Let’s Make a Barn Quilt!

Stars over the Ozarks by Carol Bruce

Create Your Own Barn Quilt: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to our barn quilt how-to page! Let's dive into the creative world of barn quilts, a beloved form of public art found across rural America. These charming wooden panels draw inspiration from quilting traditions, gracing barns and buildings, transforming them into open-air museums for all to enjoy. Chances are, you've spotted these beauties in your town or out in the countryside!


La Tusa by Azalia Molina
Sweet Home by Abby Hollis and Bryce Arroyos

Barn Quilt Design Inspiration

Barn quilt designs often hold deep meaning and symbolism for their creators or the places they adorn. They can draw from family heirloom quilt block patterns or feature a unique blend of geometric shapes and colors that represent your identity, family, or community. In this kit, we'll guide you through creating your first (mini!) barn quilt, setting you up for a larger project in no time.

What You'll Need:

  • Primed square panel (Plywood is an excellent choice)

  • Acrylic paints (for small quilts) or exterior house paint (for larger ones)

  • Paint brushes

  • Pencils

  • Painter's tape

  • Straightedge/ruler/yardstick

Let's Get Started:

Here's Your Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Gather Your Materials: Start by checking your craft closet, attic, drawers, and garage for any available supplies. Then, visit your local hardware store to pick up any additional items you need.

2. Get Inspired: Think about why you want to create a barn quilt. Where will you display it? What message or symbolism do you want it to convey? Whether it's personal, family-related, or representative of your home, find inspiration in your surroundings.

3. Sketch Your Ideas: Take your ideas and put them on paper, or use digital tools like Photoshop or Canva to experiment with colors and shapes. Many quilters use 3x3 or 4x4 square grids as a starting point.

4. Create Your Design: Once you've settled on a design, transfer it onto your primed panel using a grid pattern. Ensure clean lines and sharp edges by using a straightedge.

5. Apply Painter's Tape and Paint: Work on painting one color at a time, starting from the center and moving outward to the border. Painter's tape can be a handy tool to achieve clean lines and angles.

6. Take Your Time: Allow each layer of paint to thoroughly dry between applications. Patience is key, as rushing can lead to smudging, especially when using painter's tape.

7. Scout Your Display Location: While waiting for your paint to dry, plan how you will hang or display your barn quilt.

With these steps, you'll soon have your own mini barn quilt masterpiece, and you'll be well-prepared to tackle a full-size project in the future! Be sure to share your work with us by tagging us in your social media! @ArtsOnePresents

Happy quilting!