Free Project: Queen Anne Steps Quilt

The following project, Queen Anne Steps, and excerpt is from Quilt As You Go Made Modern by Jera Brandvig.

Queen Anne Steps

This quilt reminds me of Seattle’s Queen Anne steps. They’re hidden in plain sight and are great for an urban hike. This is a really sweet and simple design that uses a modern twist on the traditional Rail Fence block.

Quilt size: 48 ½˝ × 60 ½˝ Block size: 12˝ × 12˝ finished, 12 ½˝ × 12 ½˝ trimmed

What you need

Fabric yardages are based on 40˝ usable width. Remove selvages before cutting. 

• Fabric for blocks: 1¹⁄8 yard each of 3 coordinating prints 
• Batting: 1½ yards of batting or twin-size prepackaged batting 
• Backing: 3 yards (or 1½ yards 90˝–108˝ wide) • Binding: ½ yard

Block Assembly

Queen Anne Steps block. Make 20.

1. From each print, cut 7 strips 5˝ × the width of fabric to yield 21 total strips. With scissors, subcut each strip into 3 strips approximately 5˝ × 14˝. 

2. Cut 20 batting squares 13 ½˝ × 13 ½˝. 

3. Place a strip, right side up, to cover the left edge of a batting block. Tilt it slightly to the right. Quilt the fabric strip directly onto the batting. I kept it simple and quilted wavy lines that run parallel to the slant of each strip. Fig. A

Quilt Construction

1. Arrange the blocks in a 4-block × 5-row formation, rotating every other block so that the strips form zigzags. Sew together 4 blocks to form a row. Repeat until you have 5 rows. 

2. Sew together the 5 rows to form the quilt top.

Start by choosing a print that you are in love with at first sight. This print will become the centerpiece of your quilt. Then, find 2 other prints to complement it.

4. Add a strip, matching the tilt of the first. Press open and quilt the new strip. Fig. B 

5. Repeat Step 4 with a third strip, completely covering the batting. Fig. C 

6. Repeat Steps 3–5 to make 20 blocks.

Square Up Your Blocks 

Use the Improvisational Square-Up Technique with a 12 1/2˝ square ruler.

Finish the Quilt 

Cut the backing fabric in half across the width of fabric to yield 2 rectangles 54˝ × width of fabric. Trim the selvages and sew together along a 54˝ length. Press. Alternatively, cut a piece of wide backing fabric to measure 57˝ × 69˝. 

For information about attaching the backing fabric and binding, see Finish It!.

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