Embrace tradition with these vintage quilt patterns!

Take a look at 12 of our favourite vintage quilt patterns, perfect for every quilter!

Try our magazines – get 6 issues from just £9.99!

Published: September 3, 2023 at 8:14 am

Vintage cars, vintage wine, vintage clothing… You put the word “vintage” in front of another word and it instantly makes that thing sound better!

In terms of textiles, when we hear the word “vintage”, we picture gorgeous classic pieces made from the very best fabrics.

Vintage items are a fabulous way for you to pay homage to fun fashion trends from previous eras and add an edge to your style! Plus, these items promise to outlast fashion fads and microtrends and really stand the test of time.

They’re great for those looking to be a bit more eco-conscious and couldn’t we all do with being a bit more eco-friendly to protect our wonderful planet?!

If you want to inject some vintage charm into your home, why not start with a timeless and traditional-style quilt pattern? Below, we have listed 12 of our favourite vintage quilt patterns that really prove “old” = “gold”.

All you have to do is decide which pattern to start with and get stuck in!

12 of the best vintage quilt patterns

1. Two Colour Christmas quilt pattern by Lynne Goldsworthy

Lynne Goldsworthy's two colour Christmas quilt

Looking for the perfect classic and Christmassy quilt that you can bring out every holiday season? We’ve got you covered.

This timeless treasure really packs a punch with its candy cane colour scheme and striking stars made from half-square triangles. Why not start making this stunning memory quilt today and you'll be snuggled up under it by Christmas time!

2. Stardust Shimmer quilt pattern by Maple Cottage Designs

Stardust Shimmer

The Stardust Shimmer quilt will bring peace and tranquillity to your home with its soft, snowy shades of white and pale grey.

Dig out your favourite neutral fabrics for this irresistible, stash-busting design which features scrappy stars and the classic pinwheel block. It's sure to make your home sparkle.

3. Christmas Tree Skirt quilt pattern by Sally Stevens

Christmas tree skirt quilt pattern

Next on our list is another festive pick - can you tell we love Christmas? This free and easy-to-sew Christmas tree skirt is perfect for every home as it can be made larger or smaller to fit your tree and floor space.

The quilt uses the retro Christmas colours pine green and holly berry red and comes in a fun star shape to spread extra Xmas cheer. Pop this magical quilt under your tree along with some Christmas prezzies and flood your home with Christmas spirit.

4. Strawberry Thief quilt pattern by Sally Ablett

Strawberry Thief quilt

This scrumptious Strawberry Thief design by Sally Ablett is definitely one to steal!

The quilt uses just two blocks - stars and pinwheels - so it's simple to make and looks gorgeous in soft and subtle shades.

Why not use up those precious print fabrics you've saved for an extra special project? We're sure this stunning quilt would make a fabulous heirloom quilt.

5. Cathedral Window quilt pattern by Jo Avery

Cathedral Window

Up next, is this captivating Cathedral Window quilt by Jo Avery. The traditional Cathedral Window technique, as the name suggests, was originally inspired by Cathedral stained-glass windows and has been a popular design in the US since the 1930s.

Jo brings a fresh twist to this beloved design by using bold and bright fabrics that really make a statement. Try your hand at this timeless technique and create a quilt that will never go out of style.

Looking for some modern quilt patterns?

If vintage quilt designs aren’t quite your thing, why not check out our top picks for the best free modern quilt patterns? We’re sure the cool, contemporary designs will be right up your street!

6. Cabin in the Sky quilt pattern by Lynne Goldsworthy

Cabin in the Sky quilt by Lynne Goldsworthy

The Cabin in the Sky quilt by Lynne Goldsworthy features two variations of the Log Cabin block - one of the most traditional and popular quilt blocks there is.

This tried-and-true block is a classic for a reason - it oozes vintage charm and creates an eye-catching design every time. We especially love the fun pop of red in this gorgeous vintage quilt pattern.

7. Jane Austen Heirloom quilt pattern by Sally Ablett

Jane Austen Heirloom quilt

If you're after a vintage quilt pattern, you won't find one that hits the mark like this one!

Sally Ablett's breathtaking design is based on Jane Austen's famous coverlet and will transport you back to the quaint Georgian era.

Delight in the whimsical prints and muted tones, and feel like you're living in Bridgerton.

8. Primrose Cottage quilt pattern by Avery Rose

Primrose Cottage quilt

This charming pastel pink and grey quilt is smaller in size, so it's the perfect project for a free weekend.

Plus, the size makes it a fantastic baby quilt, so why not give this adorable design a go and gift it to a mum-to-be? They're bound to love the pretty polka dot and gorgeous floral prints.

We may be biased, but we think quilts make the very best presents.

9. Nutcracker Christmas quilt patterns by Mandy Shaw

Nutcracker

If you love this enchanting Nutcracker-themed quilt, you're in for a treat.

Mandy Shaw has created a collection of vintage quilt patterns based around the tale of the Nutcracker, including a quilt, crazy patchwork throw, cosy cushions, and quick-stitch redwork decorations.

Deck the halls with these merry designs and turn your home into the magical world of the mouse king!

10. Vintage Stars quilt pattern by Helen Philipps Designs

Vintage Stars quilt

Use a bouquet of floral prints and gentle pink and cream hues to make this romantic and soothing vintage quilt pattern.

Then throw it over your bed frame and turn your bedroom into your own little sanctuary.

11. Tree of Life Wall Hanging pattern by Lynne Edwards

Tree of life quilt

The Tree of Life is another old-school design that never loses its wow factor!

Brighten up your home with this beautiful quilt, designed by internationally-known quilt designer Lynne Edwards MBE.

The funky colours give this traditional-style quilt a fun and contemporary edge.

12. Winter Stars quilt pattern by The Pattern Basket/Margot Languedoc Designs

Winter Stars quilt

We had to wrap up (pardon the Christmas present pun) with one final festive design, and this one shines bright.

The ivory fabric contrasts beautifully with the vivid red and green stars, making this Christmas quilt a total show-stopper.

Start creating your own vintage quilt today!

So that concludes our roundup of our 12 favourite vintage patterns, which are available for you to get stuck into at any time!

So what are you waiting for? Start snipping and stitching today and make a beautiful vintage-style quilt that will never go out of style.

Discover both old and new quilting patterns with Gathered

Now you've lined up your next vintage quilt project, all you need is some fabrics.

Check out 12 of the best charm packs for quilting, also here on Gathered. The stunning colours and pretty prints are sure to inspire!