Hey everyone. Today we're making a sweet baby quilt, and we're keeping it simple, soft, and cheerful.
Here we go. Big, friendly squares. Straight seams. No tiny pieces to chase. Just a quilt that gets finished, gifted, and loved.
Meet the fabric first
This is the Aqua/Kiwi Hopscotch Colorblock Party 43/44" Cotton Fabric Per Yard. That is a happy name, y'all.
It is 100% cotton. The product notes list the width as 44/45 inches. It was made by In The Beginning Fabrics.
The collection is Colorblock Party. This print is called Hopscotch. The colors are aqua and kiwi, with multiple colors in the mix.
The tags call out stripes, too. So you get color, movement, and a playful feel. This is not a quiet, sleepy print. This one has energy.
The notes say this quilting cotton is lightweight. It also tends to hold its shape, even after being washed. That is exactly what you want for a baby quilt. Babies mean laundry. Lots of laundry.
The print does the decorating for you. You do not need a complicated pattern. Let the aqua and kiwi shine. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
The project: a baby quilt
A baby quilt is a small quilt with a big job. Think about 36 by 44 inches finished. Perfect for a crib, a stroller, or tummy time on the floor.
It is also a kind size for a first quilt. You can lay it out on a table. You can quilt it on a regular home machine. No overwhelm needed.
This fabric suits it really well. Cut it into larger squares, and the Hopscotch pattern stays bold and clear. Cut it too small, and you lose the fun.
You have options here, folks. Make the whole top from this one fabric. Or mix it with a calm solid and let aqua and kiwi be the stars. My preference is the mix. Completely up to you, though.
Materials list
- 1 1/4 yards of this Aqua/Kiwi Hopscotch fabric for large squares or wide strips
- 1/2 yard of a coordinating solid cotton, if you want a mixed top
- Batting, at least 42 by 50 inches, so it extends past the top
- Backing fabric, at least 42 by 50 inches
- Binding fabric: about 1/3 yard, cut into 2 1/2-inch strips
- All-purpose thread in a soft neutral or pale aqua
- A size 80/12 or 90/14 quilting needle
- Rotary cutter, ruler, pins or clips, and a walking foot if you have one
Here are the real numbers for my version. Cut squares at 8 1/2 inches. Sewn with 1/4-inch seams, each square finishes at 8 inches. Four squares across gives you 32 inches. Five rows down gives you 40 inches. Add a simple 2-inch finished border, and you land right near 36 by 44 inches.
Brief steps
- Press your fabric well. Square up the edges before you cut.
- Cut your squares or strips. Keep your ruler steady. Take your time.
- Lay everything out on a table or the floor. Move pieces until the colors feel balanced.
- Sew squares into rows with a 1/4-inch seam. Press seams to one side as you go.
- Sew the rows together. Nest those seams where you can, but do not stress over it.
- Layer backing, batting, and top. Smooth from the center out.
- Baste every 4 to 6 inches with pins or spray.
- Quilt in simple lines. Try stitch in the ditch along the seams, then echo one line 1/4 inch away.
- Trim the edges square. Sew on your binding, fold it over, and stitch it down.
Practical tips from my table
Set your stitch length to about 2.5 millimeters for piecing. That is roughly 10 stitches per inch. Short enough to hold through lots of washes. Long enough to rip out if you need to.
And we all need to, sometimes. I have sewn a square in backwards more than once. The fix is easy. Rip it gently, turn it, and sew it again. Just like that.
Slow down when you quilt. A baby quilt is small, but it can still shift. If you rush, you can get a pucker. Stop, smooth, and start again slower.
Press, press, press. A flat seam makes everything easier. Your stitch in the ditch will find its place.
Here is your permission beat, folks. It does not have to be perfect. You are your own worst critic. The baby will not check your corners. Take your time. It is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. This one is super duper cute, and it comes together fast. Alrighty, you have got this.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Aqua/Kiwi Hopscotch Colorblock Party 43/44" Cotton Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
