Layer cakes make perfect quilt backs. I’ve made entire quilt backs from layer cake squares, and I’ve also used just a row of them between two pieces of backing when I didn’t have quite enough fabric. Recently I was making a table runner and used left-over layer cake squares to piece the scrappy backing pictured above.
Of course, layer cake squares pieced together make wonderful quilt tops, too. This delightful lap-sized quilt top was pieced using one layer cake of Oink a Doodle Moo.
You can even make sampler quilts using layer cakes. The Open Gate Quilts Block of the Month quilt above (fabric is Indigo Crossing by Minick & Simpson) was made using two layer cakes along with some background and border fabrics. A lot of jelly roll patterns can also be adapted for use with layer cakes…there are so many possibilities.
You can download the Moda Bake Shop pdf file “How to Slice a Layer Cake” here. This helpful document showcases cutting ideas such as:
- cut into four 5″ x 5″ charm squares
- cut into two 5″ x 5″ charm squares and eight 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares
- cut into nine 3″ x 3″ squares
- cut into five 2″ x 10″ strips or four 2 1/2″ x 10″ strips
- cut diagonally to create triangles for half-square triangle units
- cut circles from the layer cake square
I make jumbo HSTs or QSTs for quick twin quilts.
You plan well, you can get a lot of blocks from a layer cake for a nicely coordinated sampler quilt.
I’ve never used a layer cake, but I like your plan 🙂
I love layer cakes! I’ve used them to make 12 inch blocks for a sampler quilt. And another time I cut them in half twice to make a baby quilt of just squares sewn together.
I haven’t used a layer cake before…but I would love to try out a few patterns that call for them. Love the suggestion sheet!
Does anyone know the name of the pattern for the blue and white quilt? I love it and would like to make it!
Denise: I did a little searching. This is a start anyway! http://www.aquiltinglife.com/2013/07/blogger-girls-block-of-month.html
Thanks for the great informational and inspirational take on Layer Cakes. I’m often tempted when I see them in the store or at a show. Have a super day!
I love layer cakes they’re so versatile, I’ve got a French General one teamed with a Jelly roll of the same design cut and ready to piece. I really like Eleanor Burns Piece of Cake quilt and am thinking my 30’s Playtime LC would look rather nice.
Peg xx
Thank you Jean! I have searched all afternoon, and didn’t find a thing!
I seem to “collect” them with good intentions … really like the blue/cream quilt above … may have to break the ice and give one a try using some of my stash!
I have never been able to buy a layer cake, but if I could I would make a big block quilt with lots of free motion quilting.
I use layer cakes to make the log cabin pattern. They are fun to work with!