Pooch Patchwork Quilt Pattern: Free Dog Quilt Block Tutorial

If you are looking for a charming, dog-themed sewing project that combines simple grid layout with minimal half-square triangles, the Pooch Patchwork Quilt is an absolute joy to stitch!

Designed as an 8 × 10 grid pattern with finished dimensions of 32 inches by 40 inches, this adorable pooch wall hanging or baby quilt is perfect for stash-busting. By utilizing contrasting shades of tan, brown, dark chocolate, and a pop of red for the collar, the silhouette of a sitting dog comes to life effortlessly.

Below, you will find a full breakdown of the grid chart, fabric value choices, unit construction tips, common alignment mistakes to avoid, and helpful suggestions for bringing your own custom pooch to life!

Pooch Patchwork at a Glance

Project Name	Pooch Patchwork Quilt
Finished Quilt Size	32" × 40" (8 × 10 Grid Layout)
Individual Square Cut Size	4.5" square (finishing at 4" square)
Main Techniques	Grid patchwork, Half-Square Triangles (HSTs), Appliqué (Eye detail)
Scrap Friendly	Yes — Excellent for earth-tone scraps and red accents
Skill Level	Confident Beginner

Understanding the Grid Layout

The pattern is arranged across 10 horizontal rows (labeled A through J) and 8 vertical columns (labeled 1 through 8). Each full square in the grid finishes at 4 inches, making calculation and cutting straightforward:

• Head & Floppy Ear (Rows A–C): Formed using light tan for the face, medium brown for the snout, dark brown for the long folded ear, and a small black patch for the nose tip.
• Vibrant Red Collar (Row D): Created across columns 4, 5, and 6 using solid or bandana-printed red squares to distinctly separate the head from the torso.
• Body & Back Leg (Rows E–I): Features a combination of light and medium tan for the front leg and body, dark brown for the chest/paws shade, and HST units along the back to shape the sloped spine.
• Base Paws & Tail (Row J): Extends across the bottom row with extended paws on column 1 and column 7.

Fabric Selection & Contrast Advice

To ensure your pooch quilt retains its clear outline, pay careful attention to value contrast:

1. Background Neutral

Choose a low-volume print, cream, or crisp white fabric for the surrounding empty grid squares so the pooch stands out brightly.

2. Three Tones of Brown

Mix light tan (for the face and body), warm medium brown (for the ears/snout), and deep chocolate brown (for the shadow leg and ear fold). Using small tonal prints or paisley fabrics gives the dog cozy visual texture!

3. The Red Collar Accent

A bold red bandana print or solid crimson fabric adds an irresistible focal point right at the neck seam.

🐾 Sewing Tip: Adding the Eye Detail

The small black eye situated on unit B6/B7 can be added using a fused wool felt circle, satin-stitched raw-edge appliqué, or hand-embroidered using black embroidery floss after piecing the head units together!

Assembly & Construction Steps

1. Cut all 4.5" base squares for background, body, collar, and ear sections according to the grid plan.
2. Prepare the Half-Square Triangle (HST) units needed for the angled snout (C8), sloped back (E3), and lower ear angles (B4, C6).
3. Lay out all 80 grid blocks on a design wall or flat table, matching the A1–J8 layout.
4. Sew the squares together into 10 horizontal rows using a precise ¼-inch seam allowance.
5. Press row seams in alternating directions (Row A to the left, Row B to the right) to ensure intersecting seams nest perfectly.
6. Join the 10 rows together and press flat before adding sandwich batting and backing fabric.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Flipping the Diagonal HST Directions

The angles on the dog’s back (E3) and snout (C8) determine the animal's silhouette. Double-check your HST orientation on your design table prior to chain piecing.

Using Fabrics with Low Contrast

If your light tan body fabric is too similar in value to your cream background, the front legs and back curve can blur. Always test your palette in grayscale on your phone camera first!

Pooch Patchwork Quilt FAQ

What is the finished size of this quilt?

The standard layout measures 32 inches by 40 inches, which makes it ideal for a nursery wall hanging, lap throw, or pet blanket.

Is this pattern beginner-friendly?

Yes! Since 90% of the quilt consists of simple straight-seam squares, even confident beginners can construct it easily in a single weekend.

Can I customize the dog colors?

Absolutely! You can easily swap the tan and brown prints for black and charcoal to make a Scottish Terrier, or shades of golden yellow for a Golden Retriever.

Happy Quilting!

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!