Whirlwind Quilt Block

Whirlwind Quilt Block by sewcanshe

If you want a quick, simple quilt project that makes the most of your collection of fat quarters, Caroline Fairbanks' Fat Quarter Whirlwind Quilt from SewCanShe is the ticket. The pattern is easy to make but also dynamic in its design, and the result is a 66" x 55" throw-sized quilt that's not only easy to make, but also plenty to see.

Materials Needed:

To create the Fat Quarter Whirlwind Quilt, you'll need

• 10 fat quarters: 3 blocks apiece.

• 1 yard of background fabric: For the background of the blocks.

• ½ yard of binding fabric: To bind the quilt edges.

• 4½ yards of 44" wide backing fabric: For the quilt back.

• Twin-size batting: For warmth and stability.

• Free printable template: To cut the whirlwind blades.

The pattern includes a downloadable template to assist in cutting the non-traditional blade shapes correctly.

Construction Overview:

The quilt is 30 blocks, each quilting to 11". Below is a quick summary of the steps involved in constructing it:

• Cutting the Blades: Cut blade shapes from the fat quarters using the template provided. Each fat quarter should cut to 12 pieces.

• Preparing the Background Triangles: Cut 30 pieces of background fabric, each 6¾" x 6¾". Cut each square diagonally twice to obtain four triangles per square.

• Sewing the Block Halves Together: Sew a background triangle to each blade piece, the square end of the blade aligning with the short side of the triangle.

• Finishing the Blocks: Sew four of these together into a finished whirlwind block.

• Sew the Quilt Top Together: Arrange the 30 blocks in a 5x6 pattern and sew them together to complete the quilt top.

This simple assembly process makes the quilt ideal for beginners or anyone who wants a fast and fulfilling project.

Tips for Choosing Fabric:

Caroline used fabrics from the Dear Stella Prairie Poppy line, which offered a cheerful and coordinated look to her quilt. When selecting fabrics:

• Contrast: Choose fabrics that have sufficient contrast with your background fabric so the whirlwind pattern stands out.

• Cohesion: Having fabrics in the same collection or with an analogous color scheme can give a cohesive appearance.

• Variety: Mix prints and solids to create visual appeal.

Keep in mind that every fat quarter provides three blocks, so make your fabric selections accordingly to create the coloring and pattern distribution of your choice.

The entire Fat Quarter Whirlwind Quilt pattern with instructions and blade template is available to download for free on the SewCanShe website: Fat Quarter Whirlwind Quilt Free Pattern

The Fat Quarter Whirlwind Quilt is a delightful pattern that combines ease of construction with bold style. New quilters who desire to build their repertoire and experienced quilters who desire an instant gratification project will find this pattern fulfilling.

Storm at Sea Quilt

 Storm at Sea Quilt by Julie's Quilts and Costumes

Few quilt designs capture movement and flow quite like the timeless Storm at Sea pattern. With its interplay of square and rectangular units that cleverly create the illusion of curves, this quilt block has been beloved by generations of quilters. AccuQuilt brings new life and ease to this traditional design with their GO! Classic Storm at Sea Throw Quilt Pattern, designed specifically to pair with their precision cutting dies.

As a quilter who enjoys both heritage and efficiency, I was immediately drawn to this pattern. The classic look is preserved, but with a simplified approach that takes the guesswork—and hand fatigue—out of the cutting process. Whether you're tackling this pattern for the first time or revisiting it with fresh eyes, AccuQuilt’s version makes it easier than ever to achieve sharp points and precise alignment.

Why the Storm at Sea Quilt Stands Out

At first glance, the quilt appears to have flowing curves and a sense of undulating motion—but there’s not a single curved piece involved! It’s all about smart placement of geometric shapes. This optical illusion effect makes it a joy to sew and a real showstopper once complete.

The GO! Storm at Sea pattern uses:

• GO! Storm at Sea Die Set
• GO! Qube Mix & Match Block System (8” or 10”)
• Coordinating fabrics (solids or prints)
• Basic sewing tools and quilting supplies

By using the AccuQuilt cutting system, each piece fits together precisely, reducing fabric waste and ensuring your points match beautifully.

