Pictorial Quilts Are Taking Over: Here's How to Make the Rows of Bows Block

Eleanor Vance · 2026-09-12

Welcome back to Sewing the Trends! Today, we're diving into the quilting craze that's captured everyone's imagination: pictorial quilts. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, whether you lean traditional or modern, there's a pictorial quilt out there with your name on it. Stick around—we'll walk you through this trend and show you a step-by-step photo tutorial for the Rows of Bows block by Kassidy Grace. ### What Exactly Is a Pictorial Quilt? A pictorial quilt block is one that looks like a recognizable picture—an animal, an object, a place, anything that tells a story at a glance. Designers like Lori Holt, Corey Yoder, and Joanna Figueroa often mix traditional and pictorial blocks in the same quilt, as you can see in their latest books: *Prairie Home*, *Sunroom Sampler*, and *Strawberry Garden*. Then there are designers like Elizabeth Hartman, who's famous for her whimsical, wonderful pictorial designs that make you smile every time. Here are a few standout patterns to spark your inspiration: - *Prairie Home Quilt Book* - *Sunroom Sampler Quilt Book* - *Strawberry Garden Quilt Book* - *Boo To You Mystery Quilt* - *Thanksgiving Row Quilt* - *Jolly Tree Farm Mystery Quilt* - *Jolly Bar Hearts Door Banner* - *Bows Classic & Vintage Quilt* - *Block 10 of Sewcialites 3* - *Pups in Pajamas Quilt Pattern* by Elizabeth Hartman ### How to Assemble the Rows of Bows Block The Rows of Bows block comes together with three main units made from half-square triangles, rectangles, squares, and corner squares. The secret sauce? Corner squares! By adding a corner square to the top left and top right of the bow blocks, you create the illusion of a cute little knot—just like in step one. Ready to get started? Grab the *Rows of Bows Quilt Pattern* for 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 Before you commit to your final layout, use design boards to test fabric placement. Kassidy's pattern has you make all 12 of each unit before assembling your blocks, which gives you a chance to play with balance and repetition across both your blocks and the finished quilt. If you're going scrappy like Kimberly did, make sure your Fabric L pieces are your favorite print—that's the focal point of your block. ### Share Your Pictorial Quilts With Us! If you're joining the fun and making your own Rows of Bows Quilt, we'd love to see it! Share your pictorial quilts and 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!