Riley Blake In Nature - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake In Nature Quilt Pattern by Marin Sutton – Free Downloadable PDF

The Riley Blake In Nature quilt pattern, designed by Marin Sutton and available as a free downloadable PDF, produces a cheerful, nature-inspired quilt with a finished size of 49½" x 56½". This beginner-friendly project is built around a single repeating block design called the Good Natured Block, which finishes at 9½" x 9½". The pattern requires a basic knowledge of quilting technique and terminology, making it an excellent choice for quilters who are comfortable with fundamental piecing skills and ready to create a full-sized quilt with a structured, graphic layout.

The Good Natured Block

The heart of this quilt is the Good Natured Block, a simple yet striking pieced block constructed from rectangles in two distinct fabric types: assorted prints from a 10-inch stacker and a solid snow white shade. The block is assembled in two stages:

• Unit A is formed by sewing an assorted print 3" x 4" rectangle to each side of a snow white shade 4" x 5" rectangle, creating a horizontal strip unit with a bright white center flanked by patterned fabric.
• The Good Natured Block is then completed by sewing an assorted print 3½" x 10" rectangle to both the top and bottom of Unit A, enclosing the center unit within coordinating print strips.

The pattern instructs quilters to repeat this process to make 15 Good Natured Blocks in total. Because the assorted prints are drawn from a 10-inch stacker, each block naturally features a different fabric combination, giving the finished quilt a lively, scrappy character while maintaining a cohesive overall structure.

Quilt Center Assembly and Sashing

Once all 15 blocks are pieced, they are arranged and sewn into three columns of five blocks each. The columns are then joined together with lemon shade sashing rectangles — four strips cut at 3½" x 48" — running vertically between and alongside the columns to create the quilt center. This sashing strategy frames each column cleanly and introduces a warm, sunny yellow tone that contrasts beautifully with the nature-themed prints and crisp white accents.

An important note from the pattern: seam allowances can vary, so quilters are advised to measure through the center of the quilt before cutting the sashing and border pieces to ensure accurate fit.

Borders

The quilt center is finished with a border cut from the multi dandelion fabric. Five strips at 5" x width of fabric (WOF) are cut and joined end to end as needed to achieve the required length. Side borders are applied first, followed by the top and bottom borders, a standard quilting approach that ensures clean, squared corners. The bold multi dandelion print in the border ties the nature theme together and frames the entire composition with color and pattern.

Techniques Used

• Rectangle piecing – all blocks and sashing are constructed entirely from rectangles, making this an approachable project with no curved seams or complex shapes
• Strip piecing and unit assembly – blocks are built in logical sub-units (Unit A, then the full block) for efficient and accurate construction
• Column assembly – blocks are joined into vertical columns before the columns are sewn together, a common and manageable quilt construction method
• Sashing – vertical sashing strips separate and define the block columns, adding visual structure and breathing room to the design
• Borders – a single outer border frames the quilt center, with strips joined end to end to achieve the necessary length
• Binding – the pattern includes a binding requirement, completing the quilt with a traditional finished edge

Stitches and Sewing Details

• All piecing is done with a standard ¼" seam allowance, the quilting industry standard for precise block sizing
• All seams are sewn with right sides together unless otherwise noted
• Straight-stitch sewing throughout — no specialty stitches are required

Materials and Fabric