I'm always a sucker for red, white, and blue. It's a color combination that never goes out of style. Here I've put together an updated list of lots of fun ideas for Americana sewing and quilting projects, perfect for the 4th of July. These patriotic projects come in a variety of styles, sizes, and experience levels. Some patterns are free project tutorials, others are quilt patterns for purchase, but there's definitely something for everyone!
Quilts with US Flag Designs
Last year I updated my Free Patchwork Flag Quilt Tutorial with a patchwork star field option. This one comes together fast and is great for using leftover scraps and precuts too.
Star sampler version of Fly the Flag quilt pattern - available in Paper or PDF - here. This is a great "choose your own adventure" quilt with lots of variations based on how many stars you want to make. And if you don't have time to piece the star field blocks this quilt comes together super fast.
This year I've also got a new version of the Fly the Flag quilt made this year with my Portsmouth fabric collection.
The Fly the Flag Quilt Kit is getting scarce, but I've seen them available from Happy Little Stitch Shop, Calico Cottage, AND Quilting with Marianne.
I have a handful of Fly the Flag quilt kits in my shop as well. (These kits come with a PDF version of the pattern and do not come in the Keepsake box.)
Stars and Stripe Pillow and Table Runner tutorial - free pattern with video demonstration and printable PDF.
Flag Quilt Block and Pillow Tutorial from Cluck Cluck Sew:
Yankee Doodle Dandy patchwork Quilt Pattern by Maker Valley.
My Land That I Love Medallion Quilt Pattern is a quilt I've made in multiple different versions. One bright version and others more "beachy" and washed out. I made a new version in Portsmouth as well.
American Dream quilt pattern by Angela Pingel
Stars and Stripe quilt pattern by Camille Roskelly
Red, White, and Blue Quilt Ideas
Here's an example of how any quilt pattern made with red, white, and blue fabrics can be a perfect summer/4th of July quilt. This is my Summer Bunting pattern.
Another example is this Sugarhouse Star quilt - available in Baby, Throw, and King size options. This version is also made with my Portsmouth collection. More information on fabric and kits available here.
No Points Star block tutorial (available in 5 different sizes) from Cluck Cluck Sew
I love this festive version of Andy Knowlton's brand new Star Trails quilt in red, white and blue.
How beautiful are these scrappy foundation pieced star quilt blocks from Leila Gardunia?
This Sparkler Quilt from Pat Sloan's book Holiday Celebrations is a fun, fast make.
Free Quilt Block - I Love America by Pretty Little Quilts
Red Delicious Quilt pattern by Amy Smart (yours truly)
Free Patriotic Pineapple Quilt tutorial by Amanda Niederhauser of Jedi Craft Girl
Scrappy trip around the world quilt made by with Bonnie Hunter's scrap tutorial. Made by Emily of Simple Girl Simple Life.
(Looking for fun, patriotic socks? You can find a lot of red, white, and blue patriotic socks here.)
Hollow Star quilt pattern by Krista Moser:
Quick and Easy 4th of July projects
QAYG Flag mug rug mini quilts by Amy Chappell of Ameroonie Designs
Free Super Star mini quilt/pillow pattern from Lori Holt. (Lori uses her star template for this pattern but would be super simple to make your own.)
Stars and Stripes free table runner tutorial from A Bright Corner
Stars and Stripes pillow pattern from United Notions - is no longer available, but I'm leaving it up for some fun inspiration. You could easily make your own red and white striped portion and add stars using my Sawtooth Star block tutorial.
Patriotic Garden Flag Banner tutorial from Super Mom, No Cape.
Mini Foundation Paper-pieced Flag projects perfect for Hoop Art - pattern from the Tattooed Quilter
Another cute Foundation Paper Pieced project are these free flags from Liza Taylor Handmade
USA stitchery free pattern from Flamingo Toes
Patriotic Ribbon door hanger tutorial from Girl With a Glue Gun
No-sew patriotic Star Banner tutorial from Becky of Patchwork Posse:
Red, White, and Blue dishtowels tutorial from Polkadot Chair
Hour Glass Mini Quilt Tutorial from Diary of a Quilter
Patriotic Mason Jar Embroidery Tutorial by Sew What Alicia:
Patriotic US Flag wool hoop art by Ameroonie Designs:
For LOTS more ideas visit my Patriotic Pinterest board here or a Red, White, and Blue Quilt pinboard here.
