Parade of Stars Table Runner: a Tutorial and Pre-Cut Kit !

We just completed this festive Parade of Stars table runner, which is perfect for patriotic holidays !  We love the combination of stars, fireworks, and flags.  At 16 x 46", it's perfect for a wall hanging or table runner.

***SOLD OUT ! IN STOCK ! Our pre-cut kit is available on eBay (CLICK HERE !)

For continuous listings of free quilt patterns, please check us out on Twitter !
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Parade of Stars Table Runner 16” x 46”

INSTRUCTIONS: The quilt center consists of squares in a 4 x 16 grid, using 64 squares.

FABRIC:
1/4 yd EACH of red, white, and blue fabrics for patchwork squares.
1/4 yd  medium to large size print fabric for borders
1 piece of fabric size 21" x 54" cut lengthwise for backing
5 strips of binding fabric size 2.5 " x 40 " cut on the crosswise grain of fabric. 

CUTTING:  [instructions for quilt center, borders, and backing]
Cut 22 red squares size 2.5" x 2.5"
Cut  21 white squares size 2.5" x 2.5 "
Cut  21 blue squares size  2.5" x 2.5"
Cut top and bottom borders size 3.5" x 43" ( You will be trimming off excess at the ends)
Cut side borders size 3.5" x 20" ( You will be trimming off excess at the ends)
Cut the backing lengthwise, in one long piece, size 21" x 54". That way, you will have some excess backing fabric on the sides, in case you wish to long-arm quilt this project.

LAYOUT: Arrange the 64 squares in a grid, as shown in the diagram below.
Note that on the layout diagram, the columns are labelled 1 through 16 and the rows are labelled A, B, C, and D.

Step 1. Assemble the patches by sewing the squares together in sets. Start at the left-hand side of the diagram.  For example, sew A1,  A2 and; A3; then sew B1, B2, and B3. Our photos below show how we started sewing our sets.

Assemble a six-patch block by sewing these A and B strips together. Our photo below shows how we sewed Row A  1-3 to Row B 1-3

Continue in this fashion for the remaining blocks. (Column 16 can be assembled in sets of two patches).

Step 2.  Join the sets to make the quilt center.

Step 3. Add the borders.  There are two short and two longer strips for the border. Sew the longer strips to the top and bottom of the quilt center. Then sew the short border strips to the sides of the quilt.

Step 4.  Finish the quilt: Add the backing and your choice of batting. Bind the quilt.

It's easy to stitch up this project in a day!  The Parade of Stars table runner kit - available on demand at our shop on eBay - contains pre-cut squares, border strips, and backing, along with binding strips.  We have this completely pre-cut  kit with complete easy-to-read instructions available for purchase at $19.99 plus shipping.
Here's what our kit looks like, with all the fabric pre-cut, so all you have to do is sew:

Image credits:  Photos and design by Quilt Inspiration.

Celebrating Canada

We spotted this beautiful stained glass quilt within a special exhibit at the 2020 Road to California quilt show, and wanted to show it today, as Canada Day (Fête du Canada) is coming up soon.

Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of July 1, 1867, the effective date of the Constitution Act, 1867, which united the three separate colonies of the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada.

True North - Strong and Free by Rita Kovatch (Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada)

This striking quilt depicts a polar bear fishing on an ice pack.  The scene is backed by the Canadian flag. Designer and quilter Rita Kovatch says,  "As a proud Canadian, I wanted to represent the Canadian Flag and I chose to showcase that in the background by using my version of the stained glass and reverse applique technique." The bright red maple leaf stands out brilliantly against the sky blue background fabric.

As you can see from the closeup photo above, the polar bear is going after a fish that is leaping out of the water! The entire piece is machine stitched and quilted using a tiny zigzag stitch."

Rita says she was inspired to make True North - Strong and Free after seeing a quilt titled "Catch-A-Hold This One" by quilter Corey Ralph (you can see a photo of that quilt at Amanda Jane Textiles.)  Seeing that quilt inspired Rita to make her quilt based on the theme of fishing in the north.

Image credits:  The photo was taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2020 Road to California quilt show.

