This modern gray and white neutrals quilt is one of the most popular quilts on my site. This traditionally styled quilt is made from varying shades of white and gray fabrics, giving it a subtle modern feel. Low-volume neutrals quilts are great for blending in with current home décor trends. They can still be a 'statement piece' without being distracting or clashing with other colors. And the simple half-square triangle design makes this a fairly easy beginner quilting project as well!
I made this quilt in 2015 for a friend who picked the palette herself. She has a very clean, neutral style and wanted something to complement their gorgeous home. (Where we shot these pictures.)
My friend let me pick the design. Because the palette was so simple, I decided to go with a basic layout to - good old half-square triangles (or HST's). You can never go wrong with HST's, I tell you.
I originally planned to do a Broken-Dishes layout but once I got the blocks pieced, I tried it and didn't love it. So I went even more basic with a simple light and dark layout and I LOVE how it turned out. Super simple but effective. A traditional design with a minimalistic color scheme to give it a modern look.
How to Choose the Neutrals Fabric
You could use any neutral, low-volume/contrast fabric for a quilt like this. We were a little picky about shades. Seriously, who knew how many different shades of white there are! Well, if you're a painter, you know.
We tried to keep all the whites and grays in the same warm tone. When you start putting whites and grays next to each other, you can see the difference between "warm" tones (with more yellow in them) and "cool" tones (with more blue).
I also looked for fabric with texture - like chenille, linens, and wovens, to give the quilt more contrast plus some depth since the color palate is so muted. I've got more tips for Choosing Fabric for a Quilt here.
Where to find Neutrals Fabric
I frequently get asked about where I got the fabrics for this quilt. I sourced these fabrics about 10 years ago from my stash and a variety of my local quilt shops but here are some other suggestions if you're looking now:
White tone-on-tone fabrics are great! Riley Blake currently has a collection of white tone-on-tone prints called Lights On. You can find yardage and precuts available from the Fat Quarter Shop or assorted shops on Etsy.
The yarn-dyed woven fabrics I used are mostly made by Diamond Textiles such as this white woven. You can find some on great low volume prints and woven options on Etsy
Curated low-volume bundles have become much popular since I made my quilt. Check out the bundles at The Fat Quarter Shop, and assorted Etsy shops.
If you have a brick and mortar quilt shop near you I highly recommend going to pick out fabrics in person so that you can see how they work together. Or buy a bundle that is already curated by a shop.
How to make this Neutrals HST Quilt:
To create this throw-size 63" x 77" quilt cut:
- 50 Light 8" x 8" squares
- 50 Dark 8" x 8" squares
Fabric requirements: That's roughly 10 half-yards or 20 quarter-yards (not fat quarters) (You can get five 8" x 8" squares from a quarter yard of fabric, or four 8" x 8" squares from a Fat Quarter.)
Match up a 'light' and a 'dark' square into pairs and used this method for making half-square triangle blocks.
Square up the blocks to 7 ½" x 7 ½". You will need 99 blocks total.
Lay out the 11 rows with 9 blocks across.
Sew the blocks into individual rows, pressing seams toward the left on the odd blocks and toward the right on the even blocks. Sew the rows to each other, pressing seams in one direction.
Finishing Yardage:
- Backing: 3 ¾ yards
- Binding: ½ yard
You can find instructions for How to Finish a Quilt here.
FAQ: Can you Resize this Quilt for me?
I'm frequently asked if I can make a finished quilt and or figure out the requirements for a larger size of this quilt. Unfortunately, my time is more limited than I'd like, so I can't do either. But I promise you can resize this quilt to any size you need, easily yourself.
To do so: figure out the finished dimensions of the quilt and divide those sides by 7 (for the 7" x 7" finished blocks). (If it's not exact, just get the closest measurements that divide evenly by 7.)
Multiply the numbers of blocks needed for the height and the width. This is the number of HST blocks you'll need. Cut half of that number of light squares and half that number of dark squares.
To figure out how much fabric you need, remember that you can get five 8" x 8" squares from a quarter yard of fabric. So divide the number of light (or dark) squares that you need by 5 and get that many different prints of lights and that number of darks. (Quarter yards will give you the best variety, but you could get half yards too - that'll give you 10 squares of each print.)
If this feels overwhelming, I suggest sketching it out - that's what I do. It helps every time. Graph paper is great tool.