Beverley Merritt
I like seeing winter quilts - Christmas is too short a time.
Karen Funk
Thank you for sharing so many great ideas for patriotic sewing projects! Gets my creative juices flowing. Can't wait to try some of these.
Karen Seitz
Thanks for the roundup, Amy! I've made some of these projects (I'm looking at you, patriotic pineapples!), and this weekend I plan to make a lone star quilt top using a jelly roll and the tutorial on the Moda Bake Shop. It'll be the fourth year in a row that I've made a patriotic quilt top over Memorial Day weekend, so now it's tradition!
Amy
What a great tradition!
Rebecca Harris
What a wonderful, comprehensive array of red, white, and blue quilts. Thank you for the inspiration!
Barbara Barnett
Amy Thank You so much for your post. I DO LOVE AMERICA. Barb😊
Janet
Love seeing and reading your posts! Thank you for all the inspiration.
Amy
Thank you, Janet!
buddhajames777
A couple (few? time flies!) years ago, I received from you a pattern for your Sugarhouse Star quilt. As I grew up in New England, and my Grandpa produced maple syrup there for over 75 years, the Sugarhouse Star pattern just made my heart sing! All the memories of hours/days/weeks spent in the sugarhouse during sugaring season came flooding back to me. (Stifling a tear right now!) I totally love the pattern in your original colors, as well as in your Portsmouth collection, but I made mine to reflect the colors of the winter mountains in New England. Needless to say, that one is my favorite!! But, the pattern is really versatile; I think it would look amazing in colors that suggest the Alps, and equally as amazing in colors that reflect the deep recesses of space. Sugarhouse Stars is just a wonderful pattern for so many facets of our lives.
Amy
Aww, I love hearing this! I'm so glad you enjoyed the pattern. And I bet your version is gorgeous!
Carol
Love all of the patriotic patterns. A few weeks ago you had a tutorial posted for making the little trees. I count not open it.
tarushi
This list of patriotic sewing and quilting projects is an absolute gem! Your selection of red, white, and blue designs is a delightful tribute to the timeless and ever-beloved color combination. I especially love the variety of styles, sizes, and skill levels catered to, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The Free Patchwork Flag Quilt Tutorial with the option for a patchwork star field is a brilliant way to utilize scraps and precuts while creating a stunning piece. The Fly the Flag quilt patterns offer so much flexibility, making it a true "choose your own adventure" experience, and the Stars and Stripes Pillow and Table Runner tutorials by Amy Smart are undoubtedly eye-catching additions. The assortment of patterns from different designers like Cluck Cluck Sew, Maker Valley, and Angela Pingel brings a fantastic range of creativity to the table. And let's not forget the beautiful examples of red, white, and blue quilt ideas that perfectly capture the essence of summer and the 4th of July. Your curation has truly inspired me to take up my quilting tools and embark on a patriotic project. Thank you for sharing this wonderful compilation!
Annette Aguillard Elliott
Hi Amy, I have followed you for a very long time. I am fairly new on
quilting. I would like to ask you if have any ideas for newbies like
me on lap quilts/wall hangings for the USMC? My son will soon be retiring in
approx 5 years. It will take that long to get one finished. LOL. Sincerely,
Annette Elliott
Amy
Hi Annette! Please give your son our thanks for his service! I don't have any ideas specifically related to the USMC other than the Americana-type patterns in this post. But you could check out Quilts of Valor: https://www.qovf.org/ for more military specific ideas!
adriene
I love this post. I really love how you support other quilters/crafters by sharing their ideas. Thanks for assembling this great page of patriotic fun.
Gail D.
Wish I could say I would get the Fly your Flag Pattern, but I can't. Your blue field with the patchwork star is in the wrong place, I think. If you were to fly this flag as designed it would be upside down. The blue field needs to be on the right side of the flag. As it is presently shown it is on the left, which if the stripes were horizontal would be correct. Am I wrong?
In looking at the other patterns, those with the flag in a vertical position have the field in the correct position.
Gail
Amy
Great question. Traditionally official flag etiquette is to always fly the flag with the starfield in the top left corner for the observer- whether the flag is hanging horizontal or vertically.
"i) When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street." from https://www.legion.org/flag/code