Quilting brings joy in how it allows us to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that brighten our homes. The Fan Flower Quilt offers just that, blending vintage charm with a touch of modern vibrance.
Designed with bold floral blocks and delicate leaf patterns, this quilt is a delightful project for quilters who love color and playful shapes. Using the Dresden wedge technique, turned-edge appliqué, and a unique half-rectangle triangle method, this quilt combines simple construction with a stunning finish. Whether you choose the blue/coral or pink/green colorway, each block comes together to form an eye-catching piece.
Blooming with Style: A Dive into the Fan Flower Quilt Design
The Fan Flower Quilt takes inspiration from nature, incorporating large floral motifs and leaves into an artful patchwork layout. The flowers, created with the Dresden wedge technique, have petals radiating in bold blues, corals, and greens that mimic the look of blooming fan-shaped flowers.
The half-rectangle triangle leaves add contrast, echoing the theme of nature. This design is approachable yet visually captivating, ideal for making a statement in any room.
Choosing Between Two Colorways: Blue/Coral vs. Pink/Green
Selecting the right color palette can transform the feel of a quilt. The blue/coral colorway exudes a vibrant, high-contrast look, perfect for a more modern aesthetic. Alternatively, the pink/green version softens the design, adding a gentle, vintage appeal ideal for a cozy bedroom or living area. Whichever colorway you choose, the result will be a quilt that celebrates the beauty of flowers with dynamic contrasts and harmonious tones.
Materials for the Fan Flower Quilt (Blue/Coral Colorway)
The following materials are specific to the blue/coral colorway. Refer to the pink/green materials list for alternative colors if you are opting for that version.
- Fabric 1: 1 yard (1 meter) – Solid lilac
- Fabric 2: 1 yard (1 meter) – Solid night blue
- Fabric 3: 1 yard (1 meter) – Solid salmon
- Fabric 4: 1⅛ yards (1.2 meters) – Pen Stripe grey
- Fabric 5-28: Various prints and solids in shades of coral, teal, blue, and lilac (¼ to ⅜ yard each, see detailed list)
- Backing fabric: 3⅝ yards (3.3 meters)
- Wadding (batting): 64 inches x 79 inches (163 cm x 200 cm)
- Binding fabric: ½ yard (50 cm) – Solid lime green
- Tools: Quilter’s ruler, rotary cutter, mat, erasable marker, and thick card for templates
- Thread: Piecing and quilting threads in matching colors
Note: For fabrics that require only a small quantity, you may substitute fat quarters measuring approximately 21 inches x 18 inches.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Fan Flower Quilt
Step 1: Cutting and Preparing Templates
- Create the Templates: Using thick card, trace and cut out templates for the petal, large circle, and small circle appliqué shapes. Set these aside for use in creating the flower blocks.
- Cutting the Fabrics: Begin by cutting all necessary fabric pieces for the Flower and Leaf blocks, referring to Figures A–F for colorway guidance.
Step 2: Fan Flower Quilt Assembling Flower Blocks
- Cut Petal Shapes: From 7¼-inch strips of petal fabric, trace and cut petal shapes using your petal template. Arrange the petals for each Flower block according to Fig. D’s layout.
- Sew Petal Seams: Fold each petal in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the top, trim the tip, turn right-side out, and press to form a crisp petal point. Repeat for all petals.
- Join Petals: Place petals side by side and stitch together in a fan layout, pressing seams open as you go.
- Prepare Background Fabric: Center the petal fan on the larger background piece, aligning it with the crease mark. Attach with a small seam at the bottom, layering a smaller strip to complete the base of the flower.
- Add Appliqué Center: Trace and cut the circle for the flower’s center using the large circle template. Create a gathered circle by stitching around the edge and placing the small card circle in the center. Pull threads to gather, remove the card, and sew the circle to the petal fan center with slip stitches.
Step 3: Fan Flower Quilt Assembling Leaf Blocks
- Create Half-Rectangle Triangle (HRT) Units: Pair 5½-inch x 2½-inch background rectangles with contrasting print rectangles. Mark and sew along the diagonal to form HRT units. Assemble and press each unit as shown in Fig. M.
- Arrange Leaf Block Components: Lay out each HRT unit in the leaf pattern, following the layout in Fig. E and Fig. N for guidance. Sew the pieces together to form columns, then join columns.
- Add Stem Appliqué: For the stem, fold the edges of a fabric strip inward and press, then sew down the center of the leaf block.
Step 4: Quilt Assembly
- Assemble Rows: Arrange completed Flower and Leaf blocks with sashing strips (3½ inches x 10½ inches), alternating as shown in Fig. O.
- Sew Rows Together: Sew each row, alternating the pressing direction for a smooth finish. Join rows to complete the quilt top layout.
Step 5: Adding Borders, Quilting, and Binding
- Quilt Sandwich: Layer your quilt top, batting, and backing, securing them together with pins, tacking, or fabric glue.
- Quilting: Quilt as desired, following the pattern of your choice.
- Binding: Use the binding strips cut from Fabric 1. Attach and fold the binding around the edges, creating mitered corners and slip-stitching to finish.
Additional Tips for a Perfect Finish
- Petal Precision: For crisp petals, take time to press each seam open carefully, using a tool to form a sharp point.
- Consistent HRTs: Ensure each HRT unit is accurately marked and aligned to achieve a clean, uniform look across all leaf blocks.
- Binding Technique: For a polished look, press and pin the binding carefully before stitching, and make sure each mitered corner is aligned.
The Fan Flower Quilt is a vibrant, cheerful project that combines simple techniques with a playful design, making it a joy to create. Whether you choose the bold blue/coral or the soft pink/green version, this quilt will brighten your space with its timeless floral design.
Embrace each petal, each leaf, and every stitch, knowing that the finished quilt is a unique piece of artistry filled with love and joy. Enjoy the journey, and take pride in every flower and leaf that blooms from your efforts!