If you love clean lines, vibrant colors, and an easy-to-follow construction process, the Beaded Lanterns quilt pattern might just become your next favorite project. Designed by Christa Watson from Christa Quilts, this stunning pattern blends traditional piecing with a fresh, modern aesthetic that’s perfect for showcasing your favorite fabric strips.
A Striking Lantern-Inspired Design
The Beaded Lanterns quilt is composed of two simple block types: the Lantern block and the Square block. Each Lantern block is constructed from matching fabric strips, giving the quilt its signature beaded appearance. Set in a half-drop layout and surrounded by floating borders, the final design is both symmetrical and dynamic—ideal for modern quilt lovers.
Finished Size and Fabric Requirements
The finished quilt measures 62″ x 80″, making it a perfect throw or twin-size quilt. You’ll need 36 print strips (2½” x 42″) for the blocks, along with a contrasting background fabric—gray is suggested for maximum impact. The design cleverly uses the popular 2½” strip precuts, often referred to as Jelly Rolls, so it’s also a great stash-buster.
Easy Construction with a Professional Finish
This quilt is beginner-friendly but offers enough variation to keep advanced quilters engaged. The blocks are pieced using quarter-inch seams, and Christa recommends pressing seams open for a flatter quilt top, which is especially helpful when quilting on a domestic machine.
The border and block layout make this project feel polished, while also allowing quilters to experiment with scrappy variations or themed colorways.
Quilting and Finishing Touches
Christa suggests a quilting plan that starts with “stitch in the ditch” techniques and adds beautiful free-motion motifs like pebbles and wishbone designs. Her thoughtful quilting guidance ensures even beginner quilters can achieve a show-stopping finish.
Binding is done with leftover strips from the background fabric, and you can find Christa’s full tutorial for binding and basting on her website.
Why You’ll Love It
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Beginner-friendly: Simple blocks and clear instructions
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Scrap-friendly: Great for using 2½” strips or Jelly Rolls
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Modern design: A bold, floating layout that’s visually striking
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Customizable: Play with color or prints to suit any style