Free pattern day ! Father's Day quilts

Dads like quilts too ! Here are some free quilting patterns selected especially for men.  Any of these would make a great gift for a family member or friend.  To go to a pattern: Scroll down the page until you see the quilt you like, then click on the words "CLICK for PDF download" in the title above the quilt.

Also check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns, fabric, and vintage collectibles !
For more free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.

Ties That Bind quilt, 72” square, free pattern by Deirdre Bond-Abel for Marcus Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Must Dash (mustache) little lap quilt, 38 x 47”, free pattern by Katy Jones for Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Cobblestone Street quilt, 54 x 69", free pattern at Robert Kaufman Fabrics CLICK for PDF download)

Buffalo Check quilt, 66 x 82”, free pattern by Shea Henderson at Empty Bobbin Quilting Studio (CLICK for PDF download)

Tie Tips quilt, 40 x 40”, free pattern by Whistler Studios for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Dapper throw quilt, 50 x 61”, free pattern by Briar Hill Designs for RJR Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Plaid for Dad quilt, 60 x 72” or 84 x 84”, free pattern by Cindy Carter at Carter Quilter (CLICK for PDF download)

Plaids a Plenty quilt, 56” square, free pattern by Laura Gilvin for Studio E Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

House Tie quilt block, 5” square, photo by Lacy Law, free paper piecing pattern by Shae Merritt for Fandom in Stitches (CLICK for PDF download)

Always and Forever shirt quilt, ~59 x 64”, free pattern by Elizabeth Cecchettini for McCalls Quilting (CLICK for PDF download)

Necktie Bow Ties quilt, free pattern by Shelly Pagliai at Prairie Moon Quilts (CLICK for PDF download)

Cabin Crossing quilt, 74 x 98", free pattern at Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Bowtie Bash quilt, 64 x 73”, free pattern at Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Tartan quilt, ~52 x 63", free pattern at Free Spirit Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Wrench Set quilt, 57 x 78”, free pattern by Cate Tallman-Evans for Quilt Magazine (CLICK for PDF download)

Red Chevy Truck quilt block, 5” square, free paper piecing pattern by Cat Magraith for Fandom in Stitches (CLICK for PDF download)

Yellow Porsche quilt block, 5” square, free pattern by Cat Magraith for Fandom in Stitches (CLICK for PDF download)

City Lights quilt, 48" square, free pattern at Helen Howes Textiles (CLICK for PDF download)

Earth Light lap quilt, 48" square, free pattern at Helen Howes Textiles (CLICK for PDF download)

California Cubism mini quilt, ~15" square, free pattern by Tara Faughnan for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Recycled Denim and Plaid quilt, 64 x 72”, free pattern at Fabric Editions (CLICK for PDF download) 

Zig Zag rag quilt, 72” square, free pattern by Linda Miller for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Image credits: This post was updated on September 28, 2021. Individual images are copyrighted by their owners. Please respect their generosity in sharing their free patterns, and the restrictions they have placed on the use of these designs; complete information can be found at the designers' websites provided in the links. The photo montage shown on this page is a derivative work that is the property of Quilt Inspiration. If any links are broken, we'd love to know so we can fix it. Please email us at QuiltInspiration {at} gmail {dot} com.

Free pattern day ! Hexagon quilts

Here are 40 free quilting patterns for hexagon quilts, table runners, and pillows.  The hexagon shape lends itself to many creative variations !
To go to a pattern: Scroll down the page until you see the quilt you like, then click on the words "CLICK for PDF download" in the title above the quilt.  

Also check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns, fabric, and vintage jewelry!
For more free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.

