I get asked ALL.THE.TIME. which pattern is best for a beginner making their very first quilt. Even though all of my patterns are pretty simple and straightforward, there's only a couple I'd recommend for a very beginner... including this one, Fat Quarter Shuffle.
I wrote this pattern last September, taught it as a class in November, then it's sat and sat and sat unfinished. It feels like there are already 1000 variations of this same quilt in the world so I dragged my feet to finish it, but I've also really enjoyed making this quick finish a few times. So now there will just be 1001 variations of this pattern and that's ok I guess!
Luckily I waited SO long to finish it that Backyard Blooms became available, so it only made sense to make this quilt with it!
This pattern uses 16 fat quarters for the Throw size, and uses an easy strip piecing method.
Since I moved my sewing machine to the dining table, Jane will sneak up onto my sewing table and stare at the pictures on my pin board.
I found her here after her nap today..."nap" hair and all.
There are very few seams that match in this quilt...which is always my ultimate goal as a self-proclaimed lazy non-pinning quilter.
You can find Fat Quarter Shuffle as a PDF pattern here, or a Paper pattern here.
The other thing I love about this pattern is that it includes the instructions for the layouts with blocks rotated. So you can have horizontal strips, or vertical strips, and make this look completely different.
I have LOVED seeing photos of your Backyard Blooms fabric arriving. It's one of those lines that looks SO much better in person...so I'm anxious for you to see it in real life!
Backyard Blooms is available now, in your favorite quilt shop (hopefully!) and tons of places online.
I'll share my other Fat Quarter Shuffle quilts next week...they look so different in other fabrics.
Happy weekend!
Little Quiltsong
I've recently ordered your Backyard Blooms. Couldn't resist those sweet chicken fabrics :)! Looking forward to sewing with it when it comes. Great beginner quilt pattern. Jane looks so sweet studying your pin board. Our oldest loved to sneak up on my husband's desk - and peek out our bedroom window, from underneath the sheer curtains, with this same pose. So cute!!
Allison
That's so cute! Thank you and I hope you'll love the fabric!!
Amy Gehman
Love the sweet, sweet picture of your daughter...how precious!! I always enjoy seeing what you have created, and love your new fabric line!
Allison
Thanks Amy!
Annie Vee
I too ordered the fabric and it’s on it’s way... since the 23rd :( but everything’s slower these days, especially coming into Canada. I’m excited to make the Brightly quilt... it just captured me when I saw your post back in January? And I wholly agree with the others... daughter is so sweet. I’m curious about her little top/dress pattern. Could you share it please.
Allison
The mail is SO slow these days I agree!! My daughter's top is from Target...store bought. :) It's super cute, it would be a darling sewing pattern!
Shelby
Gah!!! I’m obsessed! Can’t wait to see your other versions.
Allison
Thank you! I just took photos of the other ones today!
rajkkhoja
Beautiful post. I,like fabric sewing pattern. I much like So cute photos
darci
Pattern looks fun and quick! Im wondering how much waste there is. Low waste would be perfect as I hate having sizeable scraps left over
Allison
It's very low waste! For the Throw size for example there is only 8 strips 2 1/2" x 21" left....which would be cute added into a scrappy binding!
Larina
I love it when you don't have to use background fabric! You already spend so much on the FQB that it's nice to not have to spend more moola on a background fabric. One of the reasons I love the No Point Stars quilt! Now to go search for a Backyard Blooms bundle...
Dorothy Rainbow
Thanks for sharing I love heart quilts I will try making one and will show you one