Part 1 of 2
Our 2002 pattern for the Project Linus Make-A-Blanket Day is as cute as can be! This easy-to-make pro bono project is also a great little scrap quilt to make for any child you know. Make the Just Ducky blocks as shown here, then view Part Two for directions on completing your quilt top.
This pattern is a variation on a design by Shirley Wegert of Englewood, Colorado.
Directions
For more detailed instructions on each step of the quiltmaking process, see our Basic Lessons.
Make 1 accurate copy of the paper foundation for each duck you wish to make. The quilt pattern we will present in part 2 requires 20 ducks. Cut 1 A of bright gold to make a beak for each duck.
For a row of 5 ducks, you may wish to use the same background fabric in each block, although a different scrap fabric for each background will work too. Make sure the scrap fabrics for the duck body and the background contrast well. Foundation piece patches 1-8 in each block.
To make the beak, fold A in half diagonally, wrong sides together (fig. 1). Press. Fold this triangle in half again (fig. 2) and press. Position the beak on the fabric side of the foundation, checking to see that it aligns with the dotted line on the paper side. Pin in place (fig. 3). Sandwiching the beak, sew patch 9 to the foundation and then remove the pins.
Placing the block over a light source, trace the eye with a permanent-ink fabric pen or satin stitch with black floss. For safety's sake, do not use buttons for the eyes on a child's quilt.
Trim the paper and extra fabric exactly along the outer line of the foundation pattern. Remove the paper foundation and press the patch 9 seam allowance toward the duck's body; this will make the beak fold outward.
Join 5 blocks to make a row and press all these seam allowances in the same direction. The row should measure exactly 6 1/2" x 30 1/2" raw edge to raw edge.
Part 2 includes yardage and measurements for sashes, borders and binding and directions for quilting your darling duckies!
Project Linus
Project Linus is an international pro bono organization providing handmade blankets for seriously ill or traumatized children. To learn more and to find a chapter near you, visit www.projectlinus.org or write to Project Linus, P.O. Box 5621, Bloomington, IL 61702-5621.
Foundation Piecing like a Pro
Sew the blocks by machine; set the stitch length to a short stitch, 18-20 per inch.
Remember this order: sew, trim, flip, press..
Before sewing, make sure the fabric will extend at least 1/4" beyond all edges of the patch once the fabric is flipped.
Stitch 1/4" before and after the ends of each line.
As you go, trim seam allowances to 1/4". Narrower seam allowances can easily pull away from the seam.
Part 1 of 2
Make 1 accurate copy of the paper foundation for each duck you wish to make. The quilt pattern we will present in part 2 requires 20 ducks. Cut 1 A of bright gold to make a beak for each duck.
For a row of 5 ducks, you may wish to use the same background fabric in each block, although a different scrap fabric for each background will work too. Make sure the scrap fabrics for the duck body and the background contrast well. Foundation piece patches 1-8 in each block.
