Moda Fabrics Courtyard Quilt - Downloadable PDF

Moda Fabrics Courtyard Quilt

Project Overview

The Moda Fabrics Courtyard Quilt is an intermediate-level quilting project that produces a finished quilt measuring 67½" x 72½". This downloadable PDF pattern from Moda Fabrics combines classic star blocks with flying geese units to create a dynamic, traditional quilt design suitable for quilters with some experience in piecing and pressing techniques.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a complete quilt top featuring star blocks as the primary design element, complemented by flying geese units that add visual movement and interest to the composition. The quilt's finished dimensions of 67½" x 72½" make it an ideal size for a lap quilt or small throw blanket.

Quilting Techniques Used

• Strip Piecing: The pattern utilizes width-of-fabric strips cut to specific measurements (2½", 3", 4½", and 5½") that are sewn together into strip sets, then cut at angles and straight lines to create individual units.
• Angled Cutting: A 45-degree angle cut is used to create segments from the star strip sets, requiring precision with a quilting ruler and rotary cutter.
• Quarter-Inch Seams: All construction uses ¼" seams, the standard for quilting, ensuring accurate block assembly and proper finished sizes.
• Directional Pressing: The pattern includes specific pressing direction arrows to reduce bulk at seams and ensure proper block construction.
• Square Cutting: Background pieces are cut into 20" squares from width-of-fabric strips, providing the foundation for the quilt's overall design.

Stitches and Construction Methods

This quilt relies on fundamental quilting seams rather than decorative stitching. The primary construction method involves straight seams sewn at ¼" width using a standard sewing machine. Pieces are joined in logical sequences: star centers are combined with middle and outside strips to form star units, which are then cut into segments. Flying geese units are created from 5½" x 3" and 3" x 1¾" pieces cut from the prepared strips. All seams are pressed in the direction indicated by arrows in the pattern to maintain accuracy throughout assembly.

Materials and Fabric Requirements

The Courtyard Quilt pattern calls for Moda Fabrics yardage, with specific cutting requirements from 1-yard cuts that yield multiple strip widths. Quilters will need to cut 2½" x width of fabric strips for star construction, 5½" x width of fabric strips for flying geese units, 4½" x width of fabric strips for additional star components, 3" x width of fabric strips for smaller pieced elements, and 20" x width of fabric strips for background squares. The pattern specifies exact quantities for each cut size, allowing quilters to plan their fabric selection and yardage requirements precisely.

Tools Required

Successful completion of this project requires standard quilting tools including a rotary cutter, quilting ruler (with a 2½" marking for segment cutting), self-healing cutting mat, and a sewing machine capable of maintaining consistent ¼" seams. A 45-degree angle marking on the ruler is essential for the angled cuts required in the star block construction.