Easy-Peasy Strip and Fat Quarter quilt (2024)

Easy-PeasySimply-Strippy Fat-Quarter-Friendly Quilt Finished Size 60x69 Course Instructor: Lisa Sipes

Easy-Peasy Strip and Fat Quarter quilt (1)

http://thatcrazyquiltygirl.blogspot.com

I have made this quilt many different ways, many different sizes and
with many different fabrics. I chose it for this lesson because it
goes together quickly (which makes it an excellent gift), is very
forgiving and is very easy (which makes it perfect, even for
beginners).

Supplies list:
- 15 Fat quarters of assorted colors/prints/print sizes for quilt center
- ½ Yard for First Border
- 1 2/3 Yards large print for Second Border (You may want to have a
little extra for straightening)
- 3 ¾ Yards for Backing
- Batting measuring at least 66x75 for machine quilting
- 5/8 Yard for Binding

1) You will be cutting your Fat Quarter along the length, meaning the
22inch side. Cut each Fat Quarter into strips measuring 5”, 3 ½”
and 2” by approximately 22” long. We aren't so worried about the
length. When you are finished cutting, each of your fat quarters
should look like this (you will have leftovers):

2) When you have cut each of your fat quarters into their strip
pieces, begin piecing. Lay out your pieces in piles by size and
randomly select from each pile. Piece one 2” strip to a 5” strip
starting with your raw edges and ending with your selvedges, press,
and then a 3 ½” strip to the 2” strip, press. Your strip sets should
measure 9 ½” across and look like this:
(strip sets should measure 9 1/2" across by 22" long)

3) When all of your strip sets are pieced together, square up the
side with the raw edges, using your seams as your straight line. Once
your raw edge end is squared up, sub-cut your strip sets into (2) 9 ½”
blocks. You will get a total of 6 blocks for every 3 Fat Quarters,
and a total of 30 blocks from your 15 Fat quarters.

4) Once all of your blocks are ready, it's time to start arranging
them! This is the part that might take the longest, but don't spend
too much time on it. The quilt is supposed to look random but it
turns out the best if you have a good balance of color and prints. The
layout of the quilt is 5 blocks per row, 6 rows down. You are free to
throw the blocks together in any direction you wish, I did use a bit
of a pattern for mine. I will try as best I can to show you in
pictures (and hope you can understand my arrows!).

For your first row, start with placing a block down with your seams
going left to right. Then place another block next to it exactly the
same way. Rotate that block ¼ turn clockwise.

Repeat for the remaining 3 blocks of the row.

When you get to the end of the row, place your first block for row two
under the last block in row 1. Rotate that block ¼ turn
counterclockwise.

Repeat the above steps for each block of each row until you have all
30 of your blocks laid out.
(*Note – I suggest taking a picture of your setting before you begin
sewing the blocks together for two reasons: 1) It will help you to
get a better feel of the color balance {I always notice things in
pictures I don't notice looking straight at it} and 2) It will help
you remember your placement when it comes to sewing everything
together)

5) Sew your blocks into rows, pressing each row in opposite
directions. Row 1, press to the right, row 2, to the left, row 3 to
the right, etc.

We lock the seams so that all of our seams meet up and match nicely, like this:

Once you've pressed all of your rows and your quilt center lays flat,
it's time for your borders!

(*Note – No matter what any pattern tells you your borders should be
cut to, you should always measure your quilt top rather than using the
pattern measurements. For instructions on how to properly measure,
cut and apply your borders, you can view the tutorial on my blog here:
http://thatcrazyquiltygirl.blogspot.com/2010/05/borders-101-flat-quilt-is-happy-quilt.html)

Your quilt top should measure 45 ½ x 54 ½.

6) For your first border, you should cut 8 strips, 2” x width of
fabric. Piece these strips together by laying one strip out, right
side up, and another strip on top of it at a 90 degree angle, forming
an “L” shape, right side down. Stitch a diagonal line from
intersection to intersection.

Trim your seam to ½” and press your seam open. Repeat with the
remaining strips.

7)From these strips, subcut two strips, 2” x 54 ½”, and two strips 2”
x 48 ½”. Attach the 54 ½” strips along the length of the sides, press
then attach the 48 ½” strips along the top and bottom.

8) For outer borders, it is usually best to cut along the lengthwise
grain to avoid piecing them and having to match up the prints. Rather
than cutting your strips along the width of the fabric (usually around
44”) and piecing them together, lay your fabric out flat, cut off the
selvedges and cut your strips lengthwise.
Cut 2 strips, 6 ½” x 57 ½” and 2 strips 6 ½” x 60 ½”. Stitch the 57
½” strips along the length of the sides,press, and then the 60 ½”
strips across the top and bottom.

9) Sandwich, quilt, bind and enjoy (with or without the fat cat)!
If you have any questions or need additional help, you're welcome to contact me!