Sweet Mae, Beyond the Pattern

Jul 6

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Your guide to customizing Sweet Mae, block by block

This post explores different ways to make your Sweet Mae quilt. One version uses the block exactly as designed (Original Block), while another treats Fabric B as part of the background (Added Background), giving the block a completely different feel. Depending on which option you choose, you may need to adjust the fabric requirements, so keep an eye out for any changes.

What’s Inside

Cut Fabrics A - E with 12 Fat Quarters (including cornerstones)

Save a fat quarter and cut all Fabrics A - E with only 12 fat quarters. It’s a tight fit, but doable.

Two Color Way

Using two fabrics: one fabric for all blocks and one fabric for the background.

Three Color Way

Using one fabric for all blocks, one fabric for cornerstones, and one fabric for the background.

Sparkle Three Color Way

Using one fabric for all blocks, one fabric for the background, and multiple fabrics for the cornerstones.

Block by Block Color Way

Each block uses a different fabric, with a single fabric for the cornerstones and another for the background.

KEY

Original Block: Fabric A, B, C, D make the block | Fabric E cornerstone | Fabric F background

Added Background: Fabric A, C, D make the block | Fabric E cornerstone | Fabric B + F background

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Cut Fabrics A - E with 12 Fat Quarters (including cornerstones)

If you don’t have an extra fat quarter for Fabric E (the cornerstones), don’t worry — you can still make it work with just the 12 fat quarters included in your bundle. It’s a tight fit, but totally doable!

Cut each fat quarter the same way for Fabrics A through E (for the lap size). Each FQ will yield 36 pieces, as shown below. Once all 12 are cut, continue with the pattern instructions to cut your background (Fabric F), backing, and binding.

After that, start at the “Organize Fabric” section of the pattern. When you reach the “Sashing Unit Assembly” step, you’ll decide whether to keep the sawtooth cornerstones consistent or go for a more scrappy, mixed look. I personally love a uniform cornerstone, but if you’re embracing the scrappy vibe, mixing them is a fun option!

When to Use

Use this cutting guide any time you’re working with only 12 fat quarters and want to make the lap size. It’s perfect if you’re going for a scrappy look or if you’re using the Plum Story Sweet Mae Quilt Kit — available here.