Woven Block Baby Quilt
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking on links, and purchasing products, may result in the seller paying us compensation - at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links are in green.
We provide instructions for 3 sizes of quilt: Baby Quilt, Crib Quilt, and Lap Quilt. This lesson is for the baby quilt.
Also see:
Sewing Lessons
Baby Patterns
Quilt Lessons & Patterns
Crafts & Decor Projects
Finished Quilt Sizes
This series of quilts are all made the same, with 3 different fabric blocks that create a “weave” look. The different sizes are created by varying the size or number of the quilt blocks, or adding a border.
The baby quilt measures 28.5" x 28.5", and is made up of 4" blocks.
The crib quilt measures 28.5" x 52.5". Like the crib quilt, it is made from 4" blocks, but it contains six additional rows. The baby quilt is shown on right (7 rows of 7 blocks).
The lap quilt is made the same as the baby size, but measures 42.5" x 42.5" because it is made up of 6" blocks.
Hospital Cheer quilt measures 46.5" x 46.5", and is made up of 6" blocks plus a 2” border on all four sides.
All sizes are constructed in the same way. Blocks are stitched together to create a row, then rows of blocks are stitched together. The difference of size and/or shape is due to the number of rows (baby vs. crib), or the size of the block (the lap quilt uses 6" blocks, rather than 4" blocks). Customize your quilt by adding rows or changing the size of the blocks.
"Woven" Baby Blocks Quilt: 28.5" x 28.5"
Basic Layout
The following photo shows my baby blanket after all the blocks were stitched together. Due to the arrangement of the 3 different blocks, a “woven” effect is accomplished. My photo is not straight on, but you can see the design.
SUPPLIES REQUIRED For Baby Quilt
CUTTING TOOLS
I recommend using a Rotary Cutter, Cutting Mat and Sewing Ruler. I use these tools for most projects. They allow for easy, precise cutting. Visit my Amazon store page to purchase these tools, fusible fleece, insul-bright, heat resistant cloth, quilting pins, and other items I use in my projects.
FABRIC - refer to photos after fabric supplies
NOTE: I list fabric width as 42" - 44" because that is a common width for quilt fabric. You will need (after shrinkage) a width of at least 36".
Color One (floral): 1/2 yard of 42-45" fabric
(for 25 squares)
Color Two (yellow): 1/3 yard of 42-45" fabric
(for 12 squares)
Color Three (purple): 1/3 yard of 42-45" fabric
(for 12 squares)
Binding: Cut binding either 1.5" wide or 2" wide (your preference), and long enough to go all the way around your quilt - approximately 120 inches for the baby size quilt (you may piece strips).
Batting: You will need a 28.5" x 28.5" piece of batting
NOTE: Use Insul-Bright insulation as batting to create an extra warm quilt!
Quilt Backing: 28.5" x 28.5" piece of fabric for the quilt back.
BUY EXTRA & PREWASH FABRIC: You will need the full amounts, so buy a bit extra fabric. Wash and dry the fabric before use.
OTHER SUPPLIES
Thread (to match background)
Ribbon or lace, etc. for trim
General Sewing Supplies: scissors, quilting pins, large sewing ruler, fabric marking pencils, seam ripper
hint: quilting pins are easier to use than regular pins; a tupperware box works well as a supply box.
Safety Reminders For Little Helpers
A. Always have an adult do all the ironing!
B. Never run with scissors. Carry them pointed end down.
C. Never use a sewing machine without adult supervision.
D. Always let an adult use the seam ripper for you.
INSTRUCTIONS
Note: all seams are 1/4 inch. Always iron between steps.
Cutting Instructions
All strips of fabric will be cut 4.5" x w.o.f. (width of fabric). I cut my strips using a large sewing ruler and a rotary cutter. To make it go more quickly, I fold the fabric in half, lining up selvages, before cutting. When I computed fabric yardage, I assumed you could get at least 8 blocks per strip. Your pre-shrunk fabric would need to be at least 36" wide (8x4.5=36).
Color one: cut three strips of fabric, each 4.5" x w.o.f.
For colors two and three, cut two strips of fabric 4.5" x w.o.f.
Cut all strips into 4.5" squares. For color one, you will need a total of 25 squares (blocks). For colors two and three you will need a total of 12 squares of each color.
Sewing Instructions
Lay Out Squares
Before stitching squares together, I recommend laying out ALL squares into the correct pattern. This ensures you did not make any errors in number of squares. Remove one row at a time and stitch that row before proceeding. The following photo shows the first row stitched; the remaining rows are still individual squares.
Using 1/4" seam allowances, sew the squares together as shown in the photo at the top of the page (and just above). It is easiest to assemble the squares into one row at a time. You can create horizontal or vertical rows. After your rows are created, sew the rows together. TIP: Iron all squares before sewing them into rows. Iron the rows before sewing them together. It works best to press the seams in opposite directions. In other words, if row one has seams pressed to the left, press the seams of row two to the right. That way, when you sew the rows together, it is easier to match corners more precisely.
Quilting Instructions
You can now stitch the three layers together, either by tying with yarns or embroidery floss, hand quilting or machine quilting. If this is to be a baby quilt, I would not recommend tying (since the yarn can come loose, creating a safety hazard).
Add A Border For Variation
Check out our make-in-a-day quilt pattern with borders (we call it our "Spring Cheer Hospital Quilt"). The quilt is made in the same way as our baby, crib and lap quilts (but made lap quilt size), and then borders are added. Add borders to all sides, just the top, top and bottom, or three sides - your choice.
For instructions on borders, go to: Hospital Cheer Quilt
Refer to Quilt Lessons for for additional instructions on assembling and layering quilt blocks, binding, and backing.
Quilt Patterns
Quilt & Pillow Patterns For You
Crafts For Kids
Nicely constructed pillowcase with contrast cuff and piping trim. Cuff is nicely finished on the inside. Free sewing pattern with directions for standard, queen and king.