Hey everyone! Today you will learn how to turn a purple diagonal plaid into a cozy lap quilt you will actually finish.
Here we go.
First, let's look at this fabric
This is Au Naturel Diagonal Plaid Purple.
It comes from Wilmington Prints.
It is part of the Au Naturel collection.
It is 100% cotton quilting fabric.
It measures 44"/45" wide.
And it is sold by the yard.
The color is purple.
The pattern is a diagonal plaid, in purple tones.
That diagonal line does something fun.
It adds movement without adding busy work.
Just like that.
The product notes say it suits sashing, binding, and Au Naturel coordinates.
I believe that, y'all.
A plaid like this holds a design together.
It can be the star, or frame other fabrics quietly.
Completely up to you.
My favorite way is right up front.
Let the plaid do the talking.
The project: a simple lap quilt
We are making a lap quilt.
Finished size is about 50" x 60".
That is a good couch size.
Big enough to cover your legs, small enough to finish in a weekend or two.
Why does this fabric suit it?
A lap quilt needs visual interest.
You see the whole top at once.
The diagonal plaid gives you that interest.
No complicated piecing is required.
You can cut big, friendly pieces.
The plaid pattern carries the design.
Super duper easy, and really really good looking.
Simple quilts get finished, folks.
Finished quilts get used and loved.
Materials list
- 3 yards of Au Naturel Diagonal Plaid Purple for the top blocks and border
- 1 yard of a coordinating solid or Au Naturel coordinate for sashing, if you want it
- 3 yards of backing fabric
- Batting cut about 54" x 64"
- 1/2 yard for binding, or use more of this plaid for binding
- Matching thread for piecing and quilting
- Rotary cutter, mat, and a long ruler
- Pins or clips, and your sewing machine
For piecing, I use a size 80/12 needle.
I set my stitch length around 2.5.
That is about 10 stitches per inch.
It holds well and rips out cleanly, just in case.
And I have needed that, more than once.
Brief steps
Step 1: Press and square up. Press your fabric first. Then square up one edge. Plaid looks best when your cuts are straight and calm.
Step 2: Cut your big blocks. Cut blocks at 10 1/2" square. You will need 30 blocks for a 5-by-6 layout. Watch the diagonal direction as you cut. Keep it running the same way, or turn every other block. Both ways work.
Step 3: Lay it out. Lay all 30 blocks on the floor. Step back and look. Move things around now, not later. Trust me on that one.
Step 4: Sew rows. Sew blocks into 6 rows of 5. Press seams to one side. Then sew the rows together. Use a 1/4" seam throughout.
Step 5: Add a border if you like. A 4" border cut from the same plaid looks sharp. It frames the top without stealing the show.
Step 6: Layer and quilt. Layer backing, batting, and top. Baste well. Then quilt it your way. Stitch in the ditch follows the plaid nicely. A gentle meander works too. Echo quilting looks great here as well.
Step 7: Bind and finish. Cut binding strips at 2 1/2" wide. Sew them on, fold over, and finish. Machine or hand binding is completely up to you.
Practical tips from my table
Slow down at the plaid, folks.
Warning right here, at the moment of risk.
If you rush the rotary cutter, cuts wander.
Then your plaid lines will not match.
Slow down and the plaid behaves.
Check your diagonal direction twice.
I once sewed a whole row backwards.
Oh my goodness, that seam ripper got a workout.
The fix was easy: unpick, turn, and sew again.
For quilting, keep your stitches even.
Travel along the seam lines when you can.
Tie off your threads cleanly at the ends.
And remember the permission beat, y'all.
It does not have to be perfect.
You are your own worst critic.
Nobody else will hunt for a wobbly line.
Take your time, it is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
We are just making something warm and useful.
Make it smaller, at 40" x 50", for a child.
Or add blocks for a longer throw.
Your quilt, your call.
Thanks for spending a little time with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Au Naturel Diagonal Plaid Purple Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
