Take-Along Quilt {tutorial}

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I made this super easy quilt last week, and thought I’d share the almost-pattern.  Really, it’s just a simple Four Patch, but it is sized to use a few fat quarters {which I always buy and then am not quite sure what to make with!}.  It is the perfect size for a picnic blanket or for a little one to cuddle up in {this specific one is for my adorable nephew}.

Supplies:

  • 4 fat quarters
  • 1 yard large print
  • 1 1/3 yards backing
  • 3/8 yard binding
  • 41″ x 48″ batting

Cut each of the fat quarters into four (4) 4 1/2″ strips for a total of sixteen (16) strips.  Then arrange your strips into desired pattern.

Sew all the top and bottom left strips together, repeat for the top and bottom right strips.  You should now have eight (8) pairs of strips.  Cut each pair into 4 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ rectangles for a total of thirty-six (36) rectangles.

Pair the left and right rectangles and sew along center seam creating sixteen (16) identical four patch blocks.  Cut the yard of the large print into four (4) 8 1/2″ strips, and then the strips into four (4) 8 /12″ squares, for a total of sixteen (16) blocks.

Sew blocks in alternating rows of five, the first row beginning and ending with the large print, the second beginning and ending with the four patch, and so on {so sorry, I ran out of daylight and couldn’t take any more photos}. Join all six rows of five together to make quilt top. Layer backing, batting, and quilt top together, quilt and bind as desired {if you need help quilting or binding, I can point you toward some great tutorials online!}.

Surfer Quilt
There you have it, a great quilt you can make in just a few hours {or a couple days in my case} that is sure to be loved {and maybe help with that stash of fat quarters as well}.  Finished quilt measures about 37″ x 44″.  Oh, and if you make this quilt, we’d love to see it posted to our Flickr Group.  Enjoy!

Update: Here is a quilt made using 14 fat quarters {8 for the four patches and 6 for the large squares}:

Bella-Quilt-1

Note:  This pattern is for personal use only, not for resale or commercial use.

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17 Comments

  1. Thank you for this great tutorial! I am teaching my daughter to sew/quilt long-distance (from Idaho to Washington D.C.). I am always looking for tutorials that are easy enough for a beginner, yet have the finished look of a pro. I also love your wonderful choice of quality fabrics. It makes all the difference.

  2. I can’t read the directions on page 2. There are write-overs on them. I like the easiness of the quilt and really was ready to make it. Can you send the directions to me or have any other suggestion (or searchers) that I might try.
    It looked like a great tutorial until page 2. Thank you.

  3. I just saw this tutorial through Fave Quilts– I think it would be perfect for a last minute Christmas quilt 🙂 Thanks for sharing such a fun tutorial!

  4. I love this as a quickie quilt! I, too, buy fat quarters and then don’t know what to do with them and this pattern gives me lots of ideas! Thanks for posting it.
    Have a wonderful holiday!

  5. Thank you for this pattern, I have used it to make my first quilt which I am really pleased with. I wanted a pattern that was easy to follow for my first attempt at quilting so that I didn’t make a mess of it. I work part time and have a toddler so sewing has to fit in for an odd hour here and there.. I made the quilt for my daughter and she loves it. I enjoyed making the quilt so much that I now want to make another one.

  6. HI, I love this quilt pattern and tutorial but I was wondering what the seam allowance is. Thanks!
    -Mary

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