Construction Overview

While the Storm at Sea quilt might seem intricate, it’s all about building blocks step by step:

1. Cutting with Confidence – With the die-cut system, each triangle, square, and rectangle is perfectly measured. No measuring mistakes or trimming needed.

2. Block Assembly – The pattern guides you through piecing together square-in-a-square blocks, diamond shapes, and rectangles to create the illusion of curves and waves.

3. Layout & Rows – Once the blocks are complete, they’re arranged in a grid layout that creates movement across the quilt.

4. Finishing Touches – Add borders, quilt as desired, and bind to complete your masterpiece.

The result is a quilt that looks far more complicated than it is—perfect for gifting, showcasing, or even entering in your next quilt show.

Design Ideas:

• Go Nautical: Use ocean blues, grays, and whites to echo the sea-inspired theme.
• Bold and Modern: Try high-contrast solids like black and white or jewel tones for a modern twist.
• Scrappy Storm: Mix up your fabric stash for a vibrant, eclectic version.

    The Storm at Sea Quilt is a true classic that continues to captivate quilters with its beauty and complexity. With AccuQuilt’s thoughtful pattern and cutting dies, this once-daunting design becomes approachable and fun. You can confidently create a quilt that looks impressive but feels achievable—even for intermediate quilters.

Ready to set sail on your next quilting adventure? Get Classic Storm at Sea Throw Quilt Free Pattern

Let the rhythmic waves of piecing carry you through this rewarding project. Happy quilting!

Madison’s Star Quilt

Madison’s Star Quilt

Madison's Star by Karen Gibbs beautifully merges the timeless sophistication of a Lone Star quilt with the fluid, energetic motion of Bargello techniques. Crafted for Banyan Batiks, this pattern delivers a bold, dynamic design that captivates the eye and makes for a rewarding quilting experience. Whether displayed as a statement piece or gifted to a fellow quilting enthusiast, its striking composition ensures a stunning final result.

About the Pattern:

Madison's Star is a quilt pattern that features a central star motif, reminiscent of the traditional Lone Star design, enhanced with the flowing color transitions characteristic of Bargello quilting. The pattern is designed to be approachable for confident beginners, providing clear instructions and a manageable construction process.

Construction Highlights:

• Strip Piecing: The quilt utilizes strip piecing techniques, allowing for efficient assembly and the creation of intricate patterns with relative ease.

• Diamond Templates: The pattern includes guidance on creating diamond templates using a tri-fold presentation board, facilitating accurate cutting and assembly of the star points.

• Color Gradation: By carefully selecting and arranging fabrics, the quilt achieves a beautiful gradation of colors, enhancing the three-dimensional effect of the star.

Fabric Selection:

While the original design showcases fabrics from the Banyan Batiks collection, Madison's Star is versatile and can be adapted to various color schemes and fabric collections. Whether you prefer bold, modern prints or classic, subdued tones, this pattern offers ample opportunity for personalization.

The Madison's Star quilt pattern is available as a free through Northcott Fabrics: Madison's Star Quilt Pattern

Final Thoughts!

Madison's Star is a captivating quilt pattern that blends traditional design elements with modern techniques. Its combination of Lone Star and Bargello styles results in a quilt that is both timeless and contemporary. Whether you're creating a centerpiece for your home or a cherished gift, this pattern offers a rewarding quilting experience.

The Lattice Quilt Block

The Lattice Quilt Block

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a quilt pattern that delivers high visual impact without unnecessary complexity—and that’s exactly what you’ll find with the Lattice Quilt Block designed by Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Co. Whether you're a confident beginner or a seasoned quilter looking for a quick project with charm and structure, this block offers a perfect balance of simplicity and style.

What makes the Lattice Block so appealing is how easily it comes together using precut fabrics—specifically, charm packs. It’s a wonderful go-to project when you want to turn a beautiful fabric collection into a finished quilt that feels light, airy, and timeless. The block design mimics the look of a trellis or garden fence, giving it a fresh, open feel that suits a variety of color palettes and occasions.

