One Patch Cross Baby Quilt

One Patch Cross Quilt

The one patch is my go-to method for creating anything quickly and accurately! I've found nothing to match the design potential with ease and speed of sewing. I spent more time selecting fabrics, cutting, and laying out this design than in quilt top construction. This baby-size top was sewn together in little more than an hour. A quick trip on my longarm with a medium, monster-y meander went quickly, and check out my 3 layer floating method with magnets to secure. (This time I meant to do it!)  Binding was cut from the leftover backing, and machine stitched. 

I didn't track my time exactly because I was in and out of the studio repeatedly while working on this quilt. I rarely have interrupted sewing anymore so I stole half an hour here and another there trying to get this finished. (Aren't we all like that?) By suppertime, I had all but the last side of binding sewn down. 

A finished baby quilt in a few hours? Yes, ma'am. That's a snap!

Check It Out!

The one patch square is the most versatile pattern I've ever used. 

Why?

One shape to cut. 

All sides are the same so all pieces can be turned in any direction if the print is directional. This adds to your design options as well.

All seams are straight.

Chain piecing is the fastest way to piece a quilt, and perfect for squares.

Squares lend themselves well to hand-sewing as well.

Squares of any size are easy to store and transport. 

Leftover pieces are easy to incorporate into another project or add to cut scrap inventory.

Just Hold Your Breath and Float!

After my first scary encounter forgetting to pin in my backing--and that quilt turning out with such lovely texture, I decided to try it again. I floated the backing as well as the batting and top. This backing is brushed cotton or flannel, and I considered that little bit of nap adds to the backing gripping the belly bar. What you may not see are the 3 large bar magnets across the top. These held all three layers tightly to the belly bar. Bar magnets are available at Harbor Freight stores at about $5 each.

I stretched out this meander into long monster-y fingers. I get terribly bored with the same old thing.

This happy monster print was just howling to make it into a quilt. I added additional fabrics in dark, light and medium fabrics to keep it upbeat, modern, and not-so-scary for a little one. It will also be just as appropriate to drag around at 4 as it is for the nursery today.

The backing is several years old from my stash, and made by Kate & Birdie.

Look, Ma! No wrinkles!

I may finally be convinced that floating all three layers works. What do you think?

FYI Make It EASY!

I used 4" squares for this quilt, and a grid of 10 wide x 12 long. The top should finish at 35" x 42". A typical baby batt runs 45" x 60" generally. You might think it would be better to add another row both ways, but I've found it's not. It's far easier to grab a piece of yardage from my stash, and not have to piece it. Though yardage is estimated at 42"-44", I see more and more yardage under 42" when washed, and even smaller with selvages removed. If there is only 40" of usable fabric, I get about 2" buffer on either side of the top on my long arm. That's close enough for comfort, and it make this quilt consistently easy. I like easy. Don't you?

Happy fall sewing to each of you!
It feels so good to be back in the studio at last.

Come on, Doxie girls.

Let's go sew.