Riley Blake Peony - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Peony Quilt Pattern – Free Downloadable PDF by Riley Blake Designs

The Riley Blake Peony is a free downloadable PDF quilt pattern designed by Riley Blake Designs, producing a finished quilt measuring 66" x 78" — a generous throw or lap quilt size perfect for showcasing floral-inspired fabric collections. Rated as a beginner-friendly project, this pattern is an excellent introduction to combining two classic quilt block styles in a single cohesive design.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a quilted blanket or throw featuring a repeating layout of two distinct block types: the Petal Block and the Nine-Patch Block. Each finished block measures 12" x 12", and the overall design draws its name and visual identity from a soft, floral peony-inspired aesthetic. The combination of appliquéd petal shapes and classic patchwork nine-patch units creates a design that feels both traditional and fresh.

Block Designs Covered

Petal Block

The Petal Block is the focal design element of the quilt. It is constructed by applying fabric petals onto a 12½" snow white shade square using your preferred appliqué method. The pattern calls for 10 Petal Blocks in total. Because the pattern allows quilters to use their own favorite appliqué technique, this block is accessible to a wide range of skill levels — whether you prefer fusible web appliqué, needle-turn, or another hand or machine method.

Nine-Patch Block

The Nine-Patch Block is a foundational patchwork design made using the strip-piecing method. Strips are sewn together into strip sets, pressed, and then cut into segments that are rearranged to form the classic nine-patch grid. Specifically, 4½" gray aster strips are sewn to both sides of a 4½" snow white shade strip to create a gray/white/gray strip set. This process is repeated to produce 3 gray/white/gray strip sets, which are then cut and assembled into the finished nine-patch units. This efficient strip-piecing approach minimizes individual piece cutting and is a hallmark technique in beginner and intermediate quilting.

Techniques Used

• Appliqué – Used to attach petal shapes to background squares in the Petal Block; the pattern is flexible and supports any preferred appliqué method
• Strip piecing – A time-saving patchwork technique used to construct the Nine-Patch Blocks efficiently
• Pressing seams – An essential quilting step referenced throughout to ensure accurate block assembly
• Quilt assembly and layout – Blocks are arranged with reference to the quilt photo for fabric placement guidance
• Standard ¼" seam allowance – All measurements include a ¼" seam allowance, and sewing is done with right sides together throughout

Stitches and Sewing Methods

• Straight stitch – Used for all strip piecing and block assembly seams on a sewing machine
• Appliqué stitch – Method left to the quilter's preference; may include blanket stitch, satin stitch, or invisible machine appliqué depending on the chosen technique

Materials and Fabric Requirements

This quilt is designed to be made with Riley Blake Designs quilting cotton fabrics. The pattern specifies the following fabric requirements:

• 1½ yards (1.4 m) of teal main – C4220 Teal
• ¼ yard (25 cm) of pink birds – C4221 Pink
• ¼ yard (25 cm) of pink wallpaper – C4222 Pink
• Additional yardage for snow white shade and gray aster fabrics as referenced in the block construction instructions

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