When Simple Shapes Get Seriously Stylish: Say Hello to Patch Play
Okay, real talk—most beginner quilts look like, well, beginner quilts. You know the drill: charm squares marching in a grid, colors that whisper instead of sing, and zero personality. So I had a thought: what if we handed newbies the cheat code to serious style? Something unmistakably modern, maybe even a little gallery-worthy—but still totally doable for your first rodeo?
Enter: Patch Play.
This beauty is pure rectangles and squares—yep, that's it! No curves to curse at, no tricky matching points to wrestle. Just crisp, clean shapes dancing across a minimalist background. It's the quilt equivalent of "I woke up like this"—effortlessly chic, even if you're still Googling "how to wind a bobbin."
If you’ve ever wanted a first quilt that feels calm, confident, and modern — not like a typical beginner quilt — Patch Play shows you how structure and design can create a refined look right from the start.
Beginner-Friendly (and Speedy, Too!)
This is a genuine first-timer project. We're talking around 10 hours of sewing time (fine, maybe 14 if you're making friends with your walking foot). Patch Play is your express lane to handmade glory. And here's my hot tip: if you're new to quilting, hand this baby off to a longarm quilter. Trust me—you'll look like a quilting wizard when it comes back looking that good.
The Fabric Scoop: Punchy, Pretty, and Practical
I designed this little charmer using just 9 Fat Eighths from the BALISONG collection. Nine! I threw in sassy pinks, sunny yellows, and bold blacks for serious visual pop. The generous negative space? That's what gives it that breezy, modern-art vibe.
Feeling adventurous? Patch Play looks killer in black and white (hello, graphic punch!),
or try cozy winter tones—think icy blues, soft taupes, and moody graphite. Or hey, raid your stash and go full scrappy. This pattern loves a little beautiful chaos.
💡 Zen Chic Pro Tips
Here's the game plan: lay out your rectangles in horizontal rows before you touch your machine. Then piece each strip, add your background sashing between rows, your border strips, and boom—you're done. Honestly, it's like quilting with training wheels (but way cooler).
And speaking of spreading the quilting love: this makes an adorable baby quilt or a fantastic holiday project alongside your favorite young one. You bring the fabric and the fun—they might just get hooked for life.
Your Shopping List
9 Fat Eighths (psst—we've got that bundle!)
Background fabric
Binding fabric
Backing + batting
Skill level: Confident beginner
Finished size: 55" x 55"
Patch Play is for quilters who want structure without rigidity – and freedom without chaos. If that sounds like you, this is where you can explore Patch Play further.
Flash Sale Alert: 20% Off This Week!
The Patch Play PDF pattern is 20% off from Wednesday through Sunday—no code, no fuss. Just pop by the shop and the discount is already waiting for you.
Oh, and we've bundled up those 9 Fat Eighths from the sample quilt for you, too. Available for pre-order now.
and pre-order your fabrics right here (German online shop)
Happy stitching, you clever thing—
Brigitte x
