• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Diary of a Quilter - a quilt blog
  • Home
  • Tips + Tutorials
  • Shop
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Tips + Tutorials
  • Shop
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Tips + Tutorials
    • Shop
    • FAQ
    • Subscribe
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Fall-Themed Quilts and Sewing Projects and Inspiration

    Last Modified: August 24, 2024 by Amy · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 20 Comments

    It's hard to believe summer is almost over! Even though it's still pretty warm around here, the air is starting to feel different and that fall feeling is starting to creep in. My flowers are starting to fade a little but my tomatoes are coming on strong. It's my favorite time of the year. That has put me in the mood to start pulling out some Fall-themed sewing projects and quilts. 

    Fall-Themed Quilts and Sewing Projects and Inspiration

    I started these wool applique blocks a couple of years ago. The wool quilt blocks were made using Lori Holt's Autumn Love shapes and quilt-along. I pulled out my stash of Lori Holt fabrics from various recent collections (I love how they all play so well together) to make some coordinating pieced blocks. 

    Fall Sewing using Lori Holt fabrics from Riley Blake and wool applique patterns

    It was so fun to finish it up a couple of years ago and I love hanging in up during fall months. You can see my finished Autumn Love sampler here. 

    I thought it would be fun to share a variety of Fall-themed quilts and sewing projects I've made or discovered over the years in case you're in the mood to start something Autumn-flavored yourself. Every year I keep finding great new ones and the list keeps growing!

    Some of these patterns are free online tutorials, others are more detailed quilt patterns to purchase from creative designers. Enjoy!

    45 Favorite Fall-Themed Sewing Projects

    Leaf Quilt Block Ideas

    This is my version of a Modern Maples quilt - taking a traditional maple leaf block and blowing it up to a large, graphic shape. These blocks measure 12" x 12" finished (12.5" x 12.5" unfinished). It's still one of my all-time favorite quilts.

    modern-maples-oakshott-rubies quilt

    The Maple Leaf quilt block is a traditional classic.

    You can find a free tutorial for a traditional Maple Leaf quilt block in three different sizes here.

    I'm totally loving Allison of Cluck Cluck Sew's fresh take on a traditional leaf block in her Fall Leaves quilt.

    Fall Quilt Ideas

    Here's maple leaf quilt block using a foundation paper-piecing method by Leila Gardunia that's perfect for using up scraps.

    And if you're looking for something even more advanced (and amazing!) check out this paper-pieced Leaf Pattern from Center Street Quilts.

    Autumn Glow pattern by Amber of Gigi's Thimble

    Sandy Gervais shares this free mini quilt pattern called Happy Fall Y'all

    Lori Holt, the Jedi master of adorable sampler quilts, has designed this beautiful Autumn Love quilt. This is the tutorial/templates I used for my wool applique blocks pictured at the beginning of this post. 

    Lori Hot Autumn Love Quilt Pattern

    You will need to buy the reusable Autumn Love plastic templates for the shapes, but the quilt pattern is free as Lori walks you through making all of the blocks on her blog (see the sidebar for the individual block instructions).

    Fall Colored Patchwork

    Some years (most) I haven't had time to make a big fall-themed project, but the colors are in my head and begging to be played with. So I get that out of my system by making small projects like patchwork pillows or table runners.

    I still love everything about this simple fall-inspired Broken Dishes patchwork pillow. It was a perfect project for playing with fall-themed-fabric and colors.

    Here is a simple tutorial for a quilt-as-you-go table runner.

    fall table runner

    Another example would be a quick mini quilt. This one is made with the 2 ½" charm squares (Quilter's Candy by Moda). I supplemented with more prints from my stash. Tutorial here.

    2011-11-23

    Here are a few other smaller scale fall-themed projects:

    Scrappy Pumpkin Table Runner tutorial by Andy of A Bright Corner.

    Adorable Acorn ornament tutorial by Nadra of Ellis and Higgs.

    Quilted Leaf Coaster Tutorial by Sedef Imer of Down Grapevine Lane

    Quilted Leaf Coaster tutorial by Sedef Imer

    Allison of Cluck Cluck Sew also has a free tutorial for this fun applique tree - another great one for scraps

    fall applique pillow

    Lori Holt's adorable apple blocks. I need to make some of these one of these days. These apple quilt blocks are found in Lori Holt's Quilty Fun book.

