Simple Squares & Bars

Inspired by "Zen" from designer Amy Walsh of Blue Underground Studios

Quiltmaker: Jill Abeloe Mead

• 7/8 yard each of solid rust and solid fuchsia (blocks, setting rectangles)
• 5/8 yard each of solid olive green, solid periwinkle, solid plum, solid yellow, solid orange, and solid navy blue (blocks, setting rectangles)
• 5/8 yard binding fabric)
• 3-5/8 yards backing fabric)
• 65x77" batting

Finished quilt: 59x70-1/2"

Finished block: 6-1/2x10"

Quantities are for 44/45"-wide, 100% cotton fabrics.

Measurements include 1/4" seam allowances. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Cut pieces in the following order.

From each of solid rust and solid fuchsia, cut:

• 3--7x10-1/2" setting rectangles
• 12--3x10-1/2" rectangles
• 12--2x2-1/2" rectangles
• 12--2x1-1/4" rectangles

From each solid in olive green, periwinkle, plum, and orange, cut:

• 4--7x10-1/2" setting rectangles
• 6--3x10-1/2" rectangles
• 6--2x2-1/2" rectangles
• 6--2x1-1/4" rectangles

From solid yellow, cut:

• 4--7x10-1/2" setting rectangles
• 8--3x10-1/2" rectangles
• 8--2x2-1/2" rectangles
• 8--2x1-1/4" rectangles

From solid navy blue, cut:

• 5--7x10-1/2" setting rectangles
• 8--3x10-1/2" rectangles
• 8--2x2-1/2" rectangles
• 8--2x1-1/4" rectangles

From scraps of assorted solids, cut:

• 96--2" squares (32 sets of 3 matching squares)

From binding fabric, cut:

• 7--2-1/2x42" binding strips

These instructions result in one block. Repeat assembly instructions to make 32 blocks total: six each of rust and fuchsia; four each of navy blue and yellow; and three each of olive green, periwinkle, plum, and orange.

1. For each block you will need a set of two 3x10-1/2" rectangles, two 2x2-1/2" rectangles, and two 2x1-1/4" rectangles from one solid and a set of three 2" squares from another solid.

2. Referring to Diagram 1, sew together solid 2x2-1/2" and 2x1-1/4" rectangles and solid contrasting squares to make a pieced row. Press seams in one direction. The pieced row should be 2x10-1/2" including seam allowances.

3. Referring to Diagram 2, add solid 3x10-1/2" rectangles to long edges of pieced row to make a block. Press seams away from pieced row. The block should be 7x10-1/2" including seam allowances.

1. Referring to photo, lay out blocks and solid 7x10-1/2" setting rectangles in seven horizontal rows, alternating blocks and setting rectangles.

2. Sew together pieces in each row. Press seams toward setting rectangles.

3. Join rows to complete quilt top; press seams in one direction.

1. Layer quilt top, batting, and backing; baste. Quilt as desired.

2. Bind with desired binding strips.