How To Make a Quilt {Part 2} Design and Fabric Requirements

Welcome back to part two of this month long series!

You can find part one here.

Today, I want to show you the quilt we are making, as well as share fabric requirements.

There are quite a few designs that are very traditional when it comes to quilting.  Right now I have been obsessed with the Irish Chain--which is a classic design.   There are so many different variations on this timeless design and I never get sick of seeing them. This quilt--looks really impressive, but is a snap to put together.  I have taken the traditional Irish Chain and put my own twist on it.

Don't let the design intimidate you!  This may require a little more time than a simple patchwork quilt, but it is worth it!  It's really not too much more work and you end up with a really awesome design that looks like you spent a lot of time on.  This is a simple quilt that only requires two different blocks:

The Nine Patch

A nine patch is simply 9 squares all the same size sewn together.  However, we are going to construct these in a way that is so quick and easy that you will love making them! :)

 The Square in a Square block

This block is a simple as it gets and is really easy too.  This block is so versatile--meaning you can use this same block in several different designs and it will give it a whole different look.  Just look at the Love Squared quilt I made--this quilt is almost entirely made out of this block--but the composition is different--giving it a completely different look! This is one of my favorite blocks to make. :)

I will show you how to make both of these blocks step by step (next week), but first let's look at how much fabric we will need to complete this quilt. 

I have decided to include two different size options for you.  You can make this as large as you'd like by just adding more and more blocks.  However, if this is your first quilt and you are going to do this from start to finish-including the quilting you should think about making it on the smaller side.  Just so you don't get too overwhelmed!  If you think you can handle a larger quilt, or maybe you are getting it professionally quilted--by all means make it as large as you want.

Also, I just wanted to let you know---we are going to go through this series pretty quickly, but that doesn't mean you have to make your quilt this quickly! Go at your own pace.  I will have a link on the blog that will have a list of each part in the series so it's easily accessible and you can refer back to any of the posts at any time.

For this quilt I am using the Pick-Up Line fat quarter bundle.

I am actually using the leftover scraps from the Hidden Star Quilt I made.   If you are buying this bundle, just for this quilt--then you will be able to make the lap size quilt-no problem!

Since I am just using left over scraps from the previous quilt, I am making the baby size quilt.

Here are the fabric requirements listed for both size quilts:

Just to keep things really clear:

Background fabric = white fabric in the design 

Backing fabric = the fabric you are using for the backside of your quilt.

Binding fabric = the fabric used to bind your quilt. 

Baby Size Quilt Fabric Requirements Approximately 36" x  36"

• 1 Pick-Up Line Bundle (Purchase here)
• 1 1/2 yards background fabric (purchase here)
• 1 1/4 yards of backing fabric -- of your choice
• 1/3 yard of binding fabric--of your choice

Lap Size Quilt Fabric Requirements--Approximately 48" x  60" 

• 1 Pick-Up Line Bundle (Purchase here)
• 3 yards of background fabric (Purchase here)
• 4 yards of backing fabric -- of your choice (If you use wide backing then you will need 1 1/2 yards)
• 4 yards batting
• 1/2 yard of binding fabric--of your choice

If you decide to make the baby size quilt--you will have plenty of scraps from your bundle left over for a scrappy-binding.  Or you can pick up a completely different binding fabric--I loved the fabric I used for the binding in the Hidden Star quilt--this same fabric would look really lovely for the binding.  You can check it out here.  Also, if you are wanting a matching backing-any of these fabrics from this line would work great! You can check them out here.  The shop also offers--wide backing--which I absolutely love using! You can look at the wide-backing here. 

Next week, we will go over cutting tips and techniques.  We will also cover the cutting requirements--for the quilt! :) 

Talk to you soon,