    Lori Holt Apple blocks

    Here's another fun, scrappy Sweet Apples quilt by Nadra of Ellis and Higgs.

    Nadra also has a really fun selection of Fall-themed quilt blocks that can be bought or made individually or your can find the bundle of six patterns + finishing instructions here.

    Pumpkin-Themed Sewing Projects

    One of my favorite fall motifs will always be pumpkins. And there are so many cute patchwork pumpkin projects (say that 5 times fast) out there. One of my favorite - and most popular - pumpkin projects is this super simple, scrappy Patchwork Pumpkin quilt block. I made mine from all scraps. You can find the tutorial here.

    halloween pumpkin patchwork pillow tutorial

    The tutorial contains an added variation for making a whole pumpkin-patch table runner.

    Leila Gardunia has the cutest new foundation-paper-pieced pumpkin quilt block pattern here. I love the variety of blocks included in the pattern!

    Allison, of Cluck Cluck Sew, has created a great pumpkin quilt pattern perfect for scrappy sewing.

    Cluck Cluck Sew Pumpkin Pattern

    Allison also created a Pumpkin Mini quilt version - if you're looking for a smaller project or a quick pumpkin fix.

    And I'm totally smitten by these gingham pumpkins in this Plaid Pumpkins Quilt by Center Street Design.

    And I think I'm even more smitten by these scrappy pumpkins in the Hocus Pocus quilt by Margot from The Pattern Basket.

    Cutest wool pumpkin banner tutorial from Amy Chappell of Ameroonie Designs. I especially love the three-dimensional wool flowers.

    Autumn Pumpkin wool banner tutorial

    Hello Melly Designs has an adorable free pattern for this Gingham + Pumpkins quilted table runner.

    Free Fall Table Runner Tutorial from Hello Melly

    Amy of Ameroonie Designs also has a great free tutorial for 3-dimensional stuffed pumpkins. You could easily make them in more neutral fall colors for decor to last through the whole season.

    In addition to overall Fall-themed sewing projects there are also a lot of really fun options for fall holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving.

    Halloween Quilts and Sewing Projects

    This Halloween Bunting quilt is made using my Summer Bunting quilt pattern. It's a perfect quilt for showing off big, fun Halloween prints. It's also a great example of showing how easy it is the make a Halloween-themed quilt by simply using Halloween or Orange and Black prints in any quilt.

    Halloween bunting patchwork quilt pattern

    Here are a few more examples:

    This Solstice Lights quilt by Cotton & Joy is not made with any Halloween-themed fabrics, but using orange, black, and grays gives it the Fall/Halloween vibe.

    This simple Halloween quilt is perfect for showing off cute novelty Halloween prints. This quilt pattern is similar to my Lattice Quilt Pattern.

    halloween Boo to you! quilt-001

    This is our Halloween quilt I made a few years back. I wanted to do something modern in Halloween colors that would use up lots of scraps as well as the assortment of novelty prints I'd collected over the years.  

    Halloween modern quilt made with scraps

    This is a fun style if you're not as into novelty prints, but want to make something just in fall or Halloween colors, like this one by Allison Harris, which very much inspired my own quilt.

    These quilts have a definite Halloween vibe:  Polkadot Chair's adorable quilt called Halloween Haberdashery. You can find the pattern here.

    witches hat halloween quilt pattern

    I love the creativity and whimsy of Pen and Paper Patterns quilt designs. This Ghost Quilt is so much fun!

    Halloween Ghost pattern from Pen and Paper Patterns

    I think this Halloween Quilt pattern from Fort Worth Fabric Studio is so cute. Find the free pattern here.

    Free Halloween quilt pattern from Fort Worth Fabric Studios

    This adorable Cats and Pumpkins quilt pattern is by Amanda, aka Jedi Craft Girl.

    Halloween Cat and Pumpkins patchwork quilt from Jedi Craft Girl

    Bats quilt pattern from Cluck Cluck Sew

    The cutest little smiling pumpkin and ghost quilt blocks I've ever seen - Foundation Paper Pieced blocks by Center Street Quilts.