OR Just add an additional border or two to make the quilt any finished size that you need.
The quilting on this one was done by Melissa of Sew Shabby Quilting. I chose the Loop D Loop design. It was another perfect combination of traditional motif on a slightly larger scale to add to the quilt's modern feel.
I washed this quilt before I handed it off to make it soft and snuggly. I love the way it shrunk (we used 100% cotton batting to add to the shrinkage) giving the quilt even more texture.
I don't think I would have come up with this color palette on my own, but now I'm itching to play with this muted palette again. I'm also happy to report the recipients have loved it. And that's the reason we do all is cutting up fabric and sewing it back together, isn't it?
GeminiJen NZ says
Absolutely love it! Very much on trend and a nice change from brighter, multi-colour quilts. Super work!
DreiPunkteWerk says
Wonderful 🙂
Pam says
Question did you combine all your squares the same like using the same light with the same dark or did you mix it up totally?
Caroline, England says
This is just lovely! I would be happy to have that in my home too 🙂
KathyinMN says
Its absolutely gorgeous.
Louise says
That is just beautiful! Very classy. I haven't spent enough time making HSTs, but this is very inspiring. I have two quilts in the queue, then I'm working on organizing stash. That seems like a good time to make lots HST!
linda says
Did you use a larger ruler than the 6-1/2 inch to square up the 7-1/2 inch blocks?
The quilt is beautiful and the photos look like a magazine!
Amy Smart says
I did. I used an 8 1/2" ruler. I also used a friend's large Eleanor Burns Quilt in Day Half Square Triangle square-up for many of them. Makes it go so fast!
Anita says
Was your HST 8-1/2"? Is that what you meant by 8-1/2" ruler?
tcartpilot says
The size square wanted was 7 1/2, so using the larger 8 1/2" square ruler is easier to use than a smaller ruler
Debbie says
This is beautiful! I've been wanting to make a neutral quilt like this too...
Ben says
Wow! What an impressive result! Great job selecting the color tones. I'll bet those different textures really add to the quilt too.
anna says
I love this so much Amy, and all those textures!!! Wish I could touch it. 🙂
Francine says
Stunning quilt. I love that you used fabrics with texture to add interest
Melissa Corry says
Love, Love, Love!!! Just gorgeous!!
muzikalmama says
So beautiful! I've been waiting to see this final product 🙂 And your final sentence - "and that's why we do all this cutting up fabric and sewing it back together" - brilliant! Never thought of it quite that way, but that's pretty much what it is, isn't it! I kind of want to do a monochromatic quilt like this now, but maybe with sea glass colors!
Amy Smart says
Ooooh. That would be so pretty! I'd love to see it when you do. 😉
Dee says
Absolutely love it! I am going to start collecting my neutrals so I can make one just like it. I'm not a huge fan of patterns. This would be so pretty in my house. Thanks for sharing....I've been waiting ever since you first posted you were doing a neutrals quilt. It's beautiful.
DonnaLee Q says
Love the fabric with the textured lines, where did you find that fabric? I would love to have some like it to try my won neutral quilt.
Amy Smart says
I found it at my local quilt shop. I can't remember the brand though - (and there's no selvage since it's a woven.) I'll look again next time I go and let you know!
Amy Smart says
I found them. Those fabrics are from Diamond Textiles and are part of the Primitive Homespun collection.
Frankie says
Such a gorgeous, calm quilt -- love it!
Janie says
Simply Stunning.
Allison says
Beautiful! I don't know I would ever think to try this color palette either, but now I might. Well done!
Teresa says
Just curious if you use any special laundry detergent when you wash your completed quilts?
Amy Smart says
I try and use a mild detergent when I wash quilts and very little - especially if it's the first time. There's a specialty detergent called Quilt Care that I've used on delicate quilts before.
Janie says
The quilting and piecing are lovely, great job as always! I do not like the color choices at all, no contrast, no fun. I don't believe
that 'modern' means neutered. Modern is a celebration of color and ,yes, neutrals can and should be a support or backdrop.
Susan says
Nice that we all have different opinions Janie. However, when you google...define modern quilting....this is the first definition to appear. "Modern quilting is a fresh approach reflecting each quilter's personality and personal style. Modern quilters embrace functionality, simplicity and minimalism, and use asymmetric designs in their approach. They reinterpret traditional blocks and patterns, and are often inspired by modern art and architecture."
