Quilting Land: July 2019

Batik's Stained Glass Quilt

This Quilt is a stunning yet simple design that replicates the beauty of stained glass windows. By using vibrant batik fabrics framed with black sashing, this quilt creates a striking contrast that enhances the rich, hand-dyed patterns of the batiks.

Unlike traditional stained glass quilts that require curved edges and bias tape, this design is made entirely with straight edges and built-in black sashing. This approach keeps the assembly process simple while maintaining the elegant stained glass effect. Measuring 40 inches square, the quilt is an ideal size for a decorative wall hanging, a lap quilt, or a statement piece for any space.

The quilt consists of sixteen blocks, each featuring rectangles and squares, with black fabric strips acting as the "leading" between sections. These sashing strips are sewn within the blocks rather than added later, ensuring a seamless, clean look. To make the quilt top, five different batik fabrics are used, with black fabric for sashing and binding.

A key consideration when working with batik fabrics is their higher thread count, which can make them denser than regular quilting cotton. Using a sharp, fine needle (such as a 70/10) helps achieve smooth stitching.

To complete the quilt, black sashing is added between blocks and rows, followed by a 2.5-inch batik border to frame the design. The final black binding enhances the stained glass effect, tying the whole piece together beautifully.

This quilt is an excellent project for quilters who love bold colors and clean, structured designs. Its straightforward construction makes it accessible to beginners while offering a visually striking result that will impress quilters of all skill levels.

Materials You’ll Need:

Colorful batik fat quarters or scraps – choose a wide range of values and hues
Solid black fabric – for sashing and borders
Backing and batting – sized to your finished dimensions
Basic quilting tools: rotary cutter, ruler, cutting mat, pins, and sewing machine

This is a fantastic project for using up leftover batik scraps, or you can curate a fresh palette to create a coordinated theme—think sunset hues, jewel tones, or cool oceanic shades.

Construction Process:

The quilt comes together by first creating simple square or rectangular blocks of batik fabrics. These are then bordered by strips of black fabric on all sides. Once assembled, the blocks are joined into rows, with additional sashing in between to continue the stained-glass effect.

Black cornerstones can be added at the intersections to enhance the illusion of leadwork in traditional stained glass. A final outer border completes the frame, giving the quilt a finished and polished look.

Quilting can be done in a minimal way to let the fabric shine—stitch in the ditch is a classic choice—or you might choose to add decorative quilting for extra texture.

Why This Quilt Stands Out:

Bold visual impact with minimal piecing complexity
Perfect for showcasing batiks or any vibrant scraps
Adaptable for wall hangings, lap quilts, or larger bed quilts
Beginner-friendly with satisfying, quick-to-assemble blocks

Whether you're making a statement piece for your wall or a treasured gift for a loved one, the Batik’s Stained Glass Quilt delivers both creativity and elegance.

You can view the full pattern here: Batik's Stained Glass Quilt Pattern

The Batik’s Stained Glass Quilt is more than just a patchwork project—it's an opportunity to paint with fabric. Rose’s thoughtful design allows quilters to embrace color boldly and play with contrast in a way that feels modern, yet deeply rooted in quilting tradition.

With its simple structure and powerful visual payoff, this quilt is a wonderful choice for anyone wanting to explore batiks in a new light—literally! So pull out your brightest prints, grab your rotary cutter, and get ready to sew your very own masterpiece.

Garden Stroll Quilt

As quilters, we often find inspiration in the simple beauty of everyday life—whether it’s a garden pathway, a geometric fence, or even a charming cobblestone road. The Garden Stroll Quilt, designed by Monique Dillard of Open Gate Quilts, invites us to walk through a fresh layout inspired by the visual rhythms of a city map. Originally shared as the City Map Wall Hanging on All People Quilt, this design is versatile, modern, and full of movement.

Perfect for wall hangings or compact lap quilts, this pattern offers a clean, structured look that’s still warm and inviting. Whether you use soft florals or bold solids, the Garden Stroll design adapts beautifully to your fabric choices, making it an enjoyable and customizable project for confident beginners and seasoned quilters alike.

