meet
knightley

The Knightley quilt was inspired by heraldry and the symbol often associated with medieval knights, the outlined cross. Who could have inspired me to think of knights?? Mr. Knightley of course!! The dashing Mr. Knightley plays the part of a knight, continually standing up for what is right, and proper and trying (usually in vain) to teach his dear Emma what is good for her. Spoiler alert…she gets there eventually.

Mr. Knightley and Emma’s love story is one of my true favorites because it’s so real! They have known each other almost all their lives, know each other’s faults and imperfections but despite all that, or maybe because of it, they find love in each other. I love that moment when Emma finally realizes where her heart truly belongs. Mr. Knightley’s patience and unending love for her might make him my favorite Austen hero of all.

Here’s a peek into my inspiration for this quilt. The outlined cross you see in the top center of this stained glass was the starting point for the final Knightley Quilt pattern.

The Knightley quilt pattern includes the following sizes:

Pillow: 24″ x 24″
Baby: 40″ x 40″
Throw: 56″ x 72″
Twin: 64″ x 88″

There are also three versions of the pattern that can be made in all 4 sizes so you could potentially make 12 different quilts with this one pattern.

"And you cannot call me 'George' now?"
"Impossible! - I can never call you anything but 'Mr. Knightley'"

Jane Austen,
emma

Traditional

The traditional, 4-color version of the Knightley quilt is beautiful in its simplicity. The traditional version would make a gorgeous bed quilt or throw pillow and makes simple yet stunning decor.

fat Quarter Friendly

With only 9 FQs and some background fabric, you can make this beautiful version of the Knightley quilt. I love the movement of the colors in this ombre version, but the possibilities are truly endless. You know you’ve got a FQ bundle you’ve been waiting to use and this is the perfect pattern!

scrappy or Fat Eighth friendly

Is that scrap drawer getting out of hand?? Yeah, mine too. No worries dear friend, dig through that stash and find your 16 favorites to make up a stunningly sweet Knightley quilt. Your scrap drawer with thank you.

traditional
4 color version

There’s something so classic about a simple, limited color quilt that reminds me of vintage heirloom quilts. The traditional version of the Knightley quilt uses strip piecing technique so it comes together quite quickly and is perfect for a beginner quilter too!

Mary @RosieGirlQuilting chose such a perfect palette for her Knightley quilt. The tone on tone beige with the soft gray/blue background is so pretty and extremely versatile. This quilt would look beautiful with almost any home decor.

You can get a kit for this version HERE from Rosie Girl Quilting for the throw size quilt.

I love seeing Ellen’s @EllenRoseQuilts Knightley pillow already sitting on her couch and looking so beautifully coordinated with her other decor. You can see how she pulled a few colors from her existing pillows and then added that gorgeous deep purple/plum color for the background for a beautiful pop of color. The quilting on this really makes it a showstopper!

If you’ve been here a while you know that I love collaborating with Victoria @midlife_quilter !! We both have such a romantic sensibility and that shows perfectly in this quilt. The sweet floral and woodsy colors transport you to Box Hill with Emma and Mr. Knightley, enjoying the delights of nature.

You can get the kit for this throw size quilt HERE.

Fat Quarter
friendly

Don’t you just love using up a fat quarter bundle you’ve been saving up? Finding the perfect pattern to showcase all those gorgeous prints? Me too. Knightly is the perfect pattern for a fat quarter bundle because you can showcase that perfect print you’ve been saving. The throw size quilt calls for 8 FQs for the plus blocks and one more for the center squares.

I initially made this version as a mock up to include in the pattern, but I was so in love with it that I knew I had to make a version of it. I love these warm colors and the gradual movement from dark to light.

I collaborated with Jennyth @PasadenaQuiltStudio who has kits available HERE for this version in a throw size featuring all Art Gallery Fabric pure solids.

One of my favorite things about the Knightley pattern is that it really showcases your prints, as you can see in this version made by Amy @AmyJohnstonRobertson. Don’t these colors and prints make the perfect baby quilt?? This one is gender neutral and it has some charming prints that give it that extra special touch. And can we just admire that speckled background?? Perfection.

I’m pretty smitten with this adorable pom pom fringe!! How adorable is this?? Amanda @graccione really added the perfect touch of whimsey. Her florals and colors make the happiest little Knightley pillow.

And you can see Amanda’s Uppercross quilt here in the background. These patterns go together so beautifully. You can get a bundle of these two patterns HERE.

Kristin Quinn @KristinQuinnCreative used the most beautiful color palette of golds, greens and pinks for her version of the Knightley quilt. I love all the sweet florals. Wouldn’t this be perfect for a little girl’s room??

A throw quilt kit is available HERE from her shop.

Farrah Briggs @Farrah.Handmade was inspired by actual coats of arms and did a heraldry inspired pull for her Knightly Quilt. I just love the result! This ties in so well with the theme of knights fighting for honor and family and country, which is especially poignant in our current times.

Fat eighth or
scrappy version

I’m all about using up my scraps. I mean, if you’re anything like me you have bins overflowing with scraps and remnants. Ready to use those pretties up?? Knightley is the perfect scrap buster pattern. You can use 16 FE size pieces of fabric or make 32 unique plus blocks. You could even use similar color scraps in one block. I really hope somebody makes a super scrappy version, and when you do please let me see it!!

When I saw this bundle of woven linen fabric from Cottoneer Fabric I immediately snatched it up with no idea what I was going to use it for. But then I started writing this pattern and…you know what happened. This gorgeous stack got turned into one of my favorite quilts to date. I love the fun scrappiness of this quilt and all the different colors make it so happy.

If Cottoneer ever restocks this bundle, I’ll make sure to spread the news.

As I had hoped one of my testers would do, Alicia @ModernVintageHandmade rooted through her scrap bins and came up with this gorgeous selection of florals and prints. And then she took the most beautiful photos against the red rock and the colors of the quilt pop! I hope this inspires you in your own quest for the perfect scraps.

I hope you love this new pattern and enjoy making it as much as I did. Fabric requirements are listed here. Please comment below with any questions. I can’t wait to see all your beautiful Knightley quilts!

"I cannot make speeches Emma... If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more."

Jane Austen,
emma

quilt kits:

Traditional 4-color version by Midlife Quilter available HERE.

Fat Quarter ombre version by Pasadena Quilt Studio, curated by Sara Lucille Handmade available HERE.

Fat Quarter version by Kristin Quinn Creative available HERE.

Traditional 4-color version by Rosie Girl Quilting available HERE.

I hope you feel inspired to make your own Knightley quilt! Thank you for being here and for all the encouragement. I couldn’t do what I love without your support!! Happy Sewing!

xoxo, Sara Marie

Knightley Quilt