Decide on a theme for the quilt. This will consist of not only a color scheme but a shape that is repeated throughout the quilt. You can use triangles, hexagons, or squares. The shape, or shapes, that you use will help you decide what to design for the sections.
Break the quilt into three sections--the center, the first border and the outside border. If this is your first medallion quilt, you can make borders that use the entire space of the first and outside border. If you are a more experienced quilter, you can break down the first and outer boarder further into smaller sections.
Decide on the pattern for the center of the quilt. You can use any type quilt block for this or design your own. It is best to create a quilted design in the center of this block and have the background of the block be a neutral color. This will draw the eye to the center of the quilt and place the focus on the center.
Design the first border and the outer border of the quilt. The borders should be made up of a repeating pattern that goes around all four sides of the center panel. Remember to keep the turns that will have to made by the pattern as it creates a square.
Follow your pattern and create the center panel as well as the panels for the two border sections.
Miter the edges of the two borders so that the four sides of the borders go perfectly around the center panel.
Stitch and bind your finished quilt top to the batting and backing to finish your quilt.