Pattern Overview:

The Garden Stroll Quilt features an eye-catching layout of rectangular segments arranged in a map-like structure. This grid-style arrangement mimics the organic layout of streets and plots, but with a more decorative, modern aesthetic. The result is a quilt that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition.

Each block comes together with simple piecing techniques, yet the layout gives it a complex, architectural look. Monique’s design is ideal for showing off coordinated fabrics, especially charm packs, fat quarters, or scrap combinations.

You can view the full pattern here: Garden Stroll Quilt (or City Map)

What You'll Need:

A mix of light, medium, and dark prints for visual depth
Neutral or solid background fabrics to give structure and contrast
Standard quilting tools: rotary cutter, ruler, mat, and sewing machine
Backing, batting, and binding of your choice

You can also take this opportunity to explore tone-on-tone prints or low-volume fabrics if you want a softer, more subtle version of the quilt.

Piecing and Construction:

The block construction is straightforward, using mostly rectangles and squares. These pieces are sewn together into rows that build up into a modern mosaic of movement. The repetition and balance within the design make it a soothing project to work on, especially for quilters who enjoy rhythmic piecing.

Assembly is made simple thanks to the detailed diagram and measurements included in the original pattern. With minimal seams to match and plenty of opportunity for chain piecing, the Garden Stroll Quilt comes together efficiently.

Ideas for Personalization:

One of the joys of this pattern is its adaptability. Here are a few creative twists you might try:

Floral fabrics for a garden-inspired look
Monochrome or grayscale palette for a modern, minimalist feel
Bold, high-contrast fabrics for a dynamic and artistic statement piece
Scale it up for a full-sized quilt, or down for a small wall hanging or table topper

The Garden Stroll Quilt is a lovely example of how clean lines and thoughtful design can turn basic shapes into something truly special. Whether you hang it on a wall, gift it to a loved one, or drape it over your favorite reading chair, this quilt will bring a sense of harmony and style to any space.

Monique Dillard’s pattern is approachable, versatile, and fun—perfect for quilters looking to explore modern layouts without overly complex piecing. If you're ready to take a relaxing stroll through your stash and sew something striking, this pattern is a great place to begin.

Matilda’s Star Quilt

Sometimes, a quilt is more than just fabric and thread—it becomes a tribute, a memory, a story stitched together with love. The Matilda’s Star Quilt, beautifully designed by Susie of Susie’s Scraps, is just such a project. Rooted in classic patchwork and inspired by the essence of traditional Australian quilting, this design is both sentimental and stunning.

Susie shares this quilt as a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother, Matilda. The quilt block blends traditional charm with a timeless star motif, making it a perfect project for those who love a touch of nostalgia with their sewing. Whether you’re a confident beginner or a seasoned quilter, you’ll appreciate the balance of simplicity and elegance in this delightful pattern.

What Makes Matilda’s Star Quilt Special?

The Matilda’s Star block is built around a central star motif, made up of half-square triangles and framed with patchwork squares. It’s a beautifully geometric block that lets your fabric choices shine. Susie’s thoughtful layout allows for wonderful play with contrast, tone, and print, making it ideal for using up your cherished fabric scraps or fat quarters.

You can make just a few blocks for a table topper or wall hanging, or dive into a full quilt for a cozy and heartfelt creation. The block construction is straightforward but offers visual complexity that looks far more intricate than it actually is—a win for any quilter!

Materials and Suggestions:

Scraps or coordinating fat quarters for star points and background
Neutral background fabric to set the star design apart
Optional sashing and borders for added structure and visual interest

This pattern is especially scrap-friendly, giving quilters a chance to dig into their stash and bring out those treasured prints.

Construction Highlights:

The quilt block is composed of:

Half-square triangles to form the star points
Four-patch units to add rhythm and motion around the star
A center square, which can be fussy-cut for extra charm

Susie offers helpful images and clear instructions, walking you through each step of the piecing process. The tutorial is easy to follow and suitable for those who want to build confidence with traditional block construction.

