Cuddle Bug Quilt

Materials:

1/4 yard each of nine assorted fabrics (cotton, flannel, chenille, pique, minky, minky dot decorator weight, etc.)
sewing notions

Preliminary Steps:

1. Prewash and machine dry all fabrics before sewing and cutting. Warning: If you cut and sew the fabrics before washing they will shrink into a lumpy mess.
2. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance for these textured fabrics, and they will be easier to sew with using a larger seam allowance.

1. Cut fabrics into 6-inch squares (figure A). To make a 35" x 45" crib-size Cuddle Bug quilt you will need 63 squares. Note: You'll probably end up with more squares from one fabric to the next.

2. Lay out the cut squares either on the floor or on a design wall and arrange them in a pleasing pattern, with seven squares in each of nine rows. You want a random look consisting of a good mix of all your fabrics (figure B).

4. When the row is completed, gently press the seams open. When pressing, be careful not to stretch or pull the fabrics.

6. When the quilt top is all sewn together, you are ready to sandwich the quilt.

7. For the back of your quilt you will need a piece of fabric approximately 40" x 50".

8. Lay the backing right side down on a large flat surface, preferably a table. (It's easier on your back, unless you especially like crawling around on the floor.) Tape the backing fabric down, pulling it slightly taut, to make sure there are no wrinkles. Place a 40" x 50" (or slightly smaller) piece of polyester batting on top of the backing fabric. Tip: Polyester batting works better than cotton when using a wide variety of fabric types. Smooth the batting out and center it on the backing fabric. Center and lay the finished quilt top right side up on the batting. Secure the three layers together with a safety pin in the center of each square. Start in the center of the quilt and work your way out to the edges, keeping everything smooth and wrinkle-free as you secure the layers together.