Coffee Time Quilt in Strawberry Biscuit (Tutorial)

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 Lutz for 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.
• 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