Moda Fabrics Wonder Baby Quilts - Downloadable PDF

Moda Fabrics Wonder Baby Quilts – Pattern Summary

The Moda Fabrics Wonder Baby Quilts downloadable PDF pattern (pattern number PS13190) includes two complete quilt projects designed for baby or toddler-sized quilts. Both designs are rated as intermediate in difficulty and are offered as a free downloadable PDF. The two featured projects are the Nine-Patch Quilt and the Star Quilt, each with its own cutting instructions, block construction details, and finished dimensions. These charming quilts make wonderful handmade gifts and are ideal for quilters who are comfortable with basic patchwork and ready to refine their precision cutting and piecing skills.

Project No. 1 – Nine-Patch Quilt

Overview and Finished Size

The Nine-Patch Quilt finishes at 46½" x 46½", making it a generous lap or baby quilt size. The individual Nine-Patch blocks finish at 4½" x 4½" each. This classic block is one of the most beloved and recognizable designs in the quilting tradition, constructed by joining nine equal squares in a three-by-three grid arrangement, typically alternating two contrasting fabrics to create a checkerboard effect within each block.

Techniques Used

• Individual square cutting and piecing: The pattern notes that, for the most efficient use of fabric, the nine-patches in this project are not strip-pieced. Instead, squares are cut individually and then joined one by one. This approach gives quilters greater control over fabric placement and color distribution.
• Sashing: The blocks are separated and framed using sashing strips, which are narrow rectangles of fabric sewn between quilt blocks to add structure and visual spacing. This quilt uses 24 sashing strips, each measuring 2" x 14" (unfinished).
• Precise rotary cutting: Accurate cutting is essential throughout this pattern. The instructions specify cutting from width-of-fabric (WOF) strips and then sub-cutting into squares and rectangles.

Stitches and Block Construction

As with all patchwork quilting, the primary stitch used is a straight machine stitch with a consistent seam allowance (typically ¼" in quilting). Blocks are assembled by sewing squares together in rows and then joining the rows to complete each Nine-Patch unit. Sashing rectangles are then sewn between and around the blocks to set the overall quilt top.

Cutting Details

• Background Nine-Patches: Cut 9 strips at 2" x 42" WOF, then sub-cut into 180 squares at 2" x 2", sorted into 45 sets of 4 squares each.
• Alternating Squares: Cut 5 strips at 5" x 42" WOF, then sub-cut into 36 squares at 5" x 5". These larger squares alternate with the Nine-Patch blocks across the quilt top.
• Sashing: Cut 1 strip at 14" x 42" WOF and sub-cut into 20 rectangles at 2" x 14", plus 2 additional strips at 2" x 42" WOF sub-cut into 4 more rectangles at 2" x 14", for a total of 24 sashing strips.

Materials Reference

The pattern is designed with Moda Fabrics yardage in mind. An important cutting note specifies: do not cut more than 2 strips from any one Layer Cake square – unless there is a duplicate of that square. This indicates the pattern is compatible with Moda Layer Cake precuts, which are 10" x 10" fabric squares, a popular and convenient format for quilters who want coordinated fabric collections without purchasing full yardage. Standard quilting cotton is the implied fabric throughout. A rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and self-healing cutting mat are essential tools for this project.

Project No. 2 – Star Quilt