Free Scrappy Granny Squares Quilt pattern

Pattern Description:

This scrappy granny squares quilt features 30 colorful blocks made from a jelly roll and white background fabric. Each 8¾″ block combines a center, middle, and outer round of assorted squares. 

Finished with 2.5″ sashing and 4.5″ borders, the quilt measures approximately 60″ x 70″, creating a vibrant, throw-sized design.

Materials Needed & Measurements:

To complete this project, gather the following materials:

Item	Requirement/Measurement	Notes
Quilt Dimensions	60″ x 70″	Approximate final size
Number of Blocks	30	Each block will be constructed separately
Finished Block Size (Trimmed)	8-3/4″ – 8-7/8″ square	Trim after sewing a few test blocks to ensure uniformity
Fabric Requirements (Main)	Partial jelly roll	The tutorial used a Bonnie and Camille jelly roll by Moda
Background Fabric (White)	3.5 yards	Recommended: Robert Kaufman Kona White
Background Strips	36 strips of 2.5″ x WOF, 6 strips of 4.5″ x WOF	WOF = width of fabric
Sashing	2.5″ white sashing	Used between blocks and between rows
Borders	4.5″ white borders	Added to all sides of the quilt
Block Pieces	12 white squares (2.5″ or 2.5″ x 2.75″), 13 assorted 2.5″ squares	Includes 1 center square, 4 middle color squares, 8 outer color squares
Batting	Warm and White	Suitable for a soft, medium-thickness quilt
Notions/Tools	Ruler, starch, walking foot	A ruler helps square up blocks; starch stabilizes seams; a walking foot is recommended for machine quilting
Seam Allowance	1/4″	Used when sewing rows and blocks

Instructions for Making the Scrappy Granny Squares Quilt Tutorial:

Step 1: Preparing the Fabric and Cutting Squares

The first step is to prepare your fabrics. Select a variety of prints and colors from your jelly roll to create the scrappy effect. 

Each granny square block consists of 25 squares, including 12 white squares and 13 assorted colored squares.

• Cut 36 strips of 2.5″ x WOF and 6 strips of 4.5″ x WOF from the white background fabric.
• Cut the individual white squares for each block, or slightly oversized (2.5″ x 2.75″) for easier trimming later.
• Cut the assorted squares: 1 for the center, 4 for the middle round, and 8 for the outer round.
  

This preparation ensures you have all pieces ready for assembly and helps maintain consistency across all blocks.

Step 2: Laying Out the Granny Square Blocks

Each block features a classic granny square layout:

• Place the center square first.
• Surround it with the middle color squares, creating the second round.
• Complete the block with the outer round squares, using different prints or colors to enhance the scrappy effect.
• Add the white squares around the colored squares to frame the block and provide contrast.
  

Laying out each block before sewing allows you to plan color placement, ensuring the quilt will look balanced and visually pleasing.

Step 3: Sewing Rows

Once the block layout is confirmed, sew the squares together in horizontal rows:

• Use a 1/4″ seam allowance when sewing.
• Press each seam after sewing. You may press open or alternating directions for easier nesting of seams later.
• Ensure rows are aligned properly, as accurate rows make block assembly easier.

After completing all rows, sew the rows together to form the full block. The top 2.5″ white square should be centered and sewn carefully into position. Press the vertical seams either open or away from the block’s center.

Step 4: Trimming and Squaring Blocks

Due to the multiple seams within each block, it’s essential to square them up before assembly:

• Press and starch each block. Starch helps stabilize the seams, making trimming and sewing easier.
• Measure a few test blocks to determine the final trimmed size, ensuring all blocks will match.
• Trim each block, leaving 1/4″ – 3/8″ of seam allowance at each corner.
• Aim for a consistent final block size of 8-3/4″ – 8-7/8″ square.
  

Using a dedicated ruler for squaring up blocks ensures uniformity, which is critical when assembling the quilt top.

Step 5: Assembling the Quilt Top

After all blocks are trimmed and squared, it’s time to assemble the quilt top:

• Layout: Arrange the 30 blocks in your desired order on a flat surface. Adjust placement until satisfied with the color balance.
• Add Sashing: Sew 2.5″ white sashing between blocks to create separation and highlight each block.
• Join Rows: Assemble each row with sashing between blocks, then join rows together, again using sashing between rows.
• Add Borders: Finish the quilt top with 4.5″ white borders on all four sides. Borders frame the quilt and add a polished finish.

At this stage, the quilt top should measure approximately 60″ x 70″, ready for quilting.

Step 6: Quilting and Finishing

The scrappy granny squares quilt can be quilted using your preferred method. The tutorial example used a zig zag stitch with a walking foot, which helps feed the quilt evenly through the sewing machine.

• Use color catchers when washing the finished quilt, especially if your backing fabric is brightly colored.
• A medium-weight batting, such as Warm and White, creates a cozy throw without being too bulky.

Once quilted, bind the edges with your choice of fabric to finish the quilt professionally.

Additional Tips

• Choosing Fabrics: Mix prints, solids, and textures to enhance the scrappy look. A partial jelly roll is sufficient, but feel free to supplement with additional scraps.
• Pressing: Pressing seams carefully at every stage improves block alignment and overall quilt appearance.
• Stability: Starch helps stabilize small squares, particularly when working with lightweight fabrics or multiple layers.
• Sewing Accuracy: Maintaining a 1/4″ seam allowance is key to keeping blocks uniform and the quilt square.
• Trimming: Don’t skip trimming blocks before assembly; it ensures smooth joining and professional results.

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