I am so excited about the response to my latest quilt design: Boxlink! This simple and classic pattern is a personal favourite of mine so I am really excited to have it out there in the world.
Somebody recently emailed me and asked:
“I love the boxlink quilt and would love to challenge myself to a large throw or bedside version. I have a lot of FQ's I would love to use, but I see as the quilt gets larger the fabric requirements scale up to half yards. Is it possible for me to make a larger version of this quilt using FQ's?”
I love this question and I want to put this blog post out there for anyone else who is curious about this. Yes, you can make the larger sizes of Boxlink with Fat Quarters (FQs)! There are just a few things to consider:
- You will not be able to do the matching rows layout if you are using all FQs for the 3 larger sizes. The layout will have to be random/scattered.
- You may end up with some extra blocks in the making process (but they make great potholders or snack mats!)
Fabric Requirements
|
Small Throw |
Large Throw |
Bed |
|
|
FQs |
7 |
9 |
13 |
|
B (background) |
1 3/4 yards |
2 1/8 yards |
3 yards |
Note: The background requirements are slightly less for this variation because the cutting is more efficient and there is less waste. The requirements for the sashing do not change.
Cutting Chart
When you get to the cut chart for the A fabrics, instead of following the directions for cutting the throw or bed sizes, you are going to follow the directions for the lap size FQs. Cut A1 - A4 fabrics using the dimensions listed in the Lap size column.
When you get to the cut chart for the B (background) fabric, you will also follow the directions for the lap size, but you will need more pieces than are listed. Follow this chart below to see how many pieces are required and how many WOF strips to cut.
|
Small Throw |
Large Throw |
Bed |
|
|
Cut 7 WOF strips |
Cut 9 WOF strips |
Cut 13 WOF strips |
|
|
B1 |
14 |
18 |
26 |
|
Cut 9 WOF strips |
Cut 11 WOF strips |
Cut 17 WOF strips |
|
|
B2 |
14 |
18 |
26 |
|
B3 |
7 |
9 |
13 |
Strip Sets
The chart for step #5 will be different for your FQ version. Once again, you are copying the lap size:
|
Small Throw |
Large Throw |
Bed |
|
|
Long Strip Set 1 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Long Strip Set 2 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Short Strip Set |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Block and Quilt Assembly
Assemble the blocks as directed in the instructions. You will have 4 of each block from each FQ. When it is time to assemble the quilt, scatter the blocks and cornerstones throughout randomly. Here is a mockup of what it will look like:
