A fun Journey with Friends, Fabric, and a Zoo Full of Whimsical Critters
There are few joys as profound as welcoming a new child into the world, and for those of us in the quilting community, that joy is magnified when we have the opportunity to create something beautiful and lasting for a brand new baby.
Recently, our small quilt group embarked on a heartwarming project: a large throw-sized quilt for the soon to be born first grandchild of one of our members.
Inspiration Strikes: The Zootropolis Magic
It all began with a simple question: what kind of quilt would be both enchanting for a baby and versatile enough to grow with them through their early years? After some discussion, our group unanimously gravitated toward the Zootropolis quilt books.
The vibrant animal appliqués, clever layouts, and playful spirit of these critters spoke to our collective imagination. We pictured a quilt that would be more than just a crib quilt. We wanted a quilt that could spark curiosity, tell a story, and offer comfort from infancy through childhood. We found both of these Zootropolis books at a quilt show most of us went to a couple of years ago and they were the perfect choice for this project.
There are two books, and we decided to use critters from both Zootropolis Book 1 and Zootropolis Book 2 in our project.
Planning the Quilt: Choosing Colors and Patterns
Planning a quilt for a baby is always a delicate balance between aesthetics and practicality. Add to that – the new parents were choosing to let the baby’s gender be a surprise!
We wanted the quilt to be visually stimulating but also cohesive, a riot of colors that wouldn’t overwhelm. The Zootropolis books offered dozens of charming animal patterns, from lions to llamas, each with its own quirky personality.
Our group gathered around a table covered in fabric swatches and design sketches, our conversations weaving from color theory to favorite childhood animals. We settled on a common color (Celedon green) for the background of each animal block and a quarter square triangle alternate block in black and white.
Dividing and Conquering: A Collaborative Effort
We divided up the animal blocks among ourselves, each of us choosing the animals that spoke to us the most. I chose to make the Sloth, Llama, Racoon and the Panda. Everyone could use whatever colors they wanted for their animals. No color was excluded but all the fabric did need to be good quality quilting cottons. It was the perfect reason to do a deep dive into everyone’s scrap pile!
As we worked on our respective blocks, we kept in touch through regular meetups and a lively group chat filled with progress photos and troubleshooting tips. Each animal came to life in a unique way, reflecting the personality of its maker.
The Appliqué Adventure
The Zootropolis blocks rely heavily on appliqué, a technique that can be daunting for some but offers immense creative freedom. We used the raw edge fusible applique method with Wonder Under and after a short training session – everyone was up and running!
Here’s the thing, these little critters are addictive! It’s one thing to see each animal in color on the pages of the books, and quite another to see them come to life in the fun fabrics each of us chose to use.
We still needed to hand-embroider some mouths and eyelashes here and there, and the Llama needs her bling, but the blocks are coming along.
Piecing Together the Zoo
Once all the animal blocks are complete, we are ready for a dedicated sewing session to sew the alternate blocks and assemble the quilt top. There’s something magical about laying out the completed blocks, each one a little work of art, and envisioning how they will come together.
Quilting and Finishing Touches
The critter blocks will be set with alternate blocks in black and white with a fun border. Now that the grand baby is here (he was born on Wednesday – Yay!) we can pick out the perfect border and backing fabric.
We’ll add our Tina’s Angels / Donna’s Divas quilt label and bind it by hand, and the quilt will be all ready to go for his new nursery and lots of future playtime.
A Gift for Growth
The finished quilt will be more than just a collection of fabric and thread—it’s a celebration of friendship, creativity, and the joy of new beginnings. Designed as a large throw, the quilt will be big enough to serve as a play mat in infancy, a cozy cover for story time in toddlerhood, and a comforting throw for quiet moments as the child grows. The adorable critters of Zootropolis, will watch over him through every step.
Reflections on the Process
While we aren’t yet finished with the quilt, this project has been a highlight for our group. We had done so many (like – a whole lot of) group projects over the years. Working with the Zootropolis books gave us a creative framework while allowing us to put our own spin on every detail. The process challenged us to try new techniques, encouraged us to collaborate closely, and gave us countless moments of laughter and connection.
For anyone considering a group quilting project, we wholeheartedly recommend it—especially when the end result is destined for someone as special as a friend’s first new grandchild. The experience is as meaningful for the makers as it is for the recipient.
Tips for Group Quilt Projects
- Choose a flexible design: Patterns like those in Zootropolis are perfect because each block can be made individually.
- Agree on a color palette: Early decisions about colors help ensure a cohesive final quilt.
- Play to everyone’s strengths: Let each quilter choose the block or technique that excites them most.
- Keep communication open: Regular check-ins and photo sharing keep enthusiasm and creativity high.
- Celebrate every milestone: Whether it’s the first finished block or the final binding, take time to appreciate each step.
Creating a quilt for a new baby is a labor of love. Doing it as a group multiplies the fun. Each stitch is a testament to friendship, creativity, and the knowledge that every child deserves a warm, welcoming start. With patterns as charming as those in the Zootropolis quilt books, the result is a keepsake that will be cherished for years, as the little one grows and the quilt becomes a part of his family story. Here’s to many more shared projects, and to the babies—present and future—who inspire us to create with needle and thread.