Riley Blake Quite Contrary - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Quite Contrary Quilt Pattern – Downloadable PDF Summary

The Riley Blake Quite Contrary pattern by Riley Blake Designs is a free downloadable PDF for an intermediate-level quilter who wants to create a stunning 50" x 50" square quilt. This throw-sized quilt combines two distinct pieced block designs into a cohesive, visually rich layout that draws on classic American quilting traditions. All seam allowances are ¼", and all pieces are sewn with right sides together unless otherwise noted.

About the Design

The Quite Contrary quilt features two alternating block types — the Contrary Star Block and the Contrary Chain Block — each finishing at 8" x 8". Together, these blocks create a dynamic secondary pattern across the quilt surface, blending geometric star points with a traditional chain or nine-patch style arrangement. The finished quilt is a square at 50 inches by 50 inches, making it an ideal lap quilt or decorative throw.

Block Designs

Contrary Star Block

The Contrary Star Block is built around the classic Flying Geese unit construction technique. Four flying geese units are assembled and arranged around a central square to form a star-like design. Specifically:

• Flying geese units are sewn and attached to each side of a white circle or berries 4½" square center.
• White medallion 2½" squares are added to each side of the two remaining flying geese units to complete the block's outer rows.
• The three resulting rows are then joined to complete one Contrary Star Block.
• A total of 13 Contrary Star Blocks are made for the quilt.

The Flying Geese technique is a foundational quilting method in which two smaller corner triangles are sewn onto a larger rectangle to create a triangular "goose" shape pointing in one direction. This method adds strong diagonal movement and visual energy to the star design.

Contrary Chain Block

The Contrary Chain Block uses a classic strip-piecing technique to efficiently create a chain or checkerboard-style unit. The construction process involves:

• Sewing a 1½" green medallions strip to a 1½" red medallions strip along their long edges.
• Cross-cutting the joined strip set into 1½" segments.
• Re-sewing those segments together to build the chain units.
• A total of 12 Contrary Chain Blocks are constructed for the quilt.

Strip piecing is a time-saving and precision-friendly quilting technique that eliminates the need to cut and sew individual small squares, making it especially well-suited for intermediate quilters looking to improve efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.

Techniques Used

• Flying Geese construction – creating directional triangle units from rectangles and squares
• Strip piecing – sewing long fabric strips together before cross-cutting into segments
• Block assembly – arranging and joining units in rows to complete each block
• Quilt top assembly – alternating two block types across the quilt layout
• ¼" seam allowance precision throughout all piecing steps

Stitches and Sewing Methods

• Straight stitch – the standard machine stitch used throughout all piecing
• Right-sides-together sewing – the default method for all seams unless otherwise stated in the pattern
• Pressing seams as directed to ensure flat, accurate blocks

Fabric and Materials

This pattern is designed specifically to showcase the Riley Blake Designs fabric collection referenced throughout the instructions. The required yardage includes a variety of coordinating prints and colorways:

• ¾ yard – Beautiful Main (C7110 White)