It can be scrappy. It can be colourful. It can even be
Christmassy!
In fact, I designed this pattern with Christmas in mind. So
many quilt patterns that are designed with the holidays in mind tend to be very
specific to that time. But I wanted to give you an option that would look
amazing as a Christmas quilt (cause the holidays are coming...eek!), but could still look great with any fabrics you
have in your stash.
Versatility was key.
This mash up of the ninja star with the classic Irish chain
design just fit that bill perfectly! And the Irish Vortex quilt pattern was
born!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.

The Irish Vortex Quilt Pattern is now available - click here!
This idea came about at a time when I was swamped with
deadlines and secret sewing, but you know when you have an idea that you’re so
excited about you just have to drop everything to give it a go? That’s what
happened here. In less than a week, the pattern was designed, and the first
version was a WIP.
Let me show you just how fun and versatile the Irish Vortex quilt pattern really is.
___________________________________________________________________
FOR THE LOVE OF SOLIDS – IRISH VORTEX THROW
If you’re looking to try your hand at a solids only quilt,
then check out this pinky gray version featuring these gorgeous Cotton Couture
solids from Michael Miller Fabrics in the colours Pomegranate, Magenta, Pink,
Nickel with the prettiest binding and backing in their Garden Pindot collection
in Magenta and Nickel.
The monochromatic colourway allows the design to really show
the depth and movement of the pattern. There are so many directions you could
go in with this approach and the pattern includes 8 different colourways to
help spark some ideas!
My go-to batting is always Quilter’s Dream cotton batting in
either Request of Select. Here I’ve used Request in natural
cotton. It has a beautiful drape and feel to it.
Since I was crunched for time, I opted for some straight-line
quilting in 28wt Aurifil Thread. This is my
first time going with 2” wide spaced lines and the feel is quite yummy! It
makes for a less heavy quilt, but is still perfect for snuggling.
___________________________________________________________________
PATTERN FEATURES & QUILT SIZES
It’s always fun to know what’s included in a quilt pattern.
So, here’s a roundup of some of the key features in the Irish Vortex Quilt pattern:
First up is quilt sizes. Since we all have different loved
ones in our circle that need quilts, the pattern includes instructions for the
following quilt sizes:
- Baby/ Mini/ Wall Hanging 24"x24"
- Baby with Borders 32.5"x32.5"
- Crib 36"x48"
- Throw 60"x60"
- Twin 72"x96"
- Double 84"x108"
- Queen 96"x108"
- King 120"x108"
- Step-by-step graphics so you know exactly how to piece the quilt top.
- Seam pressing chart to ensure your seams nest beautifully and results in nice sharp points!
- Cutting options for both yardage and fat quarter friendly versions.
- 8 quilt design colourway mock-ups to help spark ideas and inspire your next quilt.
- A colouring page so you can plan out your own design ideas.
- Hyperlinks to free quilt tutorials with additional tips for quilty success!
___________________________________________________________________
BLUEBERRY PARK – BABY IRISH VORTEX QUILT
The first version I tackled was this bright and bold baby
quilt using some Blueberry Park fabric scraps I had leftover from a secret
sewing project.
The fabrics include Melon Plus, Shell Plus,
Wasabi Trees and White Plus from Blueberry Park 3 collection and a pop of
Turquoise Rough Patch from the Blueberry Park collection. The backing is
a modern abstract print from Art Gallery Fabrics and I finished it off with a solid binding in Wasabi. I’ll be
honest, the binding colour wasn’t my first choice. I really wanted to use the
Shell Plus print, but I didn’t have enough, and I had plenty of Wasabi on hand!
So, that won out 😉
This one got hand quilted with pearl cotton thread to show
you some possibilities with highlighting different elements of the quilt design.
See those fuchsia stitches? I went bold and bright because I wanted to
highlight the secondary pattern that emerges when you join the blocks together. Lots of quilting options to play with here!
Pearl cotton thread can be tough to find, so I’ve put
together a list of resources for you here.
I even attempted my first big-stitch hand quilted binding –
super cute, right?! Which I now have a tutorial in the works for you! Stay
tuned for that coming your way soon!
___________________________________________________________________
FOREST FABLE – SCRAPPY IRSH VORTEX THROW
This fat quarter bundle, designed by Shauna Scicluna for
Leutenegger (some yardage still available here)
had been sitting in my fabric stash for quite awhile and I thought it was
perfect for an autumn quilt.
It got paired with this gorgeous Chambray Brussels WasherYarn Dye linen from Robert Kaufman, which added some nice cozy texture.
This one still needs to get basted and quilted, but it shows
just how awesome the pattern can look by dipping into your scrap fabric stash
or finally busting open one of your coveted fat quarter bundles 😉
The pattern also includes instructions specifically for
using fat quarters. Gotta love a fat quarter friendly pattern!
___________________________________________________________________
IRISH VORTEX QUILTS IN THE WILD
If these weren’t enough to inspire your creativity,
check-out the gorgeous versions my pattern testers made:
Ombré by YT Handcrafts
I’ve been loving seeing this ombré version in pinks and dusty
yellows come together by Kenzie of YT Handcrafts. It’s totally making me want
to snag an ombré fat quarter bundle and get cutting!
Fireflies by Wren Collective
Who doesn’t love fireflies?! Doesn’t it just bring back fond
childhood memories from nights spent in the wilderness? And this version by
Rachel of Wren Collective is giving me all the happy campfire vibes, without
the need for sleeping in tents 😉
Orange Crush by Flip & Co
Flip is such an amazing quilter and knows how to pair
fabrics! Just check out this orange, white and linen combo. Yummy!
Landscapes by A Little Patchwork
Ange of A Little Patchwork is working on a beautiful version
featuring Cotton & Steel's Imagined Landscape fabric collection. The mix of florals
and organic geometric prints is just stunning, and I can’t wait to see this one
come together.
Coral Punch by Frieda Tong
You know my love for coral and seeing Frieda pair it with
florals just takes it to the next level.
Halloween by Izzy of Dizzy Quilts Blog
How fun is this orange and black themed version by Izzy of
Dizzy Quilts Blog. And did you catch the fun quilting she
did in the black? Perfection!
For
more inspiration, be sure to check-out the #irishvortexquilt on Instagram!
___________________________________________________________________
This pattern is so addictive, I’ve already got a Christmas
themed version in the works featuring the Home for the Holidays collection from
Michael Miller Fabrics.
Not only does the Irish Vortex quilt pattern include a ton
of different colourways to inspire you, but it also includes a colouring page
so you can plot out ideas based on your favourite colours and prints.
Even more fun than all the ways you can put your own spin on this pattern is just how quick it all comes together. You can totally pull the quilt top together in a day or two, depending on which size you decide to make! She’s that fast to make. So, grab the Irish Vortex quilt pattern here and make your very own version today!
Happy quilting!
xo
_______________________________________________
Never miss a post - sign up for the weekly newsletter here.
This post uses affiliate links. For more info, visit the FAQ page.
Other posts you might like:
|
|
I look forward to seeing the Christmas themed version you have in the works. Congratulations on your pattern release!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Yvonne! I think the Christmas one will be really fun! Plus, it’s sure to get me into the holiday spirit 😉
DeleteYay for the pattern release! I had so much fun testing this one for you and I love all the other versions here!
ReplyDeleteAw, I’m so happy you had a great time making her, Izzy! And I love seeing everyone’s interpretation too! I think that’s one of the best parts about quilting – we each bring our own spin to a project 😉
DeleteWhat a lovely design, Shannon! So many options. I love this!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Brooke! Gotta love having lots of options in a quilt pattern 😉
Delete