Every winter, I find myself drawn to making quilts that capture the warmth and spirit of the season. It’s something about the bright reds, cool blues, and festive patterns that makes me feel cozy and connected to the holiday cheer. This year, as I came across the “Merry & Bright” fabric collection, I knew it was perfect for creating a piece that could capture that joyful, wintry feeling.
This pattern, which I call “The Compassion Ruby Quilt,” combines traditional quilt elements with a fresh twist, balancing vibrant colors with soft neutrals that perfectly echo the tones of a winter wonderland.
Merry & Bright: A Celebration of Holiday Hues and Textures
The “Compassion Ruby Quilt” makes use of a vibrant yet soothing color palette from the “Merry & Bright” fabric collection by Art Gallery Fabrics. With a mix of rich reds, icy blues, and warm neutrals, this quilt captures both the festive spirit and calm of the winter season.
One of the most satisfying parts of making the Compassion Ruby Quilt is choosing the fabrics. From subtle prints to bold solids, each fabric contributes to the overall harmony of the piece. To achieve the best result, select fabrics with complementary tones and textures.
The combination of fabrics like “From Within Sparkler” and “Season Carols” in warm tones creates a beautiful contrast with cooler tones like “Icy Mint” and “Ice Blue.” This quilt shines when you thoughtfully play with texture and color, balancing intensity and softness for an inviting holiday piece.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Materials Needed
To complete the Compassion Ruby Quilt, you’ll need the following materials:
Fabric
- Fabric A (From Within Sparkler) – 1⅞ yards
- Fabric B (Zambia Stone) – 1⅞ yards
- Fabric C (Valley View Echo) – ½ yard
- Fabric D (Compassion Ruby) – ⅞ yard
- Fabric E (Be Merry) – 1½ yards
- Fabric F (Ice Blue) – ¼ yard
- Fabric G (Blossomed) – ¼ yard
- Fabric H (Icy Mint) – 1½ yards
- Fabric I (Doiland Gloss Sparkler) – ¼ yard
- Fabric J (Aquarium) – ¼ yard
- Fabric K (Pixie Dust Spark) – ⅜ yard (for binding)
Additional Materials
- Backing Fabric (Season Carols) – 4½ yards
- Batting – 78″ x 78″ (to allow for extra around edges)
Notions
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Quilting ruler
- Pins and basting thread
- Sewing machine with a ¼” foot attachment
- Iron and ironing board
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Compassion Ruby Quilt
With all your materials prepared, it’s time to start assembling the quilt top. Follow these steps carefully for a beautifully aligned and professional-looking quilt.
Step 1: Cutting the Fabric
Start by cutting your fabric into the required strips and shapes. For this quilt, each fabric piece is cut precisely to fit into the pattern. Here’s a breakdown:
- Fabric A (From Within Sparkler)
- Cut eighteen (18) WOF (Width of Fabric) x 3½” strips.
- Sub-cut these into thirty-six (36) strips measuring 18½” x 3½” each.
- Fabric B (Zambia Stone)
- Cut eighteen (18) WOF x 3½” strips.
- Sub-cut these into thirty-six (36) strips measuring 15½” x 3½” each.
- Fabric C (Valley View Echo)
- Cut four (4) WOF x 3½” strips.
- Fabric D (Compassion Ruby)
- Cut nine (9) WOF x 3½” strips.
- Sub-cut to create eighteen (18) pieces measuring 6½” x 3½” and eighteen (18) pieces measuring 9½” x 3½”.
- Fabric E (Be Merry)
- Cut fifteen (15) WOF x 3½” strips.
- Sub-cut into eighteen (18) pieces measuring 12½” x 3½” and eighteen (18) pieces measuring 15½” x 3½”.
- Continue cutting all fabrics as listed in the “Materials” section above, labeling them as you go.
Step 2: Constructing the Strip Sets
This quilt features two main strip sets. These sets, when assembled, will form the base of your blocks:
- Strip Set 1
- Sew two (2) WOF x 3½” strips of Fabric J to two (2) WOF x 3½” strips of Fabric C.
- Cut this sewn strip into eighteen (18) 3½” wide pieces.
- Strip Set 2
- Sew two (2) WOF x 3½” strips of Fabric G to two (2) WOF x 3½” strips of Fabric C.
- Cut this sewn strip into eighteen (18) 3½” wide pieces.
Step 3: Assembling the Blocks
Now, it’s time to build the individual blocks that make up the quilt. Work carefully, pressing seams open as you go for a neat finish.
- Block Assembly Part 1
- Take one (1) 6½” x 3½” rectangle from Fabric D and sew it to the left side of one strip set 1 piece.
- Attach a 9½” x 3½” rectangle from Fabric D to the bottom of this unit. Repeat this process to make eighteen (18) units.
- Block Assembly Part 2
- Take a 9½” x 3½” rectangle from Fabric H and sew it to the left side of one strip set 2 piece.
- Attach a 12½” x 3½” rectangle from Fabric H to the bottom of this unit. Repeat this process to make eighteen (18) units.
- Block Assembly Part 3
- Take a 12½” x 3½” rectangle from Fabric E and sew it to the left side of one part 1 unit.
- Sew a 15½” x 3½” rectangle from Fabric E to the bottom. Repeat for all eighteen (18) units.
- Block Assembly Part 4
- Attach a 15½” x 3½” rectangle from Fabric B to the left side of one part 2 unit.
- Sew a 3½” square of Fabric J to the 15½” x 3½” strip and attach it to the bottom of this unit. Repeat for eighteen (18) units.
- Final Block Assembly
- Take an 18½” x 3½” strip from Fabric A and sew it to the left side of each of the part 3 units.
- Attach a 3½” square of Fabric F to the bottom of the 18½” strip. Repeat to complete all eighteen (18) blocks.
Step 4: Arranging the Rows
With the blocks completed, you’ll arrange them in five rows:
- Row 1 – Arrange two (2) blocks.
- Row 2 – Arrange four (4) blocks.
- Row 3 – Arrange six (6) blocks.
- Row 4 – Arrange four (4) blocks.
- Row 5 – Arrange two (2) blocks.
Sew the blocks together for each row, pressing seams open. Then sew the rows together to form the quilt top.
Step 5: Trimming and Finishing the Quilt Top
- Rotate the quilt top 45° to the right.
- Trim the edges to make the top square, finishing at 73″ x 75″.
The Compassion Ruby Quilt is a project filled with holiday warmth and a touch of elegance. Completing this quilt is more than just piecing fabric; it’s about creating a meaningful, cozy addition to your home.