The Sunbonnet Sue quilt pattern is a classic, beloved by quilters of all skill levels.
This timeless design features a charming figure of a girl wearing a bonnet and dress, often set in various poses.
Its simplicity makes it perfect for beginners, while the endless possibilities for customization appeal to more advanced quilters. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to create your own Sunbonnet Sue quilt, complete with a free pattern and beginner-friendly instructions.
What Is the Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Pattern?
The Sunbonnet Sue design originated in the early 20th century and has remained popular ever since. Typically, it features a girl with a large bonnet that covers her face, which has become her iconic silhouette.
Sunbonnet Sue quilts are often made with appliqué techniques, where fabric pieces are sewn onto a background fabric to create the Sunbonnet Sue figure.
This project involves both piecing and appliqué, giving beginners the chance to practice a variety of quilting techniques while making something delightful.
Materials You Will Need
Before starting your Sunbonnet Sue quilt, gather the following materials:
- Fabric: Choose a variety of fabrics for the following elements:
- Background fabric (neutral or solid color): For the quilt blocks
- Dress fabric (prints or solids): For Sunbonnet Sue’s dress
- Bonnet fabric (prints or solids): For Sunbonnet Sue’s bonnet
- Accent fabric: For details like shoes or a basket
- Batting: Enough to fill your quilt to the desired size.
- Backing fabric: A solid piece of fabric for the back of your quilt.
- Thread: Matching or contrasting thread, depending on your preference.
- Sewing Machine: For piecing and appliqué.
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler: For cutting your fabric with precision.
- Scissors and pins: For trimming and pinning fabric pieces.
- Appliqué paper or fusible web (optional): Helps hold fabric in place during appliqué.
- Iron: For pressing seams and adhering fusible web if using.
Quilt Block Size
Each Sunbonnet Sue figure is traditionally set in a quilt block, which can be any size depending on your design. For beginners, I recommend starting with 12-inch blocks. This size allows for clear, easy appliqué and provides plenty of room for creativity.
Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Pattern: Step-by-Step Instructions
This guide will focus on creating a single Sunbonnet Sue block, which you can repeat to form a larger quilt.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pattern
To begin, download a free Sunbonnet Sue quilt pattern or draw your own. The basic design consists of several key components:
- Sunbonnet Sue’s bonnet
- Her dress
- Her arms (optional)
- Shoes or boots (optional)
You can customize your Sue’s look by altering her pose or adding accessories like flowers, baskets, or animals.
Once you have the pattern, cut out the template pieces.
Step 2: Cut Your Fabric Pieces
Using your template, cut the following fabric pieces:
- Background fabric: Cut a 12.5″ x 12.5″ square (this includes seam allowances).
- Bonnet fabric: Cut out the bonnet shape.
- Dress fabric: Cut out the dress shape.
- Accent fabric (shoes, hands, basket): Cut these small pieces as needed.
If you’re using fusible web or appliqué paper, iron it onto the wrong side of your fabric before cutting to help with placement later.
Step 3: Assemble the Sunbonnet Sue Block
Lay your background fabric flat, and arrange the Sunbonnet Sue pieces on top in the desired position. Ensure that everything is placed correctly before you begin sewing.
If you’re using fusible web, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to adhere each piece to the background fabric. If you’re not using fusible web, pin the fabric pieces in place.
Step 4: Appliqué the Pieces
Using your sewing machine or hand stitching, appliqué each piece onto the background fabric. Beginners might find it easiest to use a simple zigzag or blanket stitch for this process.
- Bonnet: Stitch around the entire edge of the bonnet to secure it in place.
- Dress: Repeat the same process for the dress. Be careful around the curves, and take your time to ensure smooth edges.
- Shoes/Boots: Attach the shoes at the bottom of the dress. If Sue is holding a basket or other accessory, stitch these pieces down as well.
Step 5: Embellishments (Optional)
Once Sunbonnet Sue is securely appliquéd, you can add embellishments to bring her to life. For example:
- Add stitching for arms or hands.
- Create a ruffle or bow for her bonnet.
- Stitch a flower, basket, or any other accessory into her hands.
These little details give personality to each Sunbonnet Sue block and make your quilt unique.
Step 6: Piece the Blocks Together
Once you’ve completed several Sunbonnet Sue blocks, it’s time to assemble the quilt top. Here’s how:
- Lay out the blocks: Arrange the blocks in the desired order, ensuring a balanced look.
- Sew the blocks together: Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew the blocks together in rows. Press the seams open to reduce bulk.
- Sew the rows together: Once the rows are assembled, sew them together to complete the quilt top.
Step 7: Add the Border (Optional)
To frame your quilt, consider adding a border. Cut strips of fabric to the desired width (2.5″ to 5″ wide, depending on your preference), and sew them around the edges of the quilt top.
Step 8: Layer the Quilt
Now that your quilt top is complete, it’s time to assemble the quilt “sandwich.” Layer the quilt in the following order:
- Backing fabric (wrong side facing up)
- Batting
- Quilt top (right side facing up)
Smooth out each layer, ensuring there are no wrinkles, and pin or baste the layers together.
Step 9: Quilting
You can quilt the layers together using a variety of techniques:
- Stitch in the ditch: Quilting along the seams of the blocks.
- Free-motion quilting: Adding swirls, loops, or other decorative stitches to the quilt.
- Hand quilting: For a traditional touch, use a needle and thread to quilt the layers by hand.
Choose a method that suits your skill level and style.
Step 10: Bind the Quilt
To finish your quilt, you’ll need to bind the edges. Cut strips of fabric 2.5″ wide and long enough to go around the perimeter of your quilt. Sew the binding strips to the front of the quilt, fold them over the edges, and hand stitch them to the back.
Final Thoughts
Your Sunbonnet Sue quilt is complete! This charming pattern is perfect for quilters of all skill levels, offering a combination of piecing and appliqué that allows for creative expression. Whether you’re making a small baby quilt, wall hanging, or a full-sized bed quilt, Sunbonnet Sue adds a nostalgic and whimsical touch to any project.
Enjoy your quilting journey with this beloved pattern!
