Tutorial: Full Moon Quilt

I'm mad for moons. You could say I'm a bit of a lunatic. That's why I was instantly captivated by Janet Clare's newest collection, Nocturne, when I saw it at Quilt Market back in May. I got my hands on a FQ bundle leftover from Sample Spree and began plotting what to do with it.

While browsing Pinterest, I came across this stunningly simple mini wall hanging by btaylorquilts. It got my wheels turning for a semi-improv quilt. It's a really easy process and I want to share it with you.


The full moon, which measures 18" in diameter, is made from a improv piecied Dresden. You can download the wedge template here. I started by cutting a 3.5" x 18" strip from each of 17 low volume (cream/gray prints in the bundle). I then cut 3.5" tall pieces from those strips and began piecing them in an improv fashion. I cut some wonky, some straight, but I never bothered with ruler.

To make each Dresden wedge, I made three "tiers," each measuring 3.5" tall. The top tier (which will be the outer ring) is made of 3 strips of fabric, the middle tier is made from 2 strips, and the bottom tier is a single piece. I sewed the three tiers together, then used my template to trim the wedge to the desired shape.

Make 20 wedges for the moon. To assemble the moon, piece 10 wedges together at a time to make two semicircles, then join the two halves.

For the background, I cut a bunch of 3.5" x 18" and 6.5" x 18" strips from my navy, blue, and gray fat quarters. Since I didn't have enough navy fabric, I decided to go for a gradated look instead. I did improv strip piecing to make 60" wide rows. You don't have to do strips though. You could make slabs, simple squares, anything really. I just wanted something fast and efficient. I continued adding rows until my top was 72" long.

When the background was complete, I used needleturn applique to attach the full moon.

I'm waiting on my quilt backing to come in the mail right now. I can't wait to quilt this one!

Finished size: 60" x 72"