How to Use the Block:

Make a full-sized quilt using repeated Matilda’s Star blocks
Combine blocks for a lap quilt or baby quilt with a timeless feel
Feature just one or a few blocks in a runner or pillow project

Add sashing or rotate block directions to create secondary patterns that enhance the star motif even further.

You can view the full tutorial and pattern here: Matilda’s Quilt and Pattern – Susie’s Scraps

The Matilda’s Star Quilt isn’t just a pattern—it’s a celebration of heritage, memory, and the joy of traditional quiltmaking. Susie has generously shared this design along with clear instructions that make it accessible to a wide range of quilters.

If you’re looking for a meaningful and beautiful quilting project to enjoy at your own pace, this one is sure to shine on your sewing table.

Spring Bloom Quilt

As the days grow longer and gardens begin to bloom, many of us feel inspired to bring a bit of spring’s joy into our sewing rooms. If you're searching for a quilt project that reflects the freshness and color of the season, the Spring Bloom Quilt Block, designed by Joanne Kerton of Canuck Quilter Designs, is the perfect pick.

Joanne’s block captures the essence of spring with clean lines, crisp points, and a cheerful floral motif that radiates joy. Her generous step-by-step free tutorial makes it easy for confident beginners and seasoned quilters alike to piece together this beautiful block. Whether you’re stitching up a full quilt, a cheerful table runner, or a seasonal wall hanging, Spring Bloom adds a bright pop of charm.

About the Spring Bloom Block:

The Spring Bloom block measures 12.5" x 12.5" unfinished and combines traditional piecing with a bold, modern aesthetic. The design features petal-like shapes radiating from a central square, evoking a stylized flower in full bloom.

While the block has strong visual appeal, the construction is refreshingly straightforward. Joanne’s instructions are clearly illustrated with photos and helpful tips to ensure your points align and your seams stay sharp.

Materials and Fabric Suggestions:

You’ll need four coordinating fabrics to construct one block:

A center square (perfect for a pop of contrast)
Two petal fabrics
A background fabric to frame the bloom

This is a fantastic scrap-friendly project. You can mix and match prints, batiks, or solids depending on your aesthetic. The block also lends itself beautifully to seasonal palettes, so don’t hesitate to use fresh greens, yellows, and pinks to celebrate spring, or try rich autumnal hues for a different look.

Piecing the Block:

Joanne’s construction process breaks the block down into simple components:

Sewing triangle units for the petals
Joining petal pairs with background pieces
Framing and assembling the block layout with the center square

Her tutorial even includes tips for pressing seams and trimming units for accuracy—making the sewing process smooth and enjoyable.

Ideas for Using the Spring Bloom Block:

Make a mini quilt with just four blocks and sashing.
Sew a table runner for a seasonal centerpiece.
Combine blocks for a full bed quilt with sashing and cornerstones for a garden-inspired quilt top.

The block is versatile enough to mix with other floral or geometric designs, offering endless possibilities for customization.

You can follow the full step-by-step tutorial directly on Joanne’s blog. With her guidance, you’ll be stitching up Spring Bloom blocks in no time: Spring Bloom Block Tutorial by Canuck Quilter Designs

The Spring Bloom block is a beautiful way to bring color and seasonal charm to your next quilt project. With Joanne Kerton’s well-illustrated tutorial and thoughtful instructions, quilters at all skill levels can enjoy the process of creating this vibrant floral design.

So dust off your rotary cutter, pull out your favorite fabrics, and let spring blossom at your sewing machine!

Happy quilting, friends!

Pins and Paws Cat Quilt

Pins and Paws Cat Quilt by Sew Knit Caffeinate

Quilting offers endless ways to express creativity, and few patterns are as charming as the Pins & Paws Cat Quilt, designed by Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Co. This playful design features adorable cat-shaped blocks made from 10" fabric squares, making it a great choice for using precuts or diving into your stash. Whether you're a cat enthusiast or simply looking for a lighthearted, beginner-friendly project, this quilt is a delightful addition to your quilting repertoire.

