13 Gorgeous and Modern Baby Quilts to Make for Your New Bundle of Joy

Calling all quilters! Do you know someone expecting a new little one soon and have no idea what to get them? I want to show you some gorgeous modern baby quilts today that will hopefully be the perfect inspiration for your baby shower gift.

We’ll discuss everything you need to know for making a baby quilt, and then check out some examples of modern baby blankets you could create over a weekend. 

FAQs About DIY Baby Quilts

Before we look at the baby quilt ideas, let’s answer some of the FAQs I’ve heard over the years. I’ve made many baby quilts in the last decade for friends, family, and custom quilt clients so I can answer these questions with confidence and accuracy.

What Is the Most Popular Baby Quilt Pattern?

This is a really great question, and I bet if you asked 100 quilters, you would get 100 different answers. That said, the most common quilt pattern I’ve seen used for baby quilts is a simple square patchwork pattern. 

Here are a few reasons why a simple quilt pattern is used for baby quilts:

• They are quick to make.
• It’s incredibly beginner-friendly.
• It’s easy to adapt to whatever size of squares you want to use.

What Is the Best Size for a Baby Quilt?

Baby quilt size will depend on a few factors. Will the parents want to use it exclusively in a crib? What quilt pattern are you using?

I recommend making a baby quilt measuring at least 40” x 40” unless you are making a quilt, especially for a crib. Crib quilts should measure around 32” x 45”.

The baby quilts I make usually measure approximately 50” x 50” since I like to make something that the child will enjoy for years and can use as they age. 

If you plan to use a pattern, remember to check the baby quilt size before purchasing it to ensure it fits your requirements. 

What Material is Best for a Baby Quilt?

Of course, regular quilting cotton is an excellent choice for making the quilt top. Quilting cotton will last many washes, colors won’t fade, and the fabrics will get softer after every wash. 

Many quilters like to use a Minky fabric for backing since it’s super soft and has a fun texture that babies love. That is a great option. Another option is flannel, which gets softer as you wash it and comes in many patterns and colors. 

If you are wondering what batting to use in a baby quilt, I will always recommend 100% cotton batting for baby quilts. Here is why:

• It is super warm and soft.
• There are no plastics in 100% cotton batting.
• Babies are less likely to have an allergic reaction to cotton than they might with polyester blend batting. 
• It’s easily accessible.
• It can withstand many washes without losing shape or “plushness.”

Curious about what you might need to start quilting? Check out this blog post, where I break down all the necessary tools you will need to make your first quilt.

13 Adorable Modern Baby Quilts to Make for Your New Bundle of Joy

Now that we’ve reviewed some of the things you should do before making a baby quilt, let’s check out some modern quilt patterns. I tried to find a good mix of free and paid patterns to ensure we have something for everybody. 

1. Giant Hunter’s Star

Here is a fantastic free pattern from The Polka Dot Chair that features a gorgeous hunter’s star in the center of the quilt. The finished quilt measures 48” x 48”, an ideal size for a little one to grow into.

This tutorial gives all fabric requirements and step-by-step instructions with visual diagrams to help you create this adorable beginner-friendly quilt. 

2. Maypole

Suzy Quilts is a well-known modern quilt designer, and this is one of her newer designs that she has created using strips of fabric. She used double gauze fabric in the example quilt, which is super soft and buttery, perfect for a baby quilt! She has many other modern quilt patterns to choose from too.

3. “Let’s Grow” Milestone Quilt Pattern

How cute is this quilt pattern?! Lots of mommas like to take monthly growth update pictures of their babies, and with this quilt, you’ll have to perfect background! The finished quilt will measure 45” x 45”. If you’re looking for gender neutral baby quilt patterns, this is an excellent choice. 

4. More Than Stars

Here is a beautiful free pattern from the Quilting Wemple, where she shows us how to make this timeless baby quilt. You only need to make 16 quilt blocks to create this quilt top, so this should come together fairly quickly. This is a great beginner quilt project.

5. Quilty Stars

This beautiful modern classic quilt pattern is from Quilty Love. This pattern includes sizes from baby to king, so you’ll get your money’s worth when you purchase this pattern.

This is a scrap-friendly pattern, or if you have a fat quarter bundle you want to use, this is the perfect pattern for that!

6. Patchwork Squares

Here is a fantastic free patchwork quilt pattern from Lo & Behold Stitchery, a talented modern quilt pattern designer. The finished quilt will measure 40” x 50”, an ideal size for a baby quilt.

You can use this pattern to make any size quilt; just add or subtract rows and blocks if you want a different size. If you are a complete beginner, this is an excellent choice. 

7. Fox Quilt

How ridiculously adorable is this quilt design?! Can you believe this is a free modern baby quilt pattern? I found this pattern over at Shwin & Shwin, and it is such a fun children’s quilt.

The finished quilt measures 45” x 60”. I would recommend this pattern to a confident beginner. 

8. Triangle Quilt Pattern

This fun modern baby quilt is from See Kate Sew, where she gives a free tutorial + template, and coloring sheet to make this quilt. Once the quilt is finished, it will measure 42” x 48”. This is a great beginner project and can be made over a weekend. 

9. Puff Quilt

Here is another gorgeous and unique pattern by Lo & Behold Stitchery. This time, she creates a puff quilt and walks us through all the steps to make our own. Pretty cool, right? This free pattern + tutorial will take a while to complete, but the finished product is incredible! Kids will love it!

10. Gingham Rainbow

If you are looking for a beginner-friendly pattern that will help you learn how to make a baby quilt, this is a great option. The finished quilt will measure 42” x 48”.

This is a great beginner quilt because you only need to cut one size square and sew them into rows, so there is no complicated block assembly for your first quilt.

11. Retro Garden

Retro Garden is a gorgeous pattern that pulls inspiration from the mid-century modern design but is undeniably a great modern quilt pattern. This pattern includes three sizes, including a 39” x 39” baby quilt size. This is super trendy and will be a massive hit at your next baby shower. 

12. Ribbon Letters

Here is an adorable quilt design, and you can use it to teach your little ones the alphabet when they’re old enough to learn.

You could also use this pattern to create various projects with the different letter blocks, such as wall hangings with your children’s names or celebration banners. The finished quilt measures 50” x 56”.

13. Scrappy Lines

If you want to make a gender-neutral quilt that uses many fun colors, I recommend this fun scrappy-style pattern. The minimalist design of the solid strips gives this quilt a modern vibe and is a fantastic beginner-friendly quilt project. This pattern includes six sizes, including the cozy 46” square baby quilt. 

I hope you had as much fun as I did checking out these adorable and impressive modern baby quilts. Which one is your favorite? Lemme know in the comments below, and thank you for reading this far!

Happy Stitches!