In January I shared a little project with you, my Coffee Time Quilt made up in “Calico Days” fabric by Lori Holt for Riley Blake Designs. This was a simple project . . . just four patches and some sashing and borders . . . but I really enjoyed the process of making this mini quilt. No pattern, no pressure, just creating what my heart felt moved to create.
As it turns out, this little quilt touched a chord with many of you also, and several people requested a pattern. Due to the simple construction and the addition of embellishments, I decided a picture tutorial would be the best route, so I am offering that here on my blog. I hope you will enjoy this quick and easy project.
The kind folks at Riley Blake Designs recently sent me some yardage of “Strawberry Biscuit,” and I knew I had the perfect bundle for making a second Coffee Time Quilt. This darling fabric line was designed by the talented Elea Lutzfor Riley Blake’s sister company, Penny Rose Fabrics.
“Strawberry Biscuit” will be released to stores in April. Like “Calico Days,” this fabric has the ability to tug at my sentimental side. The combination of Elea’s sweet little vintage characters and the soft nurturing colors . . . well they just say “tender” to me. Elea’s new book Pretty Playtime Quilts includes 6 quilt projects featuring “Strawberry Biscuit.” It is published by “It’s Sew Emma” and is available as a pre-order through the Fat Quarter Shop.
Here are some shots of my latest version of the Coffee Time Quilt. Wouldn’t this make a sweet little mat for some children setting up a tea party?
In my original Coffee Time Quilt I used an ecru colored vintage trim I found at an antique store. I was lucky enough to find some darling pink and white crocheted trim at the same antique store (Prairie Mercantile Antique Store in Granite Falls, MN). I think it is the perfect complement to this fabric. I was also able to use more mismatched buttons from my grandmother\’s button jar. I just love it when I can do that!
Instructions are included below. If you are on Instagram, please post your finished project using the hashtag #coffeetimequilt. I’d love to see your quilt!
Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I hope you get carried away quilting soon!
~Taunja
Coffee Time Quilt Tutorial
Finished size: 18 ½” x 18 ½”
Step 1: Collect all the goodies:
- (36) 2 ½” squares
- 1/4 yard sashing fabric, sub cut as follows:
- Cut 2 strips 1 ½” x WOF.
- Sub cut into (6) 1 ½” x 4 ½” strips and (2) 1 ½” x 14 ½” strips.
- Cut 2 strips 2 ½” x WOF.
- Sub cut into (2) 2 ½” x 14 ½” strips and (2) 2 ½” x 18 ½” strips.
- Cut 2 strips 1 ½” x WOF.
- 1/6 yard binding fabric, sub cut as follows:
- Cut 2 strips 2 ¼” wide and piece together for binding.
- 26 ½” x 26 ½” backing piece (or as required per your quilter)
- 2 yards of decorative trim (crocheted trim, lace, ribbon)
- buttons
Note: WOF (Width of Fabric); RST (Right Sides Together)
Step 2: Create the Four-Patch Squares
Lay out the (36) 2 ½” squares into (9) four-patch squares so that you have a nice mix of color and patterns.
Sew each group into a four patch. First sew the top two squares together and press to one direction. Then sew the bottom two squares together and press to the other direction.
Nest the seams and sew these two units together. Press this horizontal seam open. Repeat to create 9 four patches. Each four patch should measure 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″.
Step 3: Add the sashing
Lay out the four patches and vertical sashing. Sew each row together working from left to right. Press seams toward the sashing.
Lay out the completed rows and the horizontal sashing. Sew these units together, moving from top to bottom. Press seams toward the sashing. Note: When I placed one row RST on top of another row, I pulled the top unit back a bit to take a look and make sure the vertical sashings were lined up. (see image below)
Step 4: Add the borders
Sew the 2 1/2\” x 14 1/2\” border to the top and bottom of the quilt. Press to the border.
Sew the 2 1/2\” x 18 1/2\” border to the left and right of the quilt. Press to the border.
Step 5: Quilt as desired
Layer your quilt top, batting, and backing using your preferred method of pinning, thread or spray basting. Since this is such a small piece, I found that fabric adhesive was enough to keep my quilt in place and flat during quilting. I kept my quilting simple, using a pleasing grid design and allowing the fabric to be the star of the show. When you have finished the quilting, trim the backing and batting.
Step 6: Binding
The next step is to bind your quilt as desired. I used 2 ¼” strips for my binding. My preferred method is to machine bind to the top, and hand stitch the binding to the back to finish.
Step 7: Embellish with trim and buttons
NOTE: Typically the final step is to bind the quilt, but I chose to add the embellishments after binding since I was using a more delicate, vintage trim.
The methods for attaching any kind of trim (crochet work, lace, ribbon) may need to vary depending on the design and condition of the trim. If it is very delicate or intricate, you may need to attach by hand.
I used a spray adhesive on the back of my trim pieces to temporarily adhere them to the top of the quilt. I use 505 Spray Adhesive, which is acid free and temporary. This adhesive is sticky enough to hold the trim in place, but it also allows you to pick up a piece to reposition it.
When I got to the corners, I simply turned the trim as best I could and did a bit of tucking. My pink and white trim came in two pieces, so unfortunately I had to match two seams. I put the seams on the corners as I knew I would also be attaching vintage buttons.
After I had the trim lying flat and looking nice, I sewed it in place using matching thread and my walking foot. I sewed very slowly to ensure that the trim did not get caught and bunch up.
Finally, I hand stitched the corners just a bit to keep the trim in place and then added the buttons.
#coffeetimequilt
Love it in these fabrics too! I am still in awe of all the beautiful quilting you do. Bravo! 💟
Oh thank you! Such fun fabrics to work with!
I just squeal when I know there's a post to read on your blog! Just like all the others, this one is equally fabulous and sweet and pretty, and, and… I could go on and on! Thank you for always posting such lovely things for my eyes to see and my hands to try!! xoxo
Well thank you so much Tuki! It's really really easy. Just a fun time playing with pretty fabric! 🙂
Ohhhh! This is too cute for words! Beautiful work (love all the sweet details) and so kind to share such a darling pattern! Thank you, Taunja! xx
Well thank you so much Elea! You have designed a darling line, one that many people will enjoy I am sure!
Your quilt is gorgeous, made even more so with the use of vintage embellishments. Thank you for sharing this wonderful idea.
You are very welcome Edith! Thanks so much for visiting my blog!
Your Coffee Time Quilt is so soft and pretty looking – you are right – perfect for a little girl playing tea time with her dolls or friends. Thank you for sharing the tutorial. I love adding little table toppers to our Living Room Coffee Table and End Tables. Love this fabric by Elea Lutz. I've preordered her book and look forward to receiving it in the mail.
Thank you!! Her new book looks like a treasure of sweet projects!! What fun that will be to receive in the mail!
I just found your blog through a pin of this mini and I'm so happy right now. Both versions are so sweet and your blog is just lovely. Can't wait to make a few with some saved trims, including one for my granddaughter. Thanks for sharing your talent!
Thanks so much for your kind words Vicki! That is so nice to hear! Oh your granddaughter will love that! Enjoy! I love sewing with saved trims!!
What a great job. Thank you for posting this tutorial.
Thank you! And you are welcome!! 🙂
Very pretty. My granddaughter had a tea party birthday party in February and the little girls all dressed in party dresses and drank their punch from vintage tea cups. This would have been perfect had I seen it then. The little ones were precious and your quilt is too!
Oh I bet they were darling! Miss those days with my girl who is grown up. 🙂
Very Beautiful! I would love to try to make this a little big larger, maybe closer to 36 inches… for a baby quilt. Do you have any advice on what sizes I should cut for the blocks and sashing? Thank you.
I think I would begin by sewing together some four patches and then deciding do you want to sew them together into 16 patches with sashing or lots of four patches with sashing. I think you are just going to begin playing with some squares and once you have some four patches or 16 patches, measure to determine your sashing and borders. Have fun!!
Adorable