Quilting is an art form that allows stories to be told through fabric, and the Of Mice and Thread Quilt is a perfect example of how playful design and timeless techniques can come together in a truly enchanting way. This quilt pattern, designed with the Tails & Threads Collection by Patty Basemi, celebrates the joy of stitching with whimsical motifs, delightful colors, and a layout that brings balance and harmony to every block.
Measuring 70″ × 75″, the finished quilt is a generous throw size, ideal for adding warmth to your living room, bedroom, or as a special handmade gift. The combination of flying geese, classic patchwork units, and carefully pieced templates makes this quilt an exciting project for quilters who enjoy both structure and creativity.
What makes this quilt truly special is the storytelling element woven into its design. The whimsical prints from the Tails & Threads collection add a playful touch, almost like little characters dancing across the fabric. Combined with traditional patchwork techniques, this quilt bridges the gap between classic quilting heritage and modern fabric artistry, making it both nostalgic and refreshing.
Fabric Requirements
The original pattern suggests using fabrics from the Tails & Threads collection, but you can easily adapt it with your own favorite prints and solids. Here are the general requirements:
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Multiple fabrics in varying yardages (¼ yard to 1⅛ yards).
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Background fabric: 3½ yards (Fabric N in the original).
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Backing fabric: 5 yards.
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Binding: ¾ yard.
With such variety, the quilt becomes a lively patchwork of textures and tones, offering endless opportunities for personalization.
Cutting and Templates
This quilt relies on a series of templates (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) to form the main blocks. Each fabric is cut into specific shapes, then carefully trimmed using trimming templates to maintain accuracy.
The block construction involves:
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Pieced units that combine light and dark fabrics.
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Flying Geese blocks measuring 10½” × 5½”.
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Rectangular units trimmed to exact sizes to ensure precise assembly.
These steps may seem intricate, but the clear diagrams provided in the pattern make the process approachable even for ambitious beginners.
Construction Process
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Template Assembly – Fabrics are paired with background pieces to create matching units, then trimmed for accuracy.
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Flying Geese Blocks – Traditional flying geese are stitched using the stitch-and-trim method, producing crisp triangles without waste.
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Block Assembly – Units are joined into larger blocks, including Block 1, Block 2, and Block 3, each with a unique combination of templates.
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Rows – Once individual blocks are completed, they are arranged in rows (five rows in total) and sewn together to form the quilt top.
The final layout creates a quilt that feels balanced yet playful, with repeating patterns that draw the eye across the surface.
Quilting and Finishing
After assembling the quilt top, layer it with batting and backing. The quilting design is left open to interpretation—whether you prefer straight-line quilting for a clean modern finish, or free-motion quilting to highlight the whimsical fabrics, the choice is yours.
For the binding, cut strips 1½” wide and join them to finish the quilt neatly. A hand-stitched blind stitch on the back gives it a professional finish, but machine binding can be used for durability.
Why You’ll Love the Of Mice and Thread Quilt
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A cheerful design that pairs perfectly with whimsical fabrics.
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Great practice with flying geese and block trimming.
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Suitable for confident beginners and intermediate quilters.
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A generous throw size that’s both practical and beautiful.
At the end of this article, I will make the free PDF pattern available for download, so you can start your own Of Mice and Thread Quilt today.
free PDF pattern available for download
The Of Mice and Thread Quilt Pattern is a joyful project that combines tradition with playful charm. Its mix of classic blocks, whimsical fabrics, and thoughtful design makes it a pattern you’ll love creating and gifting.