Riley Blake Jesse’s Blankie - Downloadable PDF

Jesse's Blankie Quilt by The RBD Designers

Project Overview

Jesse's Blankie is an intermediate-level quilting project that creates a finished quilt measuring 40 inches by 54 inches. This downloadable PDF pattern from Riley Blake and The RBD Designers is designed for quilters with some experience who are ready to work with multiple fabric pieces and sashing techniques. The project uses a combination of quilted cotton fabrics layered and sewn together with coordinating sashing strips to create a structured, finished blanket suitable for babies or small children.

Fabrics and Materials Required

• Fabric 1: 1 yard of quilted cotton (used for strips A, C reversed, E reversed, and G)
• Fabric 2: 3/8 yard of quilted cotton (used for strips B and F, wrong side up)
• Fabric 3: 1/3 yard of quilted cotton, positioned wrong side up (used for strip D)
• Sashing and Binding: 1 yard of coordinating fabric for both front and back sashing strips

Cutting Instructions

The pattern requires precise cutting to ensure all pieces fit together correctly during assembly.

• Fabric 1: Cut 4 strips measuring 8 inches wide across the width of fabric (WOF)
• Fabric 2: Cut 2 strips measuring 6 1/2 inches, positioned right side up
• Fabric 3: Cut 1 strip measuring 10 inches wide
• Sashing Strips (Front): Cut 6 strips measuring 1 3/4 inches wide
• Sashing Strips (Back): Cut 6 strips measuring 1 1/8 inches wide

Quilting Techniques and Stitching Methods

Jesse's Blankie employs several fundamental quilting techniques that intermediate sewers should be comfortable executing. The pattern uses a layering method where fabric pieces are stacked in a specific order to create depth and structure. The sashing technique is central to this design, with front sashing strips folded lengthwise and pressed before being layered with other components.

The assembly process involves creating units by layering back sashing strips (right side up) with A strips (right side up), then adding front sashing strips with raw edges aligned to the piece edges. This creates a sandwich-like construction that is then stitched down. The stitching is completed using either a small zig-zag stitch or a straight stitch, depending on the quilter's preference and machine capabilities. The zig-zag stitch provides additional security and a decorative element, while the straight stitch offers a more traditional quilting appearance.

Pattern Assembly Process

The quilt assembly follows a systematic approach where multiple fabric strips are sewn together in units before being combined into the final blanket. The pattern requires quilters to fold front sashing strips in half lengthwise and press them before use, which creates a finished edge. These folded sashing strips are then layered with the main fabric pieces, with raw edges carefully aligned.

The assembly instructions indicate a repeating pattern where different fabric combinations (such as C to A/B units and D to E) are stitched together progressively. This modular approach allows quilters to work through the project in manageable steps, building confidence as they progress through the construction.

Finished Product Characteristics

Upon completion, Jesse's Blankie measures 40 inches wide by 54 inches long, making it an appropriately sized blanket for infants and toddlers. The use of quilted cotton fabrics throughout the project creates a soft, cushioned finished product that is both durable and comfortable. The sashing strips frame the main fabric pieces and add visual interest while serving a structural purpose in holding the layers together securely.