    Another fresh take on a Halloween quilt is this Candy quilt by Dana at Made Everyday.

    This Halloween-inspired sampler quilt is by Nadra Ridgeway of Ellis and Higgs. Did you know you can have pink floral ghosts and green floral cats for your Halloween quilt? Yes you can! Darling pattern by Nadra.

    Here's another example of a traditional block made with Halloween fabric. I love this version of the Gingham Girl star quilt pattern made by Elisabeth of Brown Bird Creations.

    If you're looking for something quick and simple, you can find the tutorial for this last-minute Halloween bunting here.

    Last minute DIY Halloween fabric bunting tutorial

    Halloween Embroidery Hoop art free pattern from Flamingo Toes

    Looking for a Trick-or-Treat bag pattern? Check out this tutorial from Applegreen Cottage.

    Thanksgiving Quilts and Sewing Projects

    Probably my all-time favorite fall-themed quilt is my Gratitude quilt I made for Thanksgiving a few years ago.

    Gratitude quilt words

    This is one that had been on my bucket-list for a long time. It's a record of the things I am most thankful for.

    Gratitude quilt fence

    I wrote this as a pattern for the book Sweet Celebrations with Moda Bake Shop. You could also use any traditional signature block to create your own similar result.

    In 2021 I made an updated version of this Gratitude Plus Quilt pattern with more of a scrappy vibe.

    How cute is this free Turkey-Trot Quilt block by Heather of the Sewing Loft?

    Beautiful Thanksgiving Hoop Art free stitchery design from Bev at Flamingo Toes.

    And finally, here's a bunch of beautiful Fall table runner tutorials - perfect for a Thanksgiving Feast, or to give a festive feel to your table all season long.

    Well, there's plenty of Fall-themed Sewing projects and ideas to get your creative juices flowing - not to mention something for a sewer/quilter at any level! You're welcome. 😉

    If you're interested, you can see more Fall and Halloween sewing and quilting ideas on this pinboard

    Follow Amy Smart's board fall sewing projects on Pinterest.

    More Seasonal + Holidays

    • Over 30 Ideas for Spring and Easter Sewing
      30 Ideas for Spring and Easter Sewing
    • Rainbows and Shamrocks - Sewing Projects for St. Patrick's Day
      Shamrocks & Rainbows - St. Patrick's Day Sewing Projects
    • Valentines Quilts and block patterns
      Valentines Day Sewing Projects
    • December Sewing 2024 + Last Minute Projects

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. J Mur

      August 29, 2020 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks SEW much for sharing this collection of fabulous Fall projects, Amy!!!

      Reply
    2. Dorothy R Scott

      August 29, 2020 at 11:02 pm

      Amy !. I love your honesty in sharing your journey through this crazy time. 2. I love the effort and content you put into your monthly inspirations. Dear Amy you are appreciated. You have helped me get through some rough days and today you put a smile on my face with all the fall creativity. Thank you

      Reply
      • Amy

        August 31, 2020 at 4:21 pm

        Aww, thank you, Dorothy. That means a lot. Best wishes to you! xo

        Reply
    3. Robyn

      August 29, 2020 at 11:52 pm

      Thanks Amy, this inspiration and enthusiasm is just what I need right now.

      Reply
      • Amy

        August 31, 2020 at 4:21 pm

        I'm so glad. It gave me the warm fuzzies too. xo

        Reply
    4. MichelleinScotland

      August 30, 2020 at 12:39 am

      Thank you, just found your website, such a lot of inspiration

      Reply
      • Amy

        August 31, 2020 at 4:21 pm

        Thanks and welcome, Michelle!

        Reply
    5. Shirley

      August 30, 2020 at 9:18 am

      Thank you so much for sharing all the beautiful patterns! I don’t know where to begin. . .

      Reply
    6. Carolyn

      August 30, 2020 at 10:12 am

      Oh my goodness... so many fabulous ideas. Thank you. For some reason, fall/autumn decorating always seems like a really appropriate thing to do? I am determined to make your bunting on my retreat in Sept. Great way to dig out unused fabrics from my bin and create a fun decor item for my fireplace.

