This flannel big squares baby quilt is just the thing for keeping a little one warm on chilly afternoons. The soft flannel feels wonderful against sensitive skin, and the big 10 1/2 in (26.5 cm) blocks go together in no time at all.
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Beginner
- Finished size: 31 1/2 in x 42 in (80 cm x 106.5 cm)
- Block size: 10 1/2 in (26.5 cm) finished
- Fabric: 100% Cotton Flannel
- Seam allowance: 1/4 in (6 mm)
- Time to make: A weekend
What Makes This Baby Quilt Special
The rustic woodland prints give this quilt a cozy cabin feel right away. Using large flannel squares lets the printed motifs take center stage without getting lost in tiny piecing. Instead of machine quilting, tying the corners with perle cotton keeps the quilt soft and drapeable, exactly what a baby needs for naptime.
Finished Size
| Item |
Block Size |
Blocks Across x Down |
Finished Dimensions |
| Baby Quilt |
10 1/2 in (26.5 cm) |
3 x 4 |
31 1/2 in x 42 in (80 cm x 106.5 cm) |
Fabric Requirements
| Fabric |
Used For |
Yards |
Metres |
| Cream Bear Print Flannel |
Bear block |
3/8 yd |
0.4 m |
| Cream Moose Print Flannel |
Moose block |
3/8 yd |
0.4 m |
| Cream Tree Print Flannel |
Tree block |
3/8 yd |
0.4 m |
| Red Buffalo Plaid Flannel |
Plaid blocks (4) |
1 3/8 yd |
1.3 m |
| Cream Pinecone Print Flannel |
Pinecone block |
3/8 yd |
0.4 m |
| Cream Star Block Flannel |
Star block units |
1/2 yd |
0.5 m |
| Red Star Print Flannel |
Star points & triangle block |
3/8 yd |
0.4 m |
| Green Tree Print Flannel |
Layered tree block |
1/4 yd |
0.3 m |
| Backing Fabric |
Quilt back |
1 1/2 yd |
1.4 m |
| Binding Fabric |
Quilt binding |
4 7/8 yd |
4.5 m |
| Batting |
Quilt middle |
38 in x 48 in |
96.5 cm x 122 cm |
Cutting Instructions
- Cream Bear Print Flannel: Cut 1 square 11 in x 11 in (28 cm x 28 cm).
- Cream Moose Print Flannel: Cut 1 square 11 in x 11 in (28 cm x 28 cm).
- Cream Tree Print Flannel: Cut 1 square 11 in x 11 in (28 cm x 28 cm).
- Red Buffalo Plaid Flannel: Cut 4 squares 11 in x 11 in (28 cm x 28 cm).
- Cream Pinecone Print Flannel: Cut 1 square 11 in x 11 in (28 cm x 28 cm).
- Cream Star Block Flannel: Cut background squares and rectangles for the star block totaling 1 square 11 in x 11 in (28 cm x 28 cm) equivalent area when pieced.
- Red Star Print Flannel: Cut star points and half-square triangle units totaling 1 square 11 in x 11 in (28 cm x 28 cm) equivalent area.
- Green Tree Print Flannel: Cut triangle units for the layered tree block totaling 1 square 11 in x 11 in (28 cm x 28 cm) equivalent area.
- Binding Fabric: Cut 4 strips 2 1/2 in x WOF (6.4 cm x WOF).
Assembly
Block Assembly
- Pre-wash and press your flannel so it does not shrink later inside the stitches.
- For the featured motif blocks (Bear, Moose, Tree, and Pinecone), cut each printed square to measure 11 in x 11 in (28 cm x 28 cm) to allow for 1/4 in (6 mm) seams.
- For the pieced Star block, sew the background cream pieces and red star points together using accurate 1/4 in (6 mm) seams.
- For the Tree block, piece the green layered trees onto the cream background fabric.
✅ Checkpoint: Each completed block measures 11 in x 11 in (28 cm x 28 cm) raw, and will finish at 10 1/2 in x 10 1/2 in (26.5 cm x 26.5 cm) once sewn into the quilt top.
Quilt Top Assembly
- Lay out all 12 blocks on a flat surface in a 3-block-wide by 4-block-long grid, following the photo for exact placement of the bear, moose, trees, star, and plaid squares.
- Sew the blocks together in horizontal rows, pressing your seam allowances to the left in even rows and to the right in odd rows so they nest nicely.
- Sew the four rows together from top to bottom, matching all intersecting seams carefully.
💡 Designer Tip: Flannel can stretch easily, so use plenty of pins and avoid pulling or pushing the fabric through your machine.
Quilting and Binding
- Lay your backing fabric face down on a clean floor, tape it smooth, add the batting, and place your pieced quilt top face up on top.
- Smooth everything from the center outward and baste the layers together with safety pins every few inches.
- Instead of machine quilting, thread a large needle with red perle cotton and make small anchor ties at every four-corner intersection across the entire quilt. Knot securely and trim the tails to about 1/2 in (1.3 cm).
- Sew your 2 1/2 in (6.4 cm) binding strips end-to-end on the diagonal, press them in half lengthwise, and attach them to the front of the quilt with a 1/4 in (6 mm) seam.
- Fold the binding over to the back and hand-stitch it down securely.
Size Variations
If you want to make this quilt larger for a toddler bed, add one extra column of three blocks to make it 4 blocks wide by 4 blocks long, measuring 42 in x 42 in (106.5 cm x 106.5 cm). You will need an extra 3/8 yd (0.4 m) of flannel for the additional blocks.
Care Instructions
Wash your flannel baby quilt in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry. Flannel gets softer and cozier with every single trip through the wash.
FAQ
Can I use regular cotton instead of flannel?
Yes, quilting cotton works wonderfully for this pattern, though the finished quilt will have a lighter weight and crisp drape instead of the heavy, cozy feel of flannel.
Do I have to tie the quilt by hand?
Not at all. You can straight-line quilt it on your sewing machine using a walking foot if you prefer machine quilting over hand ties.
How do I keep flannel from stretching while piecing?
Stitch with a slightly longer stitch length (around 2.5 to 3 mm), use a walking foot if your machine has one, and do not pull on the fabric as it feeds under the needle.
Happy Quilting!
I hope you enjoy putting this cozy woodland flannel quilt together as much as I did. Be sure to save the pin on Pinterest so you can find it later. If you make one, I would love to see it: send me a photo through the contact page.
