Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
This is the full you tube tutorial : https://youtu.be/sQ8mjGaK5Ks
Table of Contents
If you’ve ever wondered how to sew a bubble quilt, you’re in the right place. Bubble quilts are soft, textured quilts made up of individual puffy fabric squares that create a beautiful three-dimensional effect. They are perfect for baby quilts, play mats, pet beds, lap quilts, and cozy home décor projects.
One of the best things about learning how to sew a bubble quilt is that the technique is surprisingly simple. By sewing together fabric squares and lightly stuffing them, you can create a unique quilt that looks much more complicated than it actually is.
In this how to sew a bubble quilt tutorial, I’ll walk you through the entire process of creating a bubble quilt from start to finish. Whether you’re a beginner sewer or an experienced quilter looking for a fun project, you’ll love how quickly this quilt comes together.
Bubble quilts are also an excellent way to use up fabric scraps and showcase your favorite prints. Because each bubble is made individually, you can mix and match colors, patterns, and themes to create a truly personalized project. Many quilters enjoy making bubble quilts for newborn gifts because the soft, raised texture provides visual and tactile interest.
They are equally popular as pet beds and comfortable cushions around the home. Once you learn the basic technique, you’ll find endless opportunities to customize the design and create bubble quilts in a variety of sizes and styles.
What Is a Bubble Quilt?
A bubble quilt is a quilt made from fabric squares that are sewn with small pleats and lightly stuffed to create a raised, puffy appearance. Each square forms a little “bubble,” giving the quilt its distinctive texture.
Bubble quilts are popular because they are:
- Soft and comfortable
- Great for using fabric scraps
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for beginners
- Ideal for baby gifts and pet beds
You can make your bubble quilt as large or as small as you’d like. In this tutorial, I’m creating a small quilt that could easily be used as a cat bed, but the same technique works for larger quilts as well.
Supplies You’ll Need for the Bubble Quilt
Below I have attached my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase at no extra cost to you
This is my Amazon Store Link : https://www.amazon.com/shop/faodailcreation
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Cotton quilting fabric
- Polyester thread https://amzn.to/4ov9kfg
- Polyfill stuffing https://amzn.to/4gfYvvm
- Wonder Clips – https://amzn.to/3QslXuK
- Sewing machine
- Rotary cutter https://amzn.to/4uxY5nt
- Cutting mat https://amzn.to/4uVtkJH
- Ruler https://amzn.to/3SHULsH
- Scissors – https://amzn.to/4uVttgd
- Batting – https://amzn.to/4vbiccf
- Backing fabric
- 90/14 Microtex needle https://amzn.to/3S9wg7J
For my machine setup, I am using a Baby Lock Soprano sewing machine with a 90/14 Microtex needle. However, any standard sewing machine will work perfectly for this project.
Step 1: Cut Your Fabric Squares
The first step in learning how to sew a bubble quilt is cutting your fabric pieces.
You’ll need two different square sizes:
Top Squares
Cut your top squares at:
5 inches x 5 inches
These larger squares create the puffed bubble effect.
Bottom Squares
Cut your bottom squares at:
4½ inches x 4½ inches
The smaller bottom squares help create the fullness and dimension that make bubble quilts unique.
You can adjust these measurements if you want larger bubbles, but avoid going too small. Tiny bubble quilt squares can become difficult to handle and sew accurately.
For my project, I’m alternating between two fabrics for the top squares to create visual interest.
Step 2: Create Pleats in the Top Square for the Bubble Quilt
Take one 5-inch square and place it on top of a 4½-inch square.
The larger top square must be pleated so that it matches the size of the smaller bottom square.
Begin by creating a small pleat in the center of one side. Fold the excess fabric toward the middle and check that the finished width matches the 4½-inch bottom square.
Secure the pleat with a Wonder Clip.
Repeat this process on the opposite side.
Once those two sides are clipped, create pleats on the remaining two sides. Continue checking your measurements to ensure the top square remains aligned with the bottom square.
When finished, you’ll have four small pleats one on each side and the top square will now match the dimensions of the bottom square.
This pleating process is what creates the fullness necessary for the bubble effect.
Step 3: Prepare All Bubble Quilt Sections
Continue creating pleats on all remaining top squares.
Although this step takes a little time, preparing all your pieces at once makes assembly much easier later.
As you work, keep checking that:
- Pleats remain centered
- Top squares match bottom squares
- Fabric remains smooth
- Corners stay aligned
Once every bubble quilt section is clipped and ready, you’re ready to begin sewing.
Step 4: Sew Around Three Sides
Place a pleated top square together with its matching bottom square.
You’ll sew around three sides while leaving one side open.
The open side will later allow you to insert stuffing.
Using a straight stitch, sew slightly less than a quarter inch from the edge.
A helpful tip is to sew toward the pleat rather than away from it. Sewing toward the pleat helps prevent the folded fabric from shifting or becoming caught incorrectly in the seam.
Work slowly and carefully around the three closed sides.
Leave the bottom edge completely open.
Repeat this process for all your bubble quilt sections.
Step 5: Create Your Rows
For this project, I’m creating:
- Five bubbles across
- Five bubbles down
This creates a small 5 x 5 bubble quilt.
You can easily adjust the size by adding more rows and columns.
To create a row, place two bubble sections right sides together.
Match the edges carefully and sew them together using a quarter-inch seam allowance.
Continue adding bubble sections until your entire row is complete.
The openings should all remain facing the same direction.
Once finished, create additional rows using the same method.
At this stage, your quilt will begin taking shape.
Step 6: Join the Rows Together for the Bubble Quilt
After completing your rows, join them together.
