Quilt As You Go Baby Blanket Directions – Part 1

Whether you are an experienced quilter or a complete novice, you will find this Quilt As You Go Baby Blanket is a breeze to make! Although the finished blanket is a simple design, it is still lovely!

I have made many a baby quilt in my day. When I came up with this quilt as you go baby blanket design, it has been my “go to” quilt. I like it because it is fast to make, but when picking lovely fabrics, the design is interesting and, highlights the fabrics themselves over an intricate design. I like to use thin batting when making baby quilts. First, most baby quilts are used more for decoration or “security” than warmth so a “lofty” blanket is not needed. Second, when a child is old enough to actually snuggle with a blankie, having a thin batting makes it easier to carry around and does nothing to diminish a child’s affection for the blanket. Using the fusible batting removes the need to baste the batting in place, making this quilt as you go baby blanket one that can easily be made in a weekend!

This quilt has been made for grandbaby number 7. Her nursery is gray and yellow and this quilt as you go blanket will look perfect in her room. The tutorial will be presented in 2 parts. The first part is quilting the main part of the quilt. The second part will show you how to add the border and binding.

You can find Part 2 HERE.

Materials for Quilt As You Go Baby Blanket

NOTE about fabrics: I used standard 42″ wide calico fabrics and used all my strips efficiently with little waste. The measurements I am giving for fabric are the EXACT CUT amount you need for the project. If your fabric store doesn’t allow a bit extra when cutting or if you are like me and like to be on the safe side and have a bit extra, you may want to purchase more. The strips for the border and blanket stripes are all cut 3″.  The binding is cut 2.5″.

NOTE about my batting selection: I like using thin batting when making baby blankets. Not only is it easy to quilt, it is easier for a child to carry around as they get older. Because this is a quilt-as-you-go, having a one-sided fusible batting that is fused to the backing makes the project so easy!

NOTE about design: You will need a total of 25 strips of fabric 3″ x 42″ for the main part of the quilt. Below is the cutting instructions to achieve the look I created. If you wish to change the look or the number of fabrics you use, the amount my differ from the list below.

Cut from 42″ Wide Fabric As Follows:

• Backing – 45″(length) x 40″(width)
• Border – (5) 3″ strips (15″)
• Binding – (5) 2.5″ strips (12.5″)

• Color A – (11) 3″ strips (33″)
• Color B – (3) 3″ strips (9″)
• Color C – (3) 3″ strips (9″)
• Color D – (2) 3″ strips (6″)
• Color E – (2) 3″ strips (6″)
• Color F – (3) 3″ strips (9″)

Cut from SINGLE Sided Fusible Fleece (batting)

• 48″ (length) by 44″ (width)

Other Supplies

• Thread
• Rotary Cutter
• Cutting Board
• Quilter’s Ruler

Directions for Quilt As You Go Baby Blanket

Using a rotary cutter, cut out fabric as described above.

Fuse the batting to the wrong side of the backing. (NOTE: I worked on my dining room table. I placed a double folded yellow quilt on the table to protect it.) Place the batting on the quilt with the fusible side up. (Make sure you are using Single Sided Fusible Batting or you will fuse the binding to your protective quilt!) Place the backing on top of the batting so the wrong side of the backing is against the batting. The right side of the fabric will be visible. Trim away the extra batting.

Following the instructions on the batting, iron the backing to the batting. I like to start in the middle of the quilt ironing outward in all directions. Make sure all areas of the batting have been ironed. Pay special attention to the edges. NOTE: if you chose to use a none fusible batting, baste in place.

Turn the quilt so the batting is now on top of the backing. You will be sewing the strips directly to the batting, going through the backing, thus quilting as you go. Place your first strip (Color A) on a 45 degree angle in a corner. Make sure the strip overhangs the quilt by at least an inch on either side. Cut off the extra piece and save for splicing a strip later. TIP: I like to place my cutting board under my quilt to make pinning easier.

Sew this first strip to the batting/backing in the corner.

Place a strip of Color B on the quilt, making sure to overhang the sides by at least an inch. The raw edge of Color B should be touching the raw edge of Color A.

Being careful not to shift either strip, turn Color B on top of Color A so the right sides are together and pin in place going through the 2 strips, the batting and the backing.

Sew the 2 strips together using a 1/4″ seam.

Open the Color B so it is laying against the batting with the right side showing. Press in place.

Continue adding strips to create the following pattern: A – B – A – C – A – D – A – E – A – F.

When you turn the blanket over you will see that you are quilting as you go!

Eventually, the diagonal distance across the quilt will be longer than your strips and your strip will not reach the edge.

With the right sides together, sew 2 strips of the same fabric together using a 1/4″ seam. Iron the seam open. Now, treat this as a single strip and continue in the same manner.

The center strips will all need to be seamed. Use any cut away strips you might have to lengthen your strips.

When adding additional strips, stagger were the joined lines are located.

Continue in this manner until your entire quilt is covered in stripes. Sew the last strip to the batting/backing in the corner.

Turn the quilt over and cut away the extra fabric overhanging the sides.

You can find Part 2, which shows you how to add the border and the binding HERE.

See you then!