Riley Blake Crisscrossed Zoo - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Crisscrossed Zoo Quilt Pattern – Free Downloadable PDF

The Riley Blake Crisscrossed Zoo pattern is a free downloadable PDF quilting pattern that produces a cheerful, animal-themed quilt with a finished size of 60¾" x 76¼". Designed around a bold Plus Block construction with a finished block size of 9" x 9", this pattern is ideal for quilters who already have a basic knowledge of quilting techniques and terminology. The design makes excellent use of the Giraffe Crossing fabric collection by Riley Blake Designs, showcasing its playful prints in a structured, graphic layout.

What Is Being Made

This pattern instructs quilters in constructing a lap or throw-sized quilt measuring approximately 60¾" x 76¼". The finished quilt is built around 18 Plus Blocks, each measuring 9" x 9" when finished. The blocks are set together with sashing and framed with two borders — a narrower Border 1 and a wider outer border — to achieve the final dimensions. The overall effect is a bright, zoo-themed quilt that would be well suited for a child's bedroom or nursery.

Fabric and Materials

The pattern is designed specifically around the Giraffe Crossing fabric collection from Riley Blake Designs. The primary fabric requirement calls for a 1 Giraffe Crossing 2 Quarter Stack (FQ-6150-15), which provides a curated assortment of coordinating prints. Additional yardage requirements include:

• 1¼ yards of teal giraffes fabric (C6151 Teal)
• 1¼ yards of teal dots fabric (C6153 Teal)
• 2⅛ yards of off white solid (C120 Off White)
• ⅝ yard for binding
• 4¾ yards for backing

The fat quarter stack provides a wide variety of prints used throughout the Plus Blocks, including brown main, teal giraffes, multi diamond, cream main, teal main, brown giraffes, orange giraffes, green diamond, teal diamond, green dots, multi dots, teal dots, green stripe, multi stripe, and teal stripe prints. This variety of prints gives the finished quilt its lively, scrappy character while remaining cohesive through the shared Giraffe Crossing colorway.

As with all quilting projects, this pattern is sewn using a standard sewing machine with an appropriate quilting presser foot. A rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and self-healing cutting mat are recommended for accurate cutting. Thread in a neutral or coordinating color is used throughout.

Techniques Used

This pattern requires a basic knowledge of quilting technique and terminology as stated in the pattern itself. Key techniques employed throughout the construction process include:

• Strip cutting: Fabric is cut into strips across the width of fabric (WOF) and then sub-cut into rectangles and squares for efficient, accurate piecing.
• Unit construction: Individual Unit A components are assembled first, then combined to form the complete Plus Block — a classic quilting approach that simplifies block assembly and reduces errors.
• Sashing: Pre-cut sashing rectangles (2½" x 9½") are sewn between blocks to frame each Plus Block and add visual spacing across the quilt center.
• Bordered quilt assembly: Two rounds of borders are added after the quilt center is complete, with the pattern advising quilters to measure through the center of the quilt before cutting border strips — a best practice that ensures a flat, square finished quilt.
• Seam allowance consistency: All measurements include a standard ¼" seam allowance, and all pieces are sewn with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Stitches and Piecing Details

The construction relies entirely on straight-line machine piecing, making it accessible to