Big Squares for Small Quilt?
 

I have 5 fat quarters of pretty ‘Mermaid’ fabric (all different).

I was going to cut it up into 5 inch squares to make a small charity quilt but it seems a shame to cut the fabric up.

I’m thinking of cutting 2 large squares or rectangles and one ‘thin’ rectangle from each fat quarter. They would go together to make a very basic design but would it look odd to have big blocks in a small quilt?

It would be the same as if you used "panels"..To answer your question, imo, it would be a pretty quilt top..Donna

I like your idea to use the FQs. It will make a fun quilt. I don't like cutting prints where the design is lost. Please show us what you com up with for the quilt.

Found this free pattern last week and thought of your question. It's probably larger than you want to make, but eliminating the outer border it would measure 45 x 55. Taking off both the outer border and tan border takes it to 41 x 51. Share when you get it finished:)

https://www.equilter.com/pattern/985...20180823194011

As long as you're cutting large pieces, you can lay them out together and if you don't like them, you still have the option of cutting them into smaller pieces. Can't go the other direction if you cut into small pieces.

I am enjoying the Simplish pattern for largish sized prints,

Oksewglad shared some donation quilts and I instantly saw potential for using some of my larger prints. Here's the picture that inspired me:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/quilti...ml#post8247863

Here's a link to the project and youtube:
https://www.shabbyfabrics.com/Assets...orDownload.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K76_K7ZcvI

I'm finishing up one based on this for donation now, have one last segment of handbinding I'll finish off at small group tomorrow. Has jungle cat prints and jungle plants with animal print sashing and flannel back. Here's an in-progress shot before the final borders were on. Hubby is gone with the camera today so no pictures today.

Found this on Pinterest - it uses 7 fat quarters but I think I could use this idea with 5.

http://www.abrightcorner.com/2017/01...al-reboot.html

Great quilt idea

Is there a repeat in the design and how big is the repeat? Could you cut squares to accommodate it so that all squares look more or less the same?

The fabrics are from a pack that I bought in Aldi last week - the pattern designs are quite small.

I was just looking for something quick and easy. I will be seeing my Project Linus coordinator soon and wanted to have this quilt made to give to her.

I try to buy fabric, make a quilt and donate and although I like the fabrics I’m just not inspired to do anything with them. Perhaps they’re just going to have to sit on a shelf for a while...

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I can't wait to see how you decide to put it together. So many ideas already.

Moira, to my eye, that collection doesn't go together. Maybe it's just the lighting or my screen, but I see two different quilts because of the colorways--a purple one and a turquoise one. (Normally I love these colors together, but the fabrics you have are busy.) The white print would work better, IMO, with the turquoise, but better as a backing.

If it were me wanting to do a quick and easy donation quilt, I would choose one of the colorways and find a solid or tonal. For the turquoise, a coral blender. For the purple, white. I'd make a strip quilt with alternating squares, like so:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/2313117...t-baby-blanket

Ideally you could make two of the same if you cut them simulataneosly and have enough fabric.

You can use any size square you want - it is your quilt, your choice! Especially if it is a bigger pattern, you may not want to cut it up in small squares. A suggestion for fat quarters - being 18 x 22, how about 9 x 11. It would be easy on the eyes because it is a size we are used to (being about the size of notebook paper) and would give you 10 pieces. This is a nice number to either use as is or to sash. Please be sure to post whatever you decide to make.

Thank you everyone - your input is really appreciated.

I like the suggestions you’ve made - so I still don’t know what I’m going to do with this fabric. It might have to sit on a shelf for while until I decided on its fate.

I think part of the problem is I bought some gorgeous Christmas fabrics this week and my fingers are just itching to play with that - I’m sure you understand my predicament!

Wow - that is a beautiful quilt!

I actually made a couple of very simple quilts where I used large blocks in order to feature the main fabric's print. Each finished square measured 8 inches so the quilts were very quick and easy to make (less than 1 day of cutting and piecing). Just another idea. . . .

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look at BQ patterns at mapleislandsquilts.com too. large squares with two strips i think on sides.

I did something similar for a twin quilt that my guild was requesting for intellectually-disabled adults. They live in a nursing home and have the mental maturity of preschoolers. The nursing home asked for cartoon characters.

I cut the Tweety Bird fabric in large blocks. It looked rather plain when I was finished so I raw-edge appliqued a large Tweety Bird near the top to add interest. Maybe you could do the same with the mermaid sillouettes on your fabric.

Love your quilt - I’m getting some many great ideas here.

Just saw thru Pinterest a post of ideas called "five fat quarter fun" from Jedi craft girl. (Sorry no link because I'm on my phone and it was thru Pinterest.) Do search and see if there is anything there that makes your skirt fly up.