      Reply
    7. Patti

      August 30, 2020 at 12:14 pm

      Thank you for collating a wonderful collection of ideas!

      Reply
    8. Lea

      August 30, 2020 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks Amy! I've pinned quite a few of these. You even inspired me to create my own Fall Pinterest Board, something I've been wanting to do but haven't.

      Fall is my favorite time of the year too. The colors are so gorgeous, and peaceful feeling.

      Reply
    9. Kim

      September 01, 2020 at 5:33 pm

      Thanks for sharing this is a great round up of projects!

      Reply
    10. Gwyn

      September 01, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      Thank you for all the fun ideas. The chevron quilt reminds me of a crocheted blanket. from the '70's.

      Reply
    11. Suzanne Shepherd

      September 07, 2021 at 5:35 am

      Great post, Amy! Thank you! It was like an autumn themed quilt show. I'm going to save a bunch of these inspiring projects.

      Reply
    12. Cindy Berry

      September 07, 2021 at 1:05 pm

      Gosh Amy, thanks so much for compiling these Fall projects...... look forward to making one or 2 and for the cooler Autumn temps as well. Have a blessed Autumn....

      Reply
    13. Michele

      September 01, 2022 at 1:34 pm

      Hello Amy, this was such an absolute joy to read and the fall ideas are stunning. By the way, I'm new to your blog and love it!

      Reply
      • Amy

        September 02, 2022 at 12:02 pm

        Aww, thank you Michele! Welcome!

        Reply
    14. Carmen Montmarquet

      October 09, 2022 at 4:47 pm

      Thank You Amy for all you do and for all the inspiration you put out there for all to see! You are a very giving person and wanted to let you know I appreciate what you do!

      Reply
    15. Lori

      August 24, 2024 at 5:14 pm

      I get that this is a quilting blog and all...but, you mentioned it...your gardening. Specifically, tomatoes. May I ask what you planted? Since it's just me, I do container gardening and this year planted just three containers of tomatoes. I ordered plants from a major gardening distributor, had them in the ground two weeks prior to the last frost, lovingly tended to them as I do every year - and out of three plants, I have a grand total of three tomatoes!! All on one plant. Two of them are the size of the tip of my thumb, and the third is about the size of the whole thumb! I'm sure they'll be awesome tomatoes if they mature before the frosts set in, but I wanted more. Somehow, I expected more. What kind did you plant?

      Reply
    16. Barbara Petersen

      August 25, 2024 at 9:56 am

      Amy, I love your web site. I look forward every weekend to reading how things are for you. I love your tips and ideas. Thank you so much for brightening my weekend.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    My name is Amy Smart and I'm a quilter, pattern and fabric designer, wife & mom. Excited to have you here!

    more about me →

    THE PERFECT PLACE TO START

    I SEW WITH

    Baby Lock Sewing Machines

    MY FABRIC COLLECTIONS

    Fabric Collections by Amy Smart for Riley Blake Designs.

    FAVORITE FABRIC SHOPS

    COME SEW WITH ME CRAFTSY CLASS

    Pre-cuts Shortcuts Video Craftsy Class with Amy Smartma

    SEARCH

    Archives

    The Perfect Place To Start

    How to make a Manx Quilt Block
    Top 15 Favorite Free Baby Quilt Tutorials from Diary of a Quilter

    Ideas for Charitable Sewing

    Ideas for Charitable Sewing

    Gift-Guide-for-Quilters

    Gifts for Quilters and sewing lovers

    Proud Ambassador for

    Baby Lock Sewing Machines Ambassador

    Check Out My

    Amy Smart Pattern Shop photo Pattern Shop blog tag.jpg Amy Smart sewing tutorials photo Tutorials blog tag.jpg

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    PRIVACY POLICY

    DISCLAIMER

    TERMS & CONDITIONS

    ACCESSIBILITY POLICY

    NEWSLETTER

    SIGN UP for weekly emails including: links to free tutorials, and new projects!

    CONTACT

    FAQ

    This site uses affiliate links:

    I make a small commission on some purchases with no additional cost to the reader.

    As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Diary of a Quilter - a quilt blog