The Perfect Boho Beginner Quilt

Continuing on my list of gift ideas that teen and young adult kids would love — I bring you this easy, scrappy Boho Beginner-Friendly Quilt. I love this quilt because it is built on just one block — the Double Four Patch Block. You can customize the look with fabric and color options to suit the person who will be receiving the quilt, which makes it the perfect one-of-a-kind gift.

I used fabric from The Artist’s Home Collection designed by Liberty Fabrics, a London based fabric manufacturer. Liberty Fabrics quilting cotton is available in the U.S. thanks to Riley Blake Designs, the exclusive U.S. Distributor of Liberty Cotton.

I am obsessed with this quilt! The fabrics are absolutely stunning, and the way they mix and match has a very eclectic Anthropology vibe, don’t you think?

This is meant to be a scrappy quilt, which means each block is completely unique. For that reason, I will be sharing instructions for a single block, rather than an entire quilt. Simply repeat the steps for each block until you have created the quilt size you want. The finished quilt blocks measure 10” square. You can adjust the block sizes by reducing or enlarging the square measurements to create pillows, table runners, and just about anything else you want!

This quilt is a large throw has 6 blocks across and 7 blocks down, with a 3” finished border. The finished quilt measures approximately 63 1/2” x 73” — the perfect size for a large throw.

Step 1

You will need

• Dark fabric — two 5 1/2” squares

• Dark fabric — four 3” squares

• Light fabric — four 3” squares

Step 2

Pair the dark squares with the light squares. With right sides facing, stitch along one side using a scant 1/4” seam allowance. Press toward the dark fabric. (**You will be using a 1/4” seam allowance throughout the rest of this tutorial.) I recommend a scant 1/4” seam allowance, meaning just a smidge less than 1/4” because this is a pretty exact block. If you like more wiggle room to trim your block later one, you could adjust each square to be 1/2” or even 1/4” larger in Step 1.

Step 3

Sew two sections together with the dark and light squares alternating. Because you pressed all of your sections toward the darker fabric, your seams will face opposite directions when you assemble them alternating the dark/light fabrics. This is called “nesting the seams” and helps reduce bulk. Press the long seam open as shown in the bottom square. This block is called a Four Patch.

Step 4

Sew a Four Patch to one of the 5 1/2” squares of dark fabric. Make sure the Four Patch is positioned so the light squares are in the top left and bottom right corners and your seam is on the left side (as shown in this photo). Repeat using the remaining Four Patch and square. Press seam toward the dark fabric. Arrange the two sections

Step 5

Next you’ll sew the two sections together just like you did earlier — alternating the squares like you see in the photo. Also, your seams should face opposite directions (see photo) so they “nest” nicely.

Step 6

Press the long seam open.

Take a look at my video below where I demonstrate how to make the Double Four Patch block.

There are many ways to arrange these blocks. One of my favorites is this classic Irish Chain design, which I think looks amazing when combined with this scrappy look.

Each fabric is different, but the unifying elements of light and dark fabrics tie the entire design together.

I stuck to the blue and yellow fabrics for my dark fabric options (there are gorgeous pinks in this collection, and I will be sharing a fun project with those very soon). As I was contemplating which fabric to use for the border, my daughter and her friend said I absolutely had to use the ditsy pink floral because it pulled out the pinks from the lighter fabrics. I’m so glad I listened to them — the contrast of the pink, followed by the blue/green binding only accentuated the dreamy boho feel of this quilt.

Here is a closeup of some of the Liberty prints in this fabric collection. They are seriously amazing!

Perfect for cuddling on a chilly night!

So that’s all there is to it! The Artist’s Home Collection, by Liberty Fabrics, will be arriving in February. I know Liberty sells FAST, so I suggest you pre-order yours today to reserve yourself some bundles of fabric goodness!