You've seen a gorgeous piece of art fabric and dreamed you want to cut into it, but without marring the design, you have no idea how to do it. It is one of the most frequent creative challenges that we encounter. That is why the Arles Quilt from Robert Kaufman Fabrics is so refreshing for our community, a free quilt pattern.
This quilt project is made even more iconic and impressionistic with the stunning fabric collection from Vincent Van Gogh.
The Arles Quilt is superbly designed to get you the most out of the fabric and to provide a relaxed, incredibly satisfying piecing experience. Now, let's take a closer look at the essential technical aspects that contribute to the success of this pattern.
Layout & Dimensions
The finished size is versatile 54" x 72" suitable for a striking gallery wall quilt or for a thoughtful throw blanket. The large-scale layout and focal units are contrasted by clean, stabilizing sashing, and avoids the complex, fine piecing that could cut into or compete with Van Gogh's rich textures.
The focus is on the fussy cutting.
The Arles design is all about the specific approach taken to the main Vincent Van Gogh print (Fabric A). The instructions ask you to "fussy cut"—meaning to identify and focus on particular features of the print and then to cut them to the center of the form:
- Two large center rectangles 22-1/2” x 28-1/2”
- Two accent rectangles (1) 7” x 23-1/2”, coordinating top/bottom. Two coordinating top and bottom accent rectangles (1) 7” x 23-1/2”.
These prints are treated as solid canvas panels and the visual narrative of the original oil painting is preserved.
Assemble the Companion Borders
You'll be making the same simple, sweet, colorful strip sets to frame these beautiful panels. The pattern coordinates a set of tonal accompanying fabrics that have been cut into 2-1/2” strips that are each 22-1/2” long. When put together lengthwise, these strips make a beautiful color-wash, ideal to simulate the effect of a painter's palette.
Lastly, it is held together with 3-1/2” sashing strips cut across the width of the fabric (WOF). This neutral framing works much the same as a gallery matte, allowing your eyes to relax between the intense, saturated blocks of color.
Final Thought
The Arles Quilt is a beautiful and sophisticated project that proves you don't have to do a ton of microscopic piecing to achieve a show-stopping quilt. It combines smart fussy-cutting with simple strip line assembly, with a clear road map to help you confidently explore your favorite art prints. This project is ideal for those thinking of bringing a special panel or a favorite collection of paintings to life.
Full Pattern: Arles Quilt Free PDF Pattern