What You’ll Need:

Jenny’s tutorial focuses on using 5" charm squares, making this a fantastic stash-buster or precut-friendly project. You’ll also need:

• Solid fabric for the lattice strips (sashing)
• Background fabric to set off the block edges
• Rotary cutter, ruler, and basic sewing supplies

Her method is beginner-friendly, relying on straight cuts and strip piecing, so you can spend more time enjoying the process and less time puzzling over complicated templates.

How It Comes Together:

The construction of each Lattice Block is wonderfully straightforward. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Start with Charm Squares: Choose a coordinating pack or mix and match from your stash for a scrappy look.

2. Add the Lattice Strips: Cut strips of your solid fabric and sew them between the charm squares to create a framed effect.

3. Assemble Your Rows: Piece the blocks into rows, alternating their direction to create a woven effect.

4. Finish the Top: Add borders if desired, quilt as you like, and bind for a clean, polished finish.

The result is a quilt top that looks intricate and intentional but comes together quickly—perfect for gifting or refreshing your home decor.

Design Ideas & Tips:

• Fabric Selection: Try florals with soft solids for a springtime look, or go bold with batiks and dark sashing for a dramatic finish.
• Scrappy Style: Use leftover charm squares from past projects for a fun, memory-filled patchwork.
• Add Texture: Consider using different quilting motifs—like loops or feathers—in the open lattice areas for extra dimension.

Why You'll Love It!

Jenny Doan’s Lattice Quilt Block is the kind of project that reminds us why we love quilting. It’s accessible, rewarding, and leaves plenty of room for creativity. Whether you’re sewing for comfort, connection, or just the joy of making, this quilt checks all the boxes.

You can follow the full tutorial and video from Missouri Star Quilt Co. right here: Watch the Lattice Quilt Tutorial

Lemoyne Star Block Quilt

Lemoyne Star Block Quilt

The LeMoyne Star Block, featured as the centerpiece of the Sarah’s Star quilt, is a timeless design reimagined by Margaret Leuwen, with detailed instructions provided by Jeanne Knapp and Lindsey Leuwen. This block combines traditional aesthetics with modern piecing techniques, making it accessible for quilters of various skill levels.

A Tribute to Heritage:

The Sarah’s Star quilt holds sentimental value, named after Margaret Leuwen’s granddaughter, Sarah, who was named in honor of Margaret's own grandmother. This personal connection infuses the project with warmth and a sense of legacy, reflecting the generational bonds often celebrated in quilting. The LeMoyne Star, with its eight-pointed symmetry, serves as a fitting centerpiece, symbolizing unity and continuity.

Materials and Cutting Guide:

To construct the 14½" LeMoyne Star block, you'll need the following fabrics:

• Dark Purple: Four 3¾" x 7½" rectangles and four 4¼" squares
• Light Purple: Four 3¾" squares
• Light Pink: Four 3¾" x 7½" rectangles and four 4¼" squares

These selections allow for a harmonious blend of colors, enhancing the star's visual impact.

Step-by-Step Assembly:

1. Create Unit A: Attach a light pink 3¾" square to one end of each dark purple rectangle, right sides together. Draw a diagonal line on the square, sew along it, trim ¼" from the seam, and press open.
2. Create Unit B: Repeat the process by attaching a light purple 3¾" square to one end of each light pink rectangle, following the same sewing and pressing steps.
3. Add Squares: Sew a 4¼" light pink square to the triangle end of each Unit A, and a 4¼" dark purple square to the triangle end of each Unit B. Align edges carefully, stitch, and press open.
4. Form Heart Units: Pair each Unit A with a Unit B, right sides together, aligning seams. Draw a diagonal line across the "V" of the heart shape, sew along the line, trim ¼" from the seam, and press open to reveal a diamond unit.
5. Assemble the Block: Arrange the four diamond units to form the LeMoyne Star. Sew them together, press seams open, and ensure the block measures 14½" square.

These instructions are adapted from the original pattern, which provides comprehensive guidance for each step.

Design Considerations:

The LeMoyne Star's versatility allows for creative expression through fabric choices. Consider using contrasting colors to emphasize the star's points or a monochromatic palette for a subtle, elegant look. Incorporating prints or batiks can add texture and depth, making each block unique

The complete instructions for the Lemoyne Star Block Quilt (Sarah’s Star), are available in a free PDF:

Lemoyne Star Block Pattern

The LeMoyne Star Block, as featured in the Sarah’s Star quilt, offers a meaningful and enjoyable project that bridges traditional design with personal storytelling. Whether you're crafting a family heirloom or exploring new techniques, this pattern provides a rewarding quilting experience.

