Riley Blake Tea Time - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Tea Time Quilt Pattern Summary

Project Overview

The Riley Blake Tea Time is an intermediate-level downloadable PDF quilting pattern designed by The RBD Designers. This finished quilt measures 34 inches by 34 inches, making it an ideal size for a wall hanging, lap quilt, or decorative throw. The pattern combines piecing techniques with a structured layout to create a visually appealing finished project suitable for quilters with basic quilting knowledge and experience.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a complete quilt consisting of a pieced center block assembly and coordinating borders. The quilt is constructed from a grid of individual blocks arranged in a 6-by-6 layout, surrounded by multiple border strips that frame the center design. The finished project is a square quilt measuring 34 inches on all sides.

Quilting Techniques Used

The Riley Blake Tea Time pattern employs several fundamental quilting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern requires understanding of Half Square Triangle placement and assembly, which are essential piecing units in quilting. Quilters will practice sewing blocks together in rows, then joining rows to complete the quilt center. The pattern also incorporates border construction, including measuring through the center of the quilt before cutting border pieces—a critical technique for ensuring square, flat quilts. Sewers must understand seam allowance variations and may need to join border strips end-to-end to achieve the required lengths.

Block Construction and Layout

The quilt center is assembled from individual blocks with a finished size of 4 inches by 4 inches. These blocks are arranged in 6 rows containing 6 blocks each, creating a 24-inch-by-24-inch quilt center before borders are added. The pattern includes a quilt photo reference for accurate Half Square Triangle placement within each block. All measurements provided include a standard ¼-inch seam allowance.

Border Assembly

The pattern features a two-part border system. Border 1 consists of side borders measuring 24½ inches in length, with top and bottom borders measuring 34½ inches. Side borders are sewn first, followed by top and bottom borders. Border strips may be sewn together end-to-end if necessary to achieve the required lengths. Accurate measurement through the quilt center before cutting border pieces is essential for achieving proper fit and a square finished quilt.

Materials and Fabric Requirements

The Riley Blake Tea Time pattern is designed to coordinate with the British Invasion 5-inch Stacker (product number 5-3840-18) from Riley Blake Designs, which provides pre-cut 5-inch fabric squares. The pattern requires a minimum of 5/8 yard (60 centimeters) of additional fabric for borders and finishing. Quilters should verify all fabric requirements and check the Riley Blake Designs website for any pattern revisions before beginning their project.

Skill Level and Pattern Notes

This pattern is designated as intermediate difficulty and requires basic knowledge of quilting techniques and terminology. The quilt and block diagrams shown are virtual images, and the appearance of the finished project may vary depending on the actual fabric used. Quilters should have experience with rotary cutting, piecing, and pressing before beginning this project.