Hexagon Puzzle quilt, 47 x 60”, free pattern by Marinda Stewart for Michael Miller Fabrics  (CLICK for PDF download)

Prismatic Quilt, 40 x 60”, free pattern by Michelle Engel Benckso for Cloud 9 Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Azalea Quilt, 66 x 72”, free pattern by Katarina Roccella for Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Bias Tiles quilt, 43 x 57”, free pattern by Marinda Stewart for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

All Lined Up quilt, ~62 x 80”, free pattern by Judy Gauthier for Studio E Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Rainbow Hexagon mini quilt, 19” square, free pattern by Jemima Flendt for Quilting Daily (CLICK for PDF download)

Superstar Baby quilt, 34 x 30”, free pattern by Malka Dubrawsky for Moda Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Satellite 5 mini quilt, 17 x 20”, free pattern at Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Bumblecomb Quilt, 45 x 55”, free pattern by Stacey Day for Free Spirit Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Just Marvelous quilt, 62 x 72”, free pattern by Lynne Goldsworthy for Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Overture Hexagon quilt, 42 x 65”, free pattern by Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Playing Cabin (hexagon log cabin) block, free pattern at Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Picnic Flora Table Topper, 27 x 28”, free pattern by Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Prismatic Medallions quilt, from 19" to 54" wide, free pattern at Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

A Hop, Skip and a Jump quilt, 50 x 67”, free pattern by Valeri Shields for Hoffman California Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Basket of Eggs quilt, 56 x 74”, free pattern by Jean Ann Wright for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Bee My Honey quilt, 58 x 68”, free pattern by Natalie Crabtree for Anthology Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Big Stripe Hexagon quilt, 56 x 73”, free pattern by Marinda Stewart for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Bird Cage Mirror Mirror quilt, 59 x 72”, free pattern by Kathy Doughty for Free Spirit Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Call Me Maybe quilt, 60 x 74”, free pattern by Tailormade by Design for Benartex (CLICK for PDF download)

Hexagon Spiderweb quilt, 48 x 53”, free pattern by Debby Kratovil for Blank Quilting (CLICK for PDF download)

Hexie Helix quilt, 46 x 57”, free pattern by Liberty Worth for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Hexometry quilt, 53 x 62”, free pattern by Sarah Thomas for Hoffman California Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Hexy Stars quilt, 55 x 64”, free pattern by Tula Pink for Free Spirit Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Honey Pot quilt, 65 x 70”, free pattern by Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Jewels quilt, 56 x 65”, free pattern by Valori Wells for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Lexi’s Hexis quilt, 43 x 52”, free pattern by Audrey Page for Benartex (CLICK for PDF download)

Luminance quilt, 75 x 75”, free pattern by Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Off The Grid quilt, 48 x 64”, free pattern by Nancy Mahoney for P&B Textiles (CLICK for PDF download)

Street Sign quilt, 55 x 66”, free pattern by Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Summer House quilt, 55 x 66”, free pattern by Lily Ashbury for Moda Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

The Bee’s Knees quilt, 67 x 67”, free pattern by Terrie Mangat for Free Spirit Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Transcendence quilt, ~78 x 87”, free pattern by Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Wave On quilt, 67 x 71”, free pattern by Riley Blake Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Bohemia quilt, 58 x 74", free pattern by Toby Lischko for P and B Texiles (CLICK for PDF download)

 

Snowflake wall quilt or table topper, 30” square, free pattern by Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Palace Garden quilt, 60 x 72”, free pattern by Jean Ann Wright for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Flower Trail quilt, 48 x 60”, free pattern by Pink Hippo Quilts for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

 
Hexagon Table runner, 16 x 32”, free pattern at Fabrics Editions (CLICK for PDF download)

 Hexagon Table runner, free tutorial at My Poppet (CLICK for tutorial)

Modern Hexie table runner (quick applique method), tutorial by Laura Hartrich (CLICK for tutorial)

Hindsight Hexy pillow, free pattern at Free Spirit Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Hexie cushion tutorial at Gathered (CLICK for tutorial)

 

“I See Kittens” pillow, free pattern at Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Hexagon Pillow tutorial by Angela Pingel (CLICK for tutorial)

Image credits: This post was updated on September 28, 2021. Individual images are copyrighted by their owners. Please respect their generosity in sharing their free patterns, and the restrictions they have placed on the use of these designs; complete information can be found at the designers' websites provided in the links. The photo montage shown on this page is a derivative work that is the property of Quilt Inspiration. If any links are broken, we'd love to know so we can fix it. Please email us at QuiltInspiration {at} gmail {dot} com.