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The Fan Dance Quilt is a colorful patchwork project that brings movement and personality to a classic fan motif. Designed by Linda and Carl Sullivan for FreeSpirit Fabrics, it features rows of bright fan blocks made with fabrics from the Kaffe Fassett Collective Spring 2017 collection.
This free quilt pattern combines piecing with appliqué. Each fan becomes a decorative focal point against a square background, while the mix of colors and prints creates a lively overall design. The official pattern includes the fabric requirements, cutting information, diagrams, and assembly instructions.
Fan Dance Quilt Pattern at a Glance
| Pattern | Fan Dance |
|---|---|
| Designer | Linda and Carl Sullivan |
| Pattern source | FreeSpirit Fabrics |
| Finished quilt size | 72 × 84 inches |
| Finished block size | 12 inches square |
| Techniques | Patchwork piecing and appliqué |
| Skill level | Experienced beginner |
| Pattern cost | Free PDF |
What Makes the Fan Dance Quilt Special?
The fan motif is repeated across the quilt in different fabric combinations, creating a sense of rhythm and color movement. Instead of relying on one large printed fabric, the design uses smaller pieced fan sections to build texture and contrast.
- Bold color combinations: Use bright prints, coordinated colors, or your own stash to create a lively quilt.
- Decorative fan blocks: Each block features a fan motif attached to a square background.
- A mix of techniques: The project combines piecing and appliqué, making it a useful opportunity to practice both.
- A generous finished size: At 72 × 84 inches, the quilt works well as a bed quilt or a statement throw.
Fabric and Supplies
The original design features the Kaffe Fassett Collective Spring 2017 fabrics. You can follow the original color plan or choose a different palette, as long as the fan sections remain distinct from their background squares.
Before cutting, download the official PDF and check its complete fabric chart. The pattern lists the individual fabrics by letter and gives the yardage and cutting requirements for each one.
You will also need the usual quilting supplies, including:
- Quilting cottons for the fan blocks and background
- Backing fabric and batting sized for the finished quilt
- Coordinating sewing thread and suitable thread for appliqué
- A rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, and basic sewing supplies
- Template material and a water-soluble glue or another suitable method for temporarily securing the fan units
- An iron and pressing surface
Important: Use the official PDF for the exact quantities, cutting measurements, template, and block layout. The notes above are a general supply overview, not a replacement for the original pattern instructions.
Tips for Sewing the Fan Dance Quilt
1. Read the full pattern before cutting
Review the fabric chart, cutting diagrams, and block layout first. Since the design uses several fabric combinations, label your fabrics clearly so each group stays organized.
2. Make one fan unit as a test
Before making the entire set, sew one sample fan and check that its shape lies flat and looks balanced on the background square. This small test can help you catch pressing or placement issues early.
3. Take care with the appliqué
Position each fan carefully before stitching it to the background. Follow the official pattern's suggested placement and choose a straight, zigzag, or decorative stitch that suits your fabric and preferred finish.
4. Keep your blocks consistent
Measure the background squares accurately and use the same seam allowance throughout. Consistent block sizes will make the final quilt layout easier to assemble.
5. Plan the color movement
The fan blocks create the visual rhythm of this design. Lay out the completed blocks before joining the quilt top so you can check the distribution of colors and prints from a distance.
If you are still building your quilting skills, these guides may also help:
- How to Read a Quilt Pattern: A Beginner's Guide
- How to Sew an Accurate 1/4-Inch Seam Allowance
- Should You Press Quilt Seams Open or to the Side?
- Quilt Binding for Beginners: Easy Mitered Corners
Download the Free Fan Dance Quilt Pattern
The original FreeSpirit Fabrics PDF includes the fabric requirements, cutting charts, fan templates, diagrams, and step-by-step construction instructions.
Download the Free Fan Dance Quilt Pattern (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fan Dance Quilt pattern free?
Yes. FreeSpirit Fabrics provides the original Fan Dance pattern as a free PDF.
What size is the finished Fan Dance Quilt?
The finished quilt measures 72 × 84 inches, and the finished blocks are 12 inches square.
Who designed the Fan Dance Quilt?
The official pattern credits Linda and Carl Sullivan as the project designers. It features fabrics from the Kaffe Fassett Collective Spring 2017 collection.
Is this quilt suitable for a complete beginner?
The pattern lists the skill level as experienced beginner. It combines piecing with appliqué, so it is a good choice if you already know basic quilting techniques and are ready to practice careful fan placement.
Can I use different fabrics?
Yes. You can choose other quilting cottons to suit your taste. Select a range of colors and prints that provide enough contrast for the fan shapes to stand out, and use the official PDF for the original fabric quantities and cutting plan.
Final Thoughts
The Fan Dance Quilt is a wonderful option for quilters who enjoy playful prints and colorful block layouts. Its repeated fan motifs give the quilt movement, while the combination of piecing and appliqué adds visual detail without requiring complicated blocks.
Download the free pattern, organize your fabrics before cutting, and make a test fan to check your technique. Once the blocks are ready, take time to arrange the colors before sewing the quilt top together.
