A Quilt Inspired by Family, Memory, and the Magic of Simple Stitches

Some quilts do more than warm your lap—they warm your heart. That’s exactly what Norma’s Patchwork is all about.

This pattern was inspired by a photo of a quilt found at my Grandma Norma’s home. I was instantly drawn to its simplicity—a classic checkerboard layout made with alternating squares. It felt familiar, cozy, and rooted in tradition. I hadn’t seen the quilt in person, only in that single photo, but it came a passion project for me when my mom asked if I would make her a quilt pattern out of it so she could recreate one for herself. So I began designing a pattern that captured its spirit: timeless, humble, and full of heart.

Then something unexpected happened.

A Surprise Discovery

One afternoon, my cousin came over, and I was excitedly showing her my newest pattern. I made my first version of this quilt over a year ago. I had just quitled it up and pulled it off my machine. I told her about the photo and showed her my finihsed quilt and also the photo of the quilt my mom shared with me. When I showed her the photo, her eyes lit up.
“I HAVE THAT QUILT!” she exclaimed.

Neither of us knew who the original maker was, but she brought the quilt over a few weeks later—and suddenly, the design I’d imagined came to life in my hands. I had the chance to spend time with it, admire the worn fabrics, feel the gentle softness of years of use, and study the beautifully hand-stitched binding.

It was a quiet, almost sacred moment. A reminder that quilts are more than fabric and thread—they are stories. They are love stitched into every seam. 

The Pattern

Norma’s Patchwork is my way of honoring that quilt and the mystery maker behind it. It’s a simple design—perfect for beginners, soothing for seasoned quilters, a fun way to connect with the past. 

✨ Checkerboard layout with alternating squares
✨ Beginner-friendly and quick to sew
✨ Layercake friendly—great for mixing prints or going scrappy
✨ Timeless and cozy, with that treasured heirloom feel

Whether you're making it to remember someone, to gift to someone special, or just because you love the clean, classic look, this quilt is a joy to create.

A Quilt to Be Treasured

We may never know exactly who stitched the original version of this quilt, but their work lives on. It lives on in stitches, in stories, in shared moments between cousins, and now—maybe—in your hands, too. This is also a reminder to me that I need to start labeling my own quilts so someday when someone finds them they will know who's hands made it. 

I hope you’ll make Norma’s Patchwork your own and start a new chapter in its story.

Just a few details about the quilt I made in case you wanted to create on in similar fabrics. I made this version using a Laker Cake from the Oh Lucky Lucky Warp and Weft collection designed by Alexia Abegg for Ruby Star Society. The backgrounds fabrics are from the Solid Warp and Weft Woven collection also from Alexia and RSS. 

I quilted this quilt with Winline Textiles 100% bamboo batting. I also used a Rayon backing that I had been hoarding from a different Alexia collection... and let me just tell you.. That Woven Fabric + Bamboo Batting + Rayon Backing = the dreamiest combination. I love how soft and drapey this thing is. I can't wait to use it. Its going to be a great summer quilt this year. 

We quilted this up using the Orange Leaf Panto from Karlee Porter. 

Get the pattern here → https://knotandthread.com/collections/pdf-patterns/products/normas-patchwork-pdf-pattern
And don’t forget to tag your creations with #NormasPatchwork—we’d love to see your take on this special design.