Sunrise Quilt Pattern: Free Tutorial & Fabric Inspiration

If you are looking for a striking, sunburst-inspired patchwork design that brings warmth and cheerful energy to your sewing room, the Sunrise Quilt pattern by fabric and quilt designer Sharon Holland is a true masterpiece.

Originally released and later refreshed with an improved layout featuring narrower sashing and cornerstones, the Sunrise Quilt pattern now accommodates five distinct size options—making it exceptionally versatile for everything from a cozy baby crib quilt to a statement bed-size masterpiece.

Classified as an intermediate-level project, the pattern features traditional piecing techniques paired with clear instructions and a helpful block assembly tutorial link from Sharon Holland Designs.

Sunrise Quilt Project at a Glance

Project Name	Sunrise Quilt Pattern
Designer / Author	Sharon Holland (Sharon Holland Designs)
Available Sizes	5 Size Options (Including Crib, Throw, and Full)
Main Fabric Line Featured	Art Gallery Fabrics (Lilliput & Shine On Collections)
Skill Level	Intermediate Quilter
Key Technique	Traditional piecing, sashing, and star-point blocks

Exploring the Fabric Versions

Sharon Holland debuted multiple stunning samples for the pattern release, highlighting how different fabric palettes completely transform the vibe of the sunburst blocks:

1. The Lilliput Version (Full Size)

The cover quilt showcases Sharon’s Lilliput collection prints combined with AGF Pure Solids. Designed to look wonderfully puffy and classic, this version was entirely hand-quilted with high-loft batting (Hobbs Cloud Loft), making it a treasured heirloom piece.

2. The Shine On Version (Throw Size)

Crafted from her Shine On fabric collection, this version leans into a nostalgic 1970s retro aesthetic filled with sunny yellows, peachy-pinks, and warm calico prints. Long-arm quilted with a "Rolling Hills Echo" design, it gives the quilt a cloud-light drape and modern texture.

☀️ Helpful Ruler Tip from Sharon Holland

The pattern includes the triangle templates needed for the blocks. However, if you plan to tackle anything larger than a crib-size quilt, Sharon recommends using the Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template (Set E-8 Pointed Star ruler) to speed up accurate cutting and piecing.

Why Quilters Love the Sunrise Pattern

• Multiple Size Flexibility: With five size options available, you can scale the quilt from a small baby blanket to a generous bed topper.
• Structured Layout: The inclusion of refined sashing and cornerstones neatly frames each sunburst block, creating cohesive secondary patterns across the quilt top.
• Endless Fabric Options: Works beautifully with both high-contrast modern solids and low-volume scrappy calicos.

Sunrise Quilt FAQ

What skill level is required for the Sunrise Quilt?

It is categorized as an intermediate-level quilt. While the blocks are easier to assemble than they appear thanks to Sharon's step-by-step guidance, having some basic quilting experience is helpful.

Where can I get the Sunrise Quilt pattern and kits?

The pattern is available directly in Sharon Holland's online shop, and participating quilt shops like Lady Belle Fabrics often provide coordinated fabric kits for her signature fabric lines.

Visit the Original Designer Post

To read the full announcement, explore gorgeous tester quilts from makers like Victoria Newmyer (Midlife Quilter) and Jen Cannon, and get your copy of the pattern, visit Sharon's official blog:

Read the Original Sunrise Quilt Blog Post by Sharon Holland Designs →

Pattern Attribution

Sunrise Quilt is an original pattern designed by Sharon Holland of Sharon Holland Designs. All imagery and pattern specifications belong to the designer.

Happy quilting!

DIY Fabric Basket Tutorial: Free Sewing Pattern & Step-by-Step Guide

Looking for a practical, stylish sewing project that doubles as home organization? This DIY Fabric Basket Tutorial by Cat from Mary Martha Mama is the perfect afternoon craft!

Whether you need extra storage for your fabric stash, craft supplies, nursery items, or living room clutter, this sturdy fabric bin is both functional and beautiful. Measuring approximately 11 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 9 inches tall when finished, it is robust enough to hold its shape while remaining soft and foldable.

Project Overview at a Glance

Finished Size	Approx. 11" L × 11" W × 9" H
Designer / Author	Cat (Mary Martha Mama)
Project Type	Home Organization / Storage Sewing
Estimated Time	About 2 hours
Difficulty Level	Easy / Beginner-Friendly

Materials & Tools Required

To sew your own fabric basket, gather the following supplies:

• Outer Fabric: ½ yard of heavy fabric like duck canvas, heavy cotton, or decor weight fabric
• Lining Fabric: ½ yard of cotton fabric for the inner lining
• Interfacing: ¾ yard of firm fusible interfacing (crucial for structure!)
• Handles: ½ yard of cotton webbing
• General Sewing Supplies: Sewing machine, heavy-duty needles, coordinating thread, pins, ruler, and fabric marker

Step 1: Fabric Cutting Guide

Wash, dry, and press your fabric before making the following cuts:

• Outer Fabric: Cut 2 rectangles (20″ × 13.5″)
• Lining Fabric: Cut 2 rectangles (20″ × 13.5″)
• Fusible Interfacing: Cut 2 rectangles (20″ × 13.5″)
• Cotton Webbing: Cut 2 pieces (9″ long each) for handles

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

Step 2: Fuse the Interfacing

Iron the firm fusible interfacing to the wrong side of your two exterior fabric rectangles. Use a pressing cloth to prevent any adhesive residue from transferring onto your iron.

Step 3: Sew the Outer Shell

Place the two exterior fabric pieces right sides together. Pin and sew along the two sides and the bottom using a ½-inch seam allowance. Press the seams open.

Step 4: Box the Corners

With the outer bag inside out, pinch the bottom seam and side seam together at one corner to form a flat triangle point. Measure across the corner with a ruler until the line width measures 7 inches. Mark the line with a fabric pencil and sew directly along it. Repeat for the opposite corner, then trim off the excess triangle corners.

Step 5: Attach the Cotton Webbing Handles

Turn the main outer shell right side out. Pin one handle piece to the top edge of the basket, placing each end 2 inches away from the center side seam. Baste the handles into place ¼ inch from the top edge. Repeat on the opposite side.

Step 6: Construct the Lining

Place your two lining pieces right sides together. Sew along the side and bottom edges with a ½-inch seam allowance, leaving a 4–5 inch opening unsewn at the bottom for turning later. Repeat the corner-boxing step (drawing a 7-inch line and trimming corners) on the lining.

Step 7: Join Outer Basket and Lining

Keep the lining inside out. Insert the exterior basket (which is right side out) inside the lining so right sides are facing together. Align the top edges and side seams, pin in place, and sew all the way around the top rim with a ½-inch seam allowance.

Step 8: Turn and Finish

Pull the exterior basket through the opening left in the lining. Stitch the lining opening closed near the edge. Push the lining down into the basket, press the top edge neatly with an iron, and topstitch around the top rim for a clean finish.

🧵 Visit the Original Tutorial

To view full process photos and learn more about Cat's creative projects, check out the original post on Mary Martha Mama's DIY Fabric Basket Tutorial .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash this fabric basket?

Because firm fusible interfacing and cotton duck canvas are used, spot cleaning is recommended to maintain the crisp shape of the basket.

Can I change the handle position?

Yes! You can easily modify the placement or length of the cotton webbing handles to suit a tote bag style or side handle configuration.

Happy sewing!

Sunflower Sew Along Quilt Tutorial: Free Pattern

If you are looking for an engaging, stash-busting quilt project that builds into a breathtaking floral design, the Sunflower Sew Along by Diane Vandiver of Butterfly Threads Quilting is a perfect choice.

Originally created in 2014 as a mystery sew-along for her local quilt guild, this project takes simple, approachable patchwork units and connects them using clever pieced sashing strips. When assembled in rows, secondary geometric chains emerge across the quilt top, forming a continuous lattice of stylized sunflower blossoms.

What makes Diane Vandiver’s design so effective is its simplicity: you do not need curved piecing or appliqué techniques to achieve this floral lattice. Basic patchwork units locked together with directional sashing do all the heavy lifting!

Below is a complete breakdown of the Sunflower Sew Along project, including fabric selection tips, unit assembly guidance, common piecing pitfalls to avoid, and direct links to Diane’s official free pattern download.

