One way to achieve a unique and scrappy look for the Mountain Valley Quilt Pattern is by using fat quarters instead of yardage. In this blog post, I’m going to guide you through how I made my scrappy Mountain Valley, including some FQ cutting diagrams to help. (You will, however, need the original quilt pattern to get the cutting sizes and assembly instructions). Let’s get started!
Before we dive into the scrappy goodness, let's quickly talk about fat quarters. For those who aren't familiar, a fat quarter is a pre-cut piece of fabric that measures approximately 18 x 22 inches. I really like working with curated FQ bundles, because they provide a variety of prints and patterns all while staying coordinated. Curated FQ bundles are sold in almost every quilt fabric store. Since these bundles are made uniquely by each shop, make sure to pay attention to the number of FQs included in each bundle before you buy.
Once you have your FQs selected, it's time to start cutting them into the necessary units for the Mountain Valley pattern. The great thing about using FQs is that you can get multiple pieces from each one, allowing for even more scrappy goodness.
I’ve included four different ways to cut up a FQ showing how you can get the various pieces from one FQ. That being said, I worked one block at a time, selecting six fabrics for a single block and cutting them into the necessary units. I did not cut everything at the beginning and then mix and match (my usual method of scrappy quilting).
Doing it this way was a lesson in slowing down. It definitely took me longer to get all of the blocks put together. But I also think it allowed me to make sure I had as much variety within the blocks as possible.
If you are making the throw size, you’ll need 18 sets of the A - F units. I used a FQ bundle of the full Winterglow fabric collection by Ruby Star Society, which includes 31 fabrics. I used some from each print, and had plenty left over. I’d aim for at least 24 FQs, but you can always use more if you have them! If you are working with a smaller fabric collection, adding coordinating solids is a good way to increase the number of FQs you have!
So, the next time you're feeling adventurous, grab some fat quarters and give the Mountain Valley pattern a scrappy twist. Happy quilting!
