Spicy Spiral Table Runner - Pattern
Lazy Days Cat and Bird Quilt by Sarah Yetman – Tutorial is a heartwarming and creative quilting project that beautifully captures the calm, joyful moments of a lazy afternoon.
Designed by the talented Sarah Yetman, this quilt is perfect for anyone who loves cats, birds, and cozy handmade art. The design combines whimsical imagery with modern quilting techniques, resulting in a stunning piece that is both fun to make and delightful to display.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned quilter, this tutorial will guide you step by step through creating your own version of this charming quilt.
The Lazy Days Cat and Bird Quilt features an adorable cat lounging under a tree while birds flutter nearby — a simple yet captivating scene that adds warmth and character to any room.
It’s a perfect mix of applique and traditional piecing, allowing you to explore both techniques in a single project. The gentle curves and soft shapes make it approachable for quilters of all levels, while the color combinations can be customized to suit your personal style.
In this Lazy Days Cat and Bird Quilt by Sarah Yetman – Tutorial, you’ll learn how to choose fabrics, cut your pieces, assemble the design, and finish your quilt with precision. It’s more than just a sewing project — it’s an artistic experience that brings joy to your home and comfort to your heart. Let’s explore how to make your own masterpiece inspired by Sarah Yetman’s charming vision.
Before you start sewing, gather all your materials and prepare your workspace. For the Lazy Days Cat and Bird Quilt by Sarah Yetman – Tutorial, you’ll need a few essential quilting supplies. These include your favorite fabrics, a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, an iron, and, of course, a sewing machine. Make sure you have enough thread that matches your fabric colors, as this helps keep the stitching neat and professional.
When it comes to choosing fabrics, select soft cotton materials for the best results. Cotton is easy to handle and works well for both piecing and applique. You’ll want to pick at least three or four complementary colors — one for the background, one for the cat, one for the birds, and others for the tree, leaves, or sky. Sarah Yetman’s original design features warm, natural tones that evoke peace and relaxation, but you can experiment with brighter or cooler palettes to match your décor.
A good tip is to pre-wash your fabrics before cutting. This prevents shrinking later and ensures your quilt maintains its shape and softness over time. Use high-quality batting for a cozy finish and smooth backing fabric to give your quilt a polished look. With your fabrics chosen and tools ready, you’re all set to begin your quilting journey.
Making the Lazy Days Cat and Bird Quilt is a joyful process that blends creativity and precision. Start by preparing your background fabric. Iron it flat and mark your layout lines lightly with a fabric pencil to guide your placement of the cat, tree, and birds. This helps keep your design balanced and centered.
Next, move on to the applique pieces. Cut the shapes for the cat, birds, tree, and any additional details using templates. You can create these templates from paper or lightweight cardboard. Trace them onto the fabric and cut carefully with sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. Applique allows you to add texture and dimension, so take your time positioning each element.
To attach the applique pieces, use a fusible web for clean, secure edges. Once you’ve ironed the pieces into place, stitch around them using a small zigzag or blanket stitch. This not only secures them but also adds a decorative outline. Continue assembling your quilt top by adding any patchwork borders or accent blocks you want to include.
When the top is complete, press it one final time to ensure it’s flat and smooth. Now your quilt is ready for layering — a process that gives your creation structure and durability.
The next step in the Lazy Days Cat and Bird Quilt by Sarah Yetman – Tutorial is layering your quilt. Lay your backing fabric on a flat surface, place the batting on top, and then add your quilt top face up. Smooth out any wrinkles and pin or baste the layers together to hold them in place.
Quilting is where your project truly comes to life. You can choose from hand quilting, free-motion quilting, or simple straight-line stitching. For beginners, straight-line quilting works beautifully and highlights the playful shapes in the design. If you’re more experienced, free-motion quilting lets you add swirling clouds, leafy patterns, or whimsical stitching around the cat and birds.
Once the quilting is complete, trim the excess batting and backing to match the edges of the quilt top. The final step is adding the binding. Cut long strips of fabric, fold them in half lengthwise, and sew them around the edges of your quilt. This not only secures the layers but also adds a clean, professional finish.
For a special touch, consider adding embroidered details or hand-sewn embellishments such as tiny flowers or paw prints. These small additions make your quilt uniquely yours and give it even more personality.
One of the best parts about the Lazy Days Cat and Bird Quilt by Sarah Yetman – Tutorial is that you can easily customize it. Instead of following the original color scheme, try creating a sunset background with orange and pink tones, or a nighttime scene using deep blues and purples. You can even replace the birds with butterflies or change the cat’s pose to match your favorite pet.
The finished quilt makes a perfect wall hanging, lap blanket, or gift for a cat lover. It’s also a wonderful addition to a nursery, living room, or reading nook. Because the quilt design tells a peaceful story, it adds a sense of calm wherever it’s displayed.
If you enjoy making smaller projects, you can scale down the pattern to create matching pillows or table runners. This lets you use the same theme throughout your home. Each variation reflects your creativity and adds warmth to your living space.
Q1: Is this quilt suitable for beginners?
Yes! The Lazy Days Cat and Bird Quilt by Sarah Yetman is beginner-friendly. It combines simple applique and piecing, making it a great introduction to quilting techniques.
Q2: What fabrics work best for this quilt?
Light to medium-weight cotton fabrics are ideal. They’re easy to cut, sew, and press, ensuring a smooth and clean finish.
Q3: Can I make this quilt without a sewing machine?
You can hand-sew the applique and quilting if you prefer a more traditional approach, though it may take more time.
Q4: How long does it take to complete this quilt?
Depending on your experience level, it can take anywhere from one weekend to a week of casual sewing sessions.
Q5: Can I sell quilts made from this pattern?
You can create quilts for personal use or gifts inspired by this design, but if you plan to sell them, crediting Sarah Yetman as the designer is a respectful gesture.
Creating the Lazy Days Cat and Bird Quilt by Sarah Yetman – Tutorial is a wonderful journey through color, creativity, and craftsmanship.
From choosing fabrics to stitching the final binding, each step allows you to bring warmth and joy into your home. The design’s calm theme reminds us to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures in life — just like a cat enjoying a lazy day under the trees. ,
If you enjoyed this project, share your experience and let us know your thoughts. Your feedback and ideas can inspire others to start their own quilting adventure!
