You know that feeling when you find the perfect quilt pattern? The one that matches your skill level just right – not so easy it’s boring, but not so tricky it ends up in the UFO pile? Today I’m sharing some of my favorite quilt patterns for every stage of your quilting journey, from super-simple squares and rectangles (perfect for first-time quilters!) to those satisfying advanced patterns that let you really stretch your skills. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been quilting for years, there’s a pattern here for you. And the best part? Some of these beauties are completely free! Let’s dive into these must-make patterns, starting with a beginner-friendly flower quilt that may just become your “baby shower gift” go-to.
Pictured: “Darlings” by PatternsByKanako (top) and “Capped” by Woollypetals (bottom)
Beginner: Flower Patch Quilt Pattern
First up, a pattern perfect for absolute beginners: Flower Patch! This is a baby quilt that uses only square units and straight line sewing. Even better, it’s made with just nine jelly roll strips (plus background fabric), making it ideal for sewing with a single fabric collection (like Pivot from Ruby Star Society as in the version below).
This is a free pattern that you’ll get as part of a series when you sign up for the quilter’s newsletters series The Unblock. (Also free!)
Advanced Beginner: Capped Quilt Pattern
How cute is this “Capped” mushroom quilt pattern by Woollypetals?!? Done in her signature patchwork style, I can think of about a million ways I would like to use the individual mushroom blocks, in addition to making the full quilt. It’s described as being for the “advanced beginner” and I think that’s down to the diagonals at the tops of the mushrooms. Other than that it looks like a lot of straight line sewing, and I think it would look so perfect in a kids room or cottage!
Here’s a dark background version with lots of pop.
image by Woollypetals
And a sweet low volume background version. Both of these are by the pattern designer, Kristin of Woollypetals!
image by Woollypetals
Intermediate: Darlings Quilt Pattern
Special note for this one! Patch and Dot readers, enter the code PATCHANDDOT at check out and get 15% off the Darlings pattern.
The Darlings pattern from PatternsByKanako, for ‘intermediate and up’ quilters, is on the top of my to do list for 2025. The design is so perfect for showcasing favorite fabric prints and I’m really excited to try its ‘triangle in a square’ blocks (templates included!). The pattern includes plenty of detailed diagrams (great if you’re a visual learner like me!) and a printable colouring page.
Kanako’s version (below) uses a rainbow ombre range of fabrics from Ruby Star Society, with fussy cut centres and a pretty low volume background.
image by PatternsByKanako
The stunning version below by Sew.Miss.Viv shows what this pattern looks like when you use a single print for each star, and I love the way the bright colours play off the pale cream background. This alternative layout is also included in the pattern … it will be hard to choose which one to use!
image by Sew.Miss.Viv
Advanced Quilt Pattern: Pineapple Quilt
Finally, a free pattern for advanced quilters, a classic Pineapple Quilt by Darlene Zimmerman for Robert Kaufman fabrics. With a finished size of 59.5″ x 70.5″, it’s available for download from Fat Quarter Shop and a great way to learn this traditional block.