I was recently gifted some fat quarters from Lewis and Irene and although there was no obligation to make anything with them, I was instantly inspired to sew them up. The fabrics come from the Hummingbird collection which is a collection that I still have a few prints from and have made a dress in already. It is rare that I get a chance to sew up something pink but there is a new little girl due into the family and I just knew this fabric was destined to be hers when I saw it.
I sketched out a quilt pattern but what I actually created was something entirely different. I am really pleased with how it evolved into the final quilt. The quilt is small so it will be suitable for carrying around as a portable play mat or car seat blanket. I found quilts this size so useful when the boys were little.
This pattern is super easy and would be a great starter project if you are new to quilting. I am already thinking about how I can scale it up to a larger size.
Finished Size - 1 Metre Square
Seam Allowance - ¼"
YOU WILL NEED
Fat Quarter Bundle of 5 Coordinating Prints
Light Pink Solid - Half Metre
Coral Pink Solid - Fat Quarter
Blush Pink - Fat Quarter
Backing Fabric - One Metre
Binding Fabric - Half Metre
Quilting Ruler, Mat and Rotary Cutter
All your usual sewing supplies
METHOD
1. Cut your fabric. You will need:
Two Tone Pink Hummingbirds - 6" Squares x5
Two Tone Pink Hummingbirds - 3¼" Squares x8
Light Pink Hummingbirds - 6" Squares x6
White Hummingbirds - 6" Squares x6
White Hummingbirds - 3¼" Squares x4
Pink Flowers - 6" Squares x8 OR (see step 2) 7" Squares x4
Pink Flowers - 3¼" Squares x4
White Flowers - 6" Squares x8 OR (see step 2) 7" Squares x4
Light Pink Solid - 6" x 3¼" x22
Coral Pink Solid - 6" x 3¼" x10
Blush Pink Solid - 6" x 3¼" x8
2. To create the half square triangles there are two options. The way I have done is a bit more of a wasteful way. It isn't the method I usually use but I didn't have half square triangles in my initial plan. I thought I would explain both ways.
Method A
Place your 6" squares right sides together. Draw a line from one corner to the opposite one and stitch along this line.
Trim leaving a ¼" seam allowance and press the seams open.
Although this method seems wasteful, I usually trim the left over triangles into smaller squares that I can use in other projects.
Method B
This is my usual method. You will need to make the squares bigger. I find it easier to make them slightly bigger than they need to be and trim them down afterwards. With 7" squares right sides together draw a line diagonally from one corner to the other. Stitch a line ¼" either side of the line.
Cut down the centre line and you will have two half square triangles. Press the seams open and trim.
3. Lay your pieces out as per the picture below.
4. Now you just need to stich it all together one row at a time.
5. Press seams open.
6. Back and bind your quilt in your preferred method. I have used the vines leaves from a different collection as a backing because I thought it went really well. The collection is Petal and Pip from The Crafty Lass.
Inspired by this design, I have gone with a vine leaf style quilting pattern. I had a little practice on some scrap first and then just went free style.
With just simple squares, rectangles and a handful of half square triangles this quilt is easy to put together but with the clever use of colour and pattern it is really affective, even if I do say so myself. I would love to see yours and your fabric combinations if you give it a go so make sure you tag me in your makes on social media.
UPDATE 30-04-24 - I made the same pattern up in the Special Delivery collection, also by Lewis and Irene. Isn't it amazing what a difference a change in colour pallet can make?
