Patchwork bunnies in four different colorways -- white, gray, warm brown, and chocolate -- scatter through rows of tulip-style flowers on a pale mint background. The bunnies are round and appealing without being saccharine, and the mix of bunny tones across the large quilt gives the finished piece real depth and variety. Elizabeth Hartman's Cottontails is a spring pattern that works equally well on a wall, a bed, or draped over a chair -- and the pillow makes a charming standalone project for anyone who wants to try the block before committing to a full quilt.

The construction is conventional patchwork throughout. No templates, no paper piecing. The flowers are especially flexible: each flower block uses a single 3-1/2" square of fabric, which can be cut from standard 5" x 5" charm squares or from scraps. That makes the flower fabrics a natural opportunity to use up small cuts of prints you love -- every flower in the large quilt can be a different fabric if you want.

What the Pattern Includes

This listing is for the printed paper pattern only. Fabric, batting, backing, and notions are not included.

The pattern booklet includes instructions for three project sizes: a 24" x 24" pillow, a 40" x 46" small quilt, and a 67" x 73" large quilt. Diagrams and charts showing all pieces for each block are included, usable as a reference while sewing or as a guide for making individual blocks on their own.

The pillow is a quilted pillow cover with an envelope closure. For the pillow you'll also need batting (see pattern back for details), 2-1/8 yards muslin or scrap fabric for pillow lining, and a 24" x 24" pillow insert.

What You'll Need

For the bunny fabrics, the large quilt uses four different fabrics at 1/2 yard each. The small quilt uses 1/2 yard of a single bunny fabric; the pillow uses 1/4 yard. Both the small and large quilts also need:

• Eye and nose fabric: 1/8 yard
• Tail fabric: 1/8 yard (small) or 1/4 yard (large)
• Leaf and stem fabric: 1/2 yard (small) or 3/4 yard (large)
• Background fabric: 1-3/4 yards (small) or 4-1/4 yards (large)
• Backing: 2-3/4 yards (small) or 4-3/8 yards (large)
• Binding: 1/2 yard (small) or 5/8 yard (large)
• Batting: 44" x 50" (small) or 72" x 78" (large)

For flower fabrics, the large quilt needs 39 charm squares (5" x 5") or 1/4 yard each of 3 fabrics; the small quilt needs 18 charm squares or 1/8 yard each of 3 fabrics. A fabric marking tool is also required.

Perfect For

• Quilters comfortable with basic patchwork who want a project with charming results and genuine flexibility
• Charm square collectors -- the flower blocks are a natural fit for precut 5" x 5" collections
• Spring decorating, Easter gifting, or a year-round nursery or child's room quilt
• Anyone looking for a more approachable Elizabeth Hartman project after simpler patterns
• Scrappy quilters who want to show off small cuts of favorite prints

Why You'll Love This Pattern

The flower fabric flexibility is the standout practical feature. Because each flower uses just a 3-1/2" square cut from a 5" charm square, the large quilt's 39 flowers can each be a completely different fabric without buying significant yardage of anything. A charm pack works; so does a collection of scraps. The small quilt takes a different approach -- the same three flower fabrics repeat throughout -- which shows how distinctly the two versions read from each other.

The four bunny colorways in the large quilt are what give it its depth. White bunnies, gray bunnies, warm brown and dark chocolate bunnies scattered among the flowers create a quilt that rewards a second look. The pillow, with just two dark brown bunnies and a pair of yellow tulips, shows how a single bunny colorway reads when given room to breathe.

At Skill Level 3 of 5 in Elizabeth Hartman's system, Cottontails is one of her more accessible designs -- a repeating block pattern with small pieces and clear instructions, but without the organizational complexity of her Level 4 and 5 samplers. It is an honest intermediate project: careful piecing required, but entirely within reach for a quilter with some patchwork experience.

Product Details

• Brand: Elizabeth Hartman
• Item #: EH086
• Designer: Elizabeth Hartman
• Category: Quilting Pattern
• Skill Level: Skill Level 3 of 5 (Elizabeth Hartman's rating); single repeating block; small pieces; experience with accurate patchwork piecing required
• Technique: Standard Machine Sewing, Conventional Patchwork
• Finished Sizes: 67" x 73" Large Quilt | 40" x 46" Small Quilt | 24" x 24" Pillow
• Format: Printed Paper Pattern
• Made in the United States