Easy Christmas Quilt Patterns: What Makes One Easy

Easy Christmas quilt patterns are everywhere in the autumn, but "easy" means different things to different designers. Some mean few pieces. Others mean fast, even if the techniques are tricky. This guide gives you a simple checklist for judging any pattern, so you pick one you will actually finish before the holidays.

Want the full pattern? Tree Farm Christmas Quilt Pattern is an instant download for $8.99.

What makes Christmas quilt patterns easy

An easy pattern keeps the number of decisions and techniques low. Look for these five things:

1. Few unit types. Squares, half-square triangles and rectangles are friendly. Every new unit is a new thing to learn.
2. Straight rows. Blocks set in rows, ideally with sashing between them, mean no points to match from block to block.
3. One size of unit. When every piece is cut to the same size, cutting and pressing get quicker.
4. Your size, worked out. A pattern that lists fabric for each size saves you from doing the math.
5. Clear diagrams. You should be able to follow a step by looking at the picture alone.

A pattern can be quick and still hard. Foundation paper piecing, curved seams and Y-seams can all produce a quilt fast, but they take practice. If this is one of your first quilts, save them for next year.

Techniques to look for, and ones to skip for now

These techniques suit a confident beginner:

• Squares: the easiest unit of all. A quilt made only of squares is a great first project.
• Half-square triangles: two squares sewn and cut to make two triangle units. They add points without hard piecing.
• Simple sashing: plain strips between blocks. They frame each block and hide small size differences.

These can wait until you have a few quilts behind you:

• Foundation paper piecing for small, detailed shapes.
• Applique for curved motifs like ornaments or stockings.
• Set-in seams, where three pieces meet at an angle.

If you have never made a quilt, start with squares. Our guide to a quilt with 5-inch squares walks you through one.

A worked example: the Tree Farm quilt

Our Tree Farm pattern is rated for confident beginners. Here is how it measures up against the checklist.

• Unit types: three. Plain squares, half-square triangles and two brown trunk squares.
• Unit size: one. Every unit is cut at 3½″ and finishes at 3″.
• Layout: straight rows of 12-inch tree blocks with 1½-inch cream sashing.
• Sizes: Baby to King, each with its own fabric list, cutting chart and numbered color map.
• Help: a tools and terms page, a checklist and a troubleshooting page for half-square triangles, seam allowances and block sizes.

Each tree uses 6 half-square triangles. They are sewn two at a time from 4-inch squares and trimmed to 3½ inches. Trimming is what makes the points line up, so it is the one step not to rush.

Pick the right size for your time

The size you choose matters more than the pattern. A baby quilt can be a weekend or two. A king can take many evenings. These are the Tree Farm sizes, with the number of trees in each:

• Baby: 42″ × 55½″, 12 trees
• Throw: 55½″ × 69″, 20 trees
• Twin: 69″ × 96″, 35 trees
• Queen: 96″ × 109½″, 56 trees
• King: 109½″ × 109½″, 64 trees

If you want a Christmas quilt this year and you are short on time, a baby or throw size is the safe choice. A throw also makes a lovely gift that works on a sofa or at the foot of a bed.

Check the instructions before you buy

Look at the preview pages if the seller shows them. Good signs are large type, one step per numbered line and a diagram near each step. A shopping list for each size is a bonus, since you can take it straight to the fabric shop.

Also check the file format. A PDF in both US Letter and A4 prints well anywhere. Patterns that put fabric, cutting and color maps on separate pages let you print only what you need.

Finally, check your seam allowance before you start. Most patterns, including easy ones, assume an accurate ¼-inch seam. The New Quilters guide to a perfect quarter-inch seam has a simple test.

Our pick for a first Christmas quilt

If you are comfortable with squares and ready to try triangles, the Tree Farm Christmas Quilt Pattern is a good next step. It is a 19-page PDF with numbered color maps for every size and a coloring page to plan your fabrics. If you want something bolder, our modern quilt pattern guide has more ideas, and you can browse all our quilt patterns.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest Christmas quilt to make?

A quilt made only of squares is the easiest. Use Christmas prints in a simple grid. If you want a motif, a tree made of squares and half-square triangles is the next step up.

Can a beginner make a Christmas quilt in time for Christmas?

Yes, if you choose a small size and a pattern with few unit types. A baby or throw size is realistic for most beginners who start in October or November.

What does confident beginner mean on a quilt pattern?

It usually means you have made at least one simple quilt. You can cut accurately and sew a steady ¼-inch seam, and you are ready to try one new technique, such as half-square triangles.

The sizes, cutting and fabric amounts in this article come from the Tree Farm pattern itself.