Riley Blake Toucan - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Toucan Quilt Pattern by Doohikey Designs – Free Downloadable PDF

The Riley Blake Toucan is a free downloadable PDF quilt pattern designed by Doohikey Designs and published by Riley Blake Designs. This intermediate-level quilting project produces a stunning 65" x 65" finished quilt built around a repeating geometric block design that combines classic patchwork techniques in a bold, structured layout. The pattern is suitable for quilters who already have a foundational understanding of quilting terminology and construction methods.

What Is Being Made

This pattern instructs quilters in constructing a square, lap-sized quilt measuring 65 inches by 65 inches. The quilt is composed of repeating Toucan Blocks, each finishing at 11¾" x 11¾". The overall design is built from a combination of Nine-Patch Centers, Square-in-a-Square Centers, and Triangle Units that are assembled together to create a dynamic, layered geometric effect. The finished quilt requires backing, binding, and batting to complete.

Block Construction and Design Details

Nine-Patch Center

Seven of the quilt's blocks begin with a Nine-Patch Center. This classic patchwork unit is made by sewing together eight assorted print 3¼" squares and one gold roll call 3¼" square (fabric C3161 Gold) in a traditional nine-patch arrangement. The nine-patch is one of the most foundational blocks in quilting, formed by joining squares in three rows of three to create a grid-like center unit.

Square-in-a-Square Center

Nine blocks use a Square-in-a-Square Center, which begins with a pre-constructed Unit A. An assorted print 3¼" x 8¾" rectangle is sewn to both the top and bottom of Unit A to complete this center unit. The Square-in-a-Square is a classic quilting technique where a central square is framed by surrounding pieces, creating a nested, dimensional appearance.

Triangle Units

A total of 64 Triangle Units are constructed for use throughout the quilt — 32 using gold plaid (C3165 Gold) and 32 using white dots (C3163 White). Each Triangle Unit is made by sewing a slate shade triangle (cut from C200-10 Slate) to each side of a 3½" square in either gold plaid or white dots fabric. These triangle units are then positioned around the block centers, with two Triangle Units sewn to opposite sides of a Square-in-a-Square Center, following the quilt photo for placement guidance.

Techniques Used

• Nine-Patch block construction – joining squares in a 3x3 grid arrangement
• Square-in-a-Square construction – framing a central square with surrounding rectangular or triangular pieces
• Triangle Unit assembly – attaching triangles to the sides of a square to create a secondary geometric shape
• Precise rotary cutting – cutting squares and rectangles to exact measurements including a standard ¼" seam allowance
• Right-sides-together piecing – the standard quilting method for joining fabric pieces with seam allowances hidden inside
• Block-based quilt layout – assembling individual finished blocks into an overall quilt top
• Binding application – finishing the quilt edges with a separate binding strip

Stitches Used

• Straight stitch – the primary stitch used throughout all patchwork piecing, sewn at a consistent ¼" seam allowance
• Backstitch or locking stitch – used at the beginning and end of seams to secure the stitching

Fabric Requirements and Materials

This pattern is designed specifically for Riley Blake Designs fabrics, with each fabric identified