The baby quilts are made from simple fabric squares. You needn’t learn quick-piecing methods because it’s easy to arrange each square side by side. Then sew them together with a quarter-inch seam allowance. Experimenting with individual squares is an excellent way to become familiar with color value, an important ingredient that allows the quilt’s layout to emerge when patches are sewn together.
Use Precut Squares to Simplify Construction
Try fabric precuts to make assembly even easier. Look for precuts that are called charm packs, bundles that are usually made up of a coordinating assortment of 5" squares. If squares are larger, that’s fine—sewing with larger squares will simply change a quilt’s dimensions. Precut packs include an assortment of fabric types. In most cases, some of the fabrics blend into each other, making them a perfect choice if you’d like to make a scrap quilt. Take a look at other baby quilt patterns if you’re looking for quilts with more variety in their patches.
Cutting the 5-Inch Squares
If you already own rotary cutting equipment, cut the long strips of fabric required for each layout. Cut from selvage to selvage, with each strip 5" wide. Square up one end of each strip. Starting at the squared up end, cut 5" squares—eight are usually possible from each selvage-width strip. If you prefer to cut with scissors, begin by cutting a 5-inch square from rigid template plastic. Use a light or dark pencil or permanent marker to mark around the square onto fabric, butting shapes against each other. Cut out the squares required for each layout. Do not include selvage edges in square shapes.
Sew a Sunshine and Shadows Baby Quilt
This Sunshine and Shadows version of the easy baby quilt finishes at about 41" x 50" and is made with (99) 5" x 5" squares.
Cut Squares for the Sunshine and Shadows Baby Quilt
Light warm, shown as gold (other warm colors include orange, reds, pinks, some purples) One 5" wide strip cut from selvage to selvage Cut into eight 5-inch squares Light neutral, shown as white (something without color) 5/8 yard Cut three 5" wide strips from selvage to selvage Cut (24) 5" squares Cut one more 5" square from remaining yardage Light cool, shown as light blue (or other cool colors, include green) 3/4 yard, Cut four 5" wide strips from selvage to selvage Cut the strips into (32) 5-inch squares Dark cool, shown as navy 5/8 yard Cut five 5" wide strips from selvage to selvage Cut strips into (34) 5" squares
Arrange the Squares
Baby Quilt Sewing Option
Long narrow rows of fabric squares can be stretchy. Handle the rows with care or sew the squares into groups of four and then into taller rows. See the method used on the next step for an example.
Sew a Fields and Furrows Baby Quilt
This easy baby quilt is assembled with squares that are arranged into groups to create the traditional Field and Furrows layout. The quilt finishes at about 41" x 54 1/2".
Fabric for the Baby Quilt
Light warm (shown as pink)
1 1/8 yardCut seven 5" strips from selvage to selvageCut strips into (54) 5" squares
Medium cool (shown as blue)
1 1/8 yardCut seven 5" wide strips from selvage to selvageCut strips into (54) 5" squares
Not sure about the definition of ‘cool’ and ‘warm’ fabrics. Don’t worry, use any fabrics you like that contrast with each other and the layout will be perfect, just learn how to use a simple color wheel.
Make the Quilt Blocks
Refer to the left portion of the illustration for block layouts.
Finish Assembling Your Baby Quilts
Here’s what you need to finish your baby quilts:
Baby Sunshine and Shadows
Backing: 1 1/2 yardsBatting: approximately 44" x 55" pieceBinding: 200 running inches double-fold binding made from 1 1/2" wide strips cut on the fabric’s crosswise grain (buy 1/3 yard)
Baby Fields and Furrows
Backing: 1 3/4 yardsBatting: approximately 44" x 59" pieceBinding: 210 running inches double-fold binding made from 1 1/2" wide strips cut on the fabric’s crosswise grain (buy 1/3 yard)