So perhaps your negative toned comment and opinion that color/fun IS modern quilting...shouldn't be included in a comment on a persons personal blog about her own personal style and art?? Amy most definitely embraced simplicity and minimalism. Who were you to define "modern"?
I feel you could of stated that in your humble opinion the lack of color isn't something you prefer. It would of been a bit more of a positive statement. And shown respect to the quilter and her work that she so selflessly is sharing with all of us.
I personally feel it is stunning and very refreshing to see a void of bright color quilt. Very unique and very modern.
Virginia Bevins Fester Day says
You are dead wrong Janie , Neutral is just that if you look in all the magazines you will get the correct meaning of modern . Celebration of color is just that , color .... Get with it before you speak ... I Love This Quilt Jenny
Sandra b says
This quilt is stunning! I love everything about it! It has a fresh, contemporary look, but I can see it fitting right in, in a traditional setting..... I think I may just have to make one for myself!! Thanks so much for sharing the pictures.... and for the inspiration!!
Amy Smart says
Thank you!
Diane says
Amy I love it! I am piecing a low volume with greys and whites and a few off whites- but using a 60* triangle ruler. Not a palette I would normally do either! It's fun to change things up and get excited!
Thanks for sharing
Amy Smart says
Sounds beautiful!
Renee says
This looks so soft and cozy! Love these quiet colors, like freshly fallen snow.
Renee says
This looks so soft and cozy! Love these quiet colors, like freshly fallen snow...
sARA says
Amy I am loving this quilt, it is simply beautiful!!
Barb says
Wow Amy!! I've got to say that this is one of my favorite of all your quilts. It is understated, calm, sophisticated and unbelievably modern. Great job!
Amy Smart says
Thank you so much Barb!
Diane says
This is beautiful. I love the subtle design - very calming.
Robin says
Beautiful! I love the use of varying textures as well. And the quilting suits it perfectly.
Sonia says
Such a beautiful and striking design. Love it! It looks clean and certainly modern but cozy at the same time.
Congrats!
Karin says
What a stunning quilt, my daughter would love something similar in neutral shades of beige - thank you for the inspiration! Which kind of batting would you suggest to use for a soft and supple final result? I've used several but my quilts can come out feeling stiff, not cozy at all. I would appreciate your suggestions! Thank you! 🙂
Amy Smart says
I used a 100% Cotton Hobbs Heirloom. It costs a little more, but it's worth it. Even so, this quilt was still a little stiff until I washed it. That softens them up SO much. Pellon Bamboo batting is also luxurious has a gorgeous drape.
amy deason says
Gorgeous!!!!!! You have inspired me to try this!!!
Buffy says
I usually love quilts for their scrappiness and color...but this quilt is by far the most elegant quilt (do those words go together??) ever. Such a beautiful piece.
Heather says
This is SUCH a gorgeous quilt! I am looking to send out a top I've pieced for quilting, and am curious what "pattern density" you chose for yours from Sew Shabby Quilting to get this pretty result?
Amy Smart says
I did a pretty big version of that pattern - maybe medium density? I'm sure if you ask Melissa, she'll remember and know what size it was. Hope that helps?
Ginger says
Turned out beautiful! Fantastic job!
Jessica says
That is stunning!! I have been wanting a nice white quilt for my bed but i couldn't figure out what pattern!! I have literally been thinking about it for weeks!! That quilt is so perfect! I love it! i wish there was a bundle to make this quilt! Im not very good at picking colour tones.
Janie says
Your quilt is simply stunning.
Margo says
Another lovely quilt! Love your fabric choice, they make a beautiful modern quilt. I used to get a notification from your blog, but now I don't get anything. Don't know what happened. I have to come to your blog to see your works.
Mary D says
Absolutely stunning. You turned simplicity & quiet into simply beautiful.
Mary Kauffman says
Amy, this neautrally shaded quilt is awesome and my son just asked me to make him a quilt for his living room. He said he wanted it in black and white. Would this pattern work for that or can you suggest a good pattern for a geometric style black and white quilt. (Not sure if shades of black and white are okay, but I'll ask.....it might depend on the pattern.) Thanks!!!
