I wrote this pattern a few years ago for Penny Rose Fabrics. I updated it and have the full tutorial available here! I have always loved the Penny Rose “Little Joys” Christmas fabrics! These sweet vintage prints make me think of a simpler time. I love collecting vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations; this quilt is sure to fit into the mix!
This quilt measures 42″ square and is a perfect size to hang on a wall, put at the end of a bed, or center on a table. The quilt is made up of 6″ solid blocks with bell applique and 6″ nine-patch blocks that form a chain.
I used this Bell from Sizzix. It is such a versatile die!
Mufasa was all over this project because it involved the Sizzix Fabi – his FAVORITE toy!
Fabric Requirements:
9 fat quarters (green, red, and pink) – this is a scrappy little quilt so there are different amounts of each color – the colors don’t form a pattern in this version, but if you would like a pattern it would be easy to do!
1 1/2 yards solid white fabric
Heat n Bond Lite for appliqué
1/2 yard binding
1 1/4 yard backing (the fabric needs to measure at least 43″ wide or you may need to piece it)
Cutting Instructions
Fat Quarters:
Cut (2) 2 1/2″ x WOFQ strips from each fat quarter. You will have a few extra.
Use remaining fabric for bell appliqué and letters
Solid White:
Cut (6) 2 1/2″ x WOF strips, cut them in half to give you (12) 2 1/2″ x 21″ strips.
Cut (5) 6 1/2″ x WOF strips, subcut into (22) 6 1/2″ squares and (1) 6 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ rectangle
2 1/2″ strips are cut from each of the 9 fat quarters.
6 white 2 1/2″ x WOF strips are cut and then cut in half to equal the width of the fat quarter strips.
Sew white, dark, white strip sets together, making 3 strip set units. Press toward the dark.
Sew 6 strip units of the dark, white, dark pattern (above). Press toward the dark.
Sub cute each strip set in 2 1/2″ increments. You should have 8 per strip set.
Lay out blocks making a checkerboard pattern. Sew together, matching seams. Press seams in one direction. Continue this process making 24 total checkerboard blocks.
Cut the remaining fat quarters into 5″ squares and fuse Heat n Bond Lite to the wrong sides of the fabric (above). Using the Sizzix Bell die, die cut 22 bell shapes. Peel off backing paper and heat set to the centers of the 6 1/2″ white squares. Sew around each bell with a straight stitch.
For the Little Joys word block I cut the letters by hand. Download the Little Joys pattern HERE. I printed the letters on Heat n Bond EZ print sheets.
You can also trace onto iron-on transfer paper. The letters are in reverse. Iron the heat n bond to the wrong side of the letter fabric. Cut out by hand around each letter. Peel off the backing and position on the white rectangle. Heat set in place. Sew around each letter.
Now you’re ready to lay out the whole quilt! Use the above photo as your guide. Again, my colors are random but you can make a color pattern!
Sew each block together creating rows, pressing toward the applique blocks. Then sew the rows together, pinning at intersections so seams match up. Press all seams in one direction.
Baste, Quilt, Bind!
Mufasa also loves the sewing machine! No animals were harmed in the quilting of this project!
Make sure your cat approves 🙂
I free motion quilted this with loop de loos and retro style stars. I love how it turned out! Add the binding and you’re finished!
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