Hearts A-Flutter Baby Quilt

Hearts A-Flutter Baby Quilt is a great pattern to adapt to precuts. The appliqued hearts are cut from 5-inch squares (charms); the strip-pieced alternate rows could be made with 2 1/2-inch strips (Jelly Rolls, Bali Pops, Color Story packs); and the first border could also be cut from 2 1/2-inch strips. So now all you have to do is the white background for the blocks and the outer border. Wow! Just think of all the other possibilities that are waiting for you.

Design by Ruth Swasey

This cute little quilt uses reproduction children's prints copied from those popular in the 1930s.

Project Specifications

Skill Level: Beginner
Quilt Size: 49" x 59"
Block Size: 5" x 5"
Number of Blocks: 36

Supplies

Batting 55" x 65"
Cream all-purpose thread
Quilting thread
1 3/4 yards 12"-wide fusible web
1 7/8 yards fabric stabilizer
Basic sewing tools and supplies

Fabric	#Strips & Pieces	Cut	#Pieces	Subcut
Measurements based on 42" usable fabric width.	#Strips & Pieces	Cut	#Pieces	Subcut
Assorted scraps 1930s reproduction prints	48	5" squares for heart applique
	69	2 1/2" x 5 1/2" B rectangles
	86	2 1/2" C squares 2 1/4" strips to total 260" for binding
1 7/8 yards white print	6	5 1/2" x 42"	36	5 1/2" A squares
1 7/8 yards white print	5	5 1/2" x 42" D
Backing		55" x 65"

Completing the Blocks

Step 1. Make template from pattern given and trace 48 heart shapes onto the paper side of the fusible web; cut out each shape, leaving a margin around each one.

Step 2. Cut away the fusible web from the center of each heart shape leaving a 3/8" area all around as shown in Figure 1. Note: Cutting away the fusible web from the heart centers reduces the bulk and stiffness sometimes created by using fusible web.

Step 3. Fuse the heart-outline shapes onto the wrong side of the 5" scrap squares; cut out shapes around outside marked lines.

Step 4. Remove paper backing from each cut shape.

Step 5. Fold each A square in quarters and crease lightly to mark center. Center and fuse one heart shape to each A square; set aside the remaining 12 heart shapes for quilt borders.

Step 6. Cut (48) 5" squares fabric stabilizer; set aside 12 squares for borders.

Step 7. Pin a stabilizer square to the wrong side of each fused A square.

Step 8. Using cream thread and a machine buttonhole stitch, machine-stitch around each heart shape to secure in place.

Step 9. Remove fabric stabilizer after stitching is complete to finish the 36 Heart blocks.

Completing the Quilt

Step 1. Join nine Heart blocks to make a vertical row referring to the Placement Diagram at the bottom of this pattern for positioning; press seams in one direction. Repeat to make four vertical block rows.

Step 2. Join 23 B rectangles on the 5 1/2" sides to make a B strip; press seams in one direction. Trim the strip to 45 1/2". Repeat to make three B strips. Note: You may trim an equal amount off both ends of each strip or all on one end as in the sample quilt.

Step 3. Join 23 C squares to make a C strip; trim the strip to 45 1/2". Repeat to make two C strips.

Step 4. Join the C strips with the block strips and the B strips referring to Figure 2; press seams toward the B and C strips.

Step 5. Join 20 C squares to make the top strip; press seams in one direction. Trim strip to 39 1/2"; repeat to make the bottom strip.

Step 6. Sew the C strips to the top and the bottom of the pieced center; press seams toward C strips.

Step 7. Join the D strips with right sides together on short ends to make one long strip; press seams open. Subcut strip into four 49 1/2" D strips.

Step 8. Sew a D strip to opposite long sides and one to the top and bottom of the pieced center; press seams toward D strips.

Step 9. Arrange and fuse one heart shape in each corner and one at each end of each D strip as shown in Figure 3; pin a stabilizer square behind each shape and machine-stitch in place as for blocks to complete the pieced top. Remove stabilizer.

Step 10. Finish the quilt using your favorite method.