3 Easy Quilting Projects You Can Finish This Weekend

Quilted Coasters • Table Runner • Beginner Bed Quilt

Meta title: Easy Quilting Projects: Coasters, Table Runner & Bed Quilt (Beginner)
Meta description: Learn how to make quilted coasters, a table runner, and a cozy bed quilt. Step-by-step materials, instructions, sizes, tips, and FAQs—perfect for beginners.

Why these three?

They’re fast, photogenic, and beginner-friendly. You’ll practice the core skills—cutting, piecing, quilting, and binding—on a tiny project (coasters), scale to a small decor piece (runner), then apply it to a full quilt.

Project 1: Quilted Coasters (4" × 4")

Skill: Beginner • Time: ~45–60 min for a set of 4 • Size: 4″ × 4″ each

Materials

• Fabric scraps (top & backing)

• Low-loft batting squares (4″ × 4″)

• Thread (poly or cotton), sewing machine

• Rotary cutter, mat, quilting ruler

• Pins or clips, iron

• Binding strips (1¼″–1½″ wide) or premade bias tape

Steps

1. Cut top, backing, and batting to 4″ × 4″.

2. Layer backing (right side down) + batting + top (right side up). Clip.

3. Quilt straight or diagonal lines ~½″–1″ apart through all layers.

4. Trim & square to exactly 4″ × 4″.

5. Bind with narrow binding; miter corners; stitch down.

6. Press flat. Make a matching set.

Pro tips

• Low-loft batting keeps coasters flat.

• Chain-piece multiple tops to speed up.

• Use a walking foot if your machine has one.

Project 2: Quilted Table Runner

Skill: Beginner • Time: 2–3 hours • Typical size: ~14″ × 40″ (customize to your table)

Materials

• 3–4 coordinating quilting cottons

• Batting & backing cut to runner size

• Thread, sewing machine

• Rotary cutter, mat, ruler, pins/clips, iron

• Binding strips (2½″ wide)

Steps

1. Cut strips (e.g., 3″ × WOF) or 5″ squares.

2. Arrange your layout (mock up on a table; snap a photo).

3. Piece rows with a ¼″ seam; press seams to one side.

4. Layer backing (right side down), batting, runner top; baste.

5. Quilt straight lines, a simple grid, or gentle diagonals.

6. Trim edges flush.

7. Bind: attach 2½″ binding; miter corners; stitch to finish.

Pro tips

• Use high-contrast fabrics for a striking pattern.

• A walking foot reduces shifting on long seams.

• Add seasonal colors for easy repeat content (fall, holiday, spring).

Project 3: Simple Patchwork Bed Quilt

Skill: Confident beginner • Time: Weekend+ (piecing) • Sizes (approx.)

• Twin: 68″ × 88″ (e.g., 12″ finished blocks in 5 × 7 layout)

• Full/Queen: 88″ × 96″ (e.g., 12″ blocks in 7 × 8 layout)

Materials

• 3–5 coordinating cottons (yardage depends on size; plan for extra)

• Batting & backing to match size (piece backing if needed)

• Thread, sewing machine

• Rotary cutter, mat, ruler, pins/clips, iron

• Binding strips (2½″ wide)

Steps

1. Plan & cut: choose block size (e.g., 12″ finished). Cut squares/rectangles.

2. Lay out your design on the floor/wall; photograph to remember placement.

3. Piece rows with a ¼″ seam; join rows; press.

4. Layer backing (RS down) + batting + quilt top (RS up); baste.

5. Quilt: straight-line grid, echo seams, or gentle waves.

6. Trim the sandwich to square.

7. Bind: attach binding; miter corners; finish by machine or hand.

Pro tips

• Prewash bright fabrics to minimize color bleed.

• Use a walking foot for smooth quilting across large layers.

• Add a hanging sleeve or quilt label before binding, if desired.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Do I need a walking foot?
It’s optional but highly recommended for the runner and bed quilt; it feeds layers evenly.

What batting should I use?
Low-loft cotton or cotton/poly blend is forgiving for beginners and presses nicely.

How wide should binding be?
2½″ strips for runners/quilts; 1¼″–1½″ for coasters (thinner looks cleaner on small items).

Can I machine-bind everything?
Yes. Stitch binding to the back first, fold to the front, and topstitch close to the edge.

Supplies Checklist (copy & save)

Quilting cotton • Backing fabric • Low-loft batting • Thread • Rotary cutter • Self-healing mat • Quilting ruler • Pins/clips • Iron • Binding strips • Walking foot (optional)

Callouts to Feature (great for social captions)

• “Beginner-friendly: master cutting, piecing, quilting, and binding in three projects.”

• “Coasters in under an hour, a runner in an afternoon, and a weekend bed quilt.”

• “Swap colors seasonally for endless content.”

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Long-Tail Phrases

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