Quilt Patterns

Use a set of five shapes to create quilt square designs and patterns.

Quilts have been used in North America since the 17th century. These beautiful and functional handmade textiles are most often used as bed coverings. The designs and patterns chosen can sometimes reveal clues about the person who made the quilt. The patterns might depict an important story in someone’s life, or the materials might show us how it was intended to be used and what items were available to the artist, such as pieces of fancy fabric or scraps of old clothing.

Multiple layers of material are sewn together to create a quilt. The top layer is often made up of smaller pieces of fabric that have been sewn together to create squares containing a variety of colors and patterns. These squares are then joined to form one very large piece of fabric. The middle layer contains batting, or a filler, for warmth. The bottom layer is another large piece of fabric. A quilt is made by sewing through all three layers. The stitches used in the quilting process add to the decoration and also help reinforce the piece to make it stronger and last longer.

This art activity was inspired by the quilts on view in the “Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories” exhibition.

Materials

If you received an MFA art activity you can use the magnetic foam shapes to get started. If you did not, or want to create even more designs, you will need:

• Tangram Shapes Template (PDF)
• white printer paper (8.5 x 11 inches)
• a pencil or marker to trace the tangram shapes template
• scissors
• construction paper, cardstock paper, craft foam sheets, or felt in a variety of colors

Instructions

Download and print the Tangram Shapes Template onto 8.5 x 11 paper. A tangram is a geometric puzzle of a square cut into seven pieces. Use scissors to cut the paper following the lines on the template. Using your pencil or marker, trace the shapes onto colorful cardstock paper, construction paper, craft foam sheets, or felt. Then cut the shapes out so that you have a few sets in a variety of colors.

Look at the patterns below for inspiration and try using different colors and shapes to create your own! Remember, if you’re making a pattern for an imaginary quilt, your final design needs to be square.

Quilt Pattern Ideas