Amy Smart says
I think Black and White quilts are pretty classic. I'd just search "Black and White Quilts" on Pinterest or Google. I'm sure you'll come up with TONS of inspiration. You could even have your son do it and it might give him some more direction he wants to go in.
kim says
I found your blog on crazymomquilts link up. I love your quilt. Would you mind me trying to make one of my own inspired by yours? Would you mind sharing how many different fabrics you use? I saw it was 99 squares. And did u use a lot of the chenille on it? And did thst give you any issue in it? I so love the softness of the whom quilt. What did u do for baking? It is a beautiful quilt again thank you for inspiration and what great photos to show it off..
Amy Smart says
Sure! It's such a pretty palette- I think everyone should make one. 🙂 Yes, I used 99 squares. I couldn't really say how many different fabrics I used - probably about 20? The chenille was something I had in my stash from a long time ago. I tried finding more, but had a hard time. I only used 3 squares - would have loved more. I didn't have any trouble with the chenille and love the texture it gives. I also found some really pretty, soft, white corderouy that I used a lot of - though it doesn't show up as much in the pictures. For backing I used a plain, white sheet. The people that this quilt was for wanted simple, so I kept it clean with white. If I was making one for myself, I probably would have used a big pattern, text or something. Have fun!
Lida says
Though I haven't made a quilt yet, I absolutely fell in love with this quilt. Darn I just ordered store bought grey quilt for my daughter's college dorm. definitely going to try this. Do you think this would be good for a beginner quilter like me?
Amy Smart says
I do! I think half-square triangles are a great building block. Or you could even just make the same color palette in patchwork squares for even more basic, but equally effective finish.
Lida says
Thanks, still contemplating the on doing the grey one like yours. Stunning.
Amy Smart says
Thanks Lida!
Sharon says
i just wanted to say that this quilt is beautiful. I love the textured fabrics included and think that'd my next quilt.
Mabel says
I love your design so much, that I decided to make one for my daughter in the gray scale also. My question to you, is what is the scale size of the D Loop design ? It's absolutely lovely!
jeri says
would love to make this in a crib size....would you please give instructions
Amy Smart says
This tutorial will give you all of the fabric requirements and instructions to make a crib size version. To have a similar layout of the gray and white quilt, just turn the half-square triangle blocks to all go the same direction. 🙂
https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2015/01/broken-dishes-baby-quilt-tutorial.html
susanne shepherd says
Love the quilt. My older daughter asked me to make this for her. I am a confidant beginner quilter. How do I figure out how much fabric I need to make this quilt?
Amy Smart says
1/4 yards (not Fat Quarters) are a good option for getting yardage for this quilt. If you are careful, you can cut 5 squares 8" x 8" from a 1/4 yard. This quilt used 99 8" x 8" squares = at least 20 different 1/4 yards of fabric or any combined total to make up 5 yards. If you want to make it bigger or smaller, just figure out your blocks (7" x 7" finished) and the same number of 8" x 8" squares (or 5 per 1/4 yard). I hope that helps. let me know if you have more questions.
Janine Spencer says
Thank you for this post. It was very inspiring. I also loved to learn how you squared up your HST's. Thank you again.
Melissa says
How much yardage did you use? I am planning on making this quilt for my sister's wedding quilt in blues. 🙂
Amy Smart says
Good question! I added the yardage to the post, since I figured others would have the same question. Here's the answer: yardage-wise it's roughly 10 half-yards or 20 quarter-yards (not fat quarters) and 3 3/4 yards for backing.
K.Wiley says
LOVE THIS!!!!! Questio - Did you pre-wash your fabrics first prior to making this quilt since it appears you have a variety of fabric/textures? I saw a chenille, and corduroy and maybe linen or homespun? Or did you wait till after to wash when quilt was finished to have it shrink together? I love this quilt and saw your post a while back and re-discovered in when suggested to me on Pinterest....so I think I need to start doing a fabric search.
Amy Smart says
Thank you! I didn't pre-wash my fabrics first, but if you're unsure about your fabrics origin, it wouldn't hurt to pre-wash them.
C Bennett says
This quilt is absolutely beautiful! I LOVE the neutral color palette of grays and whites! I'm definitely going to try and replicate it for our mtn cabin; with all the wood tones the gray and white will just add to the relaxed feel.
Sabiena Heaton says
Love it! It is so beautiful... One day, when I have perfected my machine quilting skills, I will make something like this.
Marie Françoise says
I love it ?????
Kristen says
This is gorgeous. I am planning a similar quilt for my grandmother (she inspired me to begin quilting, so I want to make something special for her). So far, I have only used pre-cut batting for quilts, but I can't find any similar to the size of your quilt. Did you buy yours in bulk and cut a piece?
