Riley Blake Leap Of Freedom Panel Quilt - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Leap Of Freedom Panel Quilt – Free Downloadable PDF Pattern

The Leap of Freedom Panel Quilt is a striking quilted throw designed and published by Riley Blake Designs. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this pattern produces a finished quilt measuring 57 inches by 64 inches — a generous lap or throw size that showcases a bold central panel surrounded by three successive border frames. The design is straightforward enough for quilters who have a basic knowledge of quilting technique and terminology, making it an accessible project for confident beginners and a quick, satisfying make for more experienced quilters.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a panel-centered quilt built around the P8720 Leap of Freedom Panel from Riley Blake Designs. The panel forms the dramatic focal point of the quilt, and three concentric borders are added in succession to frame it and bring the quilt to its full finished dimensions. The result is a structured, graphic quilt top that celebrates the imagery printed on the panel fabric.

Fabric Requirements and Materials

The pattern calls for a specific selection of fabrics, all drawn from the Fish & Fowl Collection by Riley Blake Designs:

• 1 Leap of Freedom Panel (fabric code P8720 Leap of Freedom Panel) — the central design element of the quilt
• 1¾ yards (approximately 1.05 metres) of Dark Teal Water (fabric code C8731 Dark Teal) — used for Border 1 and Border 3
• ⅝ yard (approximately 60 cm) of Brown Pebbles (fabric code C8732 Brown) — used for Border 2
• ⅝ yard (approximately 60 cm) of binding fabric — the pattern encourages quilters to choose their favourite Riley Blake fabric from the Fish & Fowl Collection for a coordinated finish

In addition to the quilt top fabrics, quilters will need batting and backing fabric to complete the quilt sandwich, though specific yardage for these is not detailed within the pattern itself. Standard quilting cotton is the implied fabric type throughout, consistent with Riley Blake Designs' fabric ranges.

Cutting Requirements

The pattern provides clear cutting instructions for each fabric component:

• From the Leap of Freedom Panel: cut 1 rectangle measuring 35½ inches by 42½ inches
• From Dark Teal Water (C8731): cut 4 strips at 3½ inches by width of fabric (WOF) for Border 1, and 6 strips at 5½ inches by WOF for Border 3
• From Brown Pebbles (C8732): cut 5 strips at 3½ inches by WOF for Border 2

An important note within the pattern advises quilters to measure through the centre of the quilt before cutting border pieces, as seam allowances can vary. This is a standard and highly recommended quilting practice that ensures borders lie flat and the finished quilt does not ripple or distort.

Techniques Used

The Leap of Freedom Panel Quilt relies on classic quilting construction techniques that are fundamental to the craft:

• Panel quilting — centring a pre-printed fabric panel as the design focus, a popular technique that allows quilters to highlight large-scale printed artwork without complex piecing
• Straight-cut border construction — strips are cut across the width of fabric and joined end to end as needed to achieve the required border lengths
• Sequential border application — borders are added one at a time in order (Border 1, then Border 2, then Border 3), with side borders always sewn before top and bottom borders to maintain squareness
• Quilt sandwich assembly — layering the completed quilt top with batting and backing in preparation for quilting
• Binding — finishing the raw edges of the quilt with a fabric binding strip

Stitches and Seam Details