MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS QUILT

Instructions

Special Abbreviations

(WOF): Width of Fabric.

Note: Seam allowance is 1/4" throughout. 100% cotton fabric is used.

Preparation and Cutting

From each Christmas fabric:

• Cut 1 strip, 5 1/2" WOF, crosscut into 8, 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" rectangles.
• Cut 1 strip, 2" WOF, crosscut into 4, 5 1/2" x 2" pieces and 4, 4 1/2" x 2" pieces.
• From the 2 plain Prima solids, cut a 2" strip (WOF) from each and crosscut into 13, 2" squares (you will only need 25 squares total).
• From the binding fabric cut, 6 strips, 2.5" wide, across the width of fabric.

Cross Blocks

Pair up all your cut pieces, mixing the rectangle fabric pieces with different cross fabric pieces and adding a centre square.

Take a 2" centre square and stitch a 2" x 4 1/2" piece to each end, press seams open.

Then take a 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" rectangle piece and stitch to one side of a 5 1/2" x 2" strip, press seams open. Repeat for the other side.

Lay out your sewn strips in rows, then stitch the three rows together, so that it creates a cross design and then press seams open. Repeat this process for all 25 blocks.

Lay out your finished blocks in the order of your choosing, and begin to stitch all of the blocks together, pressing the seams open as you go.

Backing and Binding

To finish, cut backing fabric into 2 lengths and stitch it together lengthwise, press seam open. When you are ready to quilt it, sandwich the front and backing together with the wadding and pin your quilt thoroughly, then it's ready to machine quilt. Or alternatively you could take it to your local long-arm quilter to finish.

When your quilt has been quilted, it's ready to put the binding on. Stitch all of the binding lengths together to create one long length. Fold the strip in half, wrong sides together and press down the length of the binding. Stitch the binding to the front edge of the quilt using a 1/4" seam, mitring the corners as you go. Hand stitch the binding to the back of your quilt.

Don't forget to label and date your quilt!