If you've been around these parts, you may already know that I'm a bit of an anglophile. (One who loves all things Britain.) I also really love flag quilt blocks from all countries. As a result of that combination, it seems I've made a lot of Union Jack Quilts over the years. Since it's the Platinum Jubilee weekend in the UK with all sorts of patriotic British festivities it seemed like a good time to gather all of the Union Jack quilts into one post. Even if you're not a big Union Jack fan, this is a great way to see how different fabric choice affects the look of the same quilt pattern.
Below, I've shared the background on my experiences living in the UK and why I love it so much. But first here are the quilts. I probably have more Union Jack quilts that should be allowed in one house. But I'm not sorry about that. 😉 I'll include links to the original post for each one where you can find more details about fabrics, sizes, etc.
I made my first Union Jack quilt over 10 years ago using a pattern that is now out of print. I worked on the blocks for years and finally finished it in 2012, motivated the the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics. This quilt is HUGE. I think the blocks are 15" x 20" and the pattern is out of print as far as I can tell.
I learned a lot from making that quilt - including not loving the block construction method because it wasted A LOT of fabric. So I set out to write my own, the Regent Street Union Jack pattern.
Regent Street Union Jack Quilt Pattern
I've since made multiple versions using the Regent Street Union Jack pattern. Here are a few of those variations:
Since my first Union Jack quilt was bright and busy, I decided I wanted to try and make a "washed-out" faded version in just red, white and blue. (I did the same with the American Flag here.)
Th Union Jack quilt pattern was published to coincide with the release of my fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs called Notting Hill. This fabric collection was a love letter to London. You can read more about the creation of the Notting Hill collection here.
This collection also inspired a Union Jack bunting panel, which I'm proudly hanging this weekend. And will probably keep up through the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Because any excuse to hang my British bunting works for me. 🙂
Union Jack Baby Quilt
This version might be one of my favorites. I used pastel prints from Notting Hill + some spring Liberty of London prints to make a Union Jack crib quilt as a baby gift. For this size I made only 9 blocks + sashing and no borders.
This Union Jack quilt block is also a lot of fun for using as a pillow - and I made some Union Jack pillows as Christmas gifts using the Liberty of London Yule Town Christmas collection.
Super-Sized Union Jack Blocks + Quilt
Last fall I took the Regent Street Quilt to a new level. Thanks to some inspiration from Laurie Simpson we blew up the Regent Street Block to a supersize version. This quilt was made with the Liberty of London Carnaby Street collection.
I think it's my new favorite quilt. On the back I put the London monuments print, also from the Notting Hill collection, and they're a match made in heaven. And another reason it's a sentimental favorite.
Finally, here is the most recent finish - made using more Liberty of London prints combined with prints from the Jane Austen at Home collection. This one is for a gift for a special friend.
I love how each quilt has it's own flavor and style, thanks to the different fabrics used. The Union Jack is such a classic emblem and playing with different fabrics, colors and textures gives the block a bit of an Andy Warhol effect that I love.
Reasons why I'm a die hard Anglophile
In case you were wondering, here's a little of the background on my fond love for the UK. First of all, all four of my grandparents had a parent or multiple grandparents who emigrated from the UK in the mid-19th century. The first time I visited London as a teenager I had a distinct feeling of "coming home".
Later in my college years I lived in London as a student and later returned to northern England (Manchester, Liverpool + the Isle of Man) as an LDS missionary for 18 months. Those two experiences cemented my deep and abiding anglophile status. I definitely left a piece of my heart in England after living there during pivotal parts of my growing into adulthood.
And I love to return whenever I can. One summer taking our family to live there for 6 weeks - which was one of the best experiences of our time raising kids.
My most recent visit was last fall. I feel so grateful for both my earlier experience living in England and for the chances I've had to return. Each time I find that piece of me that still lives there, waiting for me.
More Jubilee and British Inspired Sewing Projects
There have been so many great Jubilee themed projects. For any other Anglophiles out there, here are few fun ones I've found:
The British Sew a Row Quilt Project is so fantastic. Even if you're not planning to sew along, check out the blocks by The Crafty Nomad to see her stunning and adorable blocks made with Notting Hill prints. I'm dying over them!
Jubilee Celebration Quilted Pillow Pattern - another Union Jack variation from the Polkadot Chair
Lots of really cute commemorative Jubilee Cross-stitch designs as well such as this one from Helen Phillips Designs,
Rosemary B
This was lovely to read. Yes, England is so special.
My parents and descendants are from Holland. I know that feeling of being part of place.
I adore all of your quilts. i love all of your fabrics
Joan Sheppard
I absolutely love the Union Jack Flag too! We do need to check with people that we sew for. Flag etiquette of each country is different and some may not allow being used for clothing (USA) or décor like curtains, (Asia). Thanks for the wonderful variety of pictures and absolutely GA GA over the Tea Set! Thanks
Shauna Woodall
Happy Platinum Jubilee, Amy!
KathyJB
Hello from a fellow Anglophile. My mother was a British war bride and came to the U.S. in 1946. Since then, we've traveled back and forth countless times to visit her family; in the early days by ship! We were fortunate to be able to live for 2 years in Harrogate, Yorkshire in the '60s, at the height of the "British invasion" where fashion and music from the U.K. were all the rage. I am always teased for my devotion to England (and Wales). I watch British television through a VPN, order Yorkshire Gold tea, and my sister and I often fantasize about running away to live in England. I have your Union Jack patterns, and the Liberty Carnaby fabric, still waiting for me to get to a quilt project. In the meantime, I made several buntings and bring mine out on Mother's Day and other special occasions. Thanks for writing about the Sew a Row project. I just might jump in! Cheerio!
Amy
Oh, I love it. What a special and close connection you have! And aren't those British Sew A Row blocks amazing?!