When the folks on the By Annie team reached out to me about being part of their #SewPink initiative to raise awareness of breast cancer, I immediately thought of the ways that Cancer has impacted my family. So many of us have battled different kinds of cancer, and early detection and treatment has been a factor in our survival. At the bottom of this page, you’ll find links to resources for Breast Cancer screenings – early detection is the best weapon we have.
As quilters, when we have a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer, and is preparing to undergo treatment, our first thought is to make them a quilt. As my contribution here, I wanted to come up with a go-to pattern for making a quilt for a loved one preparing for treatment. I wanted it to be easy to make, so I designed it using a single pack of pre-cut 10″ squares (plus backing and binding). And I made it quilt-as-you-go so that while you piece it you’re also quilting it. Saving the step of having to send it to the longarmer. But that wasn’t enough – I wanted to add pockets.
Why pockets on a quilt?
I designed this quilt with two zippered pockets. When you’re sitting in a chair for hours during treatment, or at home recovering, it is so easy to misplace your stuff. Where did your phone go? Your earbud case? Did that paperback book fall off the edge of the couch? This quilt includes two roomy pockets made with ByAnnie mesh fabric. Perfect for seeing where everything is, and keeping it in place. Mesh pockets also mean that you can easily see what’s in the pockets before throwing the quilt in the wash – saving any electronic devices from being washed along with it.
With pockets, this quilt can double as a purse or bag. Put snacks, headphones, a paperback book, reading glasses, or whatever you need in those pockets. Then just take the quilt with you from room to room or appointment to appointment.
Watch the step-by-step video
I filmed a step-by-step video of me sewing up this quilt so that you can follow along. Some folks prefer a pattern, some like a video, and some like both. This makes everyone happy!
Get the Free Pattern Download
I’m offering the pattern as a free download to anyone who joins my email list. Fill out the form below and the link to the pattern will be in your inbox (if it isn’t there, check your spam folder).
Please note this form only works once per email address. Putting in the same email address multiple times will not send the pattern link again. Check your spam folder if you don’t see the pattern in your inbox.
Resources and links
Thanks so much to the By Annie team for including me in this year’s #SewPink initiative!
The #SewPink Initiative was created by ByAnnie.com LLC to raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year. Efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote self-care, awareness, early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer.
To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK
To find screenings available near you:
Comments & Reviews
Oh goodness, Carolina! Who, but you, would think to put a mesh pocket on a quilt. Duh! What an amazing idea but something I’d never ever considered. I absolutely love this idea and will definitely incorporate it in the next quilt that I make. Thank you so much for helping us spread awareness and love during #SewPINK. See you in Houston soon!
Thanks for having me – this was a great creative outlet. Hopefully folks will find it useful.
Love this idea and I have a friend who, unfortunately, will make use of it. The pocket addition is perfect!
So sorry about your friend, but so glad you’ll be able to provide some comfort.
I LOVE the idea of pockets on a quilt. . . something I’d never thought of! Thanks so much, Carolina, for sharing the idea and your talents and being part of our #SewPINK Blog Hop. You’re the best!
Thanks for having me!