As a group we have decided to make baby quilts and donate them to "Project Linus" which distributes quilts and blankets to sick or abused infants and children, hospitals, burn institutes, shelters, etc. Please feel free to join us or go out on your own. You can check the following link for a chapter in your area.

Our quilt is a simple, basic checkerboard pattern which is very quick to make up. If you like to work with color you could really make it lovely. We believe the simpler the pattern, the more apt you are to make one (or maybe even two!)

Suggested Guidelines:

Use 100% cotton fabric.
Prewash, dry and iron all fabric.
Use Fairfield Poly Bat or similar batting.
Do not use invisible thread for quilting.
Machine or hand quilt. Tying is not recommended for baby quilts but fine for older children.
Pastels are great for infants. Children love bright children's prints.

Fabric Requirements: (Finished size is 36 x 36)

1/2 yard fabric A

1/2 yard fabric B

1/4 yard fabric C for narrow border

3/4 yard fabric D for wider border

1/2 yard fabric E for binding

1 1/4 yard fabric F for backing.

Batting

(I used the same fabric for narrow border and binding.)

Cutting from selvage to selvage

Fabric A: cut 3 strips 4 1/2 inches

Fabric B: cut 3 strips 4 1/2 inches

Fabric C: cut 4 strips 1 1/2 inches

Fabric D: cut 4 strips 5 1/2 inches

Fabric E: cut 4 strips 2 1/2 inches

 (Be sure to cut off selvage edges.)

Sewing: (All seams are 1/4 inch.)

Sew strip A (right sides together) to strip B, add strip A to B, add strip B to A, etc. until you have 6 strips sewn together. A-B-A-B-A-B Press.

Cut across strips: cut six segments 4 1/2 inches wide.

Turn every other row around to form checkerboard and sew together matching seams.

Sew Fabric C, narrow border, to the sides. Then sew to the top and bottom.

Sew Fabric D, border in the same manner as the narrow border.

Sew strips of Fabric E, binding together. Fold in half lengthwise and iron.

Machine or hand quilt. I quilted in rows diagonally through corners in both directions.

Add binding and mitre corners if you wish.

(These are only guidelines, feel free to do whatever you wish!)

Here is what my quilt looks like at the present stage: The border print has lime green splotches on it which matches the narrow border and the print in the pattern (only you can't tell :-)

 If you have any questions or need help, please email me. ~Paula