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The Checkered Lattice Quilt combines colorful 10-inch fabric squares with a striking two-color lattice that creates movement across the entire quilt.
Taught by Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company, this project is a creative variation of the classic lattice quilt. Small checkerboard units appear where the lattice sections meet, giving the finished design an extra graphic detail without requiring complicated piecing.
The featured quilt finishes at approximately 70" × 84" and is especially well suited to precut fabric collections, contrasting solids, and quilters who enjoy geometric layouts.
Checkered Lattice Quilt at a Glance
| Project | Checkered Lattice Quilt |
| Instructor | Jenny Doan |
| Official Source | Missouri Star Quilt Company |
| Finished Size | Approximately 70" × 84" |
| Main Precut Fabric | 10" squares |
| Lattice Strips | 1½" light and dark strips |
| Main Techniques | Four Patch units, strip piecing, quarter-square triangle construction, block orientation |
| Suggested Skill Level | Confident beginner |
| Source Format | Free video tutorial + official supplies PDF |
What Makes the Checkered Lattice Quilt Different?
A traditional lattice quilt usually relies on continuous diagonal lines that visually connect one block to the next.
This version adds small contrasting checkerboard sections at the intersections. That simple change gives the lattice a stronger rhythm and creates an additional secondary pattern across the quilt.
The colorful print triangles remain the visual focus, while the light and dark strips provide structure around them.
Official Fabric Requirements
Missouri Star lists the following supplies for the featured version:
- 1 pack of 10" precut print squares
- 2 rolls of 1½" strips in contrasting light and dark solids
- ¾ yard for the inner border
- 1½ yards for the outer border
- approximately 5¼ yards of backing fabric
The Quilting Time provides planning, accuracy, layout, and fabric selection guidance. Follow Jenny Doan's official Missouri Star video for the complete cutting and assembly sequence.
Choosing the Two Lattice Colors
Contrast is the key to making the checkerboard effect visible.
A dark-and-light combination works especially well because the eye can follow the lattice across multiple blocks.
Classic Black and White
This creates a bold graphic lattice and allows colorful print fabrics to stand out clearly.
Navy and Cream
A softer alternative that works beautifully with floral, coastal, or traditional fabric collections.
Charcoal and Low-Volume Prints
Use a dark solid against cream or low-volume strips for a more textured background.
Two Coordinating Colors
You do not have to use neutrals. Try two contrasting colors pulled from the 10-inch square collection.
Why Consistent Strip Piecing Matters
The small checkerboard centers depend on repeated strip units being assembled in the same direction.
Before sewing a large batch, make one finished test unit and place it beside your machine as a reference.
This simple step can prevent an entire group of units from being reversed.
Keep Light and Dark Fabrics Organized
Direction is important in this design because the lattice only appears continuous when neighboring blocks alternate correctly.
Keep the two strip colors in separate stacks and orient completed units the same way while chain piecing.
Working with 10-Inch Squares
The large print squares are transformed into triangular pieces that surround the checkerboard center.
When working with large precut squares, handle diagonal edges gently. Bias edges can stretch more easily than straight-grain edges.
Press instead of dragging the iron across these pieces.
Use a Rotating Mat if You Have One
Several cuts need to pass through the center of the layered squares.
A rotating cutting mat can make this easier because the fabric can remain undisturbed while you change cutting direction.
It is optional, however. A standard cutting mat and ruler work perfectly well if you rotate the mat or reposition yourself carefully.
Tips for Accurate Checkerboard Centers
- Use the same quarter-inch seam allowance throughout the project.
- Press seams consistently toward the darker strip when appropriate.
- Nest opposing seams at the center of Four Patch units.
- Check that all checkerboard units have the same orientation.
- Measure one sample before chain piecing the remaining units.
Match the Center Seams First
When joining the triangular sections to the lattice center, align the center seams before worrying about the outside edges.
Pinning the center intersection can help keep the pieces from shifting, especially if the diagonal edges have been handled several times.
Trim Each Block Carefully
After the surrounding pieces are attached, check that the lattice remains centered before trimming.
Use seam intersections and the center strip as visual references rather than simply trimming equal amounts from every edge.
Lay Out the Quilt Before Sewing Rows
Block orientation is one of the most important parts of this quilt.
Arrange all finished blocks on a design wall, bed, or clean floor before joining them.
Step back and make sure the contrasting strips form uninterrupted lattice lines throughout the layout.
Photograph the complete layout before stacking your rows. If a block is accidentally rotated while sewing, the photo makes it much easier to restore the intended lattice.
Fabric Ideas for the Checkered Lattice Quilt
Vintage Florals
Soft florals paired with cream and charcoal lattice strips create a classic cottage-style quilt.
Modern Brights
Saturated rainbow prints with black-and-white lattice strips create a strong contemporary look.
Christmas Version
Use holiday prints with deep green and cream strips.
Autumn Version
Rust, gold, olive, brown, and cream prints work especially well with a chocolate-and-ivory lattice.
Scrappy Version
The 10-inch square sections can also be cut from larger scraps rather than using one coordinated Layer Cake.
Keeping the lattice colors consistent will help unify a very scrappy collection.
Common Checkered Lattice Mistakes to Avoid
Reversing One Checkerboard Unit
This can interrupt the alternating light-dark lattice when the blocks are joined.
Using Similar-Value Lattice Fabrics
If both strip colors are too similar, the checkered effect becomes much harder to see.
Stretching the Triangle Edges
Handle bias edges gently and use a lifting pressing motion.
Trimming Without Checking the Center
Make sure the checkerboard unit stays centered inside the block before trimming.
Sewing Rows Without Checking the Lattice
Confirm the entire layout before joining blocks permanently.
Can You Make a Smaller Checkered Lattice Quilt?
Yes.
The same block construction can be used with fewer blocks to create a lap quilt, throw, or smaller project.
Once you decide on a smaller block layout, measure the assembled quilt center before calculating border and backing requirements.
Can You Use Different Precut Fabrics?
Yes. The design is especially convenient for 10-inch square collections, but you can cut your own squares from yardage or large scraps.
For the lattice, keep the strip width consistent throughout the project.
Checkered Lattice Quilt FAQ
Who teaches the Checkered Lattice Quilt tutorial?
The official tutorial is presented by Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company.
What size is the finished quilt?
The featured Missouri Star quilt finishes at approximately 70" × 84".
What precuts are used?
The project uses 10-inch print squares and contrasting 1½-inch strips.
Is this a free quilt pattern?
The official resource is best described as a free video tutorial with an official downloadable supplies sheet.
Is the quilt beginner-friendly?
A confident beginner familiar with a quarter-inch seam and rotary cutting should be able to approach the project.
The main challenge is keeping the lattice pieces oriented consistently.
Can I make it from scraps?
Yes. Large scraps can replace the precut print squares, while consistent light and dark strips will keep the lattice visually connected.
Watch the Official Checkered Lattice Quilt Tutorial
Jenny Doan demonstrates the complete construction process, including the checkerboard centers, triangular fabric sections, block trimming, and final lattice layout.
Watch the Official Checkered Lattice Quilt Tutorial →
Official Tutorial and Supplies List
Missouri Star's official project page includes the tutorial, project size, supplies, and printable supply information.
View the Official Checkered Lattice Quilt Tutorial →
Tutorial Source
Checkered Lattice Quilt is an official Missouri Star Quilt Company project taught by Jenny Doan.
The Quilting Time adds fabric-selection advice, accuracy tips, layout planning, troubleshooting, and project ideas while directing readers to Missouri Star for the complete original construction tutorial.
Source availability checked: September 2026.
Happy quilting!
