The X Marks Quilt Pattern
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When I set out this year, I didn’t anticipate it being my homage pattern year! First, Wonderline (and coming soon, Interwonder) and now X Marks. If you didn’t know, I have a love for pirates. Not real ones, of course. Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19) is a holiday in my house where we at least where our shirts and bandanas and talk like pirates as much as possible.
So how did that translate into the X Marks quilt pattern? Very loosely! The design and name are simply a nod to my quirky little obsession. However, I did manage to work in some subtle pirate-ish elements.
THE BACKING
I dug deep into the Davy Jones Locker (i.e. eBay) to find Pirate Mateys from Riley Blake Designs. I had more years ago, but I didn’t buy enough at the time. Lesson learned? OVERBUY! This print is one of the very few out there that can be for us big kids, too.
On the second version, I used Art Gallery Fabrics Deco Stitch Cloud wideback. The print has crosses, so my sweet long armer friend, Vivian Rodriguez-Brashear, actually loaded my quilt on the bias on her long arm so the back would also mimic the X motif.
THE STRIPES
It’s common for pirate costumes to include red and white striped elements - sashes, headscarfs. I couldn’t ignore that tradition. Using the Riley Blake Designs Stripes in rose gold put a Shereece spin on it.
As you can see, even one of the X blocks had more Xs in the fabric! It’s the Kisses in rose gold also from Riley Blake Designs. If you’re looking for metallic blenders, RBD has some great options!
You don’t have to be into pirates to love this modern quilt pattern! The X blocks are fat quarter-friendly so you can fun showcasing other prints or a variety of solids. Check out these amazing quilts complete by pattern testers Britni Hendrixson, Ann Watkins and Stephanie Fox.
This quilt comes together quickly in a weekend and makes an excellent canvas for the quilter to really have some creativity. I hope you enjoy this pattern and all the versatility it offers!
