Courtney McNamara Art

Fine Art

Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern

 

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About two years ago I posted on my Facebook page that I would be offering the pattern to this quilt on my Etsy shop.  Once I sat down and tried to make a real pattern for this chicken scratch pattern I was working with:

Imagelt

 

I decided not to bother. Yesterday, I totally got caught!!! Someone saw the quilt on my Facebook page with the long forgotten promise of a pattern and asked for proof of it’s existence. Oops! I never want to shirk on a promise, so here is what I came up with. It is rough to say the least. A math whiz I am not, so I honestly have to admit that I haven’t figured out exactly how much fabric you will need. When I made this quilt for a client, I was working mostly with scraps she had sent me and with odds and ends of fabric I had or picked up.  

Materials:

Quilt measures 90″x90″ (queen size)

All cuts are 3″ strips

Red and blue strips:

20-19.5″

16-7.5″, 11.5″, and 15.5″

10-3.5″

White strips:

24-8.5″ and 12.5″

12-16.5″

40-4.5″

16-6.5″ and 2.5″

8-8.75″

Here is a very rough pattern. When I made this up, I didn’t leave room for the extra row of strips, so just be sure to add one extra group on the end (as you can see in my original sketch). I repeated this pattern so I had three complete sets of blue and red, and two halves on the ends. 

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I really hope this all makes sense!! I was in a rush today, so I may try to make it a little clearer later. Please leave comments if you don’t understand my mad thoughts! 

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Courtney

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78 responses to “Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern”

  1. Frances Elliott Avatar
    Frances Elliott

    How is it quilted?

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      I machine quilted it “in the ditch”, I believe. It’s been a few years since I made this for a client of mine, but I’m pretty sure that’s what I did.

      Reply
    2. Frances elliott Avatar
      Frances elliott

      Hey I finally made the quilt I really love it if I don’t want to stitch in the ditch what other quilt pattern would look good

      Reply
      1. Evangeline Avatar
        Evangeline

        Yay! I’d love to see it! I’m a huge fan of free motion quilting bc it’s quick, but looks really nice as well. If you wanted to get a bit fancier, you could do a star or swirl quilt pattern that I think could look really nice.

      2. Jan King Avatar
        Jan King

        My quilter had a pattern for an eagles head that is beautiful or stars.

    3. ruth F Avatar
      ruth F

      how do i print the pattern… copy and paste?

      Reply
      1. Evangeline Avatar
        Evangeline

        Hey Ruth! Yes. I’m sorry. This pattern is pretty old. Right click on the image and download it. I will have to update it one of these days 🙂

    4. Vicky Avatar
      Vicky

      When you make this quilt, I’ve made a similar one in the past. You have to pin your pieces to the above row to make sure you don’t have the same fabric touching before sewing the row on.

      Reply
  2. Mary Easley Avatar
    Mary Easley

    Iam cutting strips and getting read to make the quilt, but I do have question. Did you sew the first row east to west, and sew the second the same way. And then sew the first and second row together?

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      Hey Mary! So glad to hear my pattern is getting some use! Yes-I sewed the rows horizontally first, then attached them together vertically. Hope that helps! Please send me pictures of the completed quilt when you are done! I would love to see it 🙂

      Reply
  3. Portia Kincaid Avatar
    Portia Kincaid

    Hello! I was just wondering how you decided which fabric to cut which size strips from? Or did you just choose randomly? I’m making this quilt this weekend! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      Hi! This was actually a custom quilt I did for one of my clients via my Etsy shop. ( http://www.howdear.etsy.com ) and she showed me a picture of a quilt she liked and I had to create the pattern from there. She wanted it to be patriotic and sent me some fabrics that she already had. From there, I just supplemented fabrics that I thought would match well. As far as deciding which fabrics to cut for what, I think I just decided as I went. That is usually how I do things! I just cut long strips of each fabric, then decided as I went which fabric I wanted to use next and would cut it accordingly. I know that doesn’t sound too scientific! 🙂 I would love to see your quilt when you are done!

      Reply
      1. Coetta Avatar
        Coetta

        What color thread did you use to do the stitch in the ditch?
        Thank you. I also saw a comment about adding an inch to the strips. I was confused about that as well.

      2. Courtney Avatar
        Courtney

        I think I used a neutral cream thread. I had lots of patterns, so it blended well.

      3. Lori Avatar
        Lori

        I am making the quilt and cut it down to twin size. I had to work on the strip sizes as I went along, but I finished piecing it and love it! Thanks for the idea!

      4. Courtney Avatar
        Courtney

        Send pictures! I’d love to see it!😊

  4. DAWN Avatar
    DAWN

    I SAW THIS PATTERN LAST SUMMER AND FELL IN LOVE WITH IT! I FINALLY GOT THE FABRICS TOGETHER AND MADE THE QUILT THIS MONTH…ALL L CAN SAY IS AMAZING! I DID MAKE SOME ALTERATION. WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW THE QUILT BECAME A 90 X 90….ALL THE BLUE AND RED STRIPS I ADDED 1 INCH TO AND THE NUMBERS CAME OUT CLOSER AFTER PUTTING BORDERS…LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS QUILT. WILL SEND MY VERSION SOON AFTER I TAKE A PICTURE!

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      I’m so glad you like it and it turned out well for you! I’m sorry the measurements were a little off. I made this so long ago, I am sure I had to make alterations to it, too. Glad you got it worked out! Please, please do send pictures of it! I can even feature it in my blog 🙂

      Reply
    2. Becky Avatar
      Becky

      Dawn, I am getting ready to start my quilt but question. If you added 1 inch to the red and blue didn’t you have to add an inch to the white also?

      Reply
    3. Coetta Avatar
      Coetta

      Hi there, I am just now beginning this quilt. I see your note about adding an inch to the strips. I am completely confused. I have the longest strips cut already. I am wondering if you had a pattern or something I could follow? IF I dont add the inch, will I just get a more narrow quilt with the right “look”. I don’t really care about it being 90 x90 but I do want the diamond pattern to look uniform throughout. Any advice would be appreciated 🙂
      My email is copicpho@yahoo.com

      Reply
      1. Courtney Avatar
        Courtney

        As far as adding the one inch, I’m not sure. My guess is the person who commented that meant to the width? I made this quilt so very long ago that I can’t remember it exactly. I quilt like I cook- I make it up as I go! That’s probably not very helpful. But again,I think she meant the width. Hope that helps!

  5. Marie Ward Avatar
    Marie Ward

    Oh I love the scrappy one better than the patriatic.Really a nice quilt.

    Reply
  6. tealovinglady Avatar
    tealovinglady

    I am a little confused. When they said they added a inch to the red and blue did that mean in length or width? I am also assuming that they had to add it to the white also. Thanks again for your help!

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      I am assuming they meant to the width. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Ana Avatar
    Ana

    Hi Courtney! Where do the 8.75″ white strips come in?

    Reply
  8. Krista Avatar
    Krista

    I have the same question as Ana – Where do the 8.75″ strips get used?

    Reply
  9. Courtney Avatar
    Courtney

    Sorry about the confusion! That is suposed to say 8-8.5 strips for the outer edges, but since you already have 8.5 strips, it makes 32 total. Hope that makes sense! I think I made this quilt five years ago and really just learned as I went, so I hope it turns out well!! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Noelene Avatar
    Noelene

    I’ve seen a picture of this quilt on a number of pinterest pages and I have finally tracked it back to here – yaah! I’d just like to say thanks for the pattern and that I’m sure to give it a try in the new year as I think it’s a beautiful quilt.

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      Yay!! I’m so glad you find me and it’s humbling to hear it’s being widely circulated. I would love to see a finished product when you’re done with it!

      Reply
  11. insearchofitall Avatar
    insearchofitall

    My question is about the stars. Are they appliqued on? I bought 2 inch jelly roll strips and will do a r/w/b strip quilt from that for a friend.

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      Yes. I just appliqued then on by machine. I would love to see pictures when you’re done!:)

      Reply
  12. Renee Avatar
    Renee

    Absolutely love this quilt!!! What an amazing job you did! I will have to make this after the New Year!

    Reply
  13. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    Hi! I just attended a Quilt Retreat with the”Electric City Quilters” from Abbeyville SC. They are very devoted quilters particularly with the Quilts Of Valor. This looks like a perfect pattern to pass on to them. It is very nice and looks like anyone should be able to do one. I am going to make one, but please note, not every quilt of valor, need be in typical “Patriotic” colors. Some Vets particularly the ladies request other colors. I think this quilt is clever and could be wonderful in an other color pattern too. Thank you so much for generously sharing the pattern. I am going to pass it on as well.
    Pat

    Reply
  14. Amie Avatar
    Amie

    Heyyyyy!! I love your pattern!! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂 Perfect for all the jelly rolls and homeybuns ive collected over the years. Love it!! Amie 🙂

    Reply
  15. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    This quilt is beautiful! I am not very experienced, but plan to give it a try.

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      You can do it! I’d love to see it when it’s done!

      Reply
  16. Frances Elliott Avatar
    Frances Elliott

    I have started making this quilt. finally and it is turning out really nice. Thanks for sharing this quilt as i just love it and i will enjoy the finished project,

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      Send pictures! I’d love to it!

      Reply
    2. Frances Elliott Avatar
      Frances Elliott

      Courtney im not really sure how to send pictures but i will have my son show me and i will get one to you, the quilt is more than half done.

      Reply
      1. Courtney Avatar
        Courtney

        That would be great! I’m excited to see it!

      2. Heather Dunn Avatar
        Heather Dunn

        Hi there! Blessings to you! My son is a Marine. He’s getting married on Oct. 8th, 2022. I’m making this patriotic quilt for a wedding gift! I even found some Marine Corps. fabric. Thank you for the pattern!

      3. Courtney Avatar
        Courtney

        That’s so great, Heather!!

  17. sheila barnes Avatar
    sheila barnes

    I love this quilt!! thanks for providing it and the diagram. I am attempting this quilt as my comeback quilt as I haven’t made any in 25 years! I am going to attempt to make it with jelly rolls so I will need to adapt the amount somewhat. I am going to make it in a twin size…..ssssoooo wish me luck and thanks again!

    Reply
  18. Shell Avatar
    Shell

    Thank you for sharing your talents! I love this pattern!

    Reply
  19. Mitzi Avatar
    Mitzi

    Hey Courtney, I love love love this quilt! I am almost finished collecting my fabrics for this quilt and I have a couple projects ahead that have to be done. When it is completed I will send photos. Have you made another quilt with this pattern? Has anyone one sent in photos? I would love to see photos of some of the other quilts if you have some photos. This is one of my favorite Patterns of Quilts ever.

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      I’m so glad you like it! I have not used this pattern again myself and no one has sent a photo in, yet. I’m so anxious to see one!! This pattern was a favorite of mine, too. I’d LOVE to see your finished product!

      Reply
  20. Janet Olson Avatar
    Janet Olson

    Planning to make this as a Quilt of Valor quilt. So glad I found it. Thank you for such a great quilt.

    Reply
  21. Liz White Avatar
    Liz White

    I made a cream, grey, and brown quilt using your pattern for my spare bedroom. It turned out great. I found your instructions easy to follow and things went quickly once I got into the swing of the layout. I added a 6″ border around the end as I like my quilts to drape. It lays on a queen sized bed. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      That’s wonderful! Makes me so happy to know that this is being put to good use. Please send pictures! I would love to see them!

      Reply
  22. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    I am making this for my son. I was wondering about the quilting part. Did you quilt as you go or did you put it all together than quilt it?

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      I put it together and then quilted it the traditional way. You could possibly quilt as you go… Not sure how with this pattern, but maybe you could figure it out! 😊 Let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  23. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    Just finished my son’s quilt! I love it. I tried to send a picture but it wouldn’t let me.

    Reply
  24. Pam Phelps Avatar
    Pam Phelps

    OH MY, I love this and have plenty of scraps to use.. Thank you for sharing..

    Reply
  25. Beth Avatar
    Beth

    I just discovered your beautiful patriotic quilt, love anything red/white/blue! I didn’t notice a name for your pattern. It looks similar to a lantern quilt. In your patriotic colors it reminded me of the story of Paul Revere, “One if by land, two if by sea!” What do you think of naming it “Patriot’s Lantern”?

    Reply
  26. Dawn Avatar
    Dawn

    This looks SOOOOO “vintage-y” which is just my style! Glad I found it here!

    Reply
  27. Bev Avatar
    Bev

    I love this pattern and want to make as soon as I can

    Reply
  28. Barbara Martin Avatar
    Barbara Martin

    my niece asked for a bright quilt for a wedding gift. The strips I have cut are 4.5 wide, which I will use. I;ll keep you apprised of my progress. thank you for being so creative

    Reply
  29. Robin Avatar
    Robin

    Hello, did you also use some homespun in this quilt?

    Reply
    1. Evangeline Avatar
      Evangeline

      You know, it’s been so long since I have made this quilt, I don’t actually remember! But I believe that I did.

      Reply
  30. Mary Grace Frank Avatar
    Mary Grace Frank

    I’m off to buy fabric. Just love your quilt hope it’s ready by the 4th of July. Thank you!!
    Mary Grace

    Reply
    1. Evangeline Avatar
      Evangeline

      Awesome. Thank you! Did you get it finished by the fourth? 🙂

      Reply
  31. Kristen Long Avatar
    Kristen Long

    Well it took a while but I finished 100 x 122
    I have a picture for you but don’t know how to include

    Reply
  32. Kristen Long Avatar
    Kristen Long

    Completed this as an oversized king bed spread – would love to share a photo

    Reply
    1. Janet Parker Avatar
      Janet Parker

      Hi Kristen
      I am about to start on this quilt being at home here in New Zealand under our coved=19 lockdown
      I would really appreciate a photo to visualise the finished version
      Like you I will make it to fit a king size bed.
      Would you kindly email me at: janet.parker@xtra.co.nz
      Happy quilting
      Many thanks and kind regards
      Janet Parker

      Reply
    2. Angie Avatar
      Angie

      Kristen can you share what you did to turn it into a king size in your addition please Thank you!

      Reply
  33. Jean Brown Avatar
    Jean Brown

    I made this quilt for my son. He served in the marines for 10 years. It turned out really good. Love it, thanks for the pattern.

    Reply
    1. Evangeline Avatar
      Evangeline

      That’s so neat, Jean. So glad to hear it’s still being used after all these years!

      Reply
      1. Jill Hastings Avatar
        Jill Hastings

        Hi MY Brother asked me to make this quilt for him and I am going to give it a try. Are you still taking questions about it?

      2. Courtney Avatar
        Courtney

        Hey Jill! Sorry for the delayed reply. Yes! If you still have questions, I’m happy to help!

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  37. Annie Avatar
    Annie

    I do believe that this person on Facebook has taken one of your pictures and said they made the quilt. https://www.facebook.com/groups/333862917427958/user/100016751378551/

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      I clicked the link and it said it was unavailable, so hopefully they took it down. Thanks for looking out for me!

      Reply
  38. Cheryl Avatar
    Cheryl

    Courtney
    Well it’s 2022 and your pattern is making the rounds. I had it on my wish list to make and my daughter says I would really like this quilt. So of to the cutting board I went. Absolutely love it got the top done today but she wants a flannel square backing so I’m cutting those. Where do I send a picture of your pattern..95″*100″

    Reply
    1. Courtney Avatar
      Courtney

      I’m so glad that the pattern is still serving its purpose! I’d love to see a picture! If you go to my facebook page: Courtney McNamara Art, you can send it to me there!

      Reply
      1. Jill Hastings Avatar
        Jill Hastings

        Here is a picture of my brother and his quilt. I made it last fall. It was a great learning experience for me and he loved it.was not able to get to your Facebook page I do not have an account. Thank YOU FOR POSTING THE quilt and the pattern Jill Hastings >

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