Finally got around to writing this quilt pattern. This has been a vision of mine for over a year – just sitting in my Electric Quilt 8 collection dust. Well, I’m happy to say it’s ready. This free Sailboat Quilt Pattern was designed for Baby Lock and you can find the free project on their website HERE.
When I tell you that this quilt goes together super fast, believe me. You can finish this cutey in a weekend (or less). I went back and forth on color choices. Here’s my blue fabric — really more of a teal.
The background is a confetti design in various colors.
There is no complicated cutting of pieces involved with this pattern. This is all you need.
The pattern uses the two-at-a-time half square triangle method. To make them, put two squares right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of background.
Using your Baby Lock 1/4″ quilting foot – stitch 1/4″ from both sides of the drawn line.
Cut on the drawn line, open and press two half square triangles.
You’ll also be making some 16-patch blocks. I show you how to make them using strip sets, then sewing the rows together.
How fun are these? I feel like making a quilt of nothing but 16-patch blocks in scrappy colors!
Tip: Make sure to press your fabric to the dark side. That will ensure all of your seams nest properly.
Once you have your quilt top done, it’s time to decide on a quilting pattern. This was the perfect opportunity for me to install the ruler base onto my Baby Lock Gallant XL for some ruler quilting. The ruler base acts as a shelf for you to hold your ruler flat while quilting. It was very easy to install – just 4 screws.
Can’t forget the ruler foot attachment. Baby Lock has a Ruler and Echo Quilting Foot Set. The ruler foot is thicker and taller than an open toe foot. When a ruler is pressed against the foot, it keeps the needle a safe distance away from the ruler.
Once I loaded my quilt onto the Villa 2 Frame, I was ready to start quilting. I went with a crosshatch design in the 16 patch blocks, and alternating straight lines and ribbon candy in the borders.
I thought it would also be fun to add straight line quilting in the sails. In this photo, you can see where I drew some guidelines using an air/water soluble pen. There is no shame in drawing helpful guidelines on any quilt.
I must say I think ruler work is a little easier to do on the longarm. Now I need to make another quilt to do more ruler work! Here’s the finished product – 40″ x 40″. Get the free pattern HERE.
This quilt was pieced using my Baby Lock Lyric and quilted using my Baby Lock Gallant XL.
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