From Janet Wickell,
Your Guide to Quilting.
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Comfort Quilt Patterns

We're usually concerned about fast production when we make comfort quilts, but finishing them quickly doesn't mean they should be stitched together haphazardly. Your quilt might be the only personal possession of the child or adult who receives it, so construct it with care.

There are an endless number of quilt patterns that are quick and attractive. You'll find some ideas here on About.com Quilting:

• Scrappy Floating Stars is an easy quilt block. You can make a quilt of any size quickly. Consider brightly colored prints if you're making baby quilts or quilts for older children.

• Here's a easy rag quilt pattern that might work for you.

• Consider making a string quilt from your leftover scraps. They're easy, even for beginning quilters, and require very little quilting.

• Snowball blocks are a good choice when you want to put together a quick quilt.

A Few More Quilt Blocks to Consider

• Mock Log Cabin
• Can't Stop Spinnin'
• Not Quite Bow Ties
• More Free Quilt Patterns

Make the Quilt Larger -- Quickly

• Use sashing between quilt blocks

• Use setting squares (cut fabric squares the same size as your unfinished blocks) between quilt blocks

• Sew on multiple borders

Quilt Batting

Read the instructions on quilt batting and choose one that doesn't need to be closely quilted to stay intact, such as Warm and Natural.

Finishing the Quilt

Sew binding around your quilt for the most sturdy edges, or finish the quilt's edges more quickly using this technique:

1. Arrange the quilt top and backing right sides together and place a layer of batting between them.

2. Sew a 1/2" to 3/4" seam allowance around the quilt, leaving an opening along one side that's easy to reach into.

3. Put your hand into the opening and turn the quilt right side out. Turn under the open edges and hand stitch to secure them.

4. Quilt to hold layers together.