Hi friends,

Today I am SO excited to share news about my latest quilt pattern - Beads.

Get a copy of the Beads PDF pattern here!

The Beads quilt was inspired by a favorite activity between my son Grey and I, making beaded friendship bracelets. This is a fun, modern quilt pattern for advanced to intermediate quilters, or those who enjoy sewing curves. The pattern is fat quarter and fat eighth friendly, or scrappy for a really fun look!

The Beads pattern includes coloring sheets, cutting diagrams, full color instructions and some great "how to" videos on sewing + trimming up the Diamond and Circle blocks. I will walk you through the process on how to sew your blocks together, so even if you are completely new to sewing curves you will learn a new skill and have fun in the process! 

We are also going to have a fun sew along coming up on March 16th - scroll down for more info on that. 

Quilt Sizes

There are three sizes included in the Beads quilt pattern. * Note: Additional FQ will be required if using a directional print. 

Non - Directional Fabric

I create most of my quilts with the intention of using a solid fabric in an arrangement of colors that complement each other - my favorite part of designing a pattern. The coloring sheets and pattern illustration have a numbered block layout to show how to place your fabrics in a nice orderly color pattern (for the baby and throw quilt). The bed size quilt has a numbered layout but it is in more of a random pattern. A non - directional pattern works out perfect for this because it works with the required fat quarters. Below is a quilt using the required 10 fat quarters (throw size) in a non directional fabric.

The fabric used on this mockup: First Light by Ruby Star Society. 1.Citron Code 2.Citron Tiny Flowers 3.Sunlight Moonrise 4.Goldenrod Chunkydots 5.Florida Ghost Saltines 6.Tangerine Dream Chunkydots 7.Sorbet Fruit Flowers 8.Melon Tiny Flowers 9. Peach Blossom Moonrise 10.Peach Dream Sono / Background: Sweet Cream Sono

Directional Fabric

Cover Quilt Fabric Information

Moda Bella solids: 10 fat quarters for throw size quilt

This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. 

• Lavender 33
• Amelia Lavender 164
• Hyacinth 93
• Aubergine 139
• Night Sky 117
• Dusk 116
• Bright Sky 115
• Little Boy Blue 142
• Capri 225
• Surf 193
• Background fabric: White
• Backing: Cuddle Turquoise Solid Yardage 

Quilting Details

Since I used a thick cotton batting and minky/cuddle backing I went with a larger 1" wide straight line quilting. I used my walking foot + the guide bar to help me achieve a nice straight even line. 

I will say wrangling this quilt was no small feat - it was HARD. The thickness and size of the throw took a bit of strength and definitely a lot of patience. So really think about your sewing machine, arm strength and patience before attempting a quilting project like this. That being said - when I back quilts with a cuddle fabric, they are actually used and LOVED - honestly the only quilts my son gravitates towards in the house. So definitely worth the extra effort - or take the extra step and locate a longarm quilter that allows minky/cuddle backings and have it professionally quilted. 

Beads Sew Along

I am also excited to announce the BEADS quilt Sew Along! this will be an 8 week sew along that meets up on the blog every Wednesday. Sign up here for the weekly newsletter that will send you the blog post every week along with great tricks and tips for the quilt. 

Helpful Videos

For those of you that are new to sewing curves, or half circle blocks like we use in the Beads pattern I made some videos to assist you with any questions you might have. These are links in the PDF pattern and will go over everything you need to know about cutting your pieces, sewing, how to iron and also how to trim up your blocks properly. 

How to sew: Half Circle Blocks

How to sew: Diamond Blocks

Finished Cover Quilt Images

Thank you so much for visiting the blog today and I hope you enjoyed seeing all of the photos of my cover quilt for the new Beads quilt pattern! 

Again you can find the PDF pattern here - and the Printed Pattern will be available soon. 

Be sure to sign up for the Beads Sew Along starting on March 16th! I cannot wait to sew along with you and make a fun new Beads quilt.

I also have some Pinterest friendly images below for you to save for future reference. 

Happy Sewing!

Nicole