Quick Answer
Use the Lexington pattern from Villa Rosa Designs to turn floral quilt panels into a finished 54in x 74in quilt. Follow the steps below to cut, arrange, and stitch your panels with confidence.
Why Floral Panels Work with This Pattern
Floral quilt panels often feature large-scale prints that can be difficult to use in traditional piecing. The Lexington pattern is designed to showcase those panels as the focal point, with simple borders and sashing that let the fabric shine.
Because the finished quilt size is 54in x 74in, it works well as a throw or a small bed quilt. That size gives you enough room to feature multiple panels or one large panel, depending on the scale of your floral print.
Choosing the Right Floral Panel
Not all floral panels are created equal. Look for panels that have a clear focal image and enough contrast to stand out against your border fabrics. Panels with a lot of empty background space can look washed out, while busy panels may compete with the piecing.
If your panel is too large for the 54in x 74in finished size, you can trim it down or use it as a center medallion. If it's too small, add a border to bring it up to the required size.
Step-by-Step: Quilting with Floral Panels
- Prepare your panels: Press your floral panels flat and trim off any selvage edges. Measure the panel to confirm its size before cutting. Check that the panel is square; if not, trim it to a rectangle that fits the pattern layout.
- Cut borders and sashing: Using the Lexington pattern, cut your border and sashing strips to the specified widths. Be precise with your rotary cutter and ruler. Double-check your seam allowance (usually 1/4 inch) before cutting multiple strips.
- Arrange the layout: Lay out your panels and border strips on a design wall or flat surface. Step back to see the balance of color and scale before sewing. Move the panels around until the floral motifs are oriented the way you want; don't be afraid to rotate them.
- Sew the quilt top: Sew the sashing between panels first, then attach the borders. Press seams toward the darker fabric to reduce bulk. Check that all corners meet neatly and the quilt top lies flat without ripples.
- Quilt and finish: Layer the quilt top with batting and backing, then quilt as desired. Bind the edges to complete your 54in x 74in quilt. Consider a simple quilting design that doesn't distract from the floral panels.
Product Facts
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Lexington - Villa Rosa Designs: The Lexington pattern from Villa Rosa Designs is available through Quilt in a Day and produces a finished quilt measuring 54in x 74in. Knowing the finished size helps you plan how many floral panels you need and how much border fabric to purchase.
Lexington - Villa Rosa Designs
