Fat Quarter Quilt Tutorial

How to Make an Easy Baby Bargello Quilt with Fat Quarters

Have you ever wanted to make a bargello quilt? Now is your chance!

This technique creates a beautiful repeating pattern without requiring you to sew every individual square together. It is a fun, efficient method that makes the finished quilt look much more complicated than it really is.

This quilt is especially nice for a baby gift. It uses fat quarters, finishes at approximately 42-1/2" square, and goes together quickly. Win-win-win!

Jump to a Section

• Choosing Your Fabric
• What You’ll Need
• Cutting Instructions
• Make the Quilt
• Finishing the Quilt
• Baby Bargello FAQ

Choose a Bundle for Your Bargello Quilt

Start with 12 coordinating fat quarters and create your own colorful version of this beginner-friendly baby quilt.

Shop Fat Quarters

From each of 12 fat quarters, cut:

Three 4" x width-of-fabric strips

Sew Along with the Video Tutorial

Keep the printable pattern nearby and watch the full Baby Bargello Quilt video for a closer look at each step.

Step 1: Arrange the Fabric Strips

Choose an order for your prints. I used a rainbow effect, but you can arrange the fabrics from light to dark, alternate warm and cool colors, or create your own repeating sequence.

Sort the strips into three identical piles, beginning with the fabric that will appear in the upper-left corner of the quilt.

Step 2: Sew the Strips into Pairs

Beginning with the first pile, sew the strips together lengthwise in pairs using an accurate 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 3: Make Three Strip Sets

Join the pairs together in the selected fabric order to make one 12-piece strip set. Repeat the process to make three identical strip sets.

Step 4: Press the Strip Sets

Press the seam allowances of Strip Set #1 toward the top. Press the seam allowances of Strip Set #2 toward the bottom.

Cut the third strip set in half to make two approximately 10"-wide segments. Press the seam allowances of one half toward the top and the seam allowances of the second half toward the bottom.

Why alternate the pressing direction? The opposing seam allowances will nest together when the vertical rows are joined, making it easier to match the seams accurately.

Step 5: Turn the Strip Sets into Tubes

Working with Strip Set #1, sew the top and bottom strips together lengthwise to form a fabric tube. Repeat with the half strip set that was pressed toward the top.

Repeat the process with Strip Set #2 and the remaining half strip set.

Step 6: Cut the Tubes into Loops

Lay one fabric tube flat on your cutting mat and square up one end. Flip the tube over as needed and crosscut it into 4"-wide loops.

From the #1 strip set and its matching half set, cut a total of six loops and place them in one pile. Repeat with the #2 strip set and its matching half set to make six additional loops.

Here is what the finished loops look like. Aren’t they pretty?

Create Your Own Color Sequence

Choose a coordinated fat quarter bundle or mix individual fat quarters to make the bargello design your own.

Browse Fat Quarters

Step 7: Open and Arrange the Loops

Refer to the downloaded pattern or the finished quilt image above. Take one #1 loop and remove the stitching between the top and bottom fabrics for the left-hand vertical row.

Next, take one #2 loop and remove the stitching between the fabrics that will become the top and bottom of the second vertical row from the left.

Continue opening the loops in the correct locations, alternating between the #1 and #2 piles. Each loop will become one vertical row.

Step 8: Lay Out the Vertical Rows

Lay out all 12 vertical rows, making sure the bargello pattern flows smoothly from one row to the next. The photograph below shows six of the rows during the layout process.

Step 9: Sew the Rows into Pairs

Sew the vertical rows together in pairs. Pin at each horizontal seam and make sure the opposing seam allowances nest before sewing.

Step 10: Complete the Quilt Top

Continue joining the row pairs until all 12 vertical rows are sewn together. Press the finished quilt top carefully. That’s it—your Baby Bargello quilt top is complete!

Binding: Cut five 2-1/4" x width-of-fabric strips. Join the strips end to end, press the binding in half lengthwise, and attach it to the quilt using your preferred binding method.

Ready to Make a Baby Bargello Quilt?

Pick a colorful fat quarter bundle, download the pattern, and watch the video tutorial as the flowing bargello design comes together.

Is a bargello quilt difficult to make?

This version is approachable for a confident beginner who can sew an accurate 1/4" seam. The strip-piecing method creates the repeating design without requiring you to sew hundreds of individual squares together.

How many fat quarters do I need?

You need 12 fat quarters for the quilt top. Each fat quarter is cut into three 4" x width-of-fabric strips.

What size is the finished Baby Bargello quilt?

The finished quilt measures approximately 42-1/2" square, making it a useful size for a baby quilt, stroller quilt, or colorful lap quilt.

How should I arrange the fabrics?

Arrange the fabrics in a sequence that creates visible movement. A rainbow arrangement, light-to-dark progression, or alternating warm and cool colors can all work well.

Where can I download the Baby Bargello Quilt pattern?

You can download the printable Baby Bargello Quilt Pattern here.

Is there a video tutorial for this quilt?

Yes. You can watch the full Baby Bargello Quilt video tutorial on YouTube.

Where can I find fat quarters for this quilt?

Browse the available fat quarters and fat quarter bundles at Sit n’ Sew Fabrics.