It’s only October, but the stores are already filling up with Christmas decorations. It happens every year—before we’ve even gotten through Halloween, we see twinkling lights, wreaths, and ornaments lining the aisles. As much as we might want to hold on to the current season a little longer, as quilters, we understand the rush. Christmas projects take time, and if we want our festive quilts finished and ready to snuggle by December, we need to start early, too!
Planning a Christmas quilt is a thoughtful process that goes beyond just picking holiday colors. Whether you’re making a quilt to drape over the couch, to give as a gift, or just to snuggle around the living room with a Christmas movie, there are several factors to consider before you start cutting into that beautiful holiday fabric.
Purpose and Use: What’s the Quilt For?
The first step in planning any quilt is thinking about its purpose. Is it a cozy lap quilt to curl up with while watching Christmas movies? Or perhaps it’s meant to be a wall hanging or table runner to bring festive cheer to a specific space. Maybe you’re creating a Christmas-themed bed quilt that will become part of your family’s seasonal decor.
The purpose of your quilt will impact your decisions about size, design, and even fabric selection. For instance, if you’re making a lap quilt or throw, you might want to keep the size manageable so it’s easy to fold and store after the holidays. On the other hand, if it’s a display quilt, you might experiment with intricate blocks or appliqué, since it won’t be used as much.
Color Choices: Traditional vs. Modern
When we think of Christmas, the classic red, green, and white color palette immediately comes to mind. These timeless hues evoke the warmth and tradition of the holiday season. If you’re aiming for a traditional feel, fabrics featuring holly, candy canes, and snowflakes in these colors will never go out of style.
But Christmas quilts can also have a modern twist. Think outside the box with unexpected color schemes like cool blues and silvers, or a warm palette of golds, pinks, and deep purples. These colors can give your quilt a fresh, contemporary feel, while still capturing the magic of the season. Don’t be afraid to add metallic fabrics for a little extra sparkle—nothing says Christmas like a bit of shimmer!
Fabric Selection: Holiday Themes and Textures
Choosing fabrics is one of the most exciting parts of planning a Christmas quilt. There are endless fabric lines released every year specifically for the holiday season, ranging from whimsical Santa and reindeer prints to more elegant options with snowflakes, poinsettias, or plaids.
Consider adding a mix of patterns and textures. For example, you might want to blend traditional prints with solid fabrics to create a balanced design. If you’re looking for something tactile, flannel fabrics can add an extra layer of warmth and coziness to your quilt—perfect for snuggling up by the fire.
If you’re planning a quilt that will be passed down through generations, investing in high-quality fabrics is essential. You’ll want something that can hold up to many years of use and washing without losing its festive charm.
Quilt Size: Plan for Your Space and Time
When planning your Christmas quilt, size matters! Whether you’re making a mini-quilt for a decorative wall hanging, a full-sized bed quilt, or something in-between, it’s important to match the quilt size to its intended use. You can always reference my quilt size chart here.
Small Quilts: Mini quilts or wall hangings are a great way to add a holiday touch to your home without taking on a large project. They also make lovely gifts! Since they’re quicker to complete, they might be the perfect option if you’re short on time.
Lap Quilts: A lap quilt is a nice in-between option that can be functional for snuggling on the couch while also adding a cozy, festive touch to your living room.
Bed Quilts: If you have the time and energy for a larger project, a Christmas-themed bed quilt makes a stunning statement. These larger quilts may take a little longer to complete, but they’re worth the effort and can become a family tradition for years to come.
Starting Early: The Quilter’s Dilemma
We all know how quickly the holiday season can sneak up on us, and as quilters, we face a special challenge. A quilt takes time to plan, cut, piece, and quilt—not to mention binding and finishing! This is why you’ll often find quilters starting their Christmas projects months in advance, long before the holiday tunes start playing on the radio.
Starting early gives you the freedom to work at your own pace, enjoy the process, and maybe even finish in time to enjoy the quilt all season long. It also allows for the unexpected—like fabric delays or those moments when the seam ripper becomes your best friend. By giving yourself extra time, you can ensure that your Christmas quilt is ready to shine when the holidays roll around.
Planning a Christmas Quilt: Get Started Now!
So, if you’ve been seeing Christmas decor popping up in stores and wondering if it’s too early, remember: for us quilters, it’s the perfect time to start planning. After all, Christmas quilts are more than just seasonal decor—they’re heirlooms, keepsakes, and expressions of joy. Start planning yours today, and you’ll have something beautiful to display and enjoy when the holidays arrive! Happy quilting!