Bittersweet Quilt - Michelle’s Version

Villager

Apr 9

All things carry yin and embrace yang. They reach harmony by blending with the vital breath.

— Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Design Inspiration

The Bittersweet quilt is inspired by the idea that all aspects of existence contain both yin (passive) and yang (active) energies, and that true balance comes from the dynamic interaction and harmony of these opposites, not the dominance of one over the other. The Bittersweet quilt block, with its diagonal symmetry of mirrored negatives, symbolizes the importance of embracing both the light and dark in life.

Think of it like your quilt: the dark fabric defines the light, and the light makes the pattern created by the dark pieces shine. One cannot exist without the other, and their interplay is what creates harmony, balance, and a comprehensive overall design.

The Bittersweet block is part of the 2026 Hand + Soul Block of the Month. Join as an Explorer and get this pattern for free with the included quarterly quilt pattern benefit.

This particular quilt I named Michelle’s version after my mom. She was obsessed with the color blue - especially hues similar to the one used in this quilt - and her challenging battle with cancer and passing in 2024 taught me (and continues to teach me) so much about the bittersweetness of life.

Bittersweet Quilt Pattern (Download)

$14.00

The Bittersweet block is part of the 2026 Hand + Soul Block of the Month. Join as an Explorer and get this pattern for free with the included quarterly quilt pattern benefit.

About the design.

This simple and playful design is a quick project using traditional piecing with squares and half-square triangles (HSTs). The block also allows for playing with various overall designs, depending on how the blocks are oriented.

Learn more about the Bittersweet quilt samples pictured in the Studio Notes.

More about the Bittersweet quilt pattern.

Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructions for baby, throw, and king quilt sizes
Two-tone color way, with tips for making a scrappy version
Cutting diagrams help with efficient cutting and get you sewing sooner, with labels to help keep you organized
Coloring sheet to help get you started, with sample mockups for inspiration; plus, plan your quilt on PreQuilt!
Downloadable PDF

Materials & maker credits.

All fabrics in the quilts pictured are Art Gallery Fabrics.

Longarm quilting is by Gigi Thorsen using the Suzy Quilts Boho Birds pantograph by Sew Shabby Quilting and the Feathers and Triangles pantograph by The Dastardly Quilt Studio.

Details & Techniques

The Bittersweet quilt is a simple and playful design, and is a quick project using traditional piecing with squares and half-square triangles (HSTs). The block also allows for playing with various overall designs, depending on how the blocks are oriented.

This pattern includes three sizes - baby, throw, and king - and is perfect for the confident beginner looking to expand their skills. The Bittersweet quilt comes standard with instructions for this two-tone colorway, but also includes tips for creating a scrappy version!

Fabrics

The two-tone version of this quilt really allows your fabric choices to take center stage. With strong contrast between the two colors, the design shifts dramatically - highlighting the geometry of the blocks and creating a bold, graphic effect!

The quilt top is all Art Gallery Fabrics:
- Color 1: Various cream solids & prints:
- Color 2: North Star
The backing is AGF Bloomfall Twilight
Binding is AGF Shrimpy

Be sure to check out all the different versions of this pattern for more inspiration!

Quilting

This was quilted by Gigi Thorsen, using the Suzy Quilts Boho Birds by Sew Shabby Quilting. With the colors and design of this quilt being inspired by my mom, Michelle, I wanted to ensure the quilting design continued the theme. These beautiful, free-flying birds represent how I often think (and hope) she might be now: light, joyful, and keeping watch from above.