Place two rows right sides together and align the seams carefully.
Accurate seam matching helps create a professional-looking finished quilt.
Sew the rows together using a quarter-inch seam allowance.
Continue until all rows are connected.
Be sure to keep all stuffing openings accessible because you’ll need them in the next step.
At this point, your quilt top will resemble a grid of flattened bubbles.
Step 7: Stuff the Bubble Sections
Now comes the fun part.
To create the signature bubble effect, you’ll fill each section with polyfill.
Open one bubble section and gently insert stuffing.
Avoid overstuffing.
Many beginners make the mistake of adding too much filling. The goal is to create soft, rounded bubbles rather than hard pillows.
A lightly stuffed bubble quilt is:
- Easier to sew
- More flexible
- More comfortable
- Better looking
Once you’re happy with the amount of stuffing, reshape the pleat and secure it with a clip.
Repeat this process for every bubble section.
As the quilt fills up, you’ll begin seeing the beautiful texture that makes bubble quilts so popular.
Step 8: Close the Openings for the Bubble Quilt
Before attaching additional rows, it’s helpful to close the stuffing openings.
This prevents stuffing from escaping and makes the next sewing step much easier.
Carefully fold the pleated edge back into position.
Using a straight stitch, sew across the opening to secure it closed.
Make sure you’re catching both the front and back layers of fabric.
Because the bubbles are only lightly stuffed, this step should be relatively easy.
Continue until all openings are stitched closed.
Your first completed row of bubbles is now finished.
Step 9: Attach Additional Rows for the Bubble Quilt
Once the filled row is complete, attach an empty row beneath it.
Place the filled row and the empty row right sides together.
Align all seams carefully.
Sew using a quarter-inch seam allowance.
The new seam should cover the previous stitching line, creating a cleaner finish.
Continue repeating the process:
- Sew rows together.
- Stuff bubbles.
- Close openings.
- Attach another row.
This assembly method helps keep the quilt manageable and prevents excessive bulk while sewing.
Work your way down until the entire bubble quilt is completed.
Step 10: Finish the Last Row
When you reach the final row, stuff all remaining bubbles.
Once filled, sew the openings closed just as you did with the previous rows.
Check every section to ensure:
- Stuffing is evenly distributed
- Pleats are properly positioned
- Seams are secure
Give the quilt a gentle shake and adjust the stuffing if necessary.
The front of your bubble quilt should now be complete.
Step 11: Trim Loose Threads on the Bubble Quilt
Before finishing the quilt, inspect both sides carefully.
You’ll likely find:
- Loose threads
- Fabric fuzz
- Small seam tails
Use scissors to trim away any excess.
Although this step may seem minor, it helps create a cleaner and more professional-looking project.
The back of the quilt may still appear messy, but don’t worry—we’ll cover that next.
Step 12: Add Batting to the Bubble quilt
Place a layer of batting behind the bubble quilt.
Cut the batting slightly smaller than the quilt itself.
You do not want the batting extending into the binding area.
Keeping the batting inside the quilt perimeter helps reduce bulk and creates a neater edge finish.
Smooth the batting so it lies flat against the back of the quilt.
Step 13: Prepare the Backing Fabric to the Bubble quilt
Cut a backing fabric larger than the quilt.
The extra fabric will be folded over to create a self-binding edge.
This method eliminates the need to create separate binding strips.
Allow enough excess fabric around all sides to fold over multiple times.
The exact amount depends on your preferred binding width.
For this project, approximately two inches around the perimeter works well.
Step 14: Create the Self-Binding to the Bubble quilt
Fold the backing fabric over toward the quilt edge.
Then fold it again.
If desired, fold one more time to fully enclose the raw edge.
Clip the folded binding into place using Wonder Clips.
Continue around the entire perimeter of the quilt.
Take your time to keep the folds consistent.
This creates a neat frame around the bubble quilt.
Step 15: Finish the Corners of the Bubble quilt
Corners often create excess bulk.
To reduce thickness, trim away some fabric from the corner before folding.
Fold one side over.
Then fold the adjoining side.
The fabric naturally forms a mitered corner.
Adjust the folds until you’re satisfied with the appearance.
Clip everything securely into place.
Continue around all four corners.
Step 16: Stitch the Binding
Take the quilt to your sewing machine.
Sew close to the inner folded edge of the binding.
Work slowly around corners and bulky areas.
Remove clips as you sew.
Continue until you’ve stitched completely around the quilt.
Backstitch at the beginning and end for added durability.
Your Bubble Quilt Is Complete
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to sew a bubble quilt.
This fun and beginner-friendly quilting project creates a beautiful textured finish that is soft, cozy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you make a baby quilt, pet bed, lap quilt, or decorative throw, the bubble quilt technique is a fantastic way to create something unique.
Experiment with different fabrics, colors, and quilt sizes to make each bubble quilt your own. Once you’ve completed your first one, you’ll quickly discover why this project has become a favorite among quilters and sewing enthusiasts alike.
The more bubble quilts you make, the more creative you can become with your fabric choices and layouts. Try using themed fabrics, seasonal prints, or coordinating color palettes to create a quilt that reflects your personal style. Bubble quilts also make thoughtful handmade gifts that are treasured for years. Most importantly, enjoy the process, have fun sewing, and take pride in creating a project that is both practical and beautifully textured.
Happy sewing!
Check out this blog post next : How to Sew a Small Quilt : Incredible Step-by-Step Beginner Quilt Tutorial You’ll Love https://faodailcreation.ca/2026/06/02/how-to-sew-a-small-quilt/
