The Trend: Pictorial Quilts

The term “pictorial” refers to quilt blocks that look like a picture of a recognizable animal, object, place, or thing. Designers like Lori Holt, Corey Yoder, and Joanna Figueroa often include both traditional and pictorial blocks in the same quilt, as you can see in their most recent quilt books, Prairie Home, Sunroom Sampler, and Strawberry Garden. Then there are designers like Elizabeth Hartman who are well known for their library of whimsical and wonderful pictorial quilt designs!

How to Assemble the Rows Of Bows Block by Kassidy Grace

The Rows of Bows quilt block has three main units made of half square triangles, rectangles, squares, and corner squares. The clever use of corner squares is a pictorial block’s secret weapon! Check out how adding a corner square to the top left and top right corners of the bow blocks creates the illusion of a cute little knot in step one.

Grab the Rows of Bows Quilt Pattern for the complete fabric requirements, cutting directions, and detailed assembly instructions!

Step 1: Assemble the Bow Loop Unit

Step 2: Assemble the Left Bow Tail Unit

Step 3: Assemble the Right Bow Tail Unit

Step 4: Assemble the Rows of Bows Block

Fabric Placement Tip:

Use your design boards to test fabric placement before you commit to your final layout! Kassidy’s pattern calls for you to make all 12 of each unit before assembling your blocks. This gives you a chance to play around with balance and repetition of fabric throughout both your blocks and your final quilt. If you’re making a scrappy quilt like Kimberly did, make sure that your Fabric L pieces are your favorite print because that will be the focal point of your block.

Share Your Pictorial Quilts With Us!

If you have decided to join in on the fun and make your own Rows of Bows Quilt, we would love to see them! Share your pictorial quilts and quilt blocks using #SewingTheTrendsFQS on Facebook and Instagram, and tag @fatquartershop so we don’t miss it. Stay tuned for the next trend coming your way soon.

Happy Quilting!

Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!

The post Sewing the Trends: Pictorial Quilts and Rows of Bows Block Tutorial appeared first on The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog.

Decorative Stitch Napkin Supplies

Summer isn’t quite over yet in our neck of the woods, and the Summer Solstice Wovens collection by Pieces to Treasure for Moda Fabrics captures all the joy of a summer picnic in one great collection. The woven texture of this fabric gives our napkins a delicate and airy feel that perfectly complements the sturdy decorative stitches we used for the border! Here is what you will need to make your own set of decorative stitch napkins:

• Woven Fabric
  • We used a Summer Solstice Woven Fat Quarter Bundle
• Contrasting thread
  • We used 50wt Aurifil in Yellow and Midnight
• Totally Stable Iron-on Tear-Away Stabilizer by Sulky
• A pen or pencil
• Sweet Snips 6″ Fabric Scissors

How to Make Decorative Stitch Napkins

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric

Decide what size napkin you want to make: We wanted our napkins to look like little hankies, so we cut our fabric to roughly 12″ x 12″ for a finished size of 11″ x 11″. You can make your napkins any size you want! Just make sure to roughly cut your fabric 1″ larger than your desired finished napkin size so you have room to trim down.

Cut and attach your stabilizer: Next, cut four 1.5″ strips of stabilizer that are roughly the same length as your fabric. With the textured side touching the fabric, iron on the stabilizer to the perimeter of your fabric.

Mark your stitching line: Using a pen or pencil and a ruler, mark the desired finished size of your napkin onto the stabilizer.

Step 2: Dive into Your Decorative Stitches

Choose one of your prepared fabric pieces to use as your tester! Every decorative stitch is different, and by playing with the width and length settings on your machine, you can control the scale and density of each stitch. As you dive into your machine’s decorative stitches, be sure to write the stitch number and setting that you used next to it on the stabilizer so you don’t forget!

Step 3: Stitch and Cut Your Napkins

Now that you have a collection of stitches to choose from and you know the perfect settings for each, it’s time to start on the real deal! If you haven’t already, load a bobbin with your colored thread so that both sides of the stitch match. We found it easiest to cut away the excess fabric when we tore away the outer stabilizer and left the inner stabilizer. A good podcast or a weekend movie night and a pair of sharp fabric scissors will make quick work of trimming.

Share with FQS!

We can’t wait to see all of the great stitches your machines have as you make your own decorative stitch napkins! If you decide to make your own, be sure to share them with us on Facebook and Instagram and tag @fatquartershop so we can see and share your work!

Happy Sewing!

Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!

The post Dive into Decorative Stitches with a FREE Napkin Tutorial appeared first on The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog.

Shades by Riley Blake Designs

Every color has its perfect shade, and Riley Blake Designs found them all. Shades by Riley Blake Designs captures the soft, swirling look of overcast weather in more than 60 tonal prints spanning cool and warm palettes alike. The subtle cloud-like texture adds movement without competing with your feature fabrics, making it an easy mixer for any palette. Shop Shades at Fat Quarter Shop and find the perfect backdrop for your next quilt.

Clover Notions

Consider yourself lucky, because Clover notions are back in the spotlight this month! From ergonomic sewing needles to clever time-saving gadgets, Clover designs tools that make quilting, sewing, and crafting more comfortable and more precise. Pick up your favorite Clover notions at Fat Quarter Shop and give your sewing space a little luck of its own.

Jelly Roll Friendly Patterns

Get ready to roll into National Sew a Jelly Roll Day on September 19th with a whole month of Jelly Roll Friendly patterns! These designs are built specifically for 2.5″ strips, making it easy to turn a favorite Jelly Roll into a finished quilt without extra cutting or fuss. Whether you’re a strip-piecing pro or trying your first roll, there’s a pattern here to match your skill level. Shop Jelly Roll Friendly patterns at Fat Quarter Shop and get rolling on your next quilt.

Annie’s Attic

Annie’s Attic has been filling quilters’ bookshelves with fresh ideas for years, and this month you can stock up for less. Known for pattern-packed collections and collaborations with designers like Wendy Sheppard, their books deliver plenty of projects per page, from cozy seasonal quilts to versatile fat-quarter favorites. Each one is written with clear, beginner-friendly instructions, so there’s always a project ready to start today. Shop the Annie’s Attic books this month at Fat Quarter Shop and find your next great read.

Primrose Cottage Cross Stitch Patterns

If your stitching queue could use a little cottage charm, Primrose Cottage delivers in spades. Known for beautifully detailed designs and clear, easy-to-follow charts, Primrose Cottage patterns range from quick seasonal pieces to more intricate keepsakes filled with meaningful sayings and timeless motifs. Take a look at Primrose Cottage patterns at Fat Quarter Shop and pick your next cozy stitch.

Explore all of Our Sales!

To explore these and all the other sales we have, visit our site and click into the On Sale tab! Not only will you find these monthly specials, but it’s also the place to go for the 24 Hour Flash Sales and the Precuts Of The Week.

Happy sewing, stitching, and saving!

Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!

The post September 2026 Monthly Specials appeared first on The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog.

Little Birdie Supplies

In the Big Bubble Crib Quilt Blog, we introduced you to all of the Fat Quarter Shop exclusive Quilt As You Go Templates and the notions you will need to work with them! Visit that blog for a full list of the available Quilt As You Go Templates and their accompanying notions. Here is what you’ll need to make the Little Birdie Table Topper:

• Little Birdie Quilt As You Go Template
• 10″ Squares – 12 Pack of 80/20 Silky Blend Happy Cloud Quilt Batting
• Sewline Blue Fabric Water Soluble Glue Pen
• Clover Blue Water Soluble Marker
• Fiskars 10.5″ Easy Action Pinking Shears

Compatible Precuts

Download the FREE Quilt As You Go Templates Size Guide PDF to figure out how many precuts and batting squares you will need for different quilt sizes!

• Layer Cakes
• Charm Packs
• Jolly Bars 

We used Birch & Willow by Sherri & Chelsi for Moda Fabrics. If you want to make one just like ours!

How to Sew a Little Birdie Table Topper

In this video, Kimberly walks you through the process of making the Little Birdie Table Topper using the Little Birdie Quilt As You Go Template. She also mentions all the classic quilt blocks that this template can be used to easily make! This beginner-friendly notion will have you flying through this project in no time!

Just Wait to See What We Come Up With Next!

We have TONS of cute patterns and video tutorials coming soon that feature the other Quilt As You Go Templates! So, stock up on them now, use up some of your stash, and get familiar with this amazing notion so you can start making your new favorite quilts today.

We can’t wait to see all the creative ways you choose to use the Quilt As You Go Templates, so be sure to tag @FatQuarterShop in your photos so we don’t miss a thing!

Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!

The post Quilt As You Go Projects: Little Birdie Video Tutorial appeared first on The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog.

Save Up to 50% During Our Labor Day Sale!

Shop select quilting fabric yardage, notions, quilt patterns, and more. Whether you are stocking up your sewing room or getting ready for your next quilting project, now is a great time to give your stash a little love.

Shop the Fat Quarter Shop Labor Day Sale

Do not wait too long to shop your favorites! The Labor Day Sale ends Monday, September 7 at 11:59 PM CT, or while supplies last.

Happy shopping and happy quilting!

The post Labor Day Sale 2026 at Fat Quarter Shop: Save Up to 50% Off appeared first on The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog.

National Sewing Month

National Sewing Month is a great excuse to celebrate all the things we love about sewing, from nifty notions to exploring a fun way to feature those decorative stitches that could use more love, there is plenty of sewing content coming your way!

• Friday, September 4th – Labor Day Sale Starts! Stay tuned for details.
• Friday, September 4th – Quilting Livestream
• Wednesday, September 9th – Cross Stitch Livestream
• Thursday, September 10th – Dive into Decorative Stitches with a FREE Napkin Tutorial Blog Post
• Friday, September 11th – Quilting Livestream
• Saturday, September 12th – Sewing the Trends: Pictorial Quilts Blog Post
• Tuesday, September 15th – Jelly Roll Gems Shortcut Quilt Blog Post
• Wednesday, September 16th – Cross Stitch Livestream
• Thursday, September 17th – Celebrate National Jelly Roll Day Blog Post
• Thursday, September 17th – Members Only Livestream
• Friday, September 18th – National Sew A Jelly Roll Day Livestream
• Saturday, September 19th – Jelly Roll Projects and Patterns to Sew on National Sew A Jelly Roll Day Blog Post
• Wednesday, September 23rd – Cross Stitch Livestream
• Thursday, September 24th – A brand new Quilt Along announcement!!
• Friday, September 4th – Quilting Livestream

National Sew A Jelly Roll Day

Get ready for your sewing schedule to be filled with Jelly Roll gems all month long! The celebrations start early with the Monthly Pattern Sale for Jelly Roll Patterns and the release of the new Jelly Roll Gems Shortcut Quilt FREE Quilt Pattern and video. Then, we’ll be coming to you from the blog on Thursday, the 18th, with everything you need to know about the special Friday Livestream on the 18th. Here are all the key dates to add to your calendar so you don’t miss a second of Jelly Roll joy:

• Tuesday, September 15th – Jelly Roll Gems Shortcut Quilt Blog Post
• Thursday, September 17th – Celebrate National Jelly Roll Day Blog Post
• Friday, September 18th – National Sew A Jelly Roll Day Livestream on the Fat Quarter Shop YouTube Channel
• Saturday, September 19th – Jelly Roll Projects and Patterns to Sew on National Sew A Jelly Roll Day Blog Post
• All Month Long – Pattern Of The Month Sale – Jelly Roll Patterns!

Stay Tuned for More Special Surprises

The fun doesn’t stop there! We have more special surprises in store for you throughout the month, so be sure to follow along with us on Instagram (@FatQuarterShop), Facebook, and on the Fat Quarter Shop YouTube Channel. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fat Quarter Shop Blog so you never miss a stitch of the celebration!

Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!

The post National Sewing Month 2026 – Let’s Celebrate! appeared first on The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog.

Each month on the Jolly Jabber Blog, we post our Livestream schedule, and each week we post reminders on our social media pages for that week’s stream. If you’re not already following us on Instagram, you can follow @FatQuarterShop for quilting Livestream reminders, and for our cross stitch Livestreams, follow @FQSXStitch.

If you don’t use social media or want a copy of this calendar for yourself, simply right-click the calendar in these monthly blog posts and download it!

Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!

The post September 2026 Livestream Schedule – Never Miss the Fun! appeared first on The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog.

When is the Thanksgiving Row Sew Along?

The Thanksgiving Row Sew Along runs from September 2026 to August 2027. At the beginning of each month, head over to our social media to see the finished blocks that you are sewing. Then, come back toward the end of the month to see a reel of Kimberly sewing her blocks! To participate in the Sew Along, simply download the FREE PDF Sew Along Schedule below and share your progress with us! Be sure to tag @FatQuarterShop so we don’t miss a thing. We might even feature your block at the end of this month!

What do you need to make the Thanksgiving Row Quilt?

This quilt is perfect for intermediate quilters who love working with small pieces, piecing both traditional and pictorial blocks, and getting lost in a good project! The Thanksgiving Row Quilt measures 79.5″ x 91.5″, and Kimberly is sewing hers with the Baked With Love collection by Lori Holt for Riley Blake Designs. Here are all the links you need to start sewing along!

• Thanksgiving Row Quilt Kit
• Backing Set for the Thanksgiving Row Quilt Kit
• Thanksgiving Row Quilt Downloadable PDF Quilt Pattern (also available as a paper pattern)
• Thanksgiving Row Sew Along Fabric Requirements and Schedule
• Autumn Large Vintage Trim (restocking soon!)

Who is sewing along?

We invited some friends to sew with us, and they’re sharing their progress along the way! Follow them on social media for inspiration, tips, and to share in the quilty fun.

• Rachel, Stitch With Rachel, (@stitch.with.rachel)
• Jessica Dayon, Skein and Hook, @jessicadayon
• Carrie of Red Velvet Quilts (@redvelvet_quilts)

Join Us for the Thanksgiving Row Sew Along!

If you haven’t yet, right-click the badge above to download and share to show you’re participating in the Thanksgiving Row Sew Along. Get inspired and share your progress with #ThanksgivingRowSAL.

You can find Lori Holt on her blog, YouTube Channel, and Instagram (@beelori1).

Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!

The post The Thanksgiving Row Sew Along Starts Today! appeared first on The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog.

All of the goodies of autumn await to be discovered in the September Sew Sampler box! Peek inside for a clue to the oh-sew-delightful contents and to learn about the Vault Patterns and the Spooled Quilt Along.

Don’t miss out on this box! If you aren’t yet subscribed and want to join, do so very SOON, so you don’t miss this month’s cut off date for sign ups!

Celebrating 10 Years of Sew Sampler

Since April 2016, we’ve shipped 120 blue boxes filled with quilting goodness to our amazing members. Your creativity and love of quilting have helped shape Sew Sampler into the wonderful community it is today, and we are sew grateful to celebrate this milestone with you!

To mark the occasion, we’re opening the Sew Sampler Vault! For the first time ever, 12 of our most requested exclusive Sew Sampler quilt patterns are coming back.

From April 2026 through March 2027, one quilt pattern from the Sew Sampler Vault will be automatically included as a printed pattern in each monthly box shipment as a special bonus for members, at no extra cost! The exact pattern each month will stay a surprise until your blue box arrives. A little quilting mystery to keep things fun!

Non-members will be able to shop the monthly Sew Sampler Vault pattern separately, as a paid PDF pattern, only.

2026 Spooled Sew Sampler Quilt Along!

With this year’s Sew Sampler Box Sew Along, Spooled, fully underway, stay tuned to see the next block we’re piecing for the 54.5″ square quilt.

Join us for a whimsical year-long journey with the Spooled Quilt Along! Spinning off traditional block patterns, this quilt along is a wonderful way to sew something beautiful with wonder and joy. The Petals and Polka Dots fabric collection by Bunny Hill Designs brings together graceful reds, pinks, and creams that will keep your bobbins bobbing along. The Spooled quilt will steadily grow into an unforgettable and heartwarming keepsake!

The Spooled Quilt Kit and fabric requirements are available for purchase now!

If you are not yet subscribed and want to join right in time for our Spooled Quilt Along and a new year of Sew Sampler, now’s the time! Don’t forget, you can always find the quilt details on the Sew Sampler Quilt Along page.

Join the Sew Sampler Facebook Group

We want to invite you to join our members-only Sew Sampler Facebook group! Other quilters are starting to share their amazing Spooled Quilts, and we’d love to see yours, too!

Be sure to follow us for more box reveals and future sneak peeks on all social media by using #SewSampler and tagging @SewSamplerBox!

Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!

The post Sew Sampler Box September 2026 Sneak Peek appeared first on The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog.

Week Four Video Tutorial

Join Kimberly on the Fat Quarter Shop YouTube Channel as she sews Week Four of the Boo To You Mystery Quilt.

Weekly Patterns and Supplies Roundup

You can find everything you need for your Boo To You Mystery Quilt and Cross Stitch on the Boo To You Quilt and Cross Stitch Along Supplies Page and below:

Quilt Patterns and Supplies

• Boo To You Mystery Quilt Along Week One FREE PDF Pattern
• Boo To You Mystery Quilt Along Week Two FREE PDF Pattern
• Boo To You Mystery Quilt Along Week Three FREE PDF Pattern
• Boo To You Mystery Quilt Along Week Four FREE PDF Pattern
• Boo To You Mystery Quilt Along Fabric Requirements
• Boo To You Quilt Kit

Cross Stitch Patterns and Supplies

• Boo To You Mystery Stitch Along Part One Cross Stitch FREE PDF Pattern
• Boo To You Mystery Stitch Along Part Two Cross Stitch FREE PDF Pattern
• Boo To You Mystery Stitch Along Part Three Cross Stitch FREE PDF Pattern
• Boo To You Mystery Stitch Along Part Four Cross Stitch FREE PDF Pattern
• Boo To You Classic Colorworks Thread Pack
• Chalkboard Black 14 Count Aida by Wichelt Imports
• Charcoal Mad for Plaid Project Bag
• Boo To You Enamel Needle Minder

Join Us for the Boo To You Mystery Quilt and Stitch Along!

Whenever you find this Quilt and Stitch along, EVERYONE is welcome to participate! To join in, all you have to do is gather your supplies and visit the Boo To You Supplies page.

Follow the hashtags #BooToYouQAL and #BooToYouSAL on Instagram to keep up with us, share your creations, and see work from your fellow quilters and stitchers.

Happy Haunted Stitching!

Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!

The post Week Four Pattern Release: Boo To You Mystery Quilt and Stitch Along appeared first on The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog.