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Lissa Alexander’s True Blue is a scrap-friendly patchwork throw with Nine-Patch blocks set on point and framed with fabric strips for an optical illusion and dimensional effect. The eight-week quilt-along ran from January 15 to March 11, 2026, and is now a sew-at-your-own-pace project. The finished quilt measures 57½ × 71¾ inches, with blocks measuring 14¼ inches square.
How the True Blue quilt is constructed
The layout brings together a variety of Nine-Patch blocks, set on point and strategically framed with strips. Lissa Alexander describes the result as an “optical illusion and three-dimensional effect.” The block arrangement and strip placement create the visual movement; the pattern’s standard palette of blue and white prints is not the only option.
Alexander describes the design as scrap-friendly and encourages makers to use stash fabric and any color. The publisher’s alternate palette ideas include coral and aqua accents, muted tones with tan, and red and white; changing the placement of strip-pieced sections is another way to vary the look. These are color and layout ideas, not revised yardage instructions: the standard material list is specified for blue and white prints. Keep sufficient contrast between the blocks and framing strips so the dimensional effect remains legible.
Pattern routes and project timing
The quilt-along was published as an eight-week sequence from January 15 through March 11, 2026. Its schedule is useful as a construction roadmap, though the group schedule has ended.
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| Week | Published step |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather and cut fabrics |
| 2 | Assemble Unit 1 |
| 3 | Assemble Unit 2 |
| 4 | Assemble Unit 3 |
| 5 | Make corner units |
| 6 | Make blocks 1A, 2A and 3A |
| 7 | Make blocks 1B, 2B and 3B |
| 8 | Assemble the quilt top |
The official pattern was offered through three routes: the February 2026 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting, an individual PDF download or printed pattern mailed to the buyer, and a digital February 2026 issue through Zinio. The publisher said the print issue went on newsstands December 19, 2025, and recommended the Zinio issue for international readers. Current price, stock and retailer listings are not established here, so check the relevant seller or publisher before relying on availability.
Fabric and batting requirements
Choose the standard cutting instructions unless you plan to use the AccuQuilt-friendly version. The two routes have different yardage totals; do not combine their quantities.
Rank #2
- Pattern booklet for a 50" x 70" quilt
- The Blue Onion swirling blocks are made from a variety of contrasting prints. To change it up – make them out of any 12 contrasting prints that you like; the arcs are long and gentle which makes them easy to sew
- A companion pattern for the Ovals Always cgrKAOVAL Creative Grids Template, but instructions are included for cutting without it as well
| Material | Standard pattern | AccuQuilt-friendly version |
|---|---|---|
| Assorted blue prints for blocks | 3 yards total | 3¾ yards total |
| Assorted white prints for blocks | 3¾ yards total | 4½ yards total |
| Blue check for binding | ⅝ yard | ¾ yard |
| Backing fabric | 3⅔ yards | 3⅔ yards |
| Batting | 66 × 80 inches | 66 × 80 inches |
The blue-and-white yardages correspond to the published standard palette. Alexander’s stash-friendly guidance supports using other colors, but the available material list does not provide color-by-color substitutions or revised totals for alternate palettes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose a cutting route and tools
Standard instructions
The standard pattern does not require an AccuQuilt machine or dies. A Cozy Quilt Designs Strip Tube Ruler is listed as optional, so it is not a prerequisite for making the quilt.
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- A wealth of quilting suggestions and finishing techniques
- Pointers on fabric selection, rotary cutting, machine piecing, and appliqué
- Complete instructions for creating 20 beautiful, high-contrast quilts
- Nancy J. Martin, author of the bestseller Make Room for Quilts, now introduces Two-Color Quilts! Nancy shares her special ‘how-to’s for creating 20 crisp red-and-white and blue-and-white quilts that are favorites of quilters and collectors everywhere.
AccuQuilt-friendly instructions
The alternate instructions name the GO! Qube Mix & Match 4-inch Block and several additional dies. This route makes sense if you already have compatible AccuQuilt equipment and want to cut with those dies; it is not a requirement for the quilt. The listed components are:
- GO! Qube Mix & Match 4-inch Block: Square 2½-inch (2-inch finished) Shape 1; Square 1½-inch (1-inch finished) Shape 2; and Rectangle 1½ × 2½-inch (1 × 2-inch finished) Shape 8.
- Additional GO! dies: Square 2-inch (1½-inch finished), die 55022; Strip Cutter 1½-inch (1-inch finished), die 55024; and Strip Cutter 2½-inch (2-inch finished), die 55014.
- The Strip Tube Ruler remains optional for this version as well.
Before buying anything for the alternate route, check that your machine and dies match the listed specifications. The standard pattern remains the other published route if you do not use that equipment.
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- PREMIUM MATERIAL: 100% cotton fabric with vibrant floral, geometric, and star patterns perfect for quilting, sewing, and DIY craft projects
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- EASY CARE: Machine washable and ironable cotton material with anti-wrinkle properties for convenient maintenance
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