• Home
  • Suggest A DIY
  • DIY Newsletter

Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

Printable Quilt Block Coloring Pages – Free Download for Quilters

August 5, 2025 by Shellie Wilson

There’s just something so satisfying about quilt blocks, isn’t there? All those geometric shapes, satisfying symmetry, and endless layout options – it’s no wonder so many of us fall in love with quilting for life. But what if I told you that you don’t even need a needle and thread to enjoy the beauty of quilting today?

I’ve created a free set of printable quilt coloring pages that bring the joy of quilting to your colored pencils and markers. These quilter-themed coloring sheets are perfect for winding down with a cuppa, dreaming up your next fabric palette, or simply indulging your creative side without hauling out the sewing machine.

Whether you’re coloring in for relaxation or testing out color theory for your next bed-sized masterpiece, these free printable quilt coloring designs are just what your creative heart needs.

Why Quilters Love Coloring

Coloring is more than a childhood pastime—it’s a proven way to reduce stress, spark creativity, and help with visual planning. And for quilters? It’s a low-mess way to play with quilt color layouts before ever cutting into your stash. Think of it as a digital-free design wall you can take anywhere (yes, even the doctor’s waiting room or that long car ride to visit the in-laws).

Free Download: Printable Coloring Pages for Quilters

To get started, simply click and print the PDF pages below. No login. No fuss. Just free coloring printables for quilters, designed with love and a touch of patchwork magic.

Each page is sized for easy printing and includes 12 different quilt block patterns per sheet. You can even bind them into a little coloring book for quilters or pop them into a binder with your fabric swatches for easy reference.

Want more? We’ll be releasing themed editions soon—holiday blocks, scrappy-style pages, and even color-your-own quilt labels.

Pin it now, color it later!
Don’t forget to save this on Pinterest so you can come back anytime you need a little coloring therapy for quilters. And if you color any of these pages, we’d love to see! Tag us @CraftGossip on social media and show off your favorite combos.

«
»

Have you read?

How to Choose the Best Batting for Your Quilt Project (Without Guessing)

Batting is one of those quilting decisions that feels strangely high-pressure.

It’s hidden inside the quilt. No one sees it.
But choose the wrong one? And suddenly your quilt feels stiff, too puffy, too flat… or worse, washes poorly.

I used to grab whatever batting was on sale. Then I made one quilt that felt like a winter doona and another that barely had any drape at all.

That’s when I realised — batting isn’t one-size-fits-all.

If you’re a hobby quilter making a few quilts a year, here’s how to choose batting confidently without needing a textile engineering degree.

What Batting Actually Does

Batting affects:

  • Warmth

  • Loft (how puffy it looks)

  • Stitch definition

  • Drape

  • Weight

  • Durability after washing

It’s the structure of your quilt.

The top fabric gets the attention — but the batting determines how the quilt feels in real life.

The 3 Main Types of Quilt Batting

Let’s simplify this.

1. Cotton Batting

Cotton batting gives a classic, traditional look.

It:

  • Lays flatter

  • Shrinks slightly when washed (creates that lovely crinkled look)

  • Shows quilting stitches clearly

  • Breathes well

Best for:

  • Heirloom quilts

  • Wall hangings

  • Summer quilts

  • Hobby quilters who love that soft, natural drape

If you prefer a quilt that feels traditional rather than fluffy, cotton batting is usually the safe choice.

2. Polyester Batting

Polyester batting has more loft and puff.

It:

  • Resists shrinking

  • Is lightweight but warm

  • Dries quickly

  • Holds its shape well

Best for:

  • Bed quilts

  • Utility quilts

  • Quilts that will be washed often

  • Gift quilts for busy households

If you’ve ever wanted that slightly “puffy” stitch texture, polyester delivers that beautifully.

3. Cotton-Poly Blend Batting

Blended batting gives you the middle ground.

It:

  • Offers more loft than cotton

  • Shrinks less

  • Still feels soft

  • Adds durability

For hobby quilters who want flexibility without overthinking, blends are often a very practical option.

