Bittersweet Quilt - Scrappy Version
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.
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.
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.
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 a two-tone colorway, but also includes tips for creating this scrappy version!
Fabrics
This scrappy version of this quilt allows for tons of color and play! With strong contrast between color 1 and the rest of the quilt, the design shifts dramatically - highlighting the geometry of the blocks and creating a bold, graphic effect!
The quilt top is all Art Gallery Fabrics:
The backing is AGF Moment of Zen Aqua
Binding is AGF Spruce
Be sure to check out all the different versions of this pattern for more inspiration!
Quilting
This was quilted by Gigi Thorsen, using the Feathers and Triangles pantograph by Dastardly Quilt Studio. I specifically chose this feather design both for its striking geometry and to represent the lightness that can be achieved when we embrace the full spectrum of life’s experiences.
Tools Used
Machine: Bernina 475QE
Piecing thread: Gutermann Sew All thread
Batting: Pellon White Cotton with scrim
Olfa 45mm rotary cutter & rotary mat
Adobe Illustrator for trusty mockups
