Riley Blake Blue Skies - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Blue Skies Quilt Pattern by Emily Hayes – Detailed Summary

The Riley Blake Blue Skies pattern, designed by Emily Hayes and available as a free downloadable PDF, is an intermediate-level quilting project that produces a stunning finished quilt measuring 68" x 86". This is a full-size throw or bed quilt that combines classic patchwork block construction with a fresh, coordinated color palette drawn from the Something Blue fabric collection. The pattern is published under the Riley Blake brand and references fabrics from Penny Rose Fabrics.

About the Design

The Blue Skies quilt is built around a repeating 16" x 16" finished block design. Each block is constructed as a Star Block, assembled from a combination of Flying Geese units and small patchwork squares. One of the appealing design features is that each block uses a different combination of fabrics from the fat quarter bundle, meaning no two blocks are identical. This creates a rich, scrappy, yet cohesive look across the finished quilt. The blocks are separated by sashing strips, which add structure and visual breathing room between the star motifs.

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated intermediate difficulty, meaning it is best suited for quilters who already have a foundational understanding of quilting terminology and basic construction methods. Key techniques employed throughout the project include:

• Flying Geese construction: Each Star Block requires four Flying Geese units. These are made using the classic stitch-and-flip method, where a smaller square is placed right sides together on a corner of a rectangle, sewn on a drawn diagonal line, and then trimmed to leave a precise ¼" seam allowance. This process is repeated on the opposite corner to complete each unit.
• Four-patch and small square assembly: Assorted print 2½" squares are sewn together in groups to create additional block components, adding texture and variety to each star design.
• Sashing: Rectangles cut at 2½" x 16½" are used as sashing strips between blocks, requiring careful measurement through the center of the quilt before cutting to ensure accuracy.
• Accurate cutting: The pattern requires precise strip cutting from WOF (width of fabric) strips, including multiple sizes of squares and rectangles, making rotary cutting skills essential.
• Pressing and seam management: All seams include a standard ¼" seam allowance, and pieces are sewn with right sides together throughout, with careful pressing after each step to maintain block accuracy.

Stitches and Construction Details

As a quilting pattern, Blue Skies relies on straight-line machine stitching throughout. The primary stitch techniques include:

• Straight seam stitching at a consistent ¼" seam allowance for all patchwork assembly
• Diagonal stitch-and-flip for the Flying Geese units, requiring a drawn diagonal line on the wrong side of fabric squares before sewing
• Trimming and pressing after each diagonal seam to reduce bulk and maintain sharp points on the geese units

Materials – Fabric Requirements

The pattern is designed specifically to coordinate with the Something Blue Fat Quarter Bundle (FQ-5540-18), which provides the assorted print fabrics used throughout each block. Additional yardage requirements include:

• 1¾ yards of gray main fabric (C5540 Gray)
• 5/8 yard of navy dot fabric (C5545 Navy)
• 3⅛ yards of white calico (C740-130 White), which forms the background of the Flying Geese units and provides the light contrast essential to the star design
• ¾ yard of fabric for binding

The assorted prints from the fat quarter bundle are cut into 4½" squares in a range of colorways, including blue main, gray main, navy main, black lace, blue lace, and gray lace variations,