How to Make Summer Dance Quilt by Jina Barney

Picture this: It’s a bright summer day, the sun is shining, and you’re in your favorite spot in the house.

You’re surrounded by vibrant fabrics, a cup of iced tea by your side, and the hum of the sewing machine is the only sound breaking the silence.

You’re about to embark on a new quilting project, a Summer Dance Quilt, a free pattern by Jina Barney for Riley Blake. It’s a project that promises to be as delightful and fun as the season it’s named after.

Now, I didn’t come up with this quilt pattern. That credit goes to the talented Jina Barney. But I do remember one summer when I was a child, my grandmother made a similar quilt. It was a riot of colors, just like the blooming flowers in our garden.

Every time I wrapped myself in that quilt, I felt the warmth of the summer sun, even on the coldest winter nights. That’s the magic of quilting, isn’t it? It’s not just about stitching pieces of fabric together; it’s about weaving memories and emotions into something tangible.

About the Summer Dance Quilt

The Summer Dance Quilt is a delightful project that brings the joy of summer into your home. It’s scientifically proven that looking at this quilt for ten seconds and not smiling is a physical impossibility. So, let’s just smile and dive into the world of vibrant colors and fun patterns!

This project features the Ladybug Garden collection by Doodlebug Studios for Riley Blake. It’s a great project for quilters of any skill level. The finished size is 42″ x 46″ (107cm x 117cm), making it a perfect throw for your couch or a cozy quilt for picnics in the park.

Materials Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Summer Dance Quilt:

• ¾ yard (70 cm) pink main (C3250 Pink)
• ½ yard (50 cm) white flowers (C3251 White)
• 1/8 yard (10 cm) blue petal (C3254 Blue)
• 1/8 yard (10 cm) red petal (C3254 Red)
• 1/8 yard (10 cm) green dots (C3255 Green)
• ¼ yard (20 cm) pink dots (C3255 Pink)
• 1/8 yard (10 cm) yellow dots (C3255 Yellow)
• 7/8 yard (80 cm) snow white shade (C200-03 Snow White)
• Binding 5/8 yard (60 cm)
• Backing 2¾ yards (2.5 m)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cutting Requirements

Before you start sewing, you’ll need to cut your fabric. Here are the cutting requirements for the Summer Dance Quilt:

Summer Dance Block

• Cut 2 strips 1½” x WOF from blue petal
• Cut 1 strip 1½” x WOF from red petal
• Cut 2 strips 1½” x WOF from green dots
• Cut 1 strip 1½” x WOF from pink dots
• Cut 1 strip 1½” x WOF from yellow dots
• Cut 7 strips 1½” x WOF from snow white shade
• Cut 84 squares 2½” x 2½” from snow white shade

Border 1

• Cut 4 strips 3½” x WOF from white flowers

Border 2

• Cut 4 strips 1½” x WOF from pink dots

Border 3

• Cut 4 strips 5½” x WOF from pink main

Quilt Assembly

Now that you’ve got all your pieces cut, it’s time to start assembling your quilt.

Summer Dance Block

1. Sew an assorted print 1½” strip and a snow white shade 1½” strip together. Press. Repeat with remaining assorted print strips and snow white shade strips.
2. Cut the strips into 1½” segments.
3. Sew the segments together to create the following number of Four-Patch Units: 24–blue, 24–green, 12–pink, 12–red, 12–yellow.

Quilt Center Assembly

1. Refer to the quilt photo for Summer Dance Block placement. Lay out blocks in 7 rows of 6 blocks.
2. Sew rows together to complete the center of the quilt.

Borders

1. Seam allowances vary so measure through the center of the quilt before cutting border pieces. Sew border strips together end to end if necessary to get the length needed. Sew side borders first.
2. Border 1: Side borders should be 28½”. Top and bottom borders should be 30½”.
3. Border 2: Side borders should be 34½”. Top and bottom borders should be 32½”.
4. Border 3: Side borders should be 36½”. Top and bottom borders should be 42½”.

Finish your quilt by layering the quilt top, batting, and back. Bind with your favorite Riley Blake fabric from the Ladybug Garden Collection. Have fun with your colors and enjoy the journey of making your quilt.

Full Pattern: Click Here

Creating the Summer Dance Quilt is a journey filled with fun and creativity. As you stitch each piece, you’re not just creating a quilt; you’re creating a piece of art that’s filled with the warmth and joy of summer.

So, get your materials ready, set up your sewing machine, and let’s bring a splash of summer color into our lives with this delightful quilt project. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun!