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| 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.
