12 Fat Quarters, One Quick Quilt: The Shortcut Pattern You Need

Jessica Smith · 2026-07-13

If you have been holding onto a stack of fat quarters waiting for the right project, this one is for you. The newest pattern in the Shortcut Quilt Series is here, and it is designed to be sewn up faster than you can bake a quiche. Beginners and experienced quilters alike will find plenty to love about the Fat Quarter Quiche Quilt. You can start sewing this pattern right away, and it is especially handy if you have been collecting fat quarters without a clear plan. Every Shortcut Quilt pattern is free, and this one comes with a full video tutorial on the Fat Quarter Shop YouTube channel. That means you get step-by-step guidance from start to finish. ### What Makes This Quilt Different This is not just another quilt pattern. The Fat Quarter Quiche Quilt is built around simplicity and speed. It uses exactly 12 fat quarters plus some background fabric, so you do not need to buy a long list of materials. The pattern comes in four sizes: Crib, Lap, Twin, and Queen. That means you can make a baby gift, a cozy throw, or a bed-sized quilt using the same basic design. The construction is straightforward enough for a confident beginner, but the finished look is polished enough to impress experienced quilters. If you want to replicate the exact look shown in the tutorial, you can purchase the Fat Quarter Quiche Quilt Kit and matching backing set. Everything coordinates, so you do not have to second-guess your fabric choices. ### The Fabric We Used For our version, we sewed with the True Love collection by Lella Boutique for Moda Fabrics. The soft blues and lush greens in this collection give the quilt a calm, summery feel. It is the kind of color palette that works in any room and feels timeless rather than trendy. Of course, you can use any fabric you like. The pattern is flexible enough to work with bright colors, neutrals, or even scraps if you want to mix things up. The key is choosing fabrics that have enough contrast to make the design pop. ### Why Fat Quarters Are Perfect for This Pattern Fat quarters are a staple in most quilters' stashes because they offer more versatility than a standard quarter-yard cut. They measure roughly 18 inches by 22 inches, which gives you enough fabric to cut larger pieces without excessive waste. For this pattern, you will use 12 fat quarters, and the rest of the quilt top comes from background fabric. - Each fat quarter yields multiple pieces for the quilt blocks - The pattern is designed to minimize fabric waste - You can mix and match collections for a scrappy look - Fat quarters are easy to store and organize If you love working with fat quarters, consider joining a Fat Quarter Club. These clubs deliver 12 fat quarters to your door each month, featuring a new collection. You will save about 12 percent compared to buying the same precuts individually. Plus, there is something special about getting fabric in the mail. ### Tips for Sewing Your Quilt Before you start, here are a few things to keep in mind: - Press your seams as you go. It makes a big difference in the final look. - Use a quarter-inch seam allowance for accuracy. - Chain piece your blocks to save time. - Label your pieces if you are working with multiple fabrics that look similar. The video tutorial walks through each step, so you can follow along even if you get stuck. Do not be afraid to pause and rewind as needed. ### Share Your Work Once you finish your quilt, we would love to see it. Share your work using the hashtag #FatQuarterQuiche on Facebook and Instagram, and tag @fatquartershop so we do not miss it. Seeing your versions of the pattern is one of the best parts of creating these free designs. Happy quilting, and enjoy the process of turning those fat quarters into something beautiful.