The Great American Quilt Hop

Welcome to the Great American Quilt Hop, a celebration of quilts and quilt projects inspired by 250 years of American history, heritage, and freedom. I'm sharing a peek behind the seams of the Patriotic Exploding Heart quilt as my stop on the hop!

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If you're new here, hello! I'm Laura! I design quilt patterns, and I'm a self-proclaimed deal hunter! Be sure to join the popular Quilting & Sewing Deals Facebook group where I post sales, deals, and coupon codes from all around the web!

You are probably familiar with the original Exploding Heart quilt which has become one of the most recognizable quilts since the pattern released in 2020. Thousands of quilters have made the quilt, and I've personally made more than 20! As America's 250th birthday approached, I decided I wanted to make a new version of the quilt to celebrate! 

I raided my fabric stash and pulled lots of red, white, and blue fabrics. I decided a scrappy version would be the perfect symbolism. The quilt is a mix of fabric prints from different designers and manufacturers, just like America is a mix of diverse people!

The original quilt used a single background fabric, but the patriotic version is scrappy, allowing you to use whatever fabrics you have!

When it came time to quilt this one, I chose white thread for the quilting. I knew the thread would show up on the red and blue fabrics but many of them have stars and dots on them anyways, but it would blend in to the white fabrics. If I would have chosen red or blue thread, it would have been really noticeable on the white fabrics and could have distracted from the overall design.

You can really only see the quilting up close. Even just a few feet away it disappears and you only see the quilt design!

Another unexpected thing from standing a few feet away is how the white fabrics really blend in with each other. The white squares are still scrappy quarter square triangles, but it's hard to tell from afar! 

Once finished, I took my boys with me to take the cover photo for the pattern. And don't let these photos fool you! It took two different days for us to find the right spot and figure out how to hold the quilt in the wind. It was SO windy!! The boys had to step on the bottom corners and hold the top with both hands! 

Totally worth it though! The finished cover looks great!!

The pattern includes the directions for making this large throw size (72" x 72") but also a smaller wall hanging size (36" x 36"). I have plenty of red, white, and blue fabrics still, so I think I'll make the smaller one next! 

If you'd like to make a Patriotic Exploding Heart quilt, you can get the pattern in my Etsy shop.

The quilt is perfect for 4th of July firework viewing, summer picnics, and baseball bleacher sitting. I can see it becoming a part of all our summer traditions!

Now onto the rest of the hop! There are so many beautiful quilt patterns to explore today, all celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States - and I can't wait for you to see them! I've copied a little summary of each pattern provided by each of the designers, and I've included links to their patterns and blog posts. 

And the Rocket's Red Glare by Brooke Stambersky of Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches: In Brooke's words: "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 her Home Pattern Series, and is a pixelated pattern of the United States of America. This pattern is precut, fabric stash and AccuQuilt GO! friendly. The eight page full color pattern includes the throw size quilt design, step by step instructions, and applique templates for the quilt stars & heart. You can add an applique heart to the quilt for the city and state you call home too. You can get this pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here. 

Stars & Stripes by Teresa Coates of Crinkle Dreams: Teresa Coates of Crinkle Dreams has travelled across America as a sewing teacher for a decade, inspiring her to create something special this year: the Quarter Millennial Quilt sew along. This was her way of exploring each state, from its history and geography to its fantastic local quilt shops, by creating a unique block for every state. It's been an adventure in learning new techniques, and the one block that has gotten the most enthusiastic response is this variation of the classic Lone Star. This traditional block can feel intimidating, but making this small, beautiful version is totally achievable for every maker.

The Stars & Stripes block finishes at a versatile 18” x 18”—perfect for a wall quilt, or even a cozy throw pillow with the included instructions. As a beautiful variation on the block she originally designed for Texas in the Quarter Millennial Quilt project, this design is meant to represent the beautiful diversity of all of us across the country, coming together to create something lovely.

Have diamonds always made you nervous? Don't worry! Teresa designed the Stars and Stripes pattern to be a genuine skill-builder. She walks makers through every single step, making that beautiful star shape simpler to sew together than they might imagine. This is their perfect chance to build confidence and try out some fantastic new techniques.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Quarter Millennial Quilt project or finding the block for your state, visit crinkledreams.com/collections/quarter-millennial-quilt. You can also find Teresa on Instagram (@teresacoates) and Facebook (@makewithteresa). You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about the pattern here.

Faith and Freedom by Jen Frost of Faith and Fabric: 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. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here. 

One Nation Under God by Krista Smith of Grunge+Grace: This quilt was designed to showcase my love of God and Country. When my son saw me designing it, he asked if he could have the finished quilt when I was done with it. I told him that if he joined the military, it was his. Well, he up and joined the Coast Guard, so eventually this quilt will be gifted to him! I used Moda Grunge for this quilt and it was custom quilted by Erika Binder/Off The Frame Quilting. You can get the pattern here.

Enduring Liberty by Cheri Termini of Heartfelt Works: 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. You can get this pattern here, and you can learn more about this pattern here.

Hometown Hearts by Terri Venden Bosch of Lizard Creek Quilting: My parents-in-law were sweethearts when Dad was drafted into the Korean War. For three 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 shoeboxes 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. You can get this pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Triumph by Lauren Metang of Palm Creations: 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. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Rocket's Red Glare by Kris Driessen of PhoebeMoon Designs: 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. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Heartland Boot by Kate Eberius of Quiltin' Crazy: 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. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Patriotic Exploding Heart by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts: 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! You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Home of the Brave by Sandra Starley of Textile Time Travels: 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! You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Patriot by Jennifer Fulton of The Inquiring Quilter: After the shock and disbelief of 911, my first thought was to fly a flag. Like all Americans, I needed to feel connected and strong to face the changing world ahead, and flying a flag provided that. 

A flag is only a symbol, but to me it's a very special one. In our flag I see one country, united and strong, yet flexible and free.

I designed Patriot to honor veterans--my father, my brother, my aunt. My hope is that quilters will make Patriot to honor the veterans in their lives or to donate to Quilts of Valor.

Patriot is easy to piece, but there are supporting videos on my YouTube channel for those that need more help. Patriot can be cut out conventionally, or with an AccuQuilt cutter--complete yardage and cutting directions are included in the pattern. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about the quilt here.

I hope this list of patriotic patterns has inspired you to stitch up something red, white, and blue this summer! I think a quilt is a great way to celebrate the United States' semiquincentennial - aka 250th birthday!