Quilt Overview:

Designer: Jenny Doan
Finished Size: 68" x 77"
Block Size: 9" finished
Skill Level: Confident Beginner

This quilt is constructed using 10" precut fabric squares, commonly known as layer cakes. The design incorporates a combination of patchwork techniques to create the cat shapes, including snowballing corners to form ears and tails.

Materials Needed:

1 pack of 10" precut fabric squares (layer cakes)
½ yard of solid background fabric
1½ yards of light background fabric
1¼ yards of outer border fabric
4¾ yards of backing fabric

These materials will yield a cozy throw-size quilt, perfect for snuggling or as a decorative piece.

Construction Highlights:

The Pins & Paws quilt is assembled by creating individual cat blocks, each featuring a body, ears, and tail. The use of snowballing techniques allows for smooth curves and adds dimension to the feline figures. Jenny Doan's tutorial provides step-by-step instructions, making the process accessible even for those new to quilting.

Design Possibilities:

One of the joys of the Pins & Paws quilt is its versatility. By selecting different fabric collections, you can customize the quilt to suit various themes or color schemes. Whether you prefer bold, modern prints or soft, traditional florals, this pattern adapts beautifully.

For detailed instructions and visual guidance, visit the official tutorial: Pins & Paws Cat Quilt Tutorial

This resource includes a comprehensive video demonstration by Jenny Doan, ensuring you have all the support needed to complete your quilt.

The Pins & Paws Cat Quilt is a charming project that combines the love of quilting with the affection for our feline friends. Its straightforward construction and delightful design make it a rewarding endeavor for quilters of all levels. Whether you're crafting it as a gift or for your own enjoyment, this quilt is sure to bring warmth and smiles.

Carpenter Star Quilt

The Carpenter Star quilt by Mary Johnson of MaryQuilts.com, is a stunning example of traditional quilting design infused with modern techniques. This quilt, approximately 56 by 68 inches in size, is constructed using 6-inch finished blocks, resulting in a harmonious blend of squares and half-square triangles that create the captivating Carpenter Star pattern.

Mary's approach to this quilt emphasizes both precision and creativity. The center of the quilt is pieced in four sections, which are then assembled to form the striking star motif. In addition to the background squares, a combination of 6.5-inch half-square triangles—crafted from background, pink, and brown fabrics—are meticulously arranged. This thoughtful fabric placement gives the illusion of a quilt pieced from diamonds, adding depth and complexity to the design.

One of the distinctive features of this quilt is its pieced border, which adds a dynamic frame to the central design. Mary provides detailed instructions for creating 28 half-rectangle blocks that compose the border, guiding quilters through the process of cutting, sewing, and assembling these pieces to ensure a seamless integration with the main quilt top.

For those utilizing fabric yardage, Mary offers untested estimates to assist in planning: approximately 1 and 3/8 yards each of background and pink fabrics, and 1 and 7/8 yards of brown fabric. These estimates assume that the borders are pieced and serve as a general guide, with the recommendation to have extra fabric on hand, especially if using tools like the AccuQuilt GO for cutting.

Mary's dedication to sharing her quilting journey is evident in her detailed instruction sheet, available as a PDF download on her blog. This resource provides quilters with comprehensive guidance, from cutting instructions to assembly tips, enabling both novice and experienced quilters to recreate the Carpenter Star quilt with confidence.

In essence, the Carpenter Star quilt by Mary Johnson is a testament to the timeless appeal of traditional quilt patterns, thoughtfully adapted with modern techniques and shared generously to inspire and guide the quilting community.

The Carpenter Star Quilt pattern by Mary Johnson is available for free on her website:

Carpenter Star Quilt Pattern.

Hunter's Star Quilt

The Hunter’s Star quilt is a timeless pattern renowned for its striking star design and intricate appearance. Traditionally, it has been considered a complex project, often intimidating to quilters due to its precise piecing and layout.

However, Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company has reimagined this classic, making it accessible and enjoyable for quilters of all skill levels. In her tutorial, she demonstrates a simplified method that eliminates the need for complicated templates or Y-seams. By utilizing pre-cut fabrics, such as the Tucker Prairie Layer Cake by One Canoe for Moda Fabrics, Jenny streamlines the process, allowing quilters to achieve the Hunter’s Star design with ease and confidence.

