If a loved one has recently had a baby, you may want to use your quilting skills to create something special to celebrate. Before crafting this gift, choose the right quilt design, fabrics, and colors to make something that will be cherished for years. Here are a few tips to consider.

4 Quilt Design Tips for Crafting the Ideal Baby Gift

1. Go Bold

While the myth that infants only see in black and white has been proven false, their visual acuity isn’t well developed. An infant will have a more positive reaction to a vibrant quilt, so use contrasting hues, like red and green or orange and blue, rather than shades of the same color.

2. Leave Some Negative Space

The seams in a quilt can irritate a newborn’s sensitive skin. Find modern quilt patterns that incorporate negative space, so a section of it can cover the baby without causing discomfort.

If you can’t find a pattern that incorporates negative space, add it to your own design. Leaving up to half of the quilt free will provide a better experience for the baby and help you finish the project sooner.

3. Choose the Right Material 

When browsing the range of fabrics at a local quilt shop, choose something soft that will remain so through multiple washes. To protect against skin reactions, the best options for quilt materials are 100%cotton . 

4. Use Wool Batting

Make the quilt warmer for the baby by insulating it with batting. Wool is ideal for this purpose since it will make the quilt fluffier and warmer. Although wool tends to be itchy, it can be used comfortably inside a quilt to provide more warmth for an infant.

If you need more help with your quilt design, The Maui Quilt Shop in Kihei, HI, offers custom-made prepackaged kits. Their experienced staff will also offer their expertise to help you complete your project. Check out some of their kits on their website. If you have any questions, call them at (808) 874-8050.