Lyn says
Hi, your neutral quilt is gorgeous.I have only stumbled on this article tonight by accident. I am completely new to quilting, and bought lots of neutral material before Xmas. All off whites, beige and grey, but extremely light, as our house is fairy plain. I have been putting off making the first cuts, but now I have seen such a wonderful finished quilt, I am so eager to start mine. Can't thank you enough.
Amy Smart says
I'm so glad!
KD says
This is absolutely stunning! I'm enjoying all of the colorful Instagram posts of the Houston Quilt Show this weekend, but was longing to see some quiet sophisticated neutrals. A google search hit upon your blog and this lovely quilt. Well done! I suspect there is a void in the quilting world for a product line of this sort.
Amy says
Thank you so much! I'm seeing a lot more neutral, "low volume" collections coming out from manufacturers like Moda and Art Gallery. I hope you find some good ones!
Sarah Tregre says
I asked my future daughter-in-law to let me know what colors/style she would like for a quilt. She sent me a picture of your quilt. Thanks so much for the detailed instructions... I'm also enjoying your other posts.
Cindy Lellish says
Beautiful quilt! But you have a few mistakes in how many squares you need and the yardage needed. If you have 99 squares and you need to match up light and dark that will give you approx. 50 squares to make HST. Once you make the HST you will end up with only 100. You need 198 to make the quilt the size you have shown. So you need a yard of 10 different fabrics or a half yard of 20 different fabrics.
Cindy Lellish says
Ughhhh, I was so wrong in my above comment! You are right in All your instructions. So sorry!
Delana J White says
Beautiful! Are all of your fabrics you used 100% cotton?? Thank you
Amy says
Most of them. There might be a few that are Linen or a cotton/linen blend.
Delana J White says
Beautiful! are all of the fabrics you used 100% cotton? Thank you
Amy says
Pretty much. A couple might have had some linen in them, but generally speaking they were cotton.
Amanda says
Hello there! I just came across this beautiful monochromatic neutral quilt while browsing on Pinterest.
Before now, I never would have thought to piece such similar colors together. It looks so cozy and soft — it’s the epitome of hygge. ❤️
Well done!
Sheridan Stringer says
Hi Amy, My daughter and son in law are going to have twins and this is the quilt my daughter loves! I will be making 2 of the crib size quilts. I see that many of the squares are and white and gray prints, very subtle. Are some of the squares actually solid colors?
Amy says
How exciting! Congratulations! Yes, I did include solid grays and whites.
Chris Rohwedder says
I, too, am making this quilt with grays whites, and off-whites. I’m a novice quilter but our granddaughter is getting married and I want to make her a quilt. When I asked her for color ideas she sent me a photo of your quilt, Jenny. I’m just in the process of following your instructions for sewing the lights and darks together. So far so good. I’m so enjoying it.
Amy says
Oh, that is so sweet. What a wonderful gift. I'm honored she chose that quilt! And I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying it!
Amanda VanderKlok says
Hello- what a beautiful quilt! I would love to try this- and am having a difficult time finding textured cotton fabric- do you have a suggestion of where to look? I am hoping to make it a larger winter queen quilt with wool batting. Thank you for the inspiration!
Amy says
I'll admit, it's tricky to buy woven/textured fabric online because it's so hard to tell how they really look/feel. That said, many of the wovens I used were made by Diamond Textiles, so I'd search for "Diamond Textiles white woven quilting cotton". Robert Kaufman also produces some really nice linens and other wovens that would work too. Also searching using the term "homespun" might bring up more results. Good luck! I wish I had the perfect online one-stop resource to send you to!
Cynthia A Browning says
I love this quilt and will be making it real soon. I have been making quilts for a couple of years and most of them are very colorful. I like this quilt because all the soft neutrals are very calming. I can' t wait to have this on my bed.
Helen Willus says
Lovely quilt. Could you use all cotton fabrics for this pattern?
Amy says
Yes!
Kathi Mundigler says
What a wonderful quilt! I am also a fan of neutrals, they work with almost everything . I recently did a few table runners that are neutral and have made many other things with them too.
Fran Talley says
This quilt is beautiful. My daughter in law wants me to make her one just like it. Can you tell me what the colors are of fabric. I would so appreciate it. Thank you.