Pattern Description:
This scrappy granny square quilt combines vibrant fabrics in a classic patchwork design, perfect for using a jelly roll.
Each block features a colorful center with contrasting outer squares, framed by crisp white sashing and borders.
Easy to assemble yet visually striking, this quilt finishes at approximately 60″ x 70″, offering a cozy, playful throw that brightens any space.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Yarn: (Not applicable; this is a quilting project using fabric.)
- Yarn Weight: (Not applicable.)
- Hook: (Not applicable; this is a sewing project.)
- Notions:
- Quilting ruler
- Starch
- Walking foot
- Color catchers
- Batting
- Measurements:
- Quilt Dimensions: Approximately 60″ x 70″.
- Number of Blocks: 30.
- Each Block Contains:
- 12 – 2.5″ white squares (or 2.5″ x 2.75″ for easier trimming).
- 13 assorted 2.5″ squares (1 center, 4 middle color, 8 outer color).
- Trimmed Block Size: 8-3/4in – 8-7/8in square.
- Sashing: 2.5″ wide white sashing between quilt blocks and between rows.
- Borders: 4.5″ wide white borders added to the top, bottom, and each side of the quilt.
- Fabric Requirements:
- A partial jelly roll (Bonnie and Camille by Moda).
- 3.5 yards background (white) fabric (Robert Kaufman Kona in White), which includes 36 – 2.5in x WOF strips and 6 – 4.5in x WOF strips.
Stitches & Abbreviations Used:
Stitches:
Zig zag stitch (used for machine quilting with a walking foot).
Abbreviations:
- 1/4″: One-quarter inch.
- 3/8″: Three-eighths inch.
- 2.5″ / 2.5in: Two and a half inches.
- 2.75″: Two and three-quarters inches.
- 4.5″ / 4.5in: Four and a half inches.
- 60″: Sixty inches.
- 70″: Seventy inches.
- 8-3/4in: Eight and three-quarters inches.
- 8-7/8in: Eight and seven-eighths inches.
- WOF: Width Of Fabric.
Instructions for Making the Scrappy Granny Square Quilt Pattern:
Follow these steps to build each individual scrappy granny square block:
Step 1: Layout the Squares
Lay out each block as shown in the tutorial images. It is recommended to use a different color for each round of squares to achieve the “granny square” effect. Ensure the 1 center square, 4 middle color squares, and 8 outer color squares, along with the 12 white squares, are arranged correctly.
Step 2: Sew the Rows
Once your squares are laid out for one block, sew together the squares within each row. Use a 1/4″ seam allowance for all seams. After sewing, press the seams open or press each row in the opposite direction from the adjacent row to allow for nesting seams later.
Step 3: Assemble the Block
After the individual rows are sewn and pressed, it’s time to sew the rows together to form the complete block. Line up your seams carefully to ensure points meet. Sew the rows together.
The tutorial notes that the top 2.5in square is centered and sewn as shown. Once the rows are sewn, press the seams open or press them away from the center of the block. Your granny square block should now resemble the completed block shown in the tutorial.
Step 4: Trim the Blocks
Precision in trimming is key for a well-assembled quilt top. Using a quilting ruler, trim each block square, ensuring you leave 1/4″ – 3/8″ from each point. The goal is to trim each block to an 8-3/4in – 8-7/8in square. It is advisable to measure a few of your completed blocks before trimming to determine their consistent size, then proceed to trim every block to that exact same size.
Step 5: Layout and Sashing
- Layout your granny square blocks as desired. This is where you can arrange your unique blocks to create a pleasing overall design.
- As you sew your blocks into rows, add 2.5″ white sashing between quilt blocks.
- Once all your rows of blocks and sashing are sewn, sew the quilt top together in rows, adding 2.5in wide sashing between each row. This creates a grid-like appearance for your quilt.
Adding Borders
After the main body of the quilt top with sashing is complete:
- Add 4.5″ white borders to the top and bottom of the quilt.
- Then, add 4.5in white borders to each side of the quilt. This frames your quilt and brings it to its final approximate dimensions of 60″ x 70″.
Finishing the Quilt
- Pressing and Starching: Be sure to press and starch each scrappy granny square block. This is particularly helpful because there are a lot of seams in these blocks, and starching assists in keeping them flat and stable.
- Quilting: The quilt was machine quilted with a tried and true zig zag stitch. This zig zag stitch is done using a walking foot.
- Washing: When washing the quilt, especially with a bright red backing, it’s recommended to throw in a few color catchers. The tutorial notes “nothing better than a freshly crinkled quilt out of the dryer!”.
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