Pioneer Throw Quilt Pattern

I designed the Pioneer Quilt after studying the primitive quilts featured in old historical books—handmade pieces sewn from necessity, now celebrated for their quiet beauty. I took some artistic liberty with this design, reimagining those simple, sturdy forms in a palette of solid colors I love, including my own hand-dyed indigo. The result is a quilt that feels both rooted in history and alive with modern warmth. My son really loves this quilt for its simplicity and almost masculine design qualities. Please note: this photo was taken before the binding had been sewn on. The pattern features a nice, clean one color border.

This pattern builds into a 65″ × 65″ throw with clean, wide bands of color—a calm, balanced composition that honors tradition while feeling distinctly fresh. It’s a soothing, meditative make that invites you to slow down and savor the process.

Skill Level
Confident Beginner

What’s Included (and why you’ll love it)

• Step-by-step instructions for making a finished 65″ × 65″ quilt

• Clear cutting charts and piecing guidance

• Simple strip layout and assembly order for clean, straight seams

• Quilting and finishing instructions for tidy results

• Binding steps for a polished edge

• Printer-friendly PDF with clean, minimal layout

• 100% original pattern

• Downloadable PDF

Design Features

• Inspired by primitive pioneer strip quilts found in historical references

• Clean geometry with wide, grounding bands of color

• Works beautifully in solids, naturally dyed fabrics, or subtle prints

• Ideal for hand quilting or big-stitch finishing

Construction & Techniques

• ¼″ seam allowance throughout

• Straight-line strip piecing (no HSTs or complex units)

• Joining WOF strips to create full-length panels

• Pressing and trimming tips for a flat, square finish

• Binding directions for a neat, hand-finished edge

Materials & Specs

• Finished Size: 65″ × 65″

• All Exshaw Quilts patterns assume 42″ usable WOF and ¼″ seam allowance

• Fabric Requirements:

  • Blue — 3⅞ yd

  • Cream — 1¼ yd

  • Black — ⅞ yd

  • White — ¼ yd

  • Binding — ½ yd

  • Backing — 4⅛ yd

  • Batting — 4⅛ yd

There’s something grounding about sewing long, even seams—the hum of the machine, the steady rhythm of piecing. The Pioneer Quilt captures that feeling of quiet focus and simple satisfaction, bridging past and present one stitch at a time.

All sales are final. If you have questions before purchasing, please reach out—I want you to feel confident in your purchase.

Thank you so much for supporting my work. It means the world to me that something I designed might find its way into your everyday life.

With warmth,
Kim

Tag your finish with #PioneerQuilt and @exshaw so I can cheer you on.
This pattern is intended for personal use only.