A couple expecting their first child is usually flooded with gifts. Toys, diapers and clothes crowd the home. All to welcome the new member of the family. Yet some useful things can not be bought. These are usually made and gifted by grandparents or aunts of the new born.  
 
A blanket for the baby is one such item. These quilts are made with love, expert skill and long hours of very hard work. In fact, baby quilts become popular heirlooms which passes on from one generation to the other. Selecting a baby quilt design is an important part of the entire process.  
 
Patterns generally found on baby quilts are those of ships, planes, alphabets, ducks, etc. You can get some direction as to what you want to do with these patterns and you must follow the detailed instructions on the process before you start the job. In case this is your first time, you could bring yourself up to the mark by taking a short lesson on quilt making.  
 
Such tutorials are often offered by communities for the local residents. You could come across such a program in your community too. This offers a good beginning to learn about the basics of quilt making.
 
There are many programs which permit the participant to bring their own materials and preferred design. This is good, because you can then make the quilt while you learn. The teacher guides you all the way.

If you have no idea whatsoever as to the pattern you would like, a visit to the local fabric store might help. Here you can locate some baby quilt patterns. If you are a beginner go for a simple and easy design. A blue sky with some clouds should be easy. Some people choose patchworks for baby quilts. This can be done attractively with shades of pink or blue. If the gender of the baby is unknown to you , choose a white or yellow to be on the safer side.
 
Once you are knowledgeable about the basics, you can go for any pattern to make a baby quilt. It is good idea if all the women family members got together to make a baby quilt, by contributing their bit to the design. In case you decide to go for this option, make adequate photocopies of the design and then pass it around. Everyone will know their part.
 
Presenting a baby quilt to the new born is an excellent idea. It is memorable to the parents and remains a treasure to the baby, long after he or she has grown.