Stitching the Southwest, Part Four: The Guitar

Rhythm of the Southwest, the Guitar Quilt Block 🎸🌵

Good morning, creative quilters of Stitching the Southwest!

Today, things get musical, because our Quilt Along is picking up a very special sound: I’m introducing the guitar quilt block, a motif that stands for campfire evenings, endless roads, dust on your boots, and music under the open sky.

A life without music? Hardly imaginable.

A Southwest quilt without a guitar? Just as unthinkable! Whether folk, country, mariachi, or blues, the guitar simply belongs in this quilt. It tells stories of freedom, longing, and life on the road. That’s exactly the feeling I wanted to capture with this quilt block.

“Music Is The Space Between The Notes” – Claude Debussy

And if you’re wondering whether a guitar really “works” in a quilt: Oh yes! 🎶

With clean lines, calm areas, and carefully placed contrasts, it becomes a strong graphic element, while at the same time bringing a whole lot of soul into the quilt.

Guitar Quilt Block Pattern

The guitar quilt block is sewn once in the Stitching the Southwest Quilt and creates a deliberate accent between the geometric Aztec, boots, and cactus blocks.

The pattern is part of the ‘Stitching the Southwest quilt pattern collection’, but of course, it’s also available individually.

You can find the complete Southwest Trails pattern here (use code SOUTHWEST to get 20% off).

The guitar pattern on its own is available here.

Extra Tip

This block works beautifully on its own, for example, as a:

• Mini quilt
• Pillow cover
• Or a mega glow-up for a denim jacket 🙂

We’re Sewing the Guitar Quilt Block

Fabric Selection

Here’s my fabric choice for the Guitar quilt block (12″ x 12″). As you know, I used Riley Blake Designs fabrics, and I’m listing the original color names for you.

As always, the rule is simple: Anything goes—as long as it sounds like music and the Southwest to you! 🎶🌵

Guitar Quilt Block Fabrics:

• Sparkler Beach (background)
• Dapple Dot Canyon Rose (guitar body)
• Sparkler White (neck)
• Cinnamon (headstock)
• Dapple Dot Raisin (tuning pegs)
• Burgundy (sound hole)

Sewing Instructions (FPP)

1. Only print the pattern segments that are actually sewn, that means all parts with letters and numbers.

2. For the 12″ x 12″ block, some segments need to be glued together. Please don’t use tape, as the block will be pressed several times.

3. Lay out all segments according to the numbered overview. This helps you keep track, especially with the neck, body, and strings.

4. Some segments consist of just one fabric piece with no seams. You can:

• secure them wrong sides together with a fabric glue stick, or
• pin them in place

5. Now sew all segments in the order you prefer.

6. Join the segments following the instructions. Once again:

• Remove the paper from the seam allowances
• Press a lot → flat & precise

And just like that, the guitar is finished! 🎸✨

Ready to accompany the quilt with a little music and soul.

This fantastic block was sewn by Alex @Sew_fluff_and_fold

Well… who wouldn’t want this denim jacket for the next summer festival?

Or maybe you’d rather keep it cozy on the terrace, sipping a hot chocolate and admiring your quilt?