Hey there, quilty friend! 💕 The Always Together Quilt is more than just a pattern—it's a heartfelt tribute to the connections that keep us close, even when miles separate us. Inspired by my nephew's journey to college, this quilt embodies the comforting presence of loved ones, always together in spirit, no matter the distance.
The Story Behind the Quilt
This quilt holds a special place in my heart, symbolizing the ties that bind us to those we cherish. When my nephew left for college, I wanted to create something that would remind him—and anyone who needs it—that they are never alone.
Each block in the Always Together Quilt tells a story of connection and support, crafted from pairs of fabrics symbolizing two people, always together. As you piece these blocks together, you'll notice that there's no background fabric separating them. This intentional design choice represents our interconnected lives, where community and relationships are woven directly into the fabric of our existence. The repeated, yet random placement of fabrics throughout the quilt mirrors the beautiful chaos of our social tapestry; one where we are all interwoven in unexpected, yet meaningful ways. Whether you’re using this quilt to symbolize a relationship, a friendship, or even to honor someone who’s no longer with us, it’s a way to keep those connections close.
And here’s a sweet idea: why not make this quilt from clothing that holds special memories? Imagine stitching together pieces from a parent’s old plaid shirts, vintage fabric passed down from your grandma, or using fabrics that remind you of someone dear. It’s a beautiful way to weave your personal stories right into the quilt. 🌟
I thought you'd love to see a sweet photo of me and my nephew with his quilt.
The Fabric & Thread: A Blend of Comfort and Durability
For this quilt, I exclusively used soft, cozy wovens from Fableism. I love how these fabrics add warmth and texture, making the quilt feel like a comforting embrace. I wanted the earthy colors I selected for my cover quilt to create a sense of calm and connection.
If you love this fabric bundle, I have these exact Always Together Quilt Kits available HERE.
A Pattern for Every Quilter
The Always Together Quilt Pattern is designed to be as inviting as a cozy chat with a friend. It’s fat quarter and beginner-friendly, using traditional strip piecing, and comes in six different sizes—so whether you’re making a small keepsake or a big, snuggly bed quilt, you’ll find the perfect fit.
I’ve packed the pattern with clear instructions and detailed diagrams, making it a joy to sew, no matter your skill level. Plus, there’s plenty of room for you to add your own personal touches, making this quilt truly yours.
You can grab a copy of the Always Together Quilt Pattern HERE, if you don't already have it!
Making It Your Own: Tips and Techniques
One of the best things about the Always Together Quilt is how customizable it is. Here are a few tips to help you infuse your own story into every stitch:
- Mix and Match Fabrics: Don’t be afraid to mix different types of fabrics, such as flannels, wovens, linen, and cotton, to add texture and interest.
- Sentimental Fabrics: Incorporate fabrics that have special meaning to you, like pieces from a loved one’s clothing, to make the quilt even more personal.
- Quilting Designs: Keep it simple with straight lines, or go bold with a design that reflects the patterns in your fabrics. The choice is yours!
- Add a Quilt Label: Quilt labels are a way to make your heirloom forever identifiable. I like to add my name, year, the quilt pattern, and whomever I'm gifting it to. You can see the quilt label in the picture above on the quilt I gave my nephew.
When it came to stitching everything together, I reached for my trusty Aurifil 50 wt thread. It’s the thread I always turn to for piecing because it’s strong and reliable, just like the bonds this quilt represents.
I experimented with Aurifil 40 wt 3 Ply thread using my Juki Myabi J350QVP for longarm quilting. This thread added depth and dimension without overshadowing those lovely woven fabrics. I was surprised by how much tension I could use with a cotton thread and had no breaks!
The quilting was done using the Bubble Quintuple pantograph designed by Barbie Mills at The Quilting Mill—a nostalgic ode to childhood memories of blowing bubbles on carefree summer days. 🫧
But the story didn’t end there! My quilt then became an on-the-go, silent project when I began the hand quilting process. This is always one of my favorite parts—it’s like hitting the pause button on life, being fully present in every stitch.
For hand quilting, I used Aurifil 12 wt threads with a Chenille Size 24 needle and my favorite thimble and needle pullers from Dritz. Hand quilting along some of the lines from the machine quilting added a lovely texture and an extra handmade feel. Truly a labor of love.
The final touch? A stripey big stitch binding by hand, using that same Aurifil 12 wt thread.
Here are all the thread weights and colors I used in this project:
- Aurifil 50 wt – 2311 Muslin for piecing
- Aurifil 40 wt 3 Ply – 2315 Shell for longarm quilting
- Aurifil 12 wt for hand quilting and big stitch binding:
- 2215 Peach
- 2420 Light Blush
- 2155 Cinnamon
- 2335 Light Cinnamon
- 2375 Antique Blush
- 2405 Oyster
- 2125 Wheat
- 2205 Apricot
- 5022 Mustard
- 5006 Light Turquoise
- 4182 Dark Turquoise
- 5008 Sugar Paper
- 5007 Light Grey Blue
A Shoutout to My Amazing Pattern Testers
I’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredibly talented quilters who tested this pattern and helped bring it to life. Their feedback, creativity, and unique interpretations of the quilt have been invaluable