Robert Kaufman Month 1 - Downloadable PDF

Just Kisses Block of the Month – Month 1 Quilt Block Pattern by Elise Lea for Robert Kaufman

About This Pattern

This is Month 1 of the Just Kisses Block of the Month (BOM) series, a free downloadable PDF designed by Elise Lea for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. It is intended for beginner quilters and guides makers through constructing a single quilt block that measures an unfinished 16-1/2" x 16-1/2". As part of a multi-month series, this first installment focuses on piecing one complete block, with backing and binding requirements to be provided in Month 13. Quilters are encouraged to save all leftover fabric for use in that final installment.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a pieced quilt block that forms part of a larger quilt constructed over 13 months. The block features a visually dynamic design built primarily from Half-Square Triangles (HSTs) in two sizes, combined with a central square unit. The overall Just Kisses design is characteristic of classic American patchwork quilting, using geometric shapes to create a pattern with movement and color interplay across the block surface.

Techniques Used

• Half-Square Triangle (HST) construction: The primary technique in this block. Squares are cut diagonally to yield triangles, which are then paired right sides together (RST) and sewn along the long bias edge to form square units. Both large and small HSTs are made in this block.
• Diagonal cutting: Multiple fabric squares are subcut once on the diagonal to yield half-square triangles efficiently from strip-cut squares.
• Strip cutting and subcutting: Fabric is first cut into width-of-fabric (WOF) strips and then subcut into precise squares before diagonal cutting, a standard and efficient quilting cutting method.
• Pressing seams open: The pattern instructs quilters to press seam allowances open unless otherwise noted, which helps reduce bulk and keep blocks flat and accurate.
• Accurate 1/4" seam allowances: All piecing is done with a consistent 1/4" seam allowance, the standard for quilting, ensuring that all units fit together precisely.
• Trimming HST units: After sewing, HST units are trimmed to exact size to ensure accuracy before assembly.

Block Construction Overview

The block uses ten fabrics, labeled A through J, each contributing a specific role in the design. Fabrics A and J form the large HSTs, with four large A/J units assembled by pairing triangles cut from 4-7/8" squares. Fabric B contributes both a central 4-1/2" square and a significant number of small HST triangles, with fourteen 2-7/8" triangles cut from Fabric B alone. Fabrics C through I each contribute two small 2-7/8" triangles, creating color variety across the smaller HST units that surround the block's center. This combination of large and small HSTs arranged around a central square is a hallmark of intricate-looking yet approachable quilt block design.

Materials Required

• Fabric A: One fat quarter
• Fabric B: One fat quarter
• Fabric C: One fat eighth
• Fabric D: One fat eighth
• Fabric E: One fat eighth
• Fabric F: One fat eighth
• Fabric G: One fat eighth
• Fabric H: One fat eighth
• Fabric I: One fat eighth
• Fabric J: One fat quarter

All fabric yardage amounts are based on fabric that is at least 42" wide (width of fabric, or WOF). Specific fabric colorways used in the sample block shown on the pattern cover are referenced on page 6 of the PDF. Backing and binding are not included in Month 1 supply requirements and will be addressed in Month 13.