How to Make a Comforter Quilt

Emma Jul 01, 2026

Transforming a plain comforter into a cozy quilt is a rewarding DIY project that not only adds a personal touch to your bedding but also helps you make the most of your fabric. Whether you're aiming to upcycle an old comforter or want to create a custom quilt for your bed, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making a comforter quilt.

How to make a Tied Quilt from old Sheets
How to make a Tied Quilt from old Sheets

Before you begin, gather your materials: a comforter, fabric for the quilt top and backing, batting for insulation, scissors or a rotary cutter, pins, a sewing machine, and thread that matches your fabric. You'll also need a walking foot or Teflon foot for your sewing machine to help feed the thick layers of fabric and batting through smoothly.

Puff Quilt Tutorial for Beginners
Puff Quilt Tutorial for Beginners

Preparing Your Fabric

Start by washing and drying your comforter and chosen fabrics to prevent shrinkage and ensure accurate measurements. Measure your comforter to determine the size of your quilt. Most comforters are twin (68" x 88"), full/queen (88" x 90"), or king (90" x 108") size, but you can adjust the final dimensions by adding or subtracting borders.

a woman is holding up some pillows on the floor
a woman is holding up some pillows on the floor

Cut your fabric for the quilt top and backing to be a few inches larger than your comforter on all sides. This extra fabric will be used to create a binding for the edges of your quilt. For example, if your comforter is twin size, cut your fabric to approximately 72" x 92".

Creating the Quilt Top

How to Make a Puff Quilt
How to Make a Puff Quilt

Lay out your comforter and place the fabric for your quilt top face down on top of it. Smooth out any wrinkles and ensure the edges are aligned. Cut your batting to be a few inches smaller than your fabric, so it doesn't add bulk to the edges of your quilt.

Place the batting on top of the fabric, then carefully flip the entire stack over so the right sides of the fabric are facing each other. Smooth out any wrinkles and use pins to secure the layers together at regular intervals. Start sewing around the edges of the fabric, leaving a few inches open on one side for turning the quilt right-side out.

Quilting the Layers

See how to make an easy patchwork quilt with this step-by-step tutorial – perfect for beginners! This beginner free patchwork quilt pattern uses simple squares and walks you through how to make a simple patchwork quilt from start to finish. Quick and easy - no tricky piecing, just large squares that come together beautifully! When you visit the tutorial, grab the free quilt planner too! Simple Patchwork Quilt Pattern, Beginner Patchwork Quilt, Easy Quilt Patterns For Beginners Free, Diy Easy Quilt For Beginners, Easy Patchwork Quilt, Simple Quilts For Beginners Squares, Patch Quilt For Beginners, Quick Quilts, Easy Quilts For Beginners Free Pattern
See how to make an easy patchwork quilt with this step-by-step tutorial – perfect for beginners! This beginner free patchwork quilt pattern uses simple squares and walks you through how to make a simple patchwork quilt from start to finish. Quick and easy - no tricky piecing, just large squares that come together beautifully! When you visit the tutorial, grab the free quilt planner too! Simple Patchwork Quilt Pattern, Beginner Patchwork Quilt, Easy Quilt Patterns For Beginners Free, Diy Easy Quilt For Beginners, Easy Patchwork Quilt, Simple Quilts For Beginners Squares, Patch Quilt For Beginners, Quick Quilts, Easy Quilts For Beginners Free Pattern

Once your edges are sewn, it's time to quilt the layers together. You can choose to follow the existing quilting lines on your comforter or create your own design. Use your walking foot or Teflon foot to sew along your chosen lines, making sure to keep your stitches consistent and even.

After quilting, trim any excess fabric and batting from the edges of your quilt. Turn the quilt right-side out through the opening you left earlier, and press the edges with an iron to create a crisp seam. Fold the raw edges of the opening under and press them in place.

Adding the Binding

How to Make a Cheater Quilt
How to Make a Cheater Quilt

Create a binding for your quilt by cutting strips of fabric 2.5" to 3" wide. Sew these strips together end-to-end, then press them in half lengthwise. Attach the binding to the raw edges of your quilt using a mitered corner technique for a professional finish.

Once the binding is attached, fold it over to the front of the quilt and hand-stitch it in place using a ladder stitch or blind hem stitch. This will create a clean, finished edge for your comforter quilt.

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Washing and Enjoying Your Quilt

Wash your new comforter quilt in cold water on a gentle cycle to prevent shrinkage and maintain the quality of your fabric. Dry it on low heat or hang it to dry to avoid over-drying and wrinkles.

Now that your comforter quilt is complete, enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your bed. Each time you use it, you'll appreciate the personal touch and effort you put into transforming a plain comforter into a beautiful, handmade quilt.