Jenny's approach not only demystifies the construction of the Hunter’s Star quilt but also empowers quilters to tackle patterns they may have previously avoided. Her step-by-step guidance and encouraging teaching style transform what once seemed daunting into a manageable and rewarding project.

A Traditional Design, Simplified!

The Hunter’s Star pattern has been cherished for generations, often requiring intricate piecing and precise cutting. However, Jenny Doan’s tutorial introduces a simplified method using four-patch blocks and half-square triangles, making this stunning quilt more accessible to modern quilters.

Fabric Selection & Color Play:

One of the most exciting aspects of this quilt is its versatility in fabric choices. Jenny’s tutorial showcases Tucker Prairie Layer Cake by One Canoe Two for Moda Fabrics, which enhances the quilt’s movement with soft, earthy tones. Whether you prefer bold contrasts or subtle gradients, this pattern allows for endless creative possibilities.

Construction Tips:

To achieve the best results with the Hunter’s Star Quilt, keep these quilting tips in mind:

Precision Cutting: Since this design relies on layered squares, accurate cutting is essential. Use a rotary cutter and quilting ruler for sharp edges.
Consistent Seam Allowance: Maintaining a ¼-inch seam allowance throughout ensures uniformity and a polished finish.
Mastering the Star Effect: The key to achieving the signature star pattern is careful placement of each piece. Follow Jenny’s tutorial closely to ensure the blocks align correctly.

Jenny Doan has provided a step-by-step tutorial for this quilt, which is available on Missouri Star Quilt Company’s blog. The tutorial includes detailed cutting instructions and assembly guidance.

The Hunter’s Star Quilt is a visually dynamic and rewarding project that challenges quilters to refine their techniques while embracing creative color choices. Whether you're incorporating it into a larger quilt or using it as a standalone feature, this block is sure to make an impact.

Ribbon Box Quilt

If you're searching for a quilt project that combines modern aesthetics with beginner-friendly construction, the Ribbon Box Quilt by Cloud9 Fabrics is an excellent choice. Designed by Michelle Engel, this quilt showcases a woven ribbon effect, making it a visually engaging piece suitable for various occasions.

Design Overview:

The Ribbon Box Quilt features interlaced "ribbons" created through strategic fabric placement and piecing. The design utilizes eight different printed fabrics, each contributing to the dynamic, woven appearance of the quilt. The pattern is particularly effective when using fabrics with distinct colors and patterns, allowing each "ribbon" to stand out.

Quilt Specifications

Finished Size: 45" x 59"
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Needed:

1½ yards of background fabric
½ yard for binding
3¼ yards for backing
⅓ yard each of 8 different printed fabrics

The pattern includes detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions, making it accessible for quilters who are new to the craft or looking for a straightforward project.

Construction Highlights:

The quilt is assembled row by row, with each "ribbon" created by sewing together rectangles and squares of the printed fabrics. The pattern provides clear guidance on fabric placement to achieve the desired woven effect. Attention to the directionality of prints and consistent seam allowances are key to ensuring the ribbons align correctly.

Fabric Suggestions:

While the original pattern features the "Hidden Thicket" collection by Leah Duncan, the Ribbon Box Quilt is versatile and can be adapted to various fabric lines. Consider using seasonal prints for a holiday-themed quilt or select a monochromatic palette for a more subdued, modern look. The design's flexibility allows for creative expression through fabric choices.

The Ribbon Box Quilt pattern is available as a free PDF download from Cloud9 Fabrics:

Download the Ribbon Box Quilt Pattern

This comprehensive guide includes all necessary measurements, fabric requirements, and assembly instructions to help you successfully complete the quilt.

The Ribbon Box Quilt offers a satisfying project that balances simplicity with visual interest. Its straightforward construction makes it suitable for beginners, while the striking design provides a rewarding experience for more seasoned quilters. Whether you're crafting a gift or adding to your own collection, this quilt is sure to impress.

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