We’re just a few weeks away from marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, but there’s still time to make something!
I’ve teamed up with ten other quilt designers to share patterns that celebrate the red, white and blue–all in a variety of ways.
With this year’s Quarter Millennial Quilt project, I’ve been working through a lot of variations on both traditional and non-traditional blocks, but one of my very favorite remains a Lone Star.
It’s iconic and unnecessarily intimidating. The Stars & Stripes mini quilt uses only three fabrics plus a background, so it’s easy to construct while still creating a dramatic design. Making this small, beautiful version is totally achievable for every maker.
Stars & Stripes finishes at a versatile 18” x 18”—perfect for a wall quilt, or as a cozy throw pillow.
Have diamonds always made you nervous? Don’t worry! I’ve designed this pattern to be a genuine skill-builder. The pattern includes illustrated instructions and a full video tutorial to guide you through each step. This is your chance to try out making a Lone Star and build confidence with some new techniques.
You can buy the pattern for just $7.95 this weekend (reg. $12.95), follow along with the video tutorial, and have it ready to hang long before celebrations in July.
Patriotic Exploding Hearts
The Patriotic Exploding Heart quilt, designed by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts, is a bold burst of patriotic pride! Based on the popular Exploding Heart quilt pattern, this new version is perfect for showcasing red, white, and blue fabrics. The advanced beginner pattern includes two size options – a 72″ x 72″ throw that is fat quarter friendly and a 36″ x 36″ mini size that uses fat eighths, plus bonus ideas for enlarging to to twin and queen sizes. The pattern includes cutting options for both traditional methods as well as using a fabric cutter and dies. Make a wall hanging for your home and a quilt to honor a veteran! Learn more about this pattern here.
Hometown Hearts
My parents-in-law were sweethearts when Dad was drafted into the Korean War. For 3 years they wrote each other a letter every day–and I mean every day–they would apologize if they didn’t get one sent. Mom saved those letters in cardboard shoeboxed tied with a cotton string. After they both passed, the family didn’t want the letters–so they came to live in my storeroom until just the right time. Hometown Hearts is a quilt designed with small town celebrations in mind. Think 4th of July parades and fireworks. Dad loved a good fireworks display. The fabric collection used in this quilt is called Missing You from Island Batik. I was inspired to design this collection from the devotion Mom and Dad had to each other along with the strong pride Dad had for serving his country. Learn more about the pattern here.
Enduring Liberty
In this heartfelt reflection, Cheri shares the frightening season in 2011 when she faced emergency open-heart surgery just as her husband was deployed to Afghanistan with the US Navy. Separated by war and recovery, the couple leaned on prayer, perseverance, and humor while navigating months of uncertainty and sacrifice. To keep her hands and heart busy during his deployment, she designed a patriotic quilt that would eventually become her Enduring Liberty pattern. Though the blocks themselves are simple, the quilt carries a deeper story of courage, love of country, and the resilience demanded of military families. With gratitude and patriotism, she closes by honoring both America’s 250-year journey and the men and women who continue to serve it. Learn more about this pattern here.
Heartland Boot
The Heartland Boot Quilt Pattern, designed by Kate Eberius of Quiltin Crazy, is a reflection of my roots, which run deep in the Heartland of America. My ancestors settled in Missouri generations ago and lived, worked, and built their lives on the land for many years. This quilt is meant for the farmers, ranchers, and anyone whose life is closely tied to the land. The kind of life that values hard work, simplicity, and family. Heartland Boot is a traditionally pieced quilt pattern and very beginner friendly. This throw size pattern includes detailed diagrams and clear written instructions. Learn more about this pattern here.
And the Rocket’s Red Glare
This pattern, And the Rocket’s Red Glare, is dedicated to my grandfather, Sgt. Stanley Stambersky of the US Army. During WWII, he was a Sergeant in General Patton’s Third Army, and received the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He was a war hero who loved and honored his country. He would tell me “The National Anthem is the most beautiful song I know,” and I could not agree with him more.
And the Rocket’s Red Glare is part of my Home Pattern Series, and is a pixelated pattern of the United States of America. This pattern is precut, fabric stash and GO! friendly. This 8 page full color pattern includes 1 throw size quilt design, step by step instructions, and applique templates for the quilt stars & heart. Add a applique heart to the quilt sharing the city & state you call home. Learn more about this pattern here.
Home of the Brave
Home of the Brave is a patriotic wall hanging designed by Sandra Starley of Textile Time Travels. It is the perfect pattern to use up UFOs/orphan blocks and lots of fun scraps. This quilt is a melting pot of techniques: standard, strip, paper and freezer paper piecing. See how to adapt and actually use your orphan blocks to speed up the piecing process. A fun way to celebrate America 250! Learn more about this pattern here.
Triumph
The stunning log cabin block has been a classic and timeless quilt block for centuries. The inspiring red center indicated a safe and welcoming home, as it signified the hearth, or the heart of the home. Although the log cabin block was originally a block created out of necessity, the versatility of this pattern is endless. Whether you use Civil War reproduction fabrics or modern and playful designs, the Triumph pattern will help you to create quilts that will last for generations to come. Learn more about this pattern here.
Rockets Red Glare
I can’t honestly say that Rockets’ Red Glare was inspired by any one person or event. The design itself was based on an antique quilt that caught my eye, and I adapted it into a modern pattern sized appropriately for a Quilt of Valor. Over the years I’ve designed many red, white, and blue quilts, including several free patriotic patterns. They are my small way of honoring the men and women who serve our country and our communities. Every stitch is a reminder that freedom is never free, and that ordinary people perform extraordinary acts of service every day. Learn more about this pattern here.
Faith and Freedom
The Faith and Freedom quilt pattern, designed by Jen Frost of Faith and Fabric, was created to honor two gifts that were passed down in her family: faith in God and the freedom we are blessed to live in each day. This patriotic cross quilt combines classic red, white, and blue with traditional piecing to create a design that feels timeless, meaningful, and full of movement! Finishing at 52″ x 72″, this quilt is the perfect size for a throw, a patriotic wall hanging, or a meaningful gift for someone who treasures both faith and country. The design is especially scrap-friendly, making it a wonderful way to use leftover red, white, and blue fabrics while still including full yardage instructions for those who prefer a more planned color layout. Learn more about this pattern here.
I hope one (or more!) of these projects inspire you to create your own quilted project for Independence Day. You can join me in my Facebook group: Make with Teresa Coates to share your progress. I can’t wait to see what you make!
