Make An Easy Weekend Patchwork Quilt Topper

Make An Easy Weekend Patchwork Quilt Topper
The first quilt I ever made was a simple hand sewn patchwork quilt worked in strips at my Grandmothers knee.   A pattern now done on a machine and committed to memory that has been repeated many times over as Christmas, Anniversary, Wedding and Shower gifts.

The size of the squares can be adjusted to make it fit any size bed, crib or daybed by simply measuring the mattress top, dividing by 6 and adding 1/2 inch per square for seam allowances.
 
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Step 1Materials and Prep

Materials and Prep
You will need:
  • 2 yards of each, 3 plain, 3 pattern fabrics  cut into 6 inch Squares for Full/Queen Size Quilt.
  • Pattern, (below)
  • Rotary Mat and Cutter (optional)
  • Ruler
  • Scissors or Pinking Shears
  • Sewing Machine or Serger
  • Iron
  • Ironing Board

Prepare:

When selecting your fabrics try to stick to the same weight and type of material. I found after cutting my squares that the pink butterfly fabric was too heavy or bulky with the other fabrics and had to make a trip back to the fabric store to choose another material. Also make sure your fabrics are machine washable to avoid dry cleaning bills on such a large item.

Wash, dry and iron all fabrics to eliminate the possibility of shrinkage after your quilt is finished.
 
Cut 33 squares of fabrics 1 through 5 and 34 squares of fabric 6.

Once your quilt squares are cut lay them side by side  plain, pattern, plain (or vice versa) to determine how you want your pattern to work out. The last color will be the most prominent on the quilt. Once you have decided how you want your pieces to lay in the design assign each fabric a number from 1 to 6 and set them in order on the table so you only have to move down the line when you pick them up from the pile as they are added to your quilt.

*Note: If you have access to a serger and a rotary cutter and mat I highly recommend using them as it will save 2/3 of the time you will spend cutting squares with scissors, trimming and pressing seams open during the assembly of your quilt and will provide more uniform squares.

If you must cut your squares by hand pinking shears are your best choice to prevent raveling because of heavy handling and will reduce raised or lumpy areas under your seams.

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40 comments
Feb 2, 2012. 6:53 AMalonelymom says:
Your pattern is very pretty and my daughter liked it so I printed the pattern and and she picked her fabric. Now I have questions for you. Your pattern says 2 yards each, cut 33 6in sq of fabric 1-5 and 34 of fabric 6. Now I bought 7/8 of a yard and got 35 6 in sq of each of 6 fabrics. Then your layout pattern only has 13x13 sq's which would only give a width and height of 72 inches ( you lose 1/2 inch on each square (1/4 each side of square except 1st and last in row).
So my issue is, you said this was for a double/queen but the measurements don't add up. Even a twin bed is 72 inches long but that leaves you no hang over. Your pattern 13x13 = 169 squares, you say 33 1-5 fabrics, 34 of #6 which equals 199 squares, so it just doesn't add up.
Sorry if I confused anyone, it's just the math doesn't add up to the size she says it should be. I now have fabric all cut but it won't be big enough and doubling the pattern will be to big...sigh
Jan 6, 2012. 4:50 PMSlb303 says:
In your instructions for using the patten on other sizes you advise to divide by 6 and add half an inch for the seams.I find this confusing as the square is thirteen squares by thirteen wouldn't you divide by thirteen and then add the half an inch.eg if the bed is 60 inches and you divide by 6 then the squares are 10 inches but you use 13 to make the quilt so it would be 130 inches wide
Jun 29, 2011. 4:27 AMcaswas says:
could you please i help me i can not seem to find the pattern to this quilt :/
Jan 10, 2011. 11:28 PMsupegina says:
it's very nice, i love it
Jul 15, 2010. 7:55 PMpab59 says:
Years ago I watched a pbs show that had an easy way to make a quilt and I have made them that way since. The instructions were to lay your squares out in the pattern you planned to use..then sew sets of two together... then sew the pairs to anohter pair...when you have all the sets of 4 sewn ttogether...then you start sewing 2 sets of four to gether. does this make sense? There is an orange bar in my way of seeing what I am typing..so I hope what I typed above is typed correct. In any case... The plan was to keep the seams lined up well by making small groups become bigger and bigger until you are sewing together your groups of 16 etc. I have tried making long strips and I always end up off by the end of the line of sewing two together. Has anyone made quilts the way I describe or have any advice?
Mar 14, 2010. 6:42 PMAmiaeagle says:
This is beautiful!  I've seen it done a thousand times and thought I could never make it look as good as yours does. But after seeing your instructions, I might give it another try. Thanks.
Mar 13, 2010. 10:54 AMJudith756 says:
Great color and pattern combination. Voted and starred.  Love this.  When you sending me the finished product?  King sized....lol. 
Mar 14, 2010. 6:47 PMJudith756 says:
I do hope you know I was kidding about sending me one.  My dogs sleep in the bed with me and would have something so pretty so stained.  You keep it for grandkids.  MUAH!!!!
Mar 14, 2010. 1:28 AMporcupinemamma says:
Is there really a difference in king size bed sizes, or am I just really gulable?
Mar 14, 2010. 6:49 PMJudith756 says:
A California King is longer then the regular king.  You are not gulible at all. 
Mar 14, 2010. 8:35 AMporcupinemamma says:
Well!  Blow me over with a feather!  I had no idea-who 'da thunk it?
Mar 13, 2010. 10:21 PMjuvinurse says:
I keep voting everyday!!!! It is beautiful!!!
Mar 13, 2010. 9:11 AMmaryrussel says:
Just lovely! Voted for you.
Mar 13, 2010. 5:30 AMcarlprimetimelee says:
 Gather friend hoping I voted on the right entry.
Mar 13, 2010. 2:46 AMporcupinemamma says:
Your directions were so clear!  Any time I've looked at books about quilting, they are so complicated, I walk away.  Your formula is brilliant!  Thanks-voted 100%
Mar 13, 2010. 12:30 AMLee P. says:
I think I voted.  I punched the Vote button and it now reads unvote, so I guess I voted.  The quilt is really lovely. 
Mar 12, 2010. 9:12 PMIAMNORA says:
Wow, this is really gorgeous!  I just joined a little while ago.....you've definitely got my vote!!!
Mar 12, 2010. 9:16 PMlostnwv says:
Very pretty.
Mar 12, 2010. 9:33 PMabitosunshine says:
You're pretty in pink my Gatherin' friend!
Mar 12, 2010. 9:45 PMwilliampinn says:
Nice!
Mar 12, 2010. 8:58 PMDebsCrochet says:
This is very pretty. Thanks for sharing. You have my vote!
Nov 7, 2007. 1:25 PMhsmomof2 says:
It's very pretty and I just love that you laid out the pattern for us!  I recently bought a book on sale for beginners wanting to learn how to quilt, but I need better instructions than the book.  This is a pattern that makes sense to me and you give very clear concise instructions.  Where do you find the material you use for the pattern?  Do you look for specific colors or prices or both?
Jan 28, 2010. 9:24 AMCreativeman says:
Beautiful, Sew Crafty!  Since or because I don't sew, it's absolutely amazing. A contest winner for sure. Cman

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Author:Sew Crafty