The Iconic Jane Austen Quilt Free Pattern

Few quilts in history are as fascinating and culturally significant as the Jane Austen quilt. This stunning medallion quilt, originally believed to have been sewn by Jane Austen herself, alongside her sister Cassandra and their mother, remains an inspiring symbol of tradition, artistry, and heritage. Today, quilters can recreate this beautiful coverlet through the Sew & Quilt exclusive replica pattern, meticulously designed to honor the original work.

Whether you are a lover of English literature, a passionate quilter, or both, this quilt bridges the gap between creativity and history. Made using the traditional method of English Paper Piecing (EPP), the project combines precision and artistry in a way that truly celebrates hand-stitching.

A Piece of Literary History in Fabric

Jane Austen, best known for her beloved novels such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, also shared the domestic art of quiltmaking with her family. The quilt, now housed in the Jane Austen House Museum in Chawton, England, showcases the artistry and patience of 19th-century handwork.

Jane Austen Quilt

The centerpiece of the design is a large diamond-shaped medallion panel. The original quilt features a printed Chintz fabric panel decorated with birds and a basket of flowers, though today’s quilters may choose to replicate this with appliqué or fabric of their choice for a personalized touch. Surrounding this focal point are rows of smaller diamonds, joined by cream and navy dot sashing, and finished with a deep border of paper pieced diamonds.

Quilt Features

Size: 71” x 89” – a generous size perfect as a coverlet or statement piece.
Technique: English Paper Piecing (EPP) for precise, hand-sewn patchwork.

Design: Medallion-style quilt with central diamond panel, surrounded by smaller pieced diamonds.

Style: Classic heritage design, timeless and elegant.

This layout creates a quilt that is both visually striking and faithful to the original work, making it a rewarding heirloom project for any quilting enthusiast.

Pattern Details

The 5-page Jane Austen quilt pattern includes everything you need to bring this historical treasure to life:

Step-by-step instructions for piecing and assembly.
Clear diagrams to guide you through the English Paper Piecing process.
Fabric cutting instructions to maximize efficiency.
A numbered quilt layout chart for easy construction.
A fabric swatch key for accurate placement and color balance.

For quilters who want to make the process easier, EPP kits are also available, providing pre-cut papers and supplies for accuracy and convenience.

Materials Needed

To create your own Jane Austen quilt replica, here’s what you’ll need:

5-1/2 yards (5.25 m) – Large Diamonds. (For this version, use 18 fat quarters from the Jane Austen At Home Collection, plus 4 duplicates = 22 total FQs).
4-1/2 yards (4.25 m) – Sashing fabric (Jane Austen Navy Dot | C10019R).
9 yards (8.25 m) – Border fabric.
5-1/2 yards (5.25 m) – Backing fabric.
3/4 yard (0.75 m) – Binding fabric.
79” x 97” – Cotton batting/wadding.

With these carefully chosen fabrics, the quilt captures the authentic charm of the Regency era while allowing today’s quilters the freedom to personalize.

Why Make the Jane Austen Quilt?

This project is not just a quilt—it’s a way to connect with history. Every stitch you make echoes the time when Austen herself sat with her family, carefully piecing diamonds together. By working in the traditional English Paper Piecing technique, you become part of a lineage of handwork spanning centuries.

Additionally, this quilt is a showpiece—perfect for display, gifting, or even as a centerpiece for an Austen-themed event. For quilters who appreciate both storytelling and craftsmanship, it’s a project of a lifetime.

✨ Download the FREE Jane Austen Quilt PDF Pattern here.

ACCESS THE FREE PDF HERE

The Jane Austen quilt combines literary history, traditional quilting techniques, and timeless design. By recreating this masterpiece, you’re not only making a quilt—you’re preserving an important cultural artifact in fabric form. Whether you follow the original design closely or add your own creative flair, the result will be an heirloom piece that tells a story with every stitch.

At the end of this post, you’ll find a link to download the FREE PDF pattern, complete with instructions, diagrams, and layout guides. Gather your fabrics, prepare your paper pieces, and embark on the journey of making your very own Jane Austen quilt.