Welcome to The Great American Quilt Hop, a one-day celebration of quilts and quilt projects inspired by 250 years of American history, heritage, and freedom. I’m Jen Frost, the quilter behind Faith and Fabric, and I’m so glad you’re here. Today I’m sharing my quilt pattern, Faith and Freedom, with you.
This Christian quilt was designed to honor two gifts that beautifully go together: our faith in Christ and the freedom we are blessed to live in each day. There’s something about a classic red, white, and blue quilt that never goes out of style, and I especially love the movement in this patriotic cross design. Doesn’t it feel like a flag blowing in the wind? The quilt is a little nostalgic, a little timeless, and very much like summer.
Faith and Freedom is a quilt that carries a deeper meaning for me. It represents not just the freedom we celebrate as a country, but the freedom we live in our faith. I’m from a Catholic Polish heritage; all my great grandparents, grandparents, and parents are Polish Catholics. I’ve been able to trace parts of our family back, through baptismal records, all the way to the mid-1700’s! It’s such a joy finding these links, and makes me today – as a practicing Catholic – so thankful to the many generations that have gone before me and passed down these important faith traditions. In fact, here are some of the photos that have been shared through the generations with us; I love seeing this glimpse into my family of years past. That’s even an image of the ship that some of my great grandparents came across from Poland to Ellis Island on!
I’m proud of the country we live in, as a whole, and I’ve been shaped by the stories not just from family but of close friends from Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil, and Iran. I come from a family of immigrants, so immigration is important to me. I volunteered for 18 months as an ESL instructor teaching English as a second language to adults at our local library, spend time in Tijuana at a migrant shelter doing xyz, and volunteer with multiple immigration ministries here in San Diego. Having these personal connections and hearing the experiences of these men and women has given me a deeper appreciation for the everyday freedoms we often take for granted here in the United States — including the ability to openly live out our faith.
At the same time, I think most of us would agree that our country, like each of us, is always growing, always changing, makes mistakes, and stumbles. Our country is beautiful…but not perfect. Our family has experienced this personally, and living in San Diego, we’re surrounded by both those who serve our country and those seeking a new beginning. My father, father-in-law, and both grandfathers served in the military (I was born on base), and we have many friends who continue to serve today. I’m deeply grateful for each one of them.
So, this quilt holds both gratitude and hope. It celebrates the beauty and freedom of our country while recognizing that there is always more work to be done to uphold the dignity of every person God created. It’s the kind of quilt I imagine pulling out year after year…for Fourth of July fireworks, beach bonfires, and easy summertime picnics with sand stuck to my feet and something cold in my hand.
Finishing at 52” x 72”, this quilt is the perfect throw size, great for a patriotic wall hanging, makes a meaningful gift to those who serve, or for being a cozy Americana quilt to use all summer long. It’s also designed to be scrap-friendly, so you can dig into your red, white, and blue stash and not have to purchase any extra fabric. Love fabric shopping? I’ve included full yardage instructions if you prefer a more planned look.
The quilt pattern design uses half-square triangles and quarter-square triangles to create that classic, traditional quilt feel, but don’t let that intimidate you. This is a very beginner-friendly quilt pattern! If you can sew a straight seam and trim HSTs, you can absolutely make this quilt and enjoy every minute of the sewing process.
To ensure your success, I’ve created a complete step-by-step video tutorial to guide you from fabric selection through cutting and sewing to final layout. Whether you’re making your first patriotic quilt or adding a faith-based quilt to your collection, my goal is for this pattern to feel clear, encouraging, and genuinely fun to sew.
Do you love this quilt but are worried it’s too much to take on? Are you a beginner quilter looking to grow your skills this summer? If so, I invite you to join our summer sewing series designed for beginner Christian quilters! Together we’ll be exploring pattern selection, quilting tools, and even designing multiple quilts together, all with a faith-filled heart.
Now onto the hop! There are so many beautiful quilt patterns to explore today, all celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States — and I can’t wait for you to see them.
And the Rocket’s Red Glare by Brooke Stambersky of Brooke’s Bitchin’ Stitches: This pattern, And the Rocket’s Red Glare, is dedicated to Brooke’s grandfather, Sgt. Stanley Stambersky of the US Army. During WWII, he was a Sergeant in General Patton’s Third Army, and received the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He was a war hero who loved and honored his country. He would tell her, “The National Anthem is the most beautiful song I know,” and she could not agree with him more.
And the Rocket’s Red Glare is part of her Home Pattern Series, and is a pixelated pattern of the United States of America. This pattern is precut, fabric stash, and GO! friendly. This eight page full color pattern includes 1 throw size quilt design, step by step instructions, and applique templates for the quilt stars & heart. Add an applique heart to the quilt sharing the city & state you call home. Learn more about this pattern here.
Heartland Boot by Kate Eberius of Quiltin Crazy: The Heartland Boot Quilt Pattern is a reflection of Kate’s roots, which run deep in the Heartland of America. Her ancestors settled in Missouri generations ago and lived, worked, and built their lives on the land for many years. This quilt is meant for the farmers, ranchers, and anyone whose life is closely tied to the land. The kind of life that values hard work, simplicity, and family. Heartland Boot is a traditionally pieced quilt pattern and very beginner friendly. This throw size pattern includes detailed diagrams and clear written instructions. Learn more about this pattern here.
Enduring Liberty by Cheri Termini of Heartfelt Works: In this heartfelt reflection, the author shares the frightening season in 2011 when she faced emergency open-heart surgery just as her husband was deployed to Afghanistan with the US Navy. Separated by war and recovery, the couple leaned on prayer, perseverance, and humor while navigating months of uncertainty and sacrifice. To keep her hands and heart busy during his deployment, she designed a patriotic quilt that would eventually become her Enduring Liberty pattern. Though the blocks themselves are simple, the quilt carries a deeper story of courage, love of country, and the resilience demanded of military families. With gratitude and patriotism, she closes by honoring both America’s 250-year journey and the men and women who continue to serve it. You can learn more about this pattern here.
Patriotic Exploding Heart by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi: The Patriotic Exploding Heart quilt, designed by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts, is a bold burst of patriotic pride! Based on the popular Exploding Heart quilt pattern, this new version is perfect for showcasing red, white, and blue fabrics. The advanced beginner pattern includes two size options – a 72″ x 72″ throw that is fat quarter friendly and a 36″ x 36″ mini size that uses fat eighths, plus bonus ideas for enlarging to to twin and queen sizes. The pattern includes cutting options for both traditional methods as well as using a fabric cutter and dies. Make a wall hanging for your home and a quilt to honor a veteran! Learn more about this pattern here.
Rocket’s Red Glare by Kris Driessen of PhoebeMoon Designs: I can’t honestly say that Rockets’ Red Glare was inspired by any one person or event. The design itself was based on an antique quilt that caught my eye, and I adapted it into a modern pattern sized appropriately for a Quilt of Valor. Over the years I’ve designed many red, white, and blue quilts, including several free patriotic patterns. They are my small way of honoring the men and women who serve our country and our communities. Every stitch is a reminder that freedom is never free, and that ordinary people perform extraordinary acts of service every day. Learn more about this pattern here.
Patriot by Jennifer Fulton of Inspiring Quilter: After the shock and disbelief of 911, my first thought was to fly a flag. Like all Americans, I needed to feel connected and strong to face the changing world ahead, and flying a flag provided that. A flag is only a symbol, but to me it’s a very special one. In our flag I see one country, united and strong, yet flexible and free. I designed Patriot to honor veterans–my father, my brother, my aunt. My hope is that quilters will make Patriot to honor the veterans in their lives or to donate to Quilts of Valor. Patriot is easy to piece, but there are supporting videos on my YouTube channel for those that need more help. Patriot can be cut out conventionally, or with an AccuQuilt cutter–complete yardage and cutting directions are included in the pattern. Learn more about this pattern here.
Mail Call by Terri Vanden Bosch of Lizard Creek Quilting: Terri’s parents-in-law were sweethearts when Dad was drafted into the Korean War. For 3 years, they wrote each other a letter every day–and she means every day–they would apologize if they didn’t get one sent. Mom saved those letters in cardboard shoeboxes tied with a cotton string. After they both passed, the family didn’t want the letters–so they came to live in her storeroom until just the right time. Hometown Hearts is a quilt designed with small town celebrations in mind. Think 4th of July parades and fireworks. Dad loved a good firework display. The fabric collection used in this quilt is called Missing You from Island Batik. She was inspired to design this collection from the devotion Mom and Dad had to each other along with the strong pride Dad had for serving his country.. Learn more about this pattern here.
Triumph by Lauren Metang of Palm Creations: The stunning log cabin block has been a classic and timeless quilt block for centuries. The inspiring red center indicated a safe and welcoming home, as it signified the hearth, or the heart of the home. Although the log cabin block was originally a block created out of necessity, the versatility of this pattern is endless. Whether you use Civil War reproduction fabrics or modern and playful designs, the Triumph pattern will help you to create quilts that will last for generations to come. Learn more about this pattern here.
Home of the Brave by Sandra Starley of Textile Time Travels: Home of the Brave is a patriotic wall hanging designed by Sandra Starley of Textile Time Travels. It is the perfect pattern to use up UFOs/orphan blocks and lots of fun scraps. This quilt is a melting pot of techniques: standard, strip, paper and freezer paper piecing. See how to adapt and actually use your orphan blocks to speed up the piecing process. A fun way to celebrate America 250! Learn more about this quilt here.
Stars and Stripes by Teresa Coates of Crinkle Dreams: Teresa has travelled across America as a sewing teacher for a decade, inspiring her to create something special this year: the Quarter Millennial Quilt sew along. This was her way of exploring each state, from its history and geography to its fantastic local quilt shops, by creating a unique block for every state. It’s been an adventure in learning new techniques, and the one block that has gotten the most enthusiastic response is this variation of the classic Lone Star. This traditional block can feel intimidating, but making this small, beautiful version is totally achievable for every maker.
The Stars & Stripes block finishes at a versatile 18” x 18”—perfect for a wall quilt, or even a cozy throw pillow with the included instructions. As a beautiful variation on the block she originally designed for Texas in the Quarter Millennial Quilt project, this design is meant to represent the beautiful diversity of all of us across the country, coming together to create something lovely.
Have diamonds always made you nervous? Don’t worry! Teresa designed the Stars and Stripes pattern to be a genuine skill-builder. She walks makers through every single step, making that beautiful star shape simpler to sew together than they might imagine. This is their perfect chance to build confidence and try out some fantastic new techniques.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Quarter Millennial Quilt project or finding the block for your state, visit crinkledreams.com/collections/quarter-millennial-quilt. You can also find Teresa on Instagram (@teresacoates) and Facebook (@makewithteresa).
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