern is available for purchase as a PDF download. It’s easy-to-follow with step-by-step illustrations, and it’s a quick project to make. The design is comprised of two small granny squares (just the centers), a two-piece heart and a snowballed O. It’s also beginner-friendly and lends itself for versatility in fabric choices.

For mine, I used Dear Stella mini dots in pastels and Kona Cotton Solid White for the background. I quilted it in a 1 ¼” crosshatch using Aurifil thread 2021.

And since I’ve been enjoying the look of scrappy binding lately, I chose it for this project as well. The finished mini is 14 ½” square so it could also be made into a pillow as a fun alternative.

And of course, when giving any handmade gift—add your label!

My hair stylist was happy with this little mini, and I was happy to have created it and to have made one for her. If you’ve know anyone that’s expecting, it makes a wonderful gift. And if you do make one, I’d love to see your version! Share on Instagram #withloveminiquilt.

baby quilts

Another Checkered Baby Quilt

January 31, 2018August 29, 2018 Deb Gehringer

Recently, a friend of mine asked me to make her a quilt as a gift for her friend who just had a baby boy. I don’t usually make commissioned quilts, but of course, for a friend! The baby’s dad is a huge fan of The Little Prince story so I set out to find themed fabric, and to my surprise, I found a Riley Blake collection.

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After mulling over pattern designs and how to best showcase all the fabrics, we decided on the easy, basic Checkered Baby Quilt. I like to use flannel backing on baby quilts, so we chose a cute star print that blended nicely with the others. And because I am one who certainly can’t turn down striped binding, we settled on the blue, with yellow stars and green stripes.

Upon the arrival of new fabric, I immediately got to work (more like ‘play’). As in making any quilt, I used some helpful techniques. After pin basting and before any quilting, I ran a long basting stitch across the top edge of the quilt, about an 1/8″ down. This helps to eliminate any pull from quilting and it helps reduce shifting. Also, if the stitches are sewn less than 1/4″ from the edge, you won’t have to remove them before attaching the binding.

Initially, I did the top only but I ended up adding a basting stitch along both sides because of slight puckering when sewing on the binding. It only took a few minutes and solved the problem.

And lastly, if you have labels, be sure to sew one on the backing before quilting!

Here are a few photos of the finished quilt. My friend was pleased with the results, and I hope the new mom and dad are too.

I’d also like to mention that if you’re a beginner quilter or know someone who is, I highly recommend this pattern. Not only is it easy, it’s fun! It’s straight-forward, there are no bias edges, no half square triangles, and no cutting if you use precuts!

Last spring I made a Checkered Baby Quilt as a gift, and at that time I made a tutorial. If you or a friend would like to give it a try, here’s the link to my easy-to-follow tutorial: Checkered Baby Quilt PDF

baby quilts, patterns, quilting, quilts, Uncategorized

Lovable Elephants Baby Quilt

June 19, 2017June 3, 2020 Deb Gehringer

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I’ve had this quilt finished for quite some time and I’m happy to finally release the pattern! If you’ve seen my circus minis, you’ll recognize the elephants in this quilt; they’re based on the same pattern. I reworked it by changing the elephant’s face direction, increased the size and added centered hearts.

And of course I always appreciate the help of my pattern testers, so I’d like to give a big thank you to Ange and Kathie!

Overall, this pattern offers easy-to-follow instructions and it’s suitable for various skill levels—a confident beginner could make it with ease and it’s also great for the more experienced quilter.

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If you’re looking for a fun and easy make, this makes a special, whimsical gift for the expectant parent or anyone who has already welcomed their little one.

Additional details and download available here

I’d love to see your version of this baby quilt so if you’re on Instagram, please post it!

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Checkered Baby Quilt

May 21, 2017June 4, 2020 Deb Gehringer

When I found out one of my husband’s coworkers/wife (whom I’ve never met) was having a baby, I thought—-why not make a baby quilt instead of buying something? Every baby needs a quilt, right?

That said, I decided to make an easy, beginner friendly quilt and tutorial with the novice in mind. It seems to me the more experienced we become as quilters, the less we realize how explaining the basics are needed for newcomers.

If you’re new to quilting or know someone who is, I hope you’ll give my free Checkered Baby Quilt a try! It offers in-depth instructions, it’s loaded with photos & walks you through the entire quilting process, including how to make binding!

Here are a few photos of the quilt…