How to Make an Easter-Themed Big Block Baby Quilt

Looking for a fast, fun, beginner-friendly baby quilt project? This adorable big block baby quilt is made up of nine large fabric squares sewn together like a giant 9-patch. That’s it—just 9 squares, and you’re on your way to a 40" x 40" baby quilt that’s perfect for gifting, donating, or keeping.

I made mine with Easter-themed fabric for a set of charity crib quilts. You can use any theme you like—the magic is in how quickly it comes together. Be creative! 

Finished Quilt Size: Approximately 40" x 40"

Skill Level: Beginner

Estimated Time: Less than 1 hour to piece the top

 

Fabric Requirements:

• (9) 14" x 14" squares of fabric

  • I used 5 print squares and 4 solids, but feel free to mix and match as you like

• Backing fabric – at least 44" x 44"

• Batting – same size as the backing

• Binding – about 160" of 2.5" strips (approx. ½ yard of fabric); feel free to use leftover strips from your stash for a scrappy biding 

  
  

  
  

Row Assembly

We’ll call the print squares "A" and the solid squares "B" to make assembly even easier. Remember to use a 1/4" allowance when sewing all seams. 

➤ Row 1: A - B - A

1. Place one print square (A) and one solid square (B) right sides together. See above photo.  Pin and sew along the edge.

2. Press the seam to set, then press toward B.

3. Now place another print square (A) right sides together with B. Pin and sew.

4. Press the seam toward B again.

➤ Row 2: B - A - B

1. Place one solid square (B) and one print square (A) right sides together.  Pin, then sew. See above photo.

2. Press the seam to set, then press toward B.

3. Place the last solid square (B) right sides together with A. Pin and sew.

4. Press the seam toward B.

➤ Row 3: A - B - A

Repeat the same steps as Row 1.

Quilt Top Assembly

1. Lay out your rows:
   Row 1: A - B - A
   Row 2: B - A - B
   Row 3: A - B - A
   (This gives a nice checkerboard effect!)

2. Place Row 1 and Row 2 right sides together, nesting seams as you pin. Sew them together. See photo below of a properly nested row in a 9 patch quilt block. This is a much smaller example since it's a quilt block, but the concept is the same.

3. Add Row 3 in the same way.

4. Press the final horizontal seams—direction is up to you!

Quilt & Bind

1. Layer your quilt:

   • Backing (right side down)

   • Batting

   • Quilt top (right side up)
     

2. Baste the layers together using your preferred method—spray, pins, or hand-basting.

   If you're using a longarm quilting frame (like me), you can baste once it's on the rails. Since I don't have electronic channel locks on my machine and don't like to use pins with the longarm, I tend to spray baste the edges as I go, then stitch a basting line. 

3. Quilt it however you like!  I used a butterfly design. 

4. Add your binding—and you’re done!