A Fat Quarter Baby Quilt Pattern : Baby Steps

Save the fat quarter baby quilt image below to Pinterest to reference later:

This past fall, I found out that I was going to be an aunt. My sister and her husband are having a baby! I cannot even explain how excited I am to meet my new niece or nephew here in a couple of months. Naturally, one of the first things that popped into my mind was “I cannot wait to make all of the baby quilts for her!” (Or him, but I have a feeling it’s a girl. Though my intuition might not be the best–I was CONVINCED our daughter was a boy.)

The following fat quarter baby quilt pattern is the pattern I used to make the first quilt for my niece or nephew; I just gifted the quilt to my sister at her baby shower last weekend. I decided to make a second one and offer it as a free baby quilt tutorial for you all. It is a very easy, beginner friendly quilt that comes together rather quickly and is a nice size at 42″ square. As already stated, this pattern is also fat quarter friendly which is always a bonus! Fat quarter baby quilt are always so fun to put together; mixing and matching fat quarters is one of my favorite things to do! (Learn more about fat quarters and why I love them HERE.)

NOTE: This pattern is also available as a free downloadable PDF (so you can reference on your computer, mobile device, or print out for later use. It even includes a coloring page so that you can color your own version before starting your project.) If you would like to access the PDF pattern as well as the entire free pattern library, click the photo below:

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you choose to click through and make a purchase.

The above diagram, Figure A, shows the fabrics I chose to use for this tutorial as well as how I laid them out. In this quilt, you will use seven different fabrics. The specific fabrics and where they can be found are linked below:

Fabric A: XOXO in Sea Monster (Cotton + Steel)

Fabric B: Sprinkle in Counting Stars (Cotton + Steel)

Fabric C: Chambray Union Indigo Dot (Robert Kaufman)

Fabric D: Little Mr. Fox in Blush (Free Spirit)

Fabric E: Dottie in Rosewater (Cotton + Steel)

Fabric F: Kona Cotton in Lingerie (Robert Kaufman)

Fabric G: Meadow Dreams in Pure (Art Gallery Fabrics)

Backing: Phantom Deer (Dear Stella) –pictured in the photo below

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Fabric (requirements and cutting instructions laid out below)

Long ruler

Rotary cutter

Cutting mat

Stripology ruler (optional, but it’s my #1 recommended “splurge” tool)

Quilting pins

Sewing machine and thread

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

As I said above, this pattern uses seven different fabrics. I usually use fat quarters when I make this, but you can also just cut your strips from larger cuts of fabric. For this tutorial, I did the latter because I have been hoarding some of the original Cotton + Steel basics that I’m using in this quilt and they are getting harder and harder to find. So rather than breaking up my 3 yard cut of XOXO in Sea Monster into fat quarters, I just cut my 2.5″ strips off of the 3 yard cut.

STRIP CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS-FAT QUARTERS

If you’re using fat quarters, you will cut (7) 2.5″ strips out of each fat quarter. The diagram below, Figure B, demonstrates how you will make your cuts. After cutting your strips, refer to the “sub-cutting instructions” paragraph below.

STRIP CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS-NON FAT QUARTER

If you’re cutting your 2.5″ strips out of larger cuts of fabric (not fat quarters), then you will need (4) 2.5″xWOF* strips out of each of the seven fabrics. In the photo below, I’m using my Stripology ruler to cut my 2.5″ strips. You do not need this ruler and can just use your long ruler. The Stripology ruler was a splurge gift to myself last year for Christmas and I honestly use it in EVERY project now. I don’t know what I would do without it, ha! After cutting your strips, refer to the “sub-cutting instructions” paragraph below.
* WOF (width of fabric) is assumed to be 42″-44″

SUB-CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS

Once you have your 2.5″ strips cut, you will sub-cut these into long and short rectangles. Refer to Figure A at the beginning of this post to see how each fabric is labeled. Below is a list of how each fabric will be sub-cut.

• Fabric A: (19) 6.5″x2.5″ rectangles and (4) 3.5″x2.5″ rectangles
• Fabric B: (19) 6.5″x2.5″ rectangles and (4) 3.5″x2.5″ rectangles
• Fabric C: (19) 6.5″x2.5″ rectangles and (4) 3.5″x2.5″ rectangles
• Fabric D: (20) 6.5″x2.5″ rectangles and (2) 3.5″x2.5″ rectangles
• Fabric E: (20) 6.5″x2.5″ rectangles and (2) 3.5″x2.5″ rectangles
• Fabric F: (20) 6.5″x2.5″ rectangles and (2) 3.5″x2.5″ rectangles
• Fabric G: (20) 6.5″x2.5″ rectangles and (2) 3.5″x2.5″ rectangles

I made my sub-cuts with my Stripology ruler, but you can also just use a normal quilting ruler. I’ve photographed both ways below.

ASSEMBLY

Once you have your sub-cuts made, refer to Figure A and lay out your rectangles into rows as shown.

Following the order in Figure A, sew your rectangle pieces right sides together to form your rows. Press seams open.

Once you have your rows sewn, it’s time to sew your rows together. Place your rows right sides together and pin in place before sewing together. Press your seams open.

And that’s that–you’re done! Baste, quilt, and bind as desired. I think I’m going to matchstick quilt this one with 1/2″ apart straight lines. Texture, baby! Update: the completed baby quilt is now for sale and can be found HERE. Here are some photos of the completed quilt top:

I hope you enjoy making this sweet fat quarter baby quilt!

Until next time,

XO Rach