Improv Modern Patchwork Tree Quilt Tutorial

I designed this Modern Improv Tree Quilt - popularly known as the #HolidayPatchworkForest on social media - and it's become one of my most-loved, most-made patterns. Makers come back to it year after year because it's fast, stash-friendly, and just plain fun to sew. Dive into the full tree block tutorial or grab the printable PDF version to keep at your cutting table. This is such a great pattern for diving into your stash - you can make it Christmas-friendly with any red, green, and white prints. Or go with fall or winter-themed palette to make it holiday neutral!

How I Made My First Holiday Patchwork Forest Quilt

This fall I finished the large version of the Modern Patchwork Trees that I started last year. Above is a look at it pre-quilting. I love that shot in the woods.

A couple of weeks ago I got it back from the quilter. I've been wanting to get a good picture of this one with the snow, but we've had mild weather over the past week and all our snow melted.

Holiday Patchwork Forest improv pine tree quilt made by Amy Smart

Fortunately we got a skiff of snow last night and my husband was a good sport about going out in the freezing temps as my official quilt holder to get some shots of the finished quilt.

This was one of the most fun quilts I've made this past year. I started it last year, knowing I wouldn't finish in time for Christmas, but I did pre-cut the red and green fabrics I'd need for making more trees and set them aside ready to go. Over the summer I found a few more great prints of current Christmas prints to add to the mix.

Holiday Patchwork Forest free quilt block tutorial by Amy Smart

Then when I was in the mood this fall, I pulled out the stack and got her finished!

A Perfect Stash-buster Quilt

This quilt is deceptively quick and easy to piece. My favorite part about it is picking and mixing and matching the fabrics. It's a great stash-buster!

I love the inter-locking orange peel motif that Melissa from Sew Shabby Quilting used to quilt it. I've been waiting for just the right project to use this design. There's lots of design and texture, but not too dense so that after a few washings, this will be a nice, soft quilt.

The fabric for the backing and bias stripe binding both came from my stash. I bought both of them at after-Christmas clearance sales in years past, figuring I'd use them for some future Christmas quilt. And here it is - they were just perfect!

Why I Designed This Quilt (and Why Makers Return Every Year)

This block is SO SIMPLE to construct. You can find the free Modern Improv Patchwork Trees Tutorial HERE. This is the second variation I've made of this design.

A MINI Improv Trees Quilt Tutorial!

When I first started playing with this idea, I was making little mini tree blocks. They are SO cute and fun to play with. (And you can also turn them into Christmas ornaments!)

Holiday Patchwork Forest free mini quilt tutorial by Amy Smart

This is mini quilt version is equally fun, and a little bit faster if your time is limited but you want a quick improv patchwork tree fix.

You can find the tutorial for the mini trees here.

The the most fun part of this project has been seeing other people take this fun and simple improv block and make it their own! Search the #holidaypatchworkforest hashtag on Instagram for lots of fun inspiration.

I love seeing all of these happy trees! I think Bob Ross would be proud. As am I.

Thanks again to all who have made and shared this project. You've inspired me to make another one and play with more colors and fabrics! Once again - block tutorial for the large size trees can be found here and if you would prefer a printable PDF version, there is one available to buy for $3.50 here.

Pine Hollow Patchwork Forest Pattern

And if you're ready for a more advanced version of Happy Improv Trees, check out the Pine Hollow Patchwork Forest version with multiple size tree and improv star blocks. This pattern is available in PDF of Printed formats.

Here's a look at how this quilt can be made with a non-holiday color palette:

Pine Hollow Improv Tree quilt blocks pattern by Amy Smart featuring the Albion collection

I think one of the other reasons I love this block is I'm a tree lover - especially evergreens in the winter.

This is a quick snapshot from one of my favorite winter hikes in our nearby mountains, called Pine Hollow. In the spring this spot is loud with the sound of lots of creeks created by spring water run-off, but in the winter it's such a quiet, almost sacred space - it always makes me think of that Christmas carol Still, Still, Still.

Hence the name of the second variation of this design: Pine Hollow.

I hope this Modern Improv Tree Quilt (my original #HolidayPatchworkForest design) becomes one of your favorite traditions, too-quick to piece, fun to sew, and a favorite quilt to pull out year after year.