Quilts aren't just heirlooms, they're living history, and Sugarcubes reimagines the classic Broken Sugar Bowl block by adding a modern twist (literally)! Through strategic rotation and color placement, this modern pattern creates movement and sparkle as your eye is drawn between primary and secondary shapes.
What's Included
- Baby, Small Throw, Large Throw, and Queen sizes (using 16, 36, 64, and 120 blocks respectively)
- Step-by-step instructions with full-color diagrams
- Downloadable PDF with printable coloring sheets
Specifications
- Technique: Traditional Patchwork
- Block size: 9" square (finished), 9½" square (unfinished)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- File format: PDF download
- Pages: 16
Perfect for
- Baby quilts and birthdays
- Using those treasured fat quarters in your stash
- Playing with fabric volume ... this pattern really shines when you use a mix of low, high, and medium values
Fabric Requirements
Baby Quilt (36" × 36")
- Dark fabric: 4 fat quarters
- Medium fabric: 4 fat eighths
- Light background: ¾ yard
- Backing: 1¼ yards
- Binding: ⅜ yard
Small Throw (54" × 54")
- Dark fabric: 6 fat quarters
- Medium fabric: 6 fat quarters - Light background: 1½ yards
- Backing: 3½ yard
- Binding: ½ yard
Large Throw (72" × 72")
- Dark fabric: 11 fat quarters
- Medium fabric: 11 fat quarters
- Light background: 2½ yards
- Backing: 4½ yards
- Binding: ¾ yard
Queen (90" × 108")
- Dark fabric: 20 fat quarters OR 10 cuts of ⅝ yard each
- Medium fabric: 20 fat quarters OR 10 cuts of ⅜ yard each
- Light background: 4¼ yards
- Backing: 8¼ yards
- Binding: 1 yard
What You'll Need
To make your quilt:
- Sewing machine - Basic quilting tools: rotary cutter (or scissors), cutting mat, ruler, pins, binding clips - Thread, needle, masking tape
- To print your pattern: - Printer and standard letter-size paper (8.5" × 11")
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this pattern suitable for beginners?
A: Sugarcubes is rated intermediate because it incorporates 4-at-a-time HSTs, which can be tricky at first, but this is a great way to get some practice. If you can sew HSTs you can sew this quilt!
Q: Should I press seams open or to the side?
A: Either works! I press seams open for less bulk and easier alignment. If you prefer pressing to one side, press toward the darker fabric to prevent shadowing through lighter fabrics.
Q: How can I tell if there is enough contrast between my low, medium, and high volume fabrics?
A: Arrange your fabrics side by side in the combinations you think you'll use. Take a photo with your phone, then use a black and white filter to get a better view of the contrast side by side. (A little tip you can use for any quilt!)
Q: Do I need to use contrasting fabric values?
A: Not at all—this is your quilt! While high/medium/low contrast creates visual "pop," you can absolutely experiment with other approaches:
- Scrappy-but-cohesive: Alternate color palettes (warm blocks + cool blocks)
- Bold and graphic: Use a dark background instead of light
- Monochromatic: Stay within one color family for a subtle effect
Q: Can I arrange the blocks differently?
A: Absolutely! Sugarcubes blocks can be rotated in different directions to create completely unique layouts. Try experimenting with the digital coloring pages on PreQuilt to preview different arrangements before you sew.
Ready to make your Sugarcubes quilt shine? Download your pattern and start playing with fabric combinations—this design rewards experimentation!
© 2023 Patch and Dot.
This pattern is for personal use—you're welcome to sell or exhibit quilts you make from this pattern on a small, independent scale. Please do not share, resell, or reproduce the pattern itself. Commercial use prohibited.
