Circle Of Life: Oakshott Mini Quilt Tutorial

I have long desired to play with Oakshott fabrics, and I’m so excited that time has finally come!

I was sent this 10 inch square pack of the new Colourshott range (31-57) to play with, and it has a such a beautiful range of colours! When I first saw them, I was immediately inspired by the different “mood palettes” contained within, and how that translated into something seasonal.

I used some greens and the pink for spring, yellows and an aqua for summer, browns and a purple for autumn, and the blues and white for winter. Interpret it how you will, but for me, I see blossoms, the beach, boots and scarves, and snow. This mini finishes at 24″ and I’ll be hunting for the perfect Aurifil at QuiltCon this week to finish it off when I get home!

What you’ll need

For each quadrant:

Background:
2 – 1.5″ x 12.5″
1 – 1.5″ x 10.5″
1 – 1.5″ x 9.5″
1 – 1.5″ x 7.5″
1 – 1.5″ x 6.5″
1 – 1.5″ x 4.5″
3 – 2.5″ squares
4 – 2.5″ x 3.5″

Darkest:
1 – 2.5″ square
5 – 2.5″ x 4.5″

Medium:
1 – 2.5″ square
3 – 2.5″ x 4.5″

Lightest:
1 – 2.5″ square
1 – 2.5″ x 4.5″

Accent:
6 – 2.5″ x 3.5″

All seams are 1/4″, press all seams towards the darkest print (or open if you prefer). These instructions make one 12.5″ x 12.5″ block. Make 4 quadrants to complete the mini.

Step 1. Draw a line diagonally on the wrong side of 3 of the darkest rectangles from the top left corner to the middle (2.5″ down) of the right side. Place one right sides together with a 2.5″x3.5″ background rectangle, aligned as per the diagram. Sew along the line and trim 1/4″ away from the seam towards the outer corner.

Step 2. Draw a line diagonally on the wrong side of 2 of the accent rectangles from the top left corner to the 2.5″ point down the right side. Place one right sides together with the unit from step 1, as per the diagram. Sew along the line and trim 1/4″ away from the seam towards the outer corner.

Step 3. Repeat the process to add a darkest rectangle, an accent rectangle, and a third darkest rectangle.

Step 4. Now repeat the process, but mirrored…
Draw a line diagonally on the wrong side of a 2.5″ background square, and place right sides together with a darkest rectangle, aligned as per the diagram. Sew along the line and trim 1/4″ away from the seam towards the outer corner.

Step 5. Draw a line diagonally on the wrong side of 2 of the accent rectangles from the top right corner to the 2.5″ point down the left side. Place one right sides together with the unit from step 1, as per the diagram. Sew along the line and trim 1/4″ away from the seam towards the outer corner.

Step 6. Continue to repeat the process to add another darkest rectangle and accent rectangle. Draw a line diagonally on the wrong side of the 2.5″ darkest square. Place right sides together with the final accent rectangle, aligned as per the diagram. Sew along the line and trim 1/4″ away from the seam towards the outer corner.

Step 7. Repeat the entire process for the medium fabric and remaining accent rectangles – first the left corner to middle lines, and then the right corner to middle lines.

Step 8. Using the same techniques, sew the remaining background 2.5″ square to the lightest 2.5″ square to create a 2.5″ HST unit; and the remaining 3.5″ background rectangle to the lightest rectangle, as per the diagram.

Step 9. Arrange all your units and 1.5″ background rectangles as per the diagram. Start with the lightest fabrics corner and sew each unit together, working your way out to the darkest fabrics corner. Finally, sew the 1.5″ x 12.5″ background pieces to the top and bottom.

Make three more of these quadrants to complete your Circle Of Life mini quilt!