Get ready for Hanukkah Nights with a beginner-friendly Lap Quilt

Guest Post by Tara Reed:

Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 7, 2023 so it’s time to start working on a new lap quilt! Crafting a Hanukkah lap quilt is a wonderful way to celebrate the Festival of Lights. This beginner-friendly project allows you to infuse your holiday festivities with creativity and warmth.

Whether you’re cuddled up with loved ones or displaying it as a cherished decoration, your handmade quilt will be a symbol of the joy and togetherness that Hanukkah represents.

Hanukkah lap quilt made with Hanukkah Nights fabric and placemat panel by Tara Reed for Riley Blake Designs

While the Hanukkah Night fabric panel was designed with placemats in mind, they are perfect for quilts too. The finished quilt measures 36″ x 41½” and uses 3 placemat panel images (there are 6 on each fabric panel), 3 economy quilt blocks and sashing. It sews up in a flash and would make a great gift for Hanukkah.

You can make two lap quilts with every Hanukkah Nights fabric panel. Choose 3 for one and use the other 3 for a second quilt.

Watch the video below where I demonstrate how to make economy blocks that will be perfectly square and perfectly sized every time. I also show you the difference between fussy cutting the center designs or leaving it to chance.

Hanukkah Nights free Lap Quilt Pattern by Tara Reed

The 10 page PDF gives you the material list and step-by-step directions with photos – everything you need to succeed. Watch the video tutorial as well if you like to watch and learn.

Get the Free Pattern

Tara Reed holding Hanukkah Nights fabric and painting a dreidel

I married into a Jewish family in my 40s. Growing up I had played the Dreidel game and heard the story of Hanukkah at school but it wasn’t until I experienced Hanukkah first hand that I had a full appreciation for the holiday.

I love the focus on spending time with family and lighting the candles on the Menorah each night – symbolizing the oil that should have lasted only a day, lasting for eight nights. The color palette and patterns speak to me as an artist. Riley Blake did an amazing job getting the colors right on this fabric collection – the navy blue is one of my favorites!

If you make and share this lap quilt or other Hanukkah projects featuring my fabrics on social media, please tag me as I love to see what people create! You can find me on Instagram or Facebook.

Happy Sewing & Happy Hanukkah!

🕎 Tara Reed

P.S. You might also like my Wine Bottle Menorah Tutorial on the Riley Blake blog too!