Free Quilt Patterns and Step by Step Quilt Making Articles
By Janet Wickell, About.com Guide to Quilting
Welcome to my free quilt patterns file cabinet, where I store quilt patterns for quilters of all skill levels. You'll find quilt patterns for entire quilts and quilt block patterns to use for swaps or when you create an original layout. My step-by-step quilting tutorials help you tackle specific techniques -- learn to make rag quilts, string quilts, paper pieced quilts, fabric postcards and lots more.
- Quilt Patterns Archives
- Big Quilt Block Patterns
- Basket Quilt Block Patterns
- Flowers & Leaves & More
- Star Quilt Patterns
- Beginning Quilter Patterns
- Pinwheel Quilt Patterns
- All-Time Favorite Quilt Blocks
- Jars and Lanterns and Such
- Valentine's Patterns
- Quick Quilt Projects
- Fun Quilting Quizzes
- Christmas Quilt Patterns
Quilt Patterns Archives
Each of these links takes you to my free quilt patterns, all accompanied by illustrations and step-by-step instructions. You'll find patterns for entire quilts and individual quilt blocks. The majority of my quilt block patterns include directions for multiple sizes, and many contain yardages and cutting instructions for batches of quilt blocks.
Big Quilt Block Patterns
Big quilt blocks can be used in lots of ways. Sew one at the center of a medallion quilt. Use a big quilt block to make a small wallhanging. Throw one over the back of a chair or on a small table. Use them together to make a bed quilt. Stitch a big quilt block the next time you need to make a quick project.
- Checkerboard Flower Basket
- All Hallows Quilt Block Pattern (24" square)
- Summer Winds Quilt Block Pattern (24" square)
- Goose in the Pond Quilt Block Pattern (22-1/2" square)
- Handy Andy Quilt Block Pattern (20" square)
- Weeping Willow Block Pattern (30" square)
- Bear's Paw Quilt Block Pattern (35" square)
- Summertime Baskets Quilt Block Pattern (20" square)
- Mosaic Pinwheel Quilt Block Pattern (24" square)
- Double Nine-Patch Quilt Block Pattern (18" square)
- Scrappy Baskets Quilt Block Pattern (15" square)
Basket Quilt Block Patterns
Sew a batch of baskets to represent flowers and foliage from any season of the year, or don't worry about realism at all -- just choose fabrics you love.
Flowers & Leaves & More
Some floral and leaf pattern quilt blocks are intricate, but the majority are easier to assemble than you might guess at first glance.
- Broken Branch Quilt Block Pattern
- Tea Leaf Quilt Block Pattern
- Patchwork Tulips
- Maple Leaf Quilt Block Pattern
Star Quilt Patterns
I probably get more requests for star quilt patterns than for any other type of quilt. It's a good thing there are so many different kinds of star quilts that I could write patterns for them daily for the next year and still not finish them all. Here are some star blocks and star quilts to get you started.
- Sawtooth Star w/Sixteen-Patch Center
- Ohio Star Quilt Block Variation
- Aunt Addie's Album Block & Quilt Pattern
- Miniature Oddfellows Star Quilt Pattern
- Stretching to the Stars Quilt
- Scrappy Framed Star Quilt Block Pattern
- Ohio Star Quilt Block Pattern
- Little Friendship Stars Quilt Pattern
- A Joyous Celebration Small Star Quilt
- Scrappy Floating Stars
- Friendship Stars Quilt Block Pattern
- Evening Stars with Nine Patch Centers
- Dolly Madison Star Quilt Block Pattern
Beginning Quilter Patterns
Your first quilt should be one that's not too difficult -- but not too easy. It should be just right, a project that you'll finish with ease, and something that will make you say "I'm ready for the next one!"
- Roman Square Quilt Pattern
- Twenty-Five Patch Quilt Block Pattern
- Shoo-Fly Quilt Block Pattern
- Practical Orchard Quilt Block Pattern
- Album Churn Dash Quilt Block Pattern
- Bricks & Cobblestones Quilt Pattern
- Framed Four Patch Quilt Blocks
- Mock Basketweave Quilt
- Simplified Maryland Beauty
- Shoo Fly Quilt Blocks
- Quilt Block Pattern Library
- More Easy Patterns to Get You Started
Pinwheel Quilt Patterns
I've had fun with with quilt block patterns lately, and until I started writing batches of instructions I didn't realize how many quilt block variations can be classified as pinwheels. All of these pretty pinwheels are easy to assemble.
- Grandma's Favorite Quilt Block Pattern
- Pinwheel in a Square Quilt Block Pattern
- Hither and Yon Quilt Block Pattern
- Mosaic Pinwheels Quilt Block Pattern
- Sarah's Choice Quilt Block Pattern
- Double Pinwheel Quilt Block Pattern
- Framed Pinwheel Quilt Block Pattern
- Rosebud Quilt Block Pattern
- Single Pinwheels Quilt Block Pattern
- Can't Stop Spinnin' Pinwheel Variation
All-Time Favorite Quilt Blocks
A selection of all-time-favorite patchwork quilt blocks. And the good news -- they're easy to assemble.
- Jewel Box
- Crown of Thorns Quilt Block Pattern
- Floral Monkey Wrench Quilt Block
- Shoo Fly Quilt Block
- Capital Ts Quilt Block
- Maryland Beauty Quilt Block
- Hour Glass Quilt Block
- Framed Four Patch Quilt Block
- Double Nine Patch Quilt Block
- Single T Quilt Block
- Old Maid's Puzzle Quilt Block
Jars and Lanterns and Such
Bug Jars and Lantern designs make fun quilt blocks, and so do things like houses, doggies and Ships at Sea.
- Chinese Lanterns (square block)
- Oriental Lantern Quilt & Block
- Bug Jar Duo (two sizes)
- Tall Bug Jars (like quart jars)
- Short and Squatty Jars (like pickle jars)
- Scottie Dog Quilt Block
- Patchwork House Quilt Block
- Ship at Sea Quilt Block (2 sizes)
Valentine's Patterns
Heart themed quilts and quilt blocks are perfect for Valentine's Day.
- Here's My Heart (Sunbonnet Sue and Overalls Sam)
- Floral Applique Wallhanging
- Scrappy Patchwork Hearts Block & Small Quilt
Quick Quilt Projects
These quick quilt projects are excellent choices when you need a gift, or anytime you want to get creative without devoting loads of time to actually finishing something.
- Easy Eye Pillow Pattern
- Easy Throw Pillow Cover
- Purse and Tote Patterns
- Make a Fabric Postcard
- Ragged Edge Dog Bandana
Fun Quilting Quizzes
My quilting quizzes focus on information that will help you make a quilt. You'll see lots of designs (some are previews of patterns on the Quilting site), and get layout and design ideas to incorporate into your next project.
Christmas Quilt Patterns
Christmas themed quilt projects. Many projects are versatile -- change the fabric theme to make them work for other seasons.
