Shopping list

• 7 Cuddle Fat Quarters 18" x 30" (in coordinating colors)
• 1 1/2 yd Cuddle for Backing
• 50" x 60" batting or fabric for stabilization (optional)
• 1 can Quilt Base adhesive (optional)
• 1 extra Fat Quarter for a pillow (optional)

Introduction:
This quilt is constructed with a "sew and flip" method, meaning that the batting and backing are placed together to create a foundation and the columns are sewn onto that foundation. Once you have sewn all of the strips onto the foundation, all you need to do to finish the quilt is trim and fold over the edges of the backing fabric to create the self-binding!

Instructions

1. Cut each of the 7 fat quarters into 6 pieces that are 9" square. (Save the excess strip and from it cut 2 strips 2 1/2" x 9" for a pillow!)


2. Place the cut squares and backing into a dryer to remove the excess "fuzz". Add a damp washcloth to the dryer, and dry for about 10 minutes on low heat to remove the bulk of the fuzz.


3. Arrange the squares in a manner that is pleasing to you. We suggest you create a grid (see example) and label each of the colors as color A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. The quilt will have 6 columns of 7 colored squares, and you will create the columns before beginning the process of sewing the columns to the backing and batting.


4. Pay careful attention to the direction of the nap and the stretch of the Cuddle as you create your columns. Select pieces A and B for Column 1. Stitch these together so that the nap is going in the same direction, A is at the top of the column, and that the stretch is in the crosswise direction. Stitch the 1/4" to 1/2" seam carefully so that you do not pull or lengthen the squares as you stitch. Add squares C through G in the same manner, being careful to check for the nap and the stretch. Your entire column will not stretch in the lengthwise direction; it will be very stable. You must be consistent in seam allowances so the columns will match.


5. Create Column 2 beginning with square G, continuing down through square F as illustrated, again being careful with nap and stretch. Columns 3 through 6 are created in the same manner, carefully following the grid.


6. If you are using a batting or stabilizing fabric, use the spray glue to adhere that to the backing, leaving an approximate 2" area of backing fabric all around the batting.


7. Lay Column 1 on the backing / batting with the top of the column approximately 2" from the selvage edge of the batting and the bottom of the column near the opposite selvage edge of the backing. Pin into position with long pins. We found that the seam allowances opened naturally so we could lay Column 2 on top of Column 1, pin it into position, and stitch the two columns to the backing in an approximate 1/2" seam. Smooth column 2 into position, lay Column 3 on top of it, pin matching the seams, and stitch into place. Continue with columns 4, 5, and 6. Be careful to keep the backing straight and smooth and the same amount of backing fabric visible.
8. Trim the backing fabric so that 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" extends beyond the sewn columns of the quilt. Bring that to the top, turn the cut edge under and stitch into position using a zig-zag or serpentine stitch.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

Because the stretch of the columns is in 1 direction, and the stretch of the backing in the other, the quilt will be stable even if you do not insert batting or other stabilizing fabric. 

If you purchased an additional fat quarter, use that and the remnant strips to create a fun pillow.  Pattern design by Emma Gebo