Book panel quilt for children

Download this free pattern for a book panel quilt for children. It is a cool way to use the panel if you do not want to make a book.

I designed this quilt for the Noah and Friends collection by Lindsey Sagar for Blank Quilting. It measures 44″ x 53″ and the blocks finish at 8″.

The fun thing about making a quilt using a book panel is that it will surely be enjoyed a lot longer than just the book. As children outgrow the story, they will probably focus even more on the motifs, the feel of the quilt, the memories, and the warmth it will still provide.

It is a very easy quilt, making it a perfect project for a beginner quilter. For another easy beginner-friendly quilt, check out this baby quilt I made a little while ago – is a stash-buster, too. As a veteran quilter, I do appreciate projects I can put together fast for those unexpected times when a gift is in order!

I chose a simple block that can be adjusted to fit the size of the pages on panels from other Blank Quilting collections. This way, after making a quilt with the Noah and Friends collection, you can continue to use the pattern with other panels you come across.

The blue print frames each page and turns them into the focal point of the quilt. With all the animals and movement around the quilt center, I needed a way to ensure you would see the book pages first.

You may also have other novelty fabrics or large prints, which would fit nicely in the center of the block. You will then be able to create quick quilts for any occasion.

The whimsical prints in this collection would look great on pillows and other nursery or children’s bedroom decorations. There are nine prints in the collection to choose from besides the book panel.

I have an easy tote pattern in my quilt book, pictured in the top left corner of the back cover. You can use the animal print on the bottom and fussy-cut the motifs you like best to appliqué onto the top portion. What do you think? It would make a useful companion project for this book panel quilt for children.

I placed this bright print on the second border to brighten the design. The white on the sashing and first border calms everything down and helps set off the book pages from the other lively prints.

The outer, wider border is horizontal and not mitered on purpose. I wanted to create a more approachable project, and often choose horizontal borders when using striped border fabrics for this reason.

When designing quilts for children, I prefer to create projects that aren’t too complicated. For instance, I designed Sweetie, above (get it from my Etsy store, PiecedBrain), for the Hello Little One collection by Northcott. However, you can use it with any fabric collection you prefer. It features fused, machine-appliqué pieces that are large enough to handle. I have always loved this design!

This post was inspired by a photo I received this morning of a friend’s new grandbaby. I traveled back to when my grandsons were born and how much I enjoyed making quilts for them. I can’t quite sew yet, as the boot I am wearing to protect my right ankle after surgery makes it too complicated to dance around the sewing machine and ironing board.

The Noah and Friends collection is already in stores, so YOU can sew! Have a great week,