What’s Inside a Quilt Kit—and What Else Will You Need?

The quilt top: fabrics and a plan

Field & Loom’s available three-yard kits pair three coordinated 1-yard cuts of quilting cotton with a quilt pattern and instructions. Each product page lists that kit’s pattern, finished size, fabric details, and exact included items.

The fabric combination has been chosen for you. You still do the cutting, piecing, pressing, quilting, and finishing—that’s the pleasure of the project.

The other layers: backing and batting

Backing is the fabric on the reverse of the quilt. Batting is the insulating layer between the top and backing. Neither is included in the standard kit.

Choose them for the finished quilt and your quilting method. Check the batting’s care and quilting-distance requirements, and ask a longarm quilter about backing and batting allowances if they will finish the quilt.

High Desert offers an optional coordinating backing selection on its product page. For every kit, check what is included and what is sold separately before ordering.

The tools: a simple, useful checklist

You’ll need thread and basic sewing equipment as well as the kit. Check the pattern for any special requirements before starting.

• A sewing machine in good working order and suitable needles
• Thread suitable for your fabric and sewing method
• A quilting ruler, rotary cutter, and cutting mat
• Pins or clips, scissors, and a seam ripper
• An iron and a safe pressing surface
• Backing and batting; any extra binding fabric your chosen finish requires

The final edge: check the binding instructions

Binding finishes the outer edge. Follow your included pattern’s binding method and yardage requirements. Choosing a different width or finish may require more fabric than the kit provides.

Before you order, check these three things

First, is the finished size right for how you want to use the quilt? A smaller quilt shown on a bed may be a decorative accent, not a full bed covering.

Second, does the pattern suit your experience and the kind of sewing you enjoy? Third, have you planned the finishing supplies? Knowing these details makes choosing your next project much more satisfying.