Sunshine Sampler Quilt Digital Patterns

Are you ready to learn how to make your first quilt? Learn all about patchwork AND machine quilting in this year long mystery quilt along with Leah Day!

How the Machine Quilting Block Party Works

On the first day of every month we will release a new block for you to purchase and download. Hint: Make sure to pick up your patterns within the first 5 days of the month for the best deal!

Within the downloadable pattern, you will find instructions on how to piece one patchwork block. You'll also find a full sized template for you to mark the machine quilting design on the surface as well. Quilting on marked lines is the best way to master the movement of free motion quilting, making this the perfect project for beginning quilters.

Watch and Learn Videos with Leah Day

Follow along with Leah Day as she teaches you how to piece and machine quilt each block in free videos. We will publish a detailed video on piecing the block on the 1st Monday of the month, then a second video on how to machine quilt the block on the second Monday of the month. 

We may also share extra bonus videos, but don’t worry - all posts and videos about the Sunshine Surprise Block of the Month project will be easy to find right here.

You can begin this quilt along anytime and work at your own pace. The blocks will remain available to purchase even beyond 2016.

What does the quilt look like?

The finished size of the quilt will be 43 x 58-inches, making it a beautiful, throw sized quilt!

Of course, you can piece and quilt more blocks to make your Sunshine Sampler quilt bigger. Here is Stephan's quilt, made with double the blocks to make a much bigger quilt:

Quilt-As-You-Go

Sunshine Surprise is a fun Quilt-As-You-Go project. This means the blocks will be pieced, then sandwiched and quilted separately, then put together to create the finished quilt at the very end.

This Quilt-As-You-Go style is perfect for beginners and quilters with small home sewing machines. You won't have to fight the bulk of a big heavy quilt because you will quilt each block one at a time!

How will we connect the blocks together? Click Here to watch a video on how we've connected blocks together in a previous quilt along.

What do I need to get started?

The Machine Quilting Block Party is designed to work block by block, but if you'd like to purchase all your fabric at once, here's the total amount you will need for all 12 blocks:

Fabric A (red) - 1 yard
Fabric B (Orange) - 1 yard
Fabric C (Yellow) - 1 yard
Fabric D (Cream) - 3 1/2 yards
12 - 18-inch squares of batting
3 yards of backing fabric

Leah Day used Island Batik fabrics in Cherry, Nasturtium, Lemonade, and Cream for my blocks to create a super bright, sunshine effect, but you're welcome to try any color pallet you like.

It is a good idea to pick solids or solid-reading batik fabrics because they will be easier to see your marked lines when quilting.

How do I download the pattern?

Each pattern is sold separately as a digital download PDF. Simply place your order and you can immediately download the pattern onto your computer and print it out. Click Here to find tips on downloading quilt patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get this pattern printed and mailed to me?

No. The Machine Quilting Block Party patterns will only be available as a PDF download.

Is precut fabric included to make the blocks?

No. You are ordering just the download PDF pattern from this page. We do not have fabric kits available for this project.

Where do I find the videos to this project?

Click Here to find the videos and articles on the Free Motion Quilting Project. Remember, the video on how to piece a block will be published on the 1st Monday of the month, and the video on how to quilt a block will be published on the 2nd Monday of the month.

Can I download the videos for this block party?

No, the videos are shared for free on YouTube and are not designed to be downloaded to your computer. Make sure to have a high speed internet connection so you can enjoy the videos streaming online.

I'm just getting started late, where should I begin?

Definitely start with Block #1. We included a lot of extra tips and common beginner questions within that pattern that will help you get started on the project. Once you complete block #1, you can pick any block within the project and work on the ones you like the best first.

Are you going to continue the Machine Quilting Block Party in 2017?

Yes! We have a new mystery quilt for you to enjoy block by block in 2017! The theme for this quilt is flowers and feathers so each block will feature free motion quilting feathers. More details coming soon!