Quilting is a wonderful hobby that allows creativity and precision to come together, creating beautiful and functional pieces of art.
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the steps of making a charming Pins & Paws Cat Quilt. This project is perfect for cat lovers and quilting enthusiasts alike.
With detailed instructions, fabric cuts, and measurements, you’ll have everything you need to complete your quilt.
Materials and Fabric Requirements
Before starting your Pins & Paws Cat Quilt, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. Preparation will ensure a smooth quilting process.
You will need basic quilting supplies, including a rotary cutter, quilting ruler, cutting mat, sewing machine, thread, and iron. For this project, consider selecting fabrics in cat-themed patterns or colors that match your home décor. Use 100% cotton quilting fabric for the best results.
The quilt can be customized in size, but for this tutorial, we’ll work on a lap-size quilt, approximately 50″ x 60″. Here’s what you’ll need in terms of fabric cuts:
- Background fabric: 2 yards (for the cat block backgrounds)
- Cat fabrics: Scraps or fat quarters (8-10 different fabrics for the cat shapes)
- Sashing and border: 1 yard
- Binding: ½ yard
- Backing: 3 ½ yards
- Batting: 55″ x 65″
Cutting the Fabric
Accurate cutting is crucial for creating a neat and professional-looking quilt. Follow these fabric-cutting instructions carefully to ensure the best results.
For the background fabric, cut the following pieces:
- (24) 6 ½” x 6 ½” squares for the cat blocks.
- (12) 2” x 6 ½” strips for sashing.
- (8) 3” x 3” squares for cornerstones.
For the cat fabrics (fat quarters or scraps), cut the following for each block:
- (1) 5 ½” x 5 ½” square for the body of the cat.
- (2) 2” x 2” squares for the cat ears.
- (1) 1 ½” x 2 ½” rectangle for the cat’s head.
The sashing and border fabric will be cut into:
- (12) 2” x 12 ½” strips for sashing.
- (4) 4” x 60” strips for the outer border.
Assembling the Cat Quilt Blocks
The next step is to piece together your cat quilt blocks. This involves assembling the cat shapes that will form the focal point of your quilt.
Start by taking your 5 ½” square of cat fabric and placing it in the center. Attach the two 2” squares to the top corners of this square using the “snowball” method. Draw a diagonal line across each small square, sew along this line, and trim the excess fabric to create the cat ears.
Next, sew the 1 ½” x 2 ½” rectangle to the top of the block to represent the cat’s head. This simple assembly gives you a complete cat shape, with a large body and two triangular ears on top. Repeat this process to create as many cat blocks as you need, depending on the size of your quilt.
Each block will measure 6 ½” square once assembled. The blocks are easy to customize with different fabrics, allowing you to create a variety of cats, each with its unique personality and flair.
Sashing and Border Construction
Sashing and borders give your quilt structure and frame the design beautifully. Once you’ve completed the cat blocks, it’s time to add the sashing and border to bring everything together.
For the sashing, place a 2” x 6 ½” strip between each pair of cat blocks. Sew the blocks and sashing strips together into rows, alternating between blocks and sashing. Once you’ve sewn the rows, attach 2” x 12 ½” sashing strips between each row. This creates a clean grid that separates each cat block, giving the quilt a cohesive and organized look.
Next, prepare the border by sewing the 4” x 60” strips around the quilt’s outer edge. This wide border not only frames your cat blocks but also adds visual balance to the overall design. It’s a good opportunity to use a contrasting or complementary fabric that enhances the quilt’s colors.
Quilting the Layers Together
Now that your quilt top is complete, it’s time to quilt the layers together. This process binds the quilt top, batting, and backing, turning your fabric pieces into a finished quilt.
First, prepare the batting and backing. The backing fabric should be 3-4 inches larger than your quilt top on all sides to account for shifting during quilting. Sandwich the quilt top, batting, and backing together and secure with quilting pins or temporary spray adhesive.
When it comes to quilting patterns, there are many options to choose from. For the Pins & Paws Cat Quilt, you might want to use a simple grid or straight-line quilting to keep the focus on the cat blocks. Alternatively, free-motion quilting with loops or paw-print designs can add an extra level of charm. Quilt as desired, starting from the center and working your way outward to avoid puckering.
Binding and Finishing
Binding is the final step in finishing your Pins & Paws Cat Quilt. The binding creates a clean edge around the quilt, securing all the layers and giving it a polished appearance.
Cut your binding fabric into 2 ½” wide strips. You’ll need enough strips to go around the perimeter of your quilt (approximately 240 inches). Join the strips together end-to-end using diagonal seams, then fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.
Sew the binding to the quilt’s front, aligning the raw edges, and mitering the corners for a neat finish. Fold the binding over to the back and hand stitch it down for a clean, invisible finish. After binding, give your quilt a final press and admire your work!
A Unique and Personal Quilt
The Pins & Paws Cat Quilt is a fun, engaging project for anyone who loves quilting and cats. With its simple construction and endless fabric possibilities, this quilt is a great way to add a personal touch to your home or create a heartfelt gift for a fellow cat lover.
By following the detailed steps in this tutorial, including cutting, assembling, quilting, and binding, you’ll be able to create a quilt that’s not only beautiful but also full of personality. Whether you’re new to quilting or an experienced quilter, this pattern offers a great opportunity to improve your skills and enjoy the process of creating a one-of-a-kind quilt.
