Riley Blake Squirrels - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Squirrels Quilt Pattern by Dodi Lee Poulsen – Detailed Summary

The Riley Blake Squirrels pattern, designed by Dodi Lee Poulsen and published by Riley Blake Designs, is a free downloadable PDF quilting pattern that produces a charming, nature-inspired quilt measuring a finished 55" x 61". This is classified as an advanced quilting project, making it best suited for experienced quilters who are comfortable with precise piecing, sashing construction, and multi-block layout planning. The pattern is delivered as a downloadable PDF, so quilters can access and print it immediately after download.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pieced quilt featuring a squirrel-themed design built from multiple distinct blocks, each with a finished size of 5" x 5". The overall quilt top is assembled using a combination of pieced blocks and sashing strips, resulting in a structured, grid-based layout with a whimsical woodland aesthetic. The quilt's relatively compact finished dimensions of 55" x 61" make it suitable as a lap quilt or a decorative throw.

Block Design and Layout

The pattern includes at least one block type explicitly described as a Chain Block, which is constructed from small pieced units. Each block in the quilt is noted to be different, meaning the fabric placement and color arrangement vary from block to block, requiring careful reference to the quilt photo during assembly. This block-by-block variation adds visual interest and complexity, which is part of why the pattern carries an advanced difficulty rating.

The quilt layout incorporates sashing strips between blocks, which are cut from the Riley White Solid fabric. Sashing is a classic quilting technique used to visually separate individual blocks, giving each design element its own defined space within the overall quilt top. The use of consistent white sashing throughout helps unify the varied block designs and creates a clean, cohesive look.

Techniques Used

• Precision piecing: All measurements include a ¼" seam allowance, and all seams are sewn with right sides together — standard requirements for accurate quilt block construction.
• Strip cutting and sub-cutting: Fabric is cut into strips of specific widths across the width of fabric (WOF), then sub-cut into smaller rectangles and squares. For example, the Riley White Solid is cut into multiple 1½" x WOF strips, which are then sub-cut into 1½" x 3½" rectangles, 1½" x 5½" sashing rectangles, and 5½" x 5½" squares.
• Sashing construction: The pattern uses 127 rectangles measuring 1½" x 5½" cut from the Riley White Solid specifically for sashing, indicating a detailed and methodical assembly process where sashing is integrated throughout the quilt top.
• Multi-block quilt assembly: Because each block is described as different, quilters must follow the quilt photo carefully for fabric placement, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail during layout and assembly.
• Chain block piecing: The Chain Block construction involves sewing small 1½" print squares together in a specific sequence, a technique that requires consistent seam allowances and careful pressing to maintain block accuracy.

Stitches and Sewing Methods

• Straight stitch piecing: As with all traditional quilting patterns, the primary stitch used throughout is a straight machine stitch, sewn at a consistent ¼" seam allowance.
• Right-sides-together construction: All units are sewn with right sides facing each other unless the pattern specifically states otherwise, which is the standard method for producing clean, finished seams in quilt blocks.

Materials Referenced

Fabric

• Enchanted Fat Quarter Bundle (FQ-5680-18) by Riley Blake Designs — this bundle provides the variety of print fabrics used across the different blocks, contributing to the quilt's varied and colorful block-by-block appearance.
• Riley Blake Navy Main (C5680 Navy) — 1¼ yards (1.15 m) of this solid navy fabric is