Loft: Low, Medium, or High?

Loft refers to thickness.

Low loft:

  • Flatter finish

  • Easier for domestic sewing machines

  • Ideal for detailed quilting

Medium loft:

  • Balanced

  • Good stitch definition

  • Great for everyday quilts

High loft:

  • Puffy texture

  • Dramatic quilting lines

  • Best for larger-scale quilting designs

If you quilt on a standard home machine, low to medium loft is usually easier to manage.

Scrim vs No Scrim (And Why It Matters)

Some batting includes scrim — a light stabilising layer that holds fibres together.

Scrim batting:

  • Is more stable

  • Easier for machine quilting

  • Less stretching

No scrim batting:

  • Feels softer

  • More flexible

  • Often preferred for hand quilting

If you’re primarily machine quilting, scrim can make the process smoother.

How Batting Affects Stitch Definition

If you love seeing your quilting lines clearly, batting choice matters.

Cotton:

  • Shows stitching crisply

Polyester:

  • Creates raised stitching

High loft:

  • Makes stitches pop dramatically

If you’ve ever wondered why your quilting doesn’t look like the photos you admire, batting could be the difference.

Washing & Shrinkage Considerations

Cotton batting shrinks slightly after washing, creating that soft vintage crinkle many quilters love.

Poly batting resists shrinkage and keeps a smoother appearance.

Neither is wrong — it depends on the look you prefer.

For baby quilts or gifts, many hobby quilters appreciate predictable washing results.

Common Batting Mistakes

  • Choosing high loft for detailed block quilting

  • Not checking recommended quilting distance

  • Using thick batting on a small domestic machine

  • Ignoring fibre compatibility

Always check the manufacturer’s recommended stitch spacing. Some battings require closer quilting lines to maintain structure.

What Should Hobby Quilters Start With?

If you’re unsure, start here:

For traditional quilts:
Low loft cotton batting.

For everyday bed quilts:
Medium loft cotton-poly blend.

For puffy stitch texture:
Low to medium loft polyester.

You don’t need five types on hand. Choose based on project purpose.

Where to Compare Quilt Batting Options

Batting can be surprisingly varied, and seeing fibre type, loft, and recommended stitch distance clearly listed makes decision-making much easier.

Specialty quilting retailers like Fat Quarter Shop’s batting collection allow you to compare cotton, polyester, and blended options side-by-side so you can choose based on your specific quilt rather than guessing.

The Bottom Line

Batting is not just filler.

It determines how your quilt:

  • Feels

  • Washes

  • Drapes

  • Ages

For hobby quilters, understanding just three things — fibre type, loft, and project purpose — is enough to choose confidently.

You don’t need to memorise every product line.

You just need to match the batting to the quilt’s job.

This article is part of our Ultimate Guide to Quilting Notions for Hobby Quilters, where we break down essential tools without overwhelming you.

Next in the series:
Rotary Cutters Explained: Sizes, Blades, and When to Replace Them

 

Categories

Christmas quilts Craft Competitions Craft News and Events Free Quilt Patterns Modern More Quilting Patterns & Projects Quilting Art Quilts Quilting Blocks Quilting Books Quilting Contest Quilting Events Quilting Fabric Quilting Gift Ideas Quilting How To & Tutorials Quilting Inspiration Quilting Products Quilting Technique Scrap Fabric Tutorials and Patterns

RSS More Articles

  • DIY Burn Relief Soap – A Soothing Aloe Vera and Lavender Recipe for Sunburn, Windburn, and Irritated Skin
  • 10 Bookmark Embroidery Patterns for Quick Handmade Gifts
  • Necklace Length Guide For Handmade Jewelry Makers
  • Toy Story Cross Stitch Patterns
  • Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm
  • Vintage Crochet Baby Dress Pattern Review
  • 12+ Beautiful Butterfly Card Ideas
  • Cute Little Backpack Knitting Patterns
  • Easy Pen and Paper Games for Road Trips and Beyond
  • Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

Copyright © 2026 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy