Easy Fat Quarter Quilting Patterns
Fat Quarter Quilting is such a great way to design a gorgeous quilt. Combining all those beautiful fat quarters creates a stunning patchwork quilt. These 2 Super Easy Fat Quarter Quilting Patterns begin with the same basic layout. This easy fat quarter baby quilt pattern includes a standard 9-block layout measuring about 40″ x 40″. Or choose to make the on-point variation for a larger 57″ x 57″ size. For an even larger quilt, simply add more blocks . Not only is this a Fat Quarter Stash Buster, but it’s also a perfect Beginner Quilt.
Watch this Free Quilting Tutorial and learn some new fat quarter ideas.
How to Quilt with Fat Quarters
Fat quarter (FQ) quilting is simply about using a precut fabric measuring approximately 18″ x 21″. Whether you purchase them individually at your local quilt shop or in a curated bundle (aff link), it’s a wonderful way to use multiple fabrics in one quilt. This pattern uses an AGF Color Master FQ Bundle (aff link) of pink prints. Curated fat quarter bundles generally have a beautiful array of fabrics from lights to dark with varying prints so they all work great together.
A FQ quilt pattern will specify the number of fat quarters needed. You may simply choose to use that recommended quantity. Or, for added interest to your quilt, you may decide to include more FQs. Even better is that now you’re also creating a FQ stash for future quilts! But more about that another time.
Download Two Easy Fat Quarter Quilting Patterns in ONE!
Two Easy Fat Quarter Quilting Patterns in ONE!
9-Patch Fat Quarter Baby Quilt Pattern
You’ll only need to make nine blocks for this easy FQ baby quilt. There are five 9-patch blocks and four 4-patch blocks. You’ll love the diagonal designs created in your finished quilt top by laying your blocks in an alternating pattern. Be sure to watch the video above for all the details.
No-Measure On-Point Baby Quilt
On-Point Fat Quarter Baby Quilt Pattern
This FQ on-point quilt is a spectacular finish! Setting a quilt on-point adds so much interest to any patchwork quilt design. An on-point quilt simply means that each square block sits on it’s point so it looks more like a diamond than a square. The additional step involved is to add triangles around the edges to square up your quilt.
BUT, do no that that deter you from giving it a try. I have found a very simple way to make an on-point quilt without all the fussy steps usually involved in cutting those triangles!
No-Measure On-Point Quilting Technique
No-Math On-Point Quilt Triangles
My no-measure on-point technique doesn’t require a calculator or reference chart. Follow these simple steps to get the right size corner and side-triangles and it all goes together much easier. Even more importantly, it doesn’t require any fancy math to figure it out!
I first used this method for my On-Point All Blocked In Pattern which you can read about at this link. You can also download that free pattern which includes instructions and illustrations.
Let’s Make an Easy Fat Quarter Baby Quilt
The 4-Patch Block
Two different alternating blocks make up this quilt. The first block is a simple 4-patch using two squares of focal fabrics and two background squares. Placing the focal fabrics in opposite corners creates a diagonal pattern with these fabrics across the quilt top.
The 9-Patch Block
The 9-patch uses five different focal fabrics and four background squares. Place the focal fabric squares in the center and in each corner. The background squares fill in the remaining spaces. These blocks also create a diagonal design across the quilt pattern which really enhances these beautiful fabrics.
Assembling Your Fat Quarter Baby Quilt
Following the pattern, place your patchwork blocks in a three block by three block layout. Sew each row of three blocks together. Be sure as you’re sewing that the corner seams nest well for prefect corners. Then sew the three rows together to finish your quilt, keeping your corners aligned.
That’s it! You’re finished! UNLESS, you want to take it one step further and set this quilt on-point.
No-Measure On-Point Baby Quilt
Sew Four More 9-Patch Blocks
This on-point quilt method is definitely way outside the box, but too darn easy to pass up! Once your have a 9-block square quilt made, all you need are four larger triangles to tilt your quilt into a diamond. And that’s all an on-point quilt is – quilt blocks laid out on their points, like a diamond, instead of squares.
With just four more 9-patch blocks and a few squares of background fabric, this quilt can be easily transformed into an on-point beauty! Now get those four extra 9-patch blocks sewn and we’ll get this easy FQ baby quilt together.
How to Cut Those Triangles?
There are two different size triangles needed to set a quilt on-point. First there are the smaller corner triangles that will square up your finished quilt. Then there are side setting triangles that keep your quilt edge straight.
The traditional method of making these triangles involves taking steps not to have your outer edges cut on the bias. If your outer quilt edge is cut on the bias, that means it can stretch and distort it’s shape. BUT, there is a simple solution which I’ll explain below. This method also makes cutting these squares so much easier!
On-Point Corner Triangles
First, two blocks are cut slightly larger than your finished block size. These blocks are then cut in half diagonally and sewn to each corner of your quilt. They are cut a bit larger to create enough seam allowance on your triangles. A common problem with on-point triangles, is that they may be a bit scant. That means your blocks may need to be trimmed smaller to keep your quilt top square.
My method will increase your finished triangle size enough so you’ll have room for some final trimming without loosing any of your block. These corner triangles are going to be sewn to the four 9-patch blocks you just made. Now just one more step and you’ll have your corner and side setting triangles finished.
On-Point Side Setting Triangles
The same method is used here, one block is cut into two triangles and sewn to the end of each row. Traditionally, this is done with an over-sized block that is cut into four triangles. This eliminates placing the bias edge on the outer quilt edge. My method is easier and solves any problem with bias triangle edges.
First, we use a background square a bit larger than the finished quilt block. Before cutting it in half diagonally, we sew two rows of stitching 1/8″ away from both sides of the cutting line. The sewn lines will act as reinforcement inside the seams.
This is called stay-stitching and is used to reinforce the fabric’s seam stability when sewing garments. It works perfectly in this situation. The line of stitching along the edge of each triangle keeps the bias edge from distorting or stretching.
Once both lines of stitching is complete, simply cut your blocks diagonally and place your triangles at the sides edge of each of your 9-patch blocks. You’ll now have four beautifully assembled on-point corners. Then sew these on-point corners along the outer edges of your square quilt and your finished. It’s so easy! I hope you give it a try.
Be sure to watch the video tutorial for visual instructions. Plus the free pattern is a PDF Printable.
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