Pattern of the Week: The Orla Quilt
This week’s spotlight is on the Orla Quilt Pattern, a design that is precut-friendly, quick to sew, and full of movement. I introduced the Orla Quilt a couple of years ago and it has been a favorite for many of you who love speedy projects that look complex (my kind of combo!). The Orla Quilt is a simple, modern pattern that’s perfect if you want to:
• Use Precuts or Your Stash. The Orla Quilt can be made with a jelly roll, fat eighth bundle, or fat quarter bundle – choose your favorite precut! It’s also a great stash-buster; the block pieces are 2.5” strip friendly, making it easy to cut from scraps or stash yardage.
• Sew something quick and easy. This pattern comes together fast. The construction is beginner-friendly (experienced beginner level ) with no tricky seams or techniques, so you can whip up a quilt top in no time. It’s one of those projects that’s easier to make than it looks – very satisfying!
• Get a striking design with lots of movement. The layout of the Orla blocks creates a ton of visual motion across the quilt. Even though sewing it is straightforward, the finished quilt has a more advanced, dynamic look. The repeated rectangle motif almost looks like interlocking rings or frames dancing across the quilt.
• Try out custom color combos. One neat feature of Orla’s design is that none of the feature fabric pieces touch each other in the layout. That means you can use a bunch of different prints or colors without worrying about clashing – it’s super versatile and great for experimenting with your own color bundle. The pattern also includes five sizes (Baby, Lap, Twin, Queen, King), so you have plenty of flexibility.
How to Choose Fabrics for the Orla Quilt
Choosing fabrics for Orla is a fun exercise in creativity because just about any collection or assortment can work. Here are some ideas to consider:
• Go with a precut bundle. Since Orla was designed with precuts in mind, starting with a 2.5” strip roll or bundle gives you a great mix. A jelly roll typically has 40 strips, which is just right for a lap-size Orla. Look for a bundle that has a good variety of colors and contrast. For example, a mix of lights, mediums, and darks will help the blocks stand out.
• Use a contrasting background. Orla’s blocks have a background fabric that sets off the rectangular frames. Choosing a background that contrasts with your feature fabrics will make the design pop the most. Classic choice is a light background (like white or cream) with darker/brighter feature strips – this makes it look crisp and highlights the shapes. But don’t be afraid to flip it: a dark or bold colored background with light strips can be stunning and very modern.
• Try a controlled palette. If you want a more coordinated look, pick a tight color scheme (for example, various blues and greens with a gray background). Because none of the feature fabrics touch each other directly, you can even use bold prints all in the same color family and they will each be framed by the background. A controlled palette can give the quilt a more modern, minimalist vibe – think all solids, or prints that are all from one collection or designer for a cohesive feel.
• Or go wild with scraps. On the flip side, Orla is amazing for a scrap-busting project. Cut strips from all your favorite leftover fabrics and just ensure you have enough contrast with your background. The orderly block structure will contain the craziness of scraps.
• Background print or solid? Using a solid background will emphasize the shapes of the Orla blocks, giving a clean look. Using a subtle print or woven (like Essex linen or a tiny polka dot) as the background can add texture and interest to the negative space. In one of my samples I used a textured woven for the background, and it gave the quilt extra depth. Just make sure the background choice doesn’t compete with your feature fabrics; it should elevate them.
Previous Orla Quilt Posts
If you want to see more examples and info about the Orla Quilt, check out these previous blog posts:
The Orla Quilt in AGF Pure Solids
The Orla Quilt in CF by Carolyn Friedlander
New Orla Quilt Mockups Featuring Current Fabric Collections
To give the Orla Quilt a fresh spin, I’ve put together some new mockups featuring current fabric collections that I think you’ll love. Orla is such a fun pattern to visualize with different fabrics because each collection makes it look totally different.
Catnap by Alexia Marcelle Abegg
Easter by Rifle Paper Co.
Quiltessential by Laundry Basket Quilts
Salutations by Rashida Coleman Hale
Pure Solids by Suzy Quilts
Moonlit by Jennifer Moore
A Year in Petals by Bonnie Christine
Eye Candy by Ruby Star Society
Which Version is Your Favorite?
I’m always amazed by how one pattern can result in so many unique looks. The Orla Quilt is a chameleon – from bold modern prints to soft vintage florals, it all works! Which Orla mockup do you love the most?