All the Good Quilt Pattern - Printed Version

How Controlled Improv works

If you've made traditional quilt patterns, this one will feel a little different, in the best way. Controlled Improv patterns don't include a placement chart telling you where to put each color or block. You won't find "Fabric 3 goes here."

What you do get is a plan you can trust: clear cutting instructions, step-by-step block construction, and guidance on choosing colors and balancing lights and darks so your quilt flows. Then you get to play. You decide where each piece lands, and your quilt ends up uniquely yours.

If improv makes you a little nervous, you're in good company, and you don't have to figure it out alone. In HIVE+, you can get color and layout feedback from me, join a monthly LIVE where we practice controlled improv design together, and work through full companion courses for select patterns. You'll also get free shipping on every Jittery Wings order, all with a whole hive of color-loving quilters cheering you on. No quilt police, just process over perfection. 🐝

Join HIVE+ →

COMPLETELY FAT QUARTER FRIENDLY!

This quilt is designed to use Fat Quarters (FQ) with minimal waste. This is a “controlled improv” quilt pattern by nature but utilizes a system of “controlled freedom” for those who fear improv. The finished square is 4” sewn into the quilt. The pattern comes together very quickly because it utilizes the 8 at a time Half Square Triangle (HST) method and the 4 at a time Flying Geese (FG) method. Pattern is written for three sizes:

1. Baby: 48” x 48” - 12 FQs

2. Throw: 64” x 72” - 24 FQs

3. Queen: 96” x 104” - 52 FQs

FEATURES:

- Large technical illustrations for the visual learner and detailed written instructions for the reader types.

MATERIALS:

1. Baby: 12 Fat Quarters

   Backing: 3 yards

   Binding: ½ yard

   Batting: 52” square for domestic, add 4” to each side for longarm.

2. Throw: 24 Fat Quarters

   Backing: 5 yards

   Binding: ¾ yard

   Batting: 68” x 76” for domestic, add 4” to each side for longarm.

3. Queen: 52 Fat Quarters

   Backing: 10 ½ yards

   Binding: ¾ yard

   Batting: 100” x 108” for domestic, add 4” to each side for longarm.

   NOTE: Some of your Fat Quarters can be the same fabric, but that is not required.