9-patch with alternating solid squares.

The corners and center of the 9-patch could be colored with alternating white squares, or flip it. White corners and center of the 9-patch with alternating colored squares. One gives you a "chain" of color, the other a "chain" of white.

Pretty quick and easy. Machine quilt diagonally through the chain. Done.

Did the white chain for my younger daughter. Turned out super-cute. It's scrappy, too.

I highly recommend the DISAPPEARING NINE PATCH! I was inspired by Izy's:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/11026.page

and used the tutorial on DJ's post (page 2):

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/10965.page

and here's the one I made, it only took a week (evenings only) and was a big hit:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/30/11281.page

easy, quick, looks more complex than it is. I used charm squares (Amy Butler) which made it super quick to put together, then added a matching border and satin ribbon before binding it.

All of these are great! The 9 Patch, solid square is one I've made before. And since I made that one for a friend of this lady's, I wanted something different. And I love the disappearing 9 Patch too. Since my DH has already quoted this lady a price (he works with her) I don't want a lot of sewing. the less the better! LOL
Linda

This post has so many great ideas that I just bookmarked it!!!

How about "Sweet Baby"? My guild has used this pattern for charity quilts because it is quick, easy and turns out nice. You can find the pattern on the www.freequiltpattern.com website. Basically, all you do is make 9 big blocks, alternating 9 patch blocks with snowball blocks. You'll use four snowball and five 9 patch blocks. If you are working with a specific theme, such as Winnie the Pooh, Noah's Ark, etc., you could fussy cut large prints for the center of the snowball blocks. Have fun, Nita

When I need a fast baby quilt I do a rag time. I can do it it a weekend and don't have to worry about quilting. They are always loved when I give them.

I keep a collection of flannel on hand. I do the girls in pastels unless I know there is a nursery theme I can coordinate with. I like to do the boys in primary colors.

If I am in a super hurry I do all 9 inch blocks. If I have time I might do a 9 inch block alternated with a 4 patch.

Hope this helps :-)

My personal favorite for a quick quilt is Warm Wishes.

http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/patt4/

It doesn't look like much in the fabrics they show but with a pretty focus fabric for the squares and three coordinating fabrics it makes a really cute and fast quilt.

I was going to say disappering 9 also. What a wonderful example of one!
I just got this one in my inbox this morning and it looks like a keeper with larger blocks!
http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projec...ail=1614418806

whew! I hope that link makes it easier...so glad there's cut and paste.

I love the simpleness of warm wishes
Jan

Even faster, use one of the 'cheater' fabrics, back it with fleece and quilt on the cheater fabric's block lines.