Supplies Needed For Artwork Blocks

Quilt Directions

The finished size of this child’s quilt will be 48" x 63".   It will use 12 drawn blocks, 3 blocks for each of the 4 rows.   

Quilters may make the quilt any size they would like.  Directions for a child’s quilt follow.  Feel free to exercise your own creativity!

·       Pre-wash all fabric. Do not use fabric softener when washing. 

·       Muslin Blocks:  Cut 12 blocks 12 1/2 inches square for a 12” finished block    

·       With a dry iron, press each muslin block onto the shiny side of freezer paper.

     Note:  Freezer paper should be cut several inches larger than the muslin block, to allow a  little margin for the children to draw.   Be careful not to press your iron directly on the freezer paper, it will leave a wax residue on your iron. The paper stabilizes the fabric block allowing children to draw on it more easily.  The freezer paper can be re-used for drawing other blocks.

Quilt Theme 

Decide on the theme for the quilt: animals, nature (i.e. rainbows, flowers), bears,  etc.  The theme should be cheerful and bright, and create a warm feeling. Have children plan their artwork out on paper first. We encourage teachers to preview children’s ideas prior to drawing on the fabric.   It's best to stay away from cartoon characters or holidays.

 ·   Adirondack animals and teddy bear templates are possible ideas for the artwork. When using pictures, place them under the muslin and trace the figure on the fabric.  The templates are suggested only as possibilities; creative artwork is always encouraged!  

 ·   Children may wish to write their first names only and ages on the blocks.  If they're writing names on, lettering must be 1/4" in- away from the edge of the fabric, or it will be sewn inside the seam.  

Assembling Quilt

 These directions are not specific; the individuality of the quilters should be the focus.

      ·    Quilt size: approximately 48" x 63"

 ·     Cutting directions:

·       Cut Muslin into 12 1/2" squares

·        Cut sashing fabric:   Cut 3 strips @ 3 1/2".  From these strips, cut:

o       8 pieces @ 3 1/2" x 12 1/2"- these will be the vertical sashes.

o       3 strips @ 3 1/2" for the horizontal sashes

o       6 strips @ 3 1/2" for the borders -these will be pieced together to make the sides, top & bottom borders.

     If crayons were used for blocks, place block face down on the ironing board.  

Protect your surface with layers of paper towels; using a hot iron, press the wrong side of the fabric.  The paper towels will absorb the wax.   

Assembly:  for each row, sew 3 of the blocks together with a sash piece between each block.   Put the 4 rows together with a horizontal sash between each row.   Add side borders, then top & bottom.

 Lay finished quilt top on the blanket back.    Cut the blanket around the top, leaving ~ 1" of blanket all around.   Fold the blanket edging over onto the quilt top & hand stitch or machine zig zag.   This will eliminate the need for batting, backing & binding.   Of course, you may choose to finish your quilt in any way you'd like- this is just a quick method of finishing.