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Kentucky Derby Inspired Quilt Patterns

Looking to create a quilt inspired by the state of Kentucky or the Kentucky Derby? We have 4 colorful, fun, and creative quilt patterns ready to share with you today.

Derby Sampler quilt by melissa mortenson of polkadotchair.com - a fun horse and equestrian themed sampler quilt pattern using Derby Day Fabrics

I didn’t grow up in Kentucky but have grown to love it. The longer I live here the more I appreciate all that is great about our State. One of the things I love the most is the Kentucky Derby.

I’ve designed a few quilt patterns over the years inspired by the Derby. Here are a few of my favorites!

Patchwork Paddock Quilt Pattern

Patchwork Paddock quilt pattern, a fun graphic medallion style quilt pattern by melissa mortenson of polkadotchair.com featuring Derby Day fabrics

The Patchwork Paddock Quilt was designed specifically to go with my Derby Day Fabric line. I was inspired by the geometric jockey silks print in the line. I thought it would be clever to make a quilt that mimicked the graphic prints you find in jockey silks. Obviously, you can use the pattern for other fabrics that are not Derby-inspired.

The layout is inspired by Medallion quilts, although I’m not sure I’d call it a true medallion quilt since it does not contain any borders and all of the blocks are the same size.

Patchwork Paddock quilt pattern, a fun graphic medallion style quilt pattern by melissa mortenson of polkadotchair.com featuring Derby Day fabrics

While making this quilt, you will learn how to make 7 different quilt blocks!  There are full-color illustrations to help you every step of the way.

It measures approx 64″ x 64″ when finished.

You can find a PDF version of the Patchwork Paddock Pattern by clicking HERE.  It is also available in print format.

Derby Sampler Quilt Pattern

The Derby Sampler Quilt by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com - a quilt block sampler quilt perfect for Derby. A great quilt for equestrian and horse lovers!

Honestly, I think this might be one of my favorite quilts ever.  I designed it for my booth at Quilt Market and really love how it turned out. It is a sampler quilt which means that it contains a variety of quilt blocks in varying sizes. 

The quilt is constructed using traditional piecing methods, raw edge applique, and more traditional applique (on the Dresden blocks). This quilt was a custom machine quilted by Natalia Bonner of Piece N Quilt. I am in awe of her talent. She really brought the pattern to life.

Derby Sampler quilt by melissa mortenson of polkadotchair.com - a fun horse and equestrian themed sampler quilt pattern using Derby Day Fabrics

The quilt measures approx 48″ x 68″ when finished. If you want it larger you could easily add some borders to it and it would fit a twin-sized bed.  (Most twin quilts are 70×90, so you’d need to add two borders a smaller 2 1/2″ border and an 8 1/2″ border all the way around).

It also makes a great lap quilt, and I plan on using it in my living room on our sofa all during Derby season this year!

Derby Day Fabric collection by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com for Riley Blake Designs, fun fabric designs inspired by a day at the Kentucky Derby

It would also be a great quilt to make for the equestrian in your life.  I know that a lot of kids here in Kentucky love horses and dressage. It would be such a cute gift for someone like that!

To get a PDF copy of the Derby Sampler quilt. It will only be offered in PDF format.

Prize Ribbons Quilt Pattern

Next is the Prize Ribbons Quilt, which was inspired by the prize ribbons that they give to horses during competitions.  It’s a great lap-sized quilt and is made using a glue applique method that I talk about in the pattern.

Prize Ribbons Quilt Pattern

Also, be sure to check out the Derby Tote Bag, which is an excellent beginner tote bag pattern. It’s a great one to tackle if you’ve never made a tote bag before. The pattern offers 3 different front pocket styles.

The Derby Tote Bag Sewing Pattern; great simple and versatile tote bag pattern that features 3 different front pocket styles. Great project for a beginning sewist.

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