30 Fabulous Totally Free Layer Cake Quilt Patterns

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Layer cakes, those pre-cut 10-inch squares of fabric, make quilting a breeze for newbies as they save a ton of cutting time. If you’ve recently got yourself a bundle of beautiful layer cake and are itching to turn it into a stunning quilt, you’re in the right place.

We’ve rounded up 30 fabulous, totally free layer cake quilt patterns, all perfect for quilters who are just starting out.

These beauties are quick to stitch up, don’t require fancy piecing techniques, and will have you feeling proud as a peacock with your finished project. So without any more fuss, let’s get to it!

What’s a Layer Cake?

A layer cake isn’t just a yummy dessert – it’s also a term used in quilting! A layer cake for quilters is a bundle of beautiful fabric squares, usually 10 inches by 10 inches.

Pre-cut and all the same size, these squares come in delightful colours and patterns, often from a single fabric line, carefully chosen to complement each other. Just like slices in a cake, they layer together to create stunning quilts.

A layer cake gives you a whole quilt’s worth of fabric, already coordinated and ready to sew. It’s a lifesaver for quilters who love beautiful design but want to skip the time-consuming step of picking out and cutting loads of different fabrics.

With a layer cake, even beginners can be confident that their quilt will turn out gorgeous and maintain a cohesive, professional look. Hence, ditch the measuring tape and scissors and get started on your next quilting project in no time!

Picking the Perfect Layer Cake: Your Quilt’s Foundation

So you’re ready to grab a layer cake and start quilting! But with so many amazing options out there, how do you choose the right one for your project? Well, it isn’t about picking the fanciest one for sure. Here are some tips to help you find a layer cake that’s a perfect match for your quilt-in-the-making:

Color Scheme

This might seem obvious, but think about the overall mood you want for your quilt. Do you dream of a vibrant, eye-catching throw? Or something more calming and serene for a table topper or a wall hanging?

Layer cakes come in all sorts of colour palettes: classic darks and lights, soft pastels, and rainbow brights. Pick the one that suits your vision and complements the space the quilt will live in.

Project Type

Is this a quilt for a cosy bed, a playful picnic blanket, or a decorative wall hanging? Consider the purpose of the quilt and choose a fabric weight that suits the function

For a lightweight throw, a layer cake with lighter-weight cotton fabrics might be ideal. But if you’re aiming for a warmer quilt, look for a layer cake with a mix of fabrics, including some flannel or fleece squares.

Fabric Type

Speaking of fabrics, layer cakes come in various materials, not just cotton. You might find some with silk or linen squares for a luxurious touch, or flannel for a snuggly feel. However, cotton is popular for its breathability and ease of use.

Ultimately, think about the final feel you want for your quilt and choose a layer cake that complements it.

Mix it Up

Don’t be afraid to mix and match! While most layer cakes have a coordinated theme, some have a bit more variety within the colour scheme. This can be a fantastic opportunity to personalise the quilt to your own taste.

Look for a layer cake that has a couple of “wild card” squares you can use as accents or borders.

Inspiration is Everywhere

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with choices, have a quick look at quilting magazines and websites, or browse online fabric shops. Seeing finished quilts made with layer cakes can help you visualise the possibilities for your own project.

Lucky for you, some of the quilt patterns we’ve showcased in the following section use a particular collection of layer cakes to achieve their gorgeous look.

With a little thought and these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect foundation for your next quilting adventure!

30 Fabulous Free Layer Cake Quilt Patterns for Beginners

1. Candy Swirls (Splendid Speck)

Yum! This pattern combines pinwheel blocks and layer cake squares to create a quilt that’s as sweet as candy.

2. Salt Air Lattice (Mommy by Day)

Beachy vibes for your quilt! Easy piecing with coastal-themed layer cake squares creates a classic lattice design.

3. Layer Cake Lollies (Fat Quarter Shop) 

Fun and fast, this pattern uses squares from your layer cake to create a quilt that resembles colourful lollipops.

Similar Articles:

• 30 Free Baby Quilt Patterns to Sew
• 25 Easy Quilt Blocks That Look Difficult
• 20 Traditional Quilt Patterns to Inspire Your Next Project

4. Layer Cake Stacker (Aunt Em’s Quilts) 

Simple strips and squares from your layer cake come together in a quick and easy quilt, perfect for beginners to sew!

5. Spring Picnic (It’s Only Fabric and Thread)

Fresh and delightful, this quilt is like a breath of spring air.

With its easy strip piecing, it’s a great way to use up some of those favourite fabrics in your stash.

6. Star Chain (Material Girl Quilts)

This pattern combines charming star blocks with an Irish chain motif, all made from your layer cake squares.

It’s a great way to practice matching seams and add some traditional charm to your quilt!

7. Pyramids (Moda Fabrics)

This stunning geometric pattern from Moda Fabrics uses clever yet simple piecing techniques with layer cake squares to create a dynamic quilt that resembles a field of pyramids.

Perfect for showing off those modern prints!

8. Peaches & Cream (Simple Simon & Co.)

This quilt is a breeze!

Just 25 squares and some sashing fabric from your layer cake come together for a delightful lap-sized quilt. Perfect for beginners.

9. Layer Cake Lemonade (Fat Quarter Shop)

Just about the perfect pattern to use up your entire layer cake bundle! With just squares, rectangles, and some easy piecing, you’ll end up with a cheerful, refreshing quilt.

10. Wildflower Crowns (Moda Fabrics)

Moda brings the floral charm! This pattern uses creative piecing techniques with your layer cake squares to assemble a quilt that looks like a blooming meadow.

11. Clustered Gems (Moonkin Stitchery)

This beginner-friendly pattern uses simple fabric placement to create sparkling gem-like squares. It’s awesome for showing off those bright, fun prints.

12. Giant Bear Paw (The Polka Dot Chair)

This cuddly pattern uses squares from your layer cake to create a playful quilt that looks like a giant, huggable bear paw.

Perfect for a kid’s room or anyone who loves bears!

13. Kaleidoscope (Robert Kaufman Fabrics)

This free quilt pattern from Elise Lea lives up to its name! With its easy half-square triangle blocks of various made of various layer cakes, it creates a mesmerising explosion of colour and pattern.

14. Layer Cake Coin (She Quilts A Lot)

This quick and easy pattern uses your entire layer cake to create a charming quilt with a scattered “coin” design. Great for beginners and perfect as a baby or lap quilt!

(Note: Pattern is no longer free, but available for just $1. That’s cheaper than a cup of coffee nowadays! And besides, there are many other free options on this list!)

15. Love LayerCake™ (Moda Fabrics)

Another classic Moda pattern that uses basic piecing with squares and background fabric to create a bold and lovely quilt.

Additionally, the downloadable PDF to this free pattern includes two smaller versions, Charm and MiniCharm™, for those interested.

16. Jolly Pinwheels (A Bright Corner)

This fast-to-sew pattern utilises layer cake squares to craft pinwheel blocks, great if you wish to add a touch of whimsy to your quilt.

It even includes a clever trick for making half-square triangles at the same time!

17. Chevron (Patchwork Posse)

Don’t let chevrons intimidate you!

This pattern incorporates strategic fabric placement of layer cake squares to achieve a classic chevron design.

With a bit of planning and layout, you’ll have a stunning quilt that looks more complex than it is.

18. Ring Bearer (Laundry Basket Quilts)

Looking for a handmade wedding gift or a baby quilt?

In this pattern, layer cake squares combine with accent fabrics to stitch a charming quilt with interlocking rings, perfect for special occasions.

19. Jumble (A Bright Corner)

This quilt is a party in fabric form! Simply cut up your layer cake squares of various fun prints and piece them however you please for a one-of-a-kind quilt that reflects your unique style.

20. Blooming Flower Boxes (Moda Fabrics)

This pattern uses very easy piecing techniques with your layer cake squares to create a quilt that overflows with blooming flower boxes. Perfect for the flower lover in your life.

21. Moon Cake (Ruby Star Society)

Designed by Alexia Marcelle Abegg of Ruby Star Society, this unique, flashy pattern uses HSTs (half-square triangles) for a quick and pretty quilt that’s perfect for showing off those lovely fabrics in your layer cake bundle.

22. Retro Indigo (Liberty Fabrics) 

This Liberty Fabrics pattern uses fat eights (fabric bundles similar to layer cakes but with smaller squares) but could potentially be adapted for layer cake squares to create a quilt with a cool, retro vibe.

While not technically a layer cake pattern, it’s a great example of how you can use pre-cut fabrics like charm packs or jelly rolls for quick and stylish quilts!

However, be sure to check the pattern details and fabric requirements before diving in!

23. Shuffle Quilt (Sparrow Studioz)

This one’s all about fun and flexibility for beginners! It combines different-sized strips cut from layer cake squares of various colours to achieve alternating blocks for a scrappy quilt.

Perfect for using up all those leftover bits and pieces!

The pattern above is available for free download on the APQS website.

24. Layer Cake Loop (Fat Quarter Shop)

This is a Shortcut Quilt that’s perfect for beginners! 

With just a few clever seams, your layer cake squares transform into a stunning loop design.

It’s a great way to use up your favourite fabric collection and have a finished quilt in no time.

25. Autumnal (Coriander Quilts)

This quilt captures the beauty and cosiness of fall with its warm and inviting colour palette.

Simple piecing techniques with squares and rectangles from your layer cake make it an awesome project for quilters of all skill levels.

26. Layer Cake Pop (Fat Quarter Shop) 

Sometimes the simplest ideas create the most stunning quilts.

Bursting with stars, this starter-friendly pattern cleverly arranges squares and triangles to create a cheerful quilt.

It’s a cool pattern to showcase your favourite layer cakes.

27. His & Hers (The Polka Dot Chair)

This is a cute idea for anyone looking for layer cake quilt patterns for two! 

This pattern uses distinct colour palettes and easy stitching to create a set of matching quilts, perfect for a gift or to decorate a little boy’s and girl’s room.

28. Layer Cake Spools (Fat Quarter Shop)

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a little challenge or a seasoned quilter wanting a quick and fun project, check this out – it uses creative cutting methods with layer cake squares for a quilt with thread spool motifs.

It’s the best gift for a fellow sewist and those trying to show off their quilty charm through their home decor.

29. Snuggly Pre-Cut Layer Cake (The Polka Dot Chair)

This pattern offers a cosy and cuddly quilt good for beginners who also want to improve their piecing.

It uses simple pre-cut squares and rectangles cut from your layer cake to create a quick and delightful finished product.

Check Out: 25 Star Quilt Patterns to Light Up Your Space

30. Stargazer (Laundry Basket Quilts) 

A traditional quilt pattern that features layer cake squares cut and pieced into stunning star blocks, creating a quilt that evokes the magic of a clear night sky.

Showcase those beautiful batiks or other fabrics with a celestial feel.

It’s perfect for a dreamy bedroom decor or an inspiring gift for a space enthusiast!

See: 20 Flying Geese Quilt Patterns

Essential Materials & Tools for Your Layer Cake Quilt

Now that you’ve probably picked out your perfect layer cake and the pattern, it’s time to gather the tools to bring your quilt to life!

Thankfully, layer cake projects are known for being beginner-friendly, and most of the supplies you’ll need are probably already hanging out in your craft corner. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Sewing Machine: This is your trusty sidekick for stitching all those beautiful fabric squares together.
• Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat: A rotary cutter and mat make quick and precise work of cutting your layer cake squares; better than those rusty scissors!
• Sewing Thread: Choose a strong thread complementing the colours in your layer cake.
• Sewing Needles: Grab some fresh sewing needles to ensure smooth stitching.
• Quilting Ruler: this handy tool helps you measure accurately and keep your quilt squares nice and square.
• Clips/Pins: Keep your fabric layers secure while sewing with quilting clips or good old-fashioned straight pins.
• Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing your seams open as you sew will help your quilt lay flat and look its best.
• Batting: This fluffy material sits between the quilt backing and top for that extra comfy factor.
• Backing Fabric: It forms the back of your quilt, so choose something that suits the front and is big enough to spread over the entire quilt top.
• Binding: This strip of fabric finishes the raw edges of a quilt, giving it its polished look. You can use leftover fabric from your layer cake for binding or choose a coordinating solid colour.

That pretty much covers the basic supplies! Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on this list – many craft stores offer starter kits that include some of these essentials.

Watch Out for These Common Mistakes

Quilting with layer cakes is fun, but even the best quilters sometimes make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for in your layer cake project:

First, not pre-washing your fabric. You might be tempted to skip it for your layer cake, but resist! Fabric can shrink, and uneven shrinkage means a not-so-square quilt top, throwing off your entire design. Wash those pretty squares before you start sewing!

Next, mismatched seams can be a headache. In fact, we’ve all been there – sewing a seam and realising it’s a smidge off. To avoid wonky blocks, use a ¼” seam allowance consistently and invest in a handy seam gauge for your sewing machine. Use pins to keep everything aligned. It’s worth the extra effort for a neat finish.

With so many beautiful fabrics, it’s easy to end up sewing a square in the wrong spot. Take your time, lay out your blocks carefully, and maybe label them to avoid mix-ups.

And this one’s important: measure twice, cut once! Double-check your measurements before cutting so you don’t waste fabric. As mentioned earlier, a rotary cutter and mat make clean, precise cuts much easier.

Mistakes happen, and that’s okay! At least when it comes to quilting, you can usually fix things up. Just relax, take your time, and enjoy the process!

FAQ

How big of a quilt can I make with a layer cake?

A typical layer cake has 42 squares, usually 10” x 10”. Depending on the pattern, this can create a throw-sized quilt (about 50” x 60”) or even a twin-sized one perfect for snuggling on the couch.

If you’re aiming for a larger quilt, you might need to buy two layer cakes or supplement with some additional fabric.

Can I use any fabric scraps with my layer cake?

Leftover fabric squares from your layer cake are perfect for borders, binding, or even piecing in some accent squares in your quilts. You may also put some of those scraps to good use for making mini mug rugs, coasters, doll quilts, etc.

How long does it take to make a layer cake quilt?

The time it takes depends on the pattern complexity and your quilting experience. But generally, layer cake quilts come together quicker than traditional quilts because the fabric is pre-cut. So you can stitch up a stunning quilt in a weekend of enjoy the process over a few relaxing evenings.

I’m a beginner quilter. Are layer cake quilts easy?

They sure are! Since the fabrics are already coordinated, it saves you time and decision fatigue. Plus, many layer cake quilt patterns we’ve highlighted above are designed for beginner quilts and involve simple piecing techniques.

Sew Many Choices!

Wowza! That’s a whole lot of free layer quilt inspiration to get your creative juices flowing.

With 30 unique patterns to choose from, you’re sure to find the ideal project to match your sewing skill and fabric stash. And this is just a taste of the fantastic free patterns you’ll find out there!

The beauty of layer cakes is their simplicity, so grab your favourite one, a rotary cutter and mat, and see those beautiful squares of various colours and patterns transform into a stunning quilt.

We’d also love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below which free pattern caught your eye, or share a picture of your own layer cake quilt project.