A New Baby Quilt: A Desert Cove Finish + Easy Pattern You’ll Love

A New Baby Quilt: A Desert Cove Finish + Easy Pattern You’ll Love

There’s just something magical about making a quilt for a brand new little human. Every fabric choice feels more meaningful and every stitch carries hope.

This quilt is one of those extra special ones. A gift for a co-worker’s new baby girl, made with joy, anticipation, and the softest blend of pinks and purples.

You can get your copy of the Desert Cove Quilt Pattern here.

Planning a Quilt When the Baby’s Gender is a Surprise

Before my co-worker left for paternity leave, I had a quick chat with him about two potential quilt options. If the baby was a boy, we had one plan. If the baby was a girl... well, I already knew her mama loved pink and purple!

So when the news came that they welcomed a baby girl, I did what all quilters do when inspiration hits!  I went fabric shopping.

Choosing a Pink and Purple Color Palette

I didn’t want the quilt to feel overly “baby.” I wanted it to feel like something she could love for years. Something bold and beautiful that she could grow into.

I chose a mix of prints in pinks, purples, and cozy neutrals. There’s something really fun about shopping with a specific color palette in mind; especially when you find prints that surprise you. This quilt has little turtles, dreamy florals, and even ice cream toppings.

There’s one deep purple print that I especially love. It pops just enough to keep your eye moving across the quilt. It’s like the heartbeat of the whole design.

Piecing the Desert Cove Pattern

If you’ve made Desert Cove before, you already know it looks intricate, but it sews up fast. I used my go-to piecing tricks: lots of strip piecing and chain piecing to keep things flowing. 

This quilt looks like a puzzle, but it’s built with super simple shapes and no trimming required (yes please!).

Quilting and Finishing Touches

I finished the quilt top and headed to my step-mom’s house for a little longarming day!

We picked an orange peel pantograph for this quilt, and I’m obsessed with how it turned out. The quilting gives the perfect amount of movement without overpowering the fabrics. It’s delicate but graphic, playful but polished.

The backing fabric? I went with one of my longtime Rifle Paper Co. favorites.  It has florals and moths on a soft cotton that’s just the right mix of whimsy and elegance. It’s one of those prints I hoard for just the right quilt.

Want to watch this quilt come together?  Watch the process on YouTube!

Make Your Own Baby Quilt: Tips for Beginners

Desert Cove is a great option. It’s fast, flexible, and works with so many fabric styles. I especially love it for baby quilts because you can highlight a few favorite prints and still have lots of visual interest. There’s enough repetition to keep things cohesive, but enough variety to make it exciting.

If the quilt is a surprise gift, stick with colors you love and a soft, balanced palette. But if you can, chat with the parents-to-be! Ask about favorite colors, animals, themes—it makes the quilt feel extra personal.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made a lot of quilts over the years, but this one reminded me why I started quilting in the first place: to make something meaningful with my own two hands. To create gifts that last. To wrap people I care about in something handmade and full of heart.

So if you’ve been thinking about making a baby quilt, let this be your sign. Pick a pattern, pull some fabrics, and start sewing. And if you try Desert Cove, I’d love to see it. Tag me on Instagram or reply to one of my emails—your quilts always brighten my day.  

Happy sewing!!