It really is amazing what you can create from a 6 pack fat quarter pack, 36″ x 46″ of batting and 36″ x 46″ of coordinating backing fabric. I really enjoyed creating this baby quilt for a new arrival in our family. It is a great quilt for beginners, being relatively small. I hope you enjoy this tutorial.
For my cot quilt I used the Overdale Fabrics’
‘Spring Garden’ fat quarter pack (6 fat quarters), a turquoise and pink spotted fabric (100% cotton) and Heirloom Premium cotton batting.
I started by cutting out 108 4inch (10cm) squares.
Then this is the bit I like the most: I arranged them in a random pattern of 12 rows of 9 squares. When you have the arrangement you are happy with, pin each row of 9 squares together.
When they are pinned together I label each row with a sticker on the reverse so that I don’t get them in a muddle.
With right sides together, start by machine sewing each square in row 1 together with a 1/4inch (6mm) seam.
Repeat this process for all 12 rows and iron flat the seam allowance on the reverse. Now with the same seam allowance and right sides together machine stitch the rows to each other starting with rows 1 and 2 (see photo below) and continue until all rows are sewn together.
Iron flat the seam allowance on the reverse.
You now have your beautiful cot quilt panel.
Place your quilt panel onto the cotton batting make sure your batting is at least 1 inch (2.5cm) larger than your panel. Pin in place with safety pins. Now it’s time to sew your panel to the batting. To make it easier to fit into the sewing machine I roll up the sides.
I did a variety of stitches to secure my quilt to the batting. Some squares I machine stitched around the outside hem (known as stitching in the ditch so that you don’t really see it). I also sewed around the inside of the square leaving a 1.5cm border. I didn’t sew every square just random ones but the most important thing is to start in the middle and work your way out to the sides.
Finally I added some decorative free motion stitches to the plain pink squares. As you may guess, I’m new to free motion quilting but I loved it!
The final job is to add the backing fabric. Place your quilted panel onto the backing fabric with right sides together. Sew all the way around the edge of the quilt with a 1.5 cm seam but leave a 4 inch (10cm) gap along one side. Trim off the excess batting and fabric and clip the corners.
Now turn the quilt right sides out by pulling it through the gap you left on one side.
Press flat and turn in the seam allowance on the side opening and sew it up. Top stitch around some of the squares especially at the corners so that the whole quilt is secured together.
That’s it! You now have a very cute and colourful baby’s cot quilt.
lovely quilt, it looks so comfy
My material arrived this morning after only being ordered 2/3 days ago. Very swift. I’ve already started into making this quilt and am so excited to see the finished article. Thank you.
That’s great to hear Jane.
Enjoy your project and happy sewing!
Thank you, you’ve made it look ‘sew’ simple. I’m giving this a go today. Can’t wait to get started!
Hi Michelle, it’s lovely to hear that you are going to give this tutorial ago. The great thing about baby quilts is they are quicker to make as they’re smaller.
I hope it works out well and if you would like to share your finished quilt it would be lovely to see.
Best Wishes and Happy Sewing Cindy
I am going to try this. How many Fat Packs will I need?
Hi Angie, you will need 1 pack of six fat quarters to make the patchwork top.
You will also need a backing fabric, wadding and binding.
I hope that helps.
Happy Sewing Cindy.