Sunflower Sew Along at a Glance

Project Name	Sunflower Sew Along (Mystery Quilt)
Designer / Author	Diane Vandiver (Butterfly Threads Quilting)
Original Release Year	2014 (Updated on BTQ Official Blog)
Main Techniques	Basic Patchwork Units, Pieced Sashing, Cornerstone Intersections
Color Palette	Yellows/Golds (Petals), Browns (Centers), Greens (Leaves), Neutral Background
Scrap Friendly	Yes — Excellent project for fabric stash clearance
Skill Level	Confident Beginner to Intermediate
Source Format	Free Step-by-Step Illustrated Instructions & PDF Download

The History Behind the Sunflower Mystery Sew Along

When Diane Vandiver first designed this pattern in 2014, it was delivered as a mystery quilt. Guild members received weekly step-by-step instructions for basic blocks without knowing what the final quilt would look like.

The surprise structural reveal happened when pieced sashing strips and cornerstones connected individual blocks together. The isolated patches aligned visually to form vibrant rows of sunflowers connected by leafy green chains.

Because quilters frequently requested this popular pattern, Diane updated the links and preserved the full step-by-step instructions on her official blog so anyone can stitch it today.

How the Pattern Works: Simple Units Make Complex Designs

While the overall quilt design looks intricate, the construction breaks down into manageable geometric components:

• Main Patchwork Blocks: Straight-line pieced units that serve as the anchor for each section.
• Pieced Sashing Strips: Custom connecting strips containing outer petal and leaf segments.
• Cornerstones: Intersection squares that form the centers of the sunflower heads across rows.

Joining these three core components row-by-row builds the continuous floral chains across the quilt top.

Fabric Selection & Color Placement Strategy

Since the visual secondary design relies on clear contrast, choosing your fabric values carefully is essential:

1. Yellows and Golds (Sunflower Petals)

Use a variety of bright yellow, gold, and amber fabric scraps. Mixing different yellow prints gives each flower petal character and visual movement.

2. Deep Browns (Flower Centers)

Rich chocolate browns, dark rusts, or black tonal fabrics form the focal seed heads where the sashing strips intersect.

3. Greens (Leaves and Stems)

Medium to dark greens create the leaf links that tie the flower rows together seamlessly.

4. Neutral Background

Choose a high-contrast neutral background fabric (such as crisp white, cream, or a subtle low-volume print) so the yellow petals and green accents pop clearly.

🌻 Access Diane Vandiver’s Free Step-by-Step Instructions

Diane Vandiver provides complete step-by-step illustrated instructions and printable cutting details on her official blog. Be sure to check out her website to follow the full tutorial directly from the source!

Essential Quilting Tips for Success

Maintain a Precise ¼-Inch Seam Allowance

Because the petal shapes extend across blocks and pieced sashing, accurate quarter-inch seam allowances ensure that all intersecting points line up neatly across rows.

Label Your Units

Organize your cut pieces and pieced sashing strips into labeled trays or stacks. Keeping your units organized prevents accidental mix-ups during final assembly.

Press Seams Mindfully

Nesting seams is key to flat sashing intersections. Press sashing seams towards the darker accent pieces to minimize bulk at the corners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Background Contrast

If your background fabric is too close in value to your yellow petal fabrics, the flower outlines will blur. Always verify contrast before cutting.

2. Misorienting Directional Sashing

Pieced sashing strips must be placed in the correct orientation for the flower chain to connect properly. Lay out your entire row on a design wall before stitching.

Sunflower Sew Along FAQ

Is the Sunflower Sew Along pattern free?

Yes, Diane Vandiver provides free download instructions and step-by-step photo tutorials on her website.

When was the Sunflower Mystery Sew Along first published?

The project originally launched in 2014 and remains a favorite among scrappy quilt enthusiasts.

Do I need specialized template rulers for this project?

No specialized rulers are required! Standard quilting rulers, rotary cutters, and basic sewing machine feet are all you need.

Can I make this quilt using fabric scraps?

Absolutely! It is an ideal scrap-busting project for yellow, green, and brown fabric scraps from your stash.

Access the Free Sunflower Sew Along Pattern

Ready to get started on Diane Vandiver’s classic mystery quilt? Visit her official blog for full pattern access:

Download the Free Sunflower Sew Along Pattern at Butterfly Threads Quilting →

Tutorial Credit & Attribution

The Sunflower Sew Along is an original pattern designed by Diane Vandiver of Butterfly Threads Quilting.

This article serves as an educational project showcase and review for quilters, offering color tips, technique overviews, and directing readers to Butterfly Threads Quilting for the official free pattern downloads.

Happy quilting!