How to Make a Landscape Quilt

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: October 8, 2020 Approved

Landscape quilts were very popular several years ago, and are still fun to try now. Most of these early landscape quilts were made using "strips of fabric" sewn edge to edge arranged by the colors of the sky to the ground. These quilts used different shades of blue, green, brown and tan. Some were left simple, and others had applique shapes on top. Some artists became more expressive and made seascapes as well incorporating brighter colors. There is no wrong way for you to make these quilts, and they're a good way to finish off some longer strips of fabric you may already have. Some techniques are more appropriate than others, but here are a few starting tips along with some of the more common methods used. Use whatever techniques you need to accomplish your vision.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Starting Tips

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Scraps can work fine, but you may need to purchase specific colors for specific areas of your landscape.

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This quilt is for your own enjoyment.
List out all the aspects of your landscape that need doing... and then prioritize them or order them for later reference.
What embellishments will you add? What sort of border will there be?
Use straight pins and test out your arrangement before you sew them together. Some should go completely across,while others colors can be added in. Usually the background (sky)will be dominate, or it can be flipped and the foreground (ground) will be dominate. These will be sewn all horizontally. Other items can be appliquéd on later.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applique Method

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See if you like the way they look before you attach them. Only sew about three strips together at one time and iron each group before moving on to the next. Repeat.
Either use an iron on fusible webbing and satin stitch on your sewing machine or by hand basting and then rolling the edges under as you sew them down (can be done by hand or by machine).

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Puff Method

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if you're a beginner.
You can even use this method to FLATTEN areas.
If you want extra "puffiness" in an area, cut a small slit in the backing material under that area and tuck in more batting before sewing it closed.
To do this, take a 2 and 1/2" piece of fabric folded and ironed. Attach the open side down with your sewing machine and "flip" it over to the back for a finished look.
Make a "sleeve" to insert a stick across the top and make a loop to hang on the wall. Sign and date your quilts so you will always know who made it and when it was made.