Star Spangled Shield Quilt-A-Long
Celebrate your love of quilting and country with the Star Spangled Shield QAL (Quilt-A-Long), starting May 30 and wrapping up on July 4. This six-week event is all about sewing something meaningful and fun, with just the right amount of structure to help you stay on track. Whether you want a full-size throw for your couch, a patriotic baby quilt, or a mini wall hanging, you’re welcome to join in and make it your own.
Along the way, we’ll have weekly goals, amazing sponsor giveaways, and a community of quilters cheering each other on. And by the time the fireworks go off on the Fourth of July, your quilt will be ready to show off.
Star Spangled Shield QAL – Choose Your Pattern Version
The Star Spangled Shield QAL Quilt Pattern is available in three different sizes. You don’t need to make all three—just pick the one that works best for you.
- The Full-Size Quilt is great if you want a bold throw or a statement piece.
- The Baby Quilt is a slightly smaller version, but still has the signature stars, stripes, and shield.
- The Mini Quilt makes an excellent wall hanging or table topper—perfect if you’re short on time but still want to participate.
Each version includes foundation paper pieced stars, a red-and-white striped banner, and the star-spangled shield at the center.
Online Learning Available
If you’re new to foundation paper piecing or just want a refresher, I’ve got you covered. There’s a free video tutorial on my YouTube channel that walks you through how to make the FPP stars featured in the Star Spangled Shield QAL Quilt. In that video, I cover the basics of foundation paper piecing and show how simple it becomes once you understand the concept. For those making the throw-size version, there’s also a complete on-demand video course available. This paid option includes the PDF pattern and step-by-step video lessons to help you complete your entire quilt top from start to finish. It’s not required to participate in the QAL, but it’s a great way to stay on track and finish strong.
Fabric Kits Available
To make things easier, we’ll have a limited number of fabric kits available in my online shop. These kits will include the fabric you need for your quilt top, and will match the sample quilt I’ve already made. If you like working with coordinated solids and want to save time choosing your fabric, this is a great option.
This Fabric kit will include a printed copy of the Throw sized pattern, so if you grab one of those, you’re all set to go.
Sponsored Prizes Every Week
Each week of the QAL is sponsored by a company that supports quilters like you. We’ve lined up a prize for every week to help keep things exciting and encourage you to stay engaged.
- Week 1 – Sponsored by Sew Much Moore, prize: PDF pattern
- Week 2 – Sponsored by CM Designs, prize: The Add-A-Quarter Plus Ruler
- Week 3 – Sponsored by Oliso, prize: M3Pro Project Iron
- Week 4 – Sponsored by Felt Right, prize: Weave Cream Design Wall
- Week 5 – Sponsored by Quilter’s Dream, prize: 100% cotton batting (Queen sized)
- Week 6 – Sponsored by The Quilting Mill, prize: Star Themed edge-to-edge quilting design
These prizes are open to active participants only, and winners will be announced inside our online community and via email. Shipping to US only, for prizes that are not digital.
Weekly QAL Goals
Here’s how we’ll structure the QAL so you’re never left guessing:
- Week 1 – Share your fabric pull
- Week 2 – Cut all your fabric
- Week 3 – Make the foundation paper pieced stars
- Week 4 – Sew the red-and-white banner
- Week 5 – Assemble the blocks into a finished quilt top
- Week 6 – Quilt your quilt and get it ready for the Fourth of July
Each task is manageable within a week, and I’ll send out weekly emails with tips, reminders, and a few surprises to help you stay motivated.
Connect in the Online Community
The best part of a Quilt-A-Long is connecting with others who are working on the same project. We’ll be sharing our progress in a private online community, where you can post photos, ask questions, and cheer each other on. You’ll see how others interpret the pattern, and maybe even get inspired to try a new layout or color scheme.
How to Join the QAL
Participation is completely free, but there are a few things you’ll need to do:
- Register – so you can get weekly emails and be eligible for prizes.
- Purchase the pattern – available as a PDF or included in fabric kits.
- Share your progress – inside the online community each week.
That’s it! You don’t need to be an expert quilter or even have a ton of time. Just pick your pattern, gather your supplies, and get ready to stitch something special. We start on May 30—see you there!