Updated
May 23, 2016.
Use this streamlined technique to learn how to make a puff quilt, a lush type of quilt that's assembled by sewing squares of fabric together to form pockets, and then stuffing the pockets with fiberfill.
Puff quilts are often called 'biscuit' quilts.
A huge Thank You! to the late Mary Jane Cardwell for showing us how to make puff quilts. Before you begin, read through the pattern to get a feel for the entire puff quilt process.
Unless you're planning on a totally random layout, it's a good idea to design a puff quilt before choosing fabrics. To make a quilt similar to Mary Jane's, use graph paper or another method to create a grid that's 9 squares across and 11 squares tall. Fill in the blanks with colors or with shades-of-gray color values to design the layout.
Fabric and Supplies for a Baby Puff Quilt
- 3 yards of fabric for top squares (can be orderly or scrappy)
- 2 yards of muslin or another fabric for back squares (will not be visible in the finished quilt)
- 1 yard of fabric for (final) backing
- 1-1/2 packages double fold bias tape (or make your own binding)
- Thread
- Embroidery floss & needlepoint needle
- Polyester fiberfill (1 bag or a little more)
- The finished quilt will measure about 32" x 38"
Cutting Instructions
- Cut (99) 6" x 6" top squares
- Cut (99) 5" x 5" squares of muslin (or other fabric used for back squares)
Yardage helper:
Assuming the fabric has a usable width of at least 40":
- You can cut (6) 6" squares from a 6" wide strip of fabric cut from selvage to selvage (possibly 7 if usable width is 42").
- You can cut (8) 5" squares from a 5" wide strip of fabric cut from selvage to selvage.
Strip Cutting Instructions
Patchwork Shape Cutting Instructions