Ruby Reds Quilt

Ruby Reds Quilt

there's something deeply satisfying about working with rich, bold color palettes—especially those that bring elegance and warmth to a quilt. The Ruby Reds Quilt, designed by Lila Taylor Scott for AllPeopleQuilt, is one of those patterns that immediately draws you in. With its sophisticated blend of red tones and traditional piecing, this quilt has all the makings of a future heirloom while still being a joy to create.

Perfect for intermediate quilters or confident beginners eager to challenge themselves, the Ruby Reds Quilt combines classic piecing techniques with a strong visual impact. The pattern celebrates the beauty of red fabrics, but can be easily customized to suit your personal taste or stash favorites.

A Love Letter to Red!

The standout feature of this quilt is, of course, the use of deep ruby reds accented by soft creams and neutrals. These hues work together to form a balanced and striking layout, where the reds form star-like medallions across the quilt top. Each block radiates warmth and vibrancy, creating a quilt that feels both luxurious and inviting.

The pattern includes instructions for creating a 69" x 69" throw, which makes it a beautiful addition to a couch, chair, or wall, or a special gift for a loved one.

Construction Overview:

Lila Taylor Scott’s instructions are thoughtfully written and easy to follow. Here’s a simplified outline of how the quilt comes together:

1. Fabric Selection: Choose a range of red prints to add variety and depth. Pair them with cream, beige, or soft gray for contrast.

2. Block Assembly: The quilt features pieced blocks composed of half-square triangles, rectangles, and squares. Careful pressing and accurate cutting will help these blocks come together beautifully.

3. Layout & Borders: The blocks are arranged to create a star pattern across the quilt top. A final border frames the entire quilt, pulling everything together into a cohesive and polished piece.

This quilt shines with traditional charm while allowing you to put your own creative stamp on the fabric and finishing choices.

Tips for a Stunning Finish: 

• Scrappy Reds: Use a mix of red fabrics—solids, prints, and tone-on-tone—to give your quilt extra texture and life.
• Contrast Matters: Make sure your background fabrics are light enough to let the reds pop.
• Precision Counts: Accurate cutting and ¼" seam allowances will keep your points sharp and blocks aligned.

Whether you're planning this as a Valentine’s Day project, a holiday throw, or a year-round stunner, the Ruby Reds Quilt offers the perfect blend of classic style and modern flair.

    

    The Ruby Reds Quilt is a striking and heartfelt design that lets the timeless elegance of red fabrics take center stage. With thoughtful construction and plenty of opportunity for fabric play, this quilt is bound to be a favorite for both the maker and the recipient.

You can download the full pattern from AllPeopleQuilt here: Ruby Reds Quilt Pattern

Happy quilting—and may your creative path always be lined with beautiful blocks and bold colors!

Stepping Stones Quilt

Stepping Stones Quilt

Every so often, we come across a quilt block that feels timeless, versatile, and just plain fun to make. That’s exactly how I felt when I discovered the Stepping Stones Quilt Block, a beautiful design by Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts. Whether you’re a beginner building your skills or a seasoned quilter seeking a fresh project, this block offers a clean, geometric style that’s ideal for playing with contrast and color placement.

Inspired by the look of a winding path, each block forms a visual “step” in a quilt that can be as serene or as bold as you choose. With just squares, rectangles, and thoughtful fabric selection, you can create a layout that draws the eye across your quilt in a rhythmic and soothing motion.

Simple Shapes, Striking Effect!

At its heart, the Stepping Stones block is made up of 2.5" squares and rectangles, making it an ideal pattern for using up precuts or scraps. The magic of the design comes from the high-contrast placement: light centers framed by dark "steps" that form a subtle chain or path as the blocks come together.

This kind of layout is a favorite among modern quilters and traditionalists alike—it gives structure to your quilt while still allowing your fabric choices to shine.

