Trading Patches Quilt Pattern

The Trading Patches Quilt Pattern is a wonderful celebration of color, variety, and community. Designed to make the most of assorted prints, this quilt creates a lively lattice effect that feels both traditional and fresh. It’s the perfect project for using stash fabrics, swapping fabrics with friends, or simply experimenting with beautiful combinations of prints.

What I love most about this pattern is how approachable it is, even though the finished quilt looks impressively detailed. The repeating lattice blocks come together quickly, and the structured layout keeps everything organized and satisfying to assemble. Whether you’re quilting for your home, making a thoughtful gift, or creating content for your quilting audience as you often do on your quilting blog this design is a reliable crowd-pleaser that readers will appreciate.

Another great advantage of the Trading Patches quilt is its versatility. You can create a bold, modern look using high-contrast prints, or go for a soft, cozy feel with coordinated colors. It’s also a fantastic project for group quilting, block swaps, or scrap quilting sessions.

Trading Patches Quilt Pattern

Finished Quilt Details
Finished Quilt Size: 63 1/2″ x 81 1/2″
Number of Blocks: 252 Lattice Blocks
Finished Block Size: 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″

Project Type: Throw Quilt
This size makes the quilt ideal for a sofa throw, guest bed, or a lightweight twin-size quilt.

Fabric Requirements
For the Trading Patches Throw, gather the following materials:
Assorted prints (blocks): 10 to 10 1/2 yards total
Binding: 7/8 yard
Backing (piece lengthwise): 5 1/8 yards
Batting: Twin size
Using assorted prints is what gives this quilt its signature look. Scraps, leftover yardage, and fabric swaps all work beautifully in this pattern.

Other Materials
6 1/2″ square acrylic ruler with diagonal line
rotary cutter
Cutting mat
sewing machine
Coordinating thread
Pins or clips
Iron and pressing surface
Having a ruler with a diagonal guide makes trimming faster and ensures precise alignment for every block.

Cutting Instructions
From your assorted prints, cut a total of:
252 squares: 6″ x 6″
252 strips: 1 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
Accuracy in cutting is essential for achieving consistent block sizes and smooth assembly later on.

Piecing the Blocks
Step 1 – Create the Lattice Blocks
Cut each 6″ square in half diagonally to create 2 triangles.
Finger-press each triangle and one 1 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ strip in half to find the center.
Stitch one triangle to each side of the strip, matching the folds carefully.
Using a 6 1/2″ acrylic ruler and rotary cutter, trim the unit to a 5″ square, aligning the diagonal line on the ruler with the center strip.

Repeat this process until you have:
252 finished blocks
Consistency is key here. Take your time aligning the ruler and trimming accurately—this step ensures your quilt top will come together smoothly.

diagram

Quilt Top Assembly
Step 2 – Arrange and Sew the Rows
Arrange the blocks according to your preferred color distribution or follow the assembly layout.
Sew:
18 rows
14 blocks per row

Rotate the blocks as shown in the layout diagram to create the lattice effect.
Sew the rows together to complete the quilt top.
This stage is where the design truly comes to life, revealing the dynamic pattern created by the rotating blocks.

Quilting and Finishing
Step 3 – Layer and Finish the Quilt
Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing.
Baste securely using pins, spray, or your preferred method.
Quilt as desired.
Bind the edges using your prepared binding fabric.

You can choose simple straight-line quilting, diagonal stitching, or free-motion designs depending on your style and skill level.

diagram

Suggested Color Combinations

One of the joys of the Trading Patches quilt is experimenting with color. Here are a few combinations that work beautifully:

• Scrappy Rainbow: Use a wide range of bright prints for a cheerful look
• Farmhouse Neutrals: Cream, gray, and soft blues
• Vintage Charm: Floral prints in muted tones
• Modern Contrast: Black, white, and bold accent colors
• Seasonal Palette: Reds and greens for holiday quilts

These options make the pattern adaptable for any décor or occasion.

Tips for Success

• Use consistent seam allowances for accurate block sizing
• Press seams carefully to reduce bulk
• Lay out blocks before sewing to balance colors
• Trim blocks precisely for smooth assembly
• Chain-piece blocks to save time

These simple habits can make a big difference in the final result.

The Trading Patches Quilt Pattern is a delightful project that brings together creativity, color, and the joy of quilting. With its simple construction and eye-catching design, it’s a wonderful choice for quilters of all skill levels, whether you’re using cherished scraps or coordinating a fresh set of fabrics.