The “In From The Cold” quilt pattern is the perfect project to bring warmth and a festive winter theme into your home.
Designed with charming blocks that evoke cozy winter scenes, this quilt pattern is both beautiful and functional.
With a mix of classic quilt patterns and delightful details, the “In From The Cold” quilt is an ideal project for quilters of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
This article will walk you through each step of creating this lovely quilt, providing detailed fabric cuts and layout suggestions. By following along, you’ll gain valuable quilting skills while bringing this delightful winter-themed quilt to life. This is a fantastic way to add both warmth and style to your home, or to gift to someone special.
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As we dive into the In From The Cold pattern, you’ll discover how satisfying it is to create a quilt that combines traditional quilt blocks with unique seasonal details. Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Fabric and Supplies
Selecting the right fabric is crucial to achieving the winter feel of the “In From The Cold” quilt pattern. For this project, you’ll want a combination of cool blues, whites, and festive holiday colors such as red and green. Think of fabrics that remind you of snow, evergreen trees, and cozy homes decorated for the season.
For a quilt that’s approximately 60″ x 72″, you’ll need several different fabric colors. Start by choosing a main background fabric, such as white or light blue, to mimic a snowy backdrop. Add red and green fabrics for festive blocks, and perhaps a touch of brown or gray for cozy elements like logs or warm cups of cocoa.
Beyond fabric, gather essential quilting tools like a rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and a cutting mat. Having these tools on hand will ensure clean, accurate cuts, making the piecing process much easier and more precise.
Cutting and Preparing Fabric Pieces
Accurate cutting is essential for the “In From The Cold” quilt pattern, as each block has detailed elements that come together to form winter-themed shapes. Below is a breakdown of the fabric cuts you’ll need for each of the main blocks.
- Background Fabric: Cut twelve 8 x 8-inch squares for the base of each block. This will give you the snowy or sky-colored backdrop for your quilt.
- Red Fabric (for holiday accents): Cut six 4 x 4-inch squares and twelve 2 x 2-inch squares. These will form elements like holiday accents or small ornaments in the design.
- Green Fabric (for evergreen tree shapes): Cut six 5 x 5-inch squares, which will be used to create the tree blocks in your quilt.
- Additional Accent Fabrics: Cut a few 1.5 x 1.5-inch squares in brown for logs or cocoa cups, and a handful of 2 x 3-inch rectangles for any additional decorative touches.
Once you’ve cut each piece, lay them out according to the block layouts suggested in the pattern. This way, you can double-check your colors and ensure you’re happy with the arrangement before sewing.
Creating the Tree Blocks
The tree blocks are one of the most charming parts of the “In From The Cold” quilt. They bring a touch of the outdoors into your quilt, and their symmetrical, triangular shape makes them a great starting point for piecing your quilt.
To create each tree block, take one of the 5 x 5-inch green squares and divide it into two triangles. These triangles will form the tree shape. Use two background rectangles, each 2.5 x 5 inches, to frame the tree on either side. This framing gives the block a finished look and helps the trees stand out.
Sew the triangles together along the long edge, pressing the seams to one side. Then, attach the background rectangles on either side of the tree shape. Repeat this process to make six identical tree blocks, which you can later arrange in various ways within your quilt to create a pleasing forest effect.
Constructing the Snowy Background Blocks
The background blocks are essential for setting the winter scene in the “In From The Cold” quilt pattern. These blocks are simple to piece, but they provide a beautiful snowy base that allows the other blocks to stand out.
To create each background block, start with an 8 x 8-inch square of your background fabric. You’ll add smaller details, like snowflakes or stars, using 2 x 2-inch white or light blue squares. Scatter these smaller squares around the background blocks to give the illusion of a winter sky with falling snow.
Position the small squares within each background block before sewing to ensure a balanced layout. When you’re happy with the arrangement, sew each piece in place, pressing the seams as you go. These background blocks will alternate with your tree blocks to create a cohesive winter scene across the quilt.
Adding Cozy Details and Embellishments
One of the best parts of the “In From The Cold” quilt pattern is the freedom to add cozy details, such as small hot cocoa cups, logs, or even holiday decorations. These additional elements make the quilt even more special and personalized.
To add these details, use small scraps of red, brown, and green fabrics. For example, cut 2 x 2-inch squares in brown to create tiny logs or cocoa mugs, and sew them within the background blocks or next to tree blocks for a charming effect. You might also cut small rectangles in red to create holiday accents like ornaments.
These embellishments not only add visual interest but also tell a story, making the “In From The Cold” quilt feel more like a winter wonderland. Experiment with different placements and colors to bring out the spirit of the season in your quilt.
Piecing Together the Blocks
Now that you have all your blocks – trees, backgrounds, and embellishments – it’s time to assemble them into the final quilt layout. This stage is where your quilt really comes to life as the blocks join together to form a cohesive winter scene.
Arrange your blocks on a flat surface, alternating the tree blocks with the background blocks to create balance. Place any embellished blocks strategically for a visually pleasing layout. Once you’re happy with the arrangement, begin sewing the blocks together row by row, using a ¼-inch seam allowance for consistency.
After completing each row, sew the rows together, pressing the seams as you go. This method ensures a smooth finish and a quilt top that lies flat, making it easier to add batting and backing later on.
Adding Borders and Final Touches
To give your “In From The Cold” quilt a polished look, consider adding a border. A simple 2-inch border in a solid color, such as red or dark blue, will frame the quilt beautifully and enhance the wintry theme.
Measure your quilt top and cut border strips accordingly. Attach the border strips to each side of the quilt, sewing carefully to keep the edges aligned. Once the borders are added, press the entire quilt top to smooth any seams.
A border not only frames the design but also adds extra warmth, making the quilt larger and cozier. This finishing touch completes the look and prepares your quilt for layering and quilting.
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Quilting and Binding
With your quilt top complete, it’s time to quilt and bind the “In From The Cold” quilt. Quilting helps hold the layers together, while binding gives the quilt a finished edge.
Choose a quilting design that complements the winter theme, such as a simple snowflake pattern or straight lines to emphasize the blocks. Layer your quilt top with batting and a backing fabric, then quilt along your chosen pattern, either by hand or with a sewing machine.
For binding, cut 2.5-inch-wide strips from your border fabric and attach them to the quilt edges. This final step secures the edges and gives the quilt a polished, professional look.
Caring for Your “In From The Cold” Quilt
To ensure that your “In From The Cold” quilt lasts for many winters to come, proper care is essential. Use gentle washing techniques and store the quilt in a cool, dry place.
When washing, use a delicate cycle with cold water and avoid harsh detergents. Air drying is recommended, though a low dryer setting can be used if necessary. Proper care will preserve the colors and quality of your quilt, allowing it to bring warmth to your home for years.
With your “In From The Cold” quilt complete, you’ll have a beautiful winter-themed quilt that’s perfect for cozying up during the colder months. This free quilting pattern is a joy to make and a wonderful addition to any home!