Construction Overview:

Lorna’s tutorial is clear, concise, and beginner-friendly. Here's a quick summary of the steps:

1. Cutting the Fabric: You'll need a mix of light and dark fabrics. Lorna uses black for the stepping stones and colorful prints for the centers, but you can reverse or mix this up depending on your stash.

2. Assembling the Block: Sew the center squares, side strips, and corners to create each unit. It’s a classic layout, but with a twist: the steps you’re creating add flow and direction across your quilt top.

3. Final Assembly: Once blocks are made, lay them out in alternating directions to create the pathway effect.

Each block finishes at 10 inches, so it’s easy to calculate how many you’ll need for your desired quilt size.

Tips for Personalizing Your Quilt:

• Scrappy Look: Mix various light and dark prints for a more dynamic, patchwork vibe.
• Monochromatic Scheme: Use shades of a single color for a soothing, tonal effect.
• Bold Contrast: Choose black and white for a dramatic, graphic look.

The design is flexible enough to work as a baby quilt, lap throw, or even a full bedspread. You could also use just a few blocks for pillows or a table runner.

    Lorna’s Stepping Stones Quilt Block is a beautiful balance of simplicity and style. It’s a design that invites creativity while remaining approachable for quilters of all levels. Whether you’re digging into your scrap bin or using coordinated fabrics, this block brings structure and movement to your quilt in the most charming way.

Take a look at the full tutorial and start stepping into your next quilting adventure: Stepping Stones Quilt Block Tutorial (Archived)

Pineapple Blossom Blocks Star Quilt

Pineapple Blossom Blocks Star Quilt

If you’re looking for a fun, stash-busting quilt block that’s bursting with movement and charm, the Pineapple Blossom block by Bonnie K. Hunter is a brilliant place to start. Known for her scrappy style and practical techniques, Bonnie brings new life to traditional blocks, and this one is no exception. Featured on her beloved Quiltville site, the Pineapple Blossom tutorial is easy to follow and delightfully adaptable—perfect for quilters who want to make the most of their fabric scraps.

But here’s where it gets even better: when assembled with a thoughtful layout, these blocks can come together to form beautiful secondary star patterns. It’s a satisfying visual payoff that makes your quilt top shine without requiring complex piecing.

About the Pineapple Blossom Block

Bonnie’s version of the Pineapple Blossom isn’t a classic pineapple block in the traditional sense. Instead, it cleverly mimics the layered, radiating look with a much simpler construction process. Each block starts with a basic center square, surrounded by strips and corner triangles. When the blocks are joined together, diagonal lines form that give the illusion of something far more intricate.

This construction method is beginner-friendly but has enough variety to keep even seasoned quilters engaged. And as Bonnie suggests, this is a perfect block for using up leftover 2.5" strips and random scraps—making it a great choice for a scrappy or controlled color palette.

Key Features of the Tutorial:

Bonnie provides a full photo-based walkthrough, complete with:

• Cutting instructions for multiple block sizes
• Tips for chain piecing and sewing efficiently
• A clever bonus triangle trick, letting you save and use your trimmed corners
• Diagrams that show how blocks can be arranged for a star layout

By rotating the blocks and paying attention to fabric placement, you’ll notice lovely secondary stars emerge throughout your quilt top. It’s a great reminder of how small design decisions can transform a quilt’s entire look.

Why You’ll Love Making This Quilt

Whether you’re quilting from your scrap bins or working from fat quarters, the Pineapple Blossom block provides maximum visual interest with minimal stress. The rhythm of the block makes it ideal for chain piecing, and the project scales up quickly. You can make a few blocks for a table runner or go all-in for a stunning bed-size quilt.

Plus, the option to turn trimmed triangles into coordinating pinwheels or border blocks means nothing goes to waste—a hallmark of Bonnie’s sustainable quilting approach.

    Bonnie K. Hunter’s Pineapple Blossom Quilt tutorial is a wonderful resource for quilters who want a dynamic, scrappy design that’s both simple and stunning. With just strips, squares, and some clever piecing, you’ll end up with a quilt that sparkles with movement and charm—especially when the star layout comes into play.

Explore the tutorial and give your scraps a fresh purpose: Pineapple Blossom Tutorial