Pictorial Quilts Are Taking Over: Here's Why Quilters Can't Get Enough

Jessica Albright · 2026-09-12

Remember when quilts were just squares and triangles? Those days are long gone. Pictorial quilts—blocks that actually look like something—have completely taken over the quilting world, and honestly, it's about time. I'm Jessica Albright, and I've spent years helping quilters find their groove. This trend isn't just a flash in the pan. It's a full-blown movement, and once you see these blocks, you'll get it. ### What Exactly Is a Pictorial Quilt? A pictorial quilt block looks like a recognizable picture. We're talking animals, objects, places—you name it. Instead of abstract shapes, you're sewing a tiny work of art. Designers like Lori Holt, Corey Yoder, and Joanna Figueroa mix traditional and pictorial blocks in their quilts. Flip through books like *Prairie Home*, *Sunroom Sampler*, or *Strawberry Garden* and you'll see what I mean. Then there's Elizabeth Hartman, whose whimsical animal patterns have a cult following. Her *Pups in Pajamas* quilt? Absolute perfection. ### Why This Trend Stuck Pictorial quilts work for everyone. Beginners can start with simple shapes, while advanced quilters can tackle intricate designs. You can go traditional or modern—there's no wrong answer. And here's the thing: they're just fun. There's something magical about watching fabric turn into a bow, a tree, or a puppy. ### The Rows of Bows Block: A Tutorial Kassidy Grace's Rows of Bows block is a perfect introduction to pictorial quilting. It has three main units, all built from half-square triangles, rectangles, squares, and corner squares. The secret? Corner squares. Adding one to the top left and top right of the bow blocks creates the illusion of a little knot. Clever, right? Here's how to assemble it: - **Step 1: Assemble the Bow Loop Unit.** This forms the top loops of the bow. - **Step 2: Assemble the Left Bow Tail Unit.** This creates the left hanging tail. - **Step 3: Assemble the Right Bow Tail Unit.** Same idea, opposite side. - **Step 4: Assemble the Rows of Bows Block.** Put it all together and watch the magic happen. Grab the full pattern for fabric requirements and cutting directions. ### A Tip for Fabric Placement Before you sew anything, lay out your pieces on a design board. Kassidy's pattern has you make 12 of each unit first, so you can play with balance and repetition. If you're going scrappy like Kimberly did, make sure your Fabric L pieces are your favorite print. That's the focal point of the block—don't waste it on something you don't love. > "Pictorial quilts let you tell a story with fabric. Every block is a little chapter." ### Show Off Your Work If you make your own Rows of Bows quilt, we want to see it! Share your pictorial quilts using #SewingTheTrendsFQS on Facebook and Instagram. Tag @fatquartershop so we don't miss it. Stay tuned for the next trend. Until then—happy quilting!