A New Quilt Finish; A Summery Nine Patch Quilt
I recently finished a quilt that feels like summer stitched into fabric! A nine-patch quilt made using the cheerful Summer Picnic fabric collection. This quilt is all about easy strip piecing, bright colors, and those casual, breezy vibes that make you think of picnics in the park and long sunny afternoons.
I have a new Finish it Friday to share with you! I know it’s not technically Friday (this will post on Saturday), but I got off schedule this week with my posting schedule, so we’re gonna go with it!
This quilt is a modified version of my Gathered Quarters quilt tutorial. I adjusted the measurements slightly from the original tutorial to make the quilt slightly smaller, allowing for a bit more wiggle room with cutting and yardage requirements.
Easy Piecing Method
The Gathered Quarters pattern is one of my favorites for its simplicity and versatility. It’s based on the classic nine-patch block but updated with a modern strip piecing method that saves time and helps keep your seams neat.
Instead of cutting individual squares, I pieced strips together first, then cross-cut them to make the nine-patch unit. It’s an excellent method if you want to speed through your cutting and get to the fun part: sewing!
For this version, I selected the Summer Picnic fabrics, which are filled with fresh, happy prints. Think gingham, florals, and playful motifs in shades of red, pink, aqua, and yellow.
The Summer Picnic line is now out of print, but similar lines with a similar vibe are available. I also destashed some of the line that I’ve hoarded to make a few quilt kits if you’re interested!
Together, they gave the quilt a light, summery feel that’s perfect for tossing over a porch swing, lying out on the lawn, or cuddling up during an evening barbecue.
How to Get the Quilt Pattern
What I love most about this project is its beginner-friendliness. The strip piecing method makes construction fast, and the nine-patch design provides ample room to experiment with color and contrast.
The pattern is also Fat Quarter friendly!
Since I wrote the tutorial for the Gathered Quarters quilt, a lot of you have asked for directions in multiple sizes. I’m leaving the tutorial on the site, but I’ve now released a complete quilt pattern that includes five different sizes.
Pattern includes the following sizes:
- Baby Size: 40 1/2” x 40 1/2”
- Lap: 54” x 67 1/2”
- Long Lap: 54” x 81” (size shown in photo)
- Twin Size: 67 1/2” x 81”
- Full/Queen: 81” x 81”
Summer Picnic Quilt Kits
If you’d like to make this quilt, we have a limited number of quilt kits for the Gathered Quarters quilt in the shop featuring my now-retired Summer Picnic Fabrics.
The kits come with:
- A printed pattern
- 3 1/2 yards of fabric to make your quilt (seven half-yard cuts of fabric); choose from Pink, Aqua, or Blue fabrics.
- A coordinating sticker to “bling” out your sewing space!
Since the kits are made with my collection of fabrics, they can’t be restocked; once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Finished Quilt: Quick Details
- Pattern: Gathered Quarters
- Fabric: Summer Picnic by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs
- Quilt Pantograph: Posy Patch by Julie Hirt
If you’re looking for a quick and straightforward quilt to create this summer, I think you’ll like this pattern. I’ve made two quilts already and have started a third (the aqua version of the kit)! I’ll be sure to share the finished project with you when it’s done.
This is such a pretty quilt! I love the flower pattern quilting design … could I ask … what machine you use for piecing and quilting – and do you use a programme for the quiliting? I am new to quilting (retired curtain maker and soft furnisher) and am looking to get a longarm but looking at options available and trying to get tips from experienced quilters. Would love to kow what you use if you have a moment! Thanks for all your beautiful creations – very inspiring.