Asian Inspired Quilt

If you're looking to add a touch of the Orient to your home try this Asian-inspired quilt! The overlapping circles in red black and gold fabric create the illusion of fans while changing up the fabrics and colors would create a modern take on a quilt. Download printable instructions.

Materials:

• 4 1/2 Yards Gingko Fantasy by Andover Fabrics pattern 2681 black background
• 5 1/4 Yards Gingko Fantasy pattern 2683 red background and gold gingko leaf
• 2 Yards black with gold flowers
• 1/2 Yard Kona Bay Fabrics pattern YI-169 white cranes on tan
• 1 1/2 Yards of 45" wide muslin
• 2 Rolls of Soft 'n Sheer
• Warm 'n Natural quilt batting
• Clear monofilament thread
• Black Sulky embroidery thread
• All-purpose thread
• WonderArc Ruler
• Rotary cutting system

Tools:

• Baby Lock Sewing Machine

Steps:

1. Rotary cut 10 6 1/2" x 44" strips of red with gold gingko leaves. Cut these strips into 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" squares.

2. Rotary cut 3 6 1/2" x 44" strips each of crane fabric and gold flower fabric. Cut these strips into 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" squares.

3. Rotary cut 14 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" squares from Gingko Fantasy black background.

   1. Use the design along the center fold for these 14 squares. The two outside patterns on the fabric will be used later for the quilt border.

4. Fold and press all 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" squares into fourths.

5. Following WonderArc instructions cut all the folded squares into 6" circles.

6. From rolls of Soft 'n Sheer cut 98 strips in 6 1/2" lengths.

7. Thread machine with all-purpose thread; stitch each fabric circle right sides together to a piece of Soft 'n Sheer.

8. Refold the circles into fourths and cut away the excess Soft 'n Sheer.

9. Cut a slit into the Soft 'n Sheer turn the circles right side out. Press.

10. Refold circles into fourths and press.

11. Using the muslin as a base to applique the circles draw a straight line across the width. This is the baseline for the first row of red circles.

12. Unfold seven red circles pin circles onto the muslin following along the drawn line. Match the fold lines of the circles to the drawn line on the muslin.

13. Unfold two of each design patterned fabric circles (6 circles).

    1. Overlap the center of a patterned circle halfway down the center of the first two red circles. Continue overlapping the patterned circles to the end of the row.

    2. Make sure the folded lines match both horizontally and vertically and the edges of the circles just touch.

14. Continue with a row of seven more red circles then a row of six patterned circles for a total of eight red rows and seven patterned rows.

15. Applique the circles to the muslin with invisible thread and a straight stitch. Remove pins. Cut away excess muslin.

16. Cut one panel design from the center pattern of Gingko Fantasy black background; 11" x 9".

17. Pin the panel design to the quilt two rows from the top and left side of quilt.

18. Thread machine with black Sulky thread and satin stitch the panel in place on the quilt.

19. Prepare the quilt backing by cutting two lengths of the red gingko 56" x 44". Stitch the two lengths together with a crosswise seam and press.

20. Layer the quilt top batting and backing. Center the quilt top to allow for the addition of the borders.

21. Cut first border from black and gold fabric 2 strips 4" x 39" and 2 strips 4" x 46".

    1. Stitch ends together adjusting length as needed. Place inner edge of border just under the outer rows of circles covering the raw edges. Pin to secure.

22. Cut the second border from the Gingko Fantasy fabric with black background.

    1. This time use the remaining outside designs nearest each selvage. Cut two borders 7" x 66" and two measuring 7" x 71".

23. Press 1/2" under on one lengthwise edge of each strip.

24. Lay the strips on the quilt top covering the outside raw edge of the last border. Adjust the strips so the pattern matches at the corners. Overlap corners. Secure with pins.

25. Quilt the layers together.

    1. Stitch in the ditch around the circles and panel design using the clear monofilament thread. Topstitch the outer border to the inner border using the black Sulky thread.

    2. Topstitch around the squares in the outer border using the black Sulky thread.

26. Cut 2 1/2" wide binding strips from the red with gold leaf fabric to finish the outside edges of the quilt.

    1. Sew into a long strip and fold in half. Press the fold line.

    2. Press the fold line. Sew raw edges to the edge of the top quilt. Turn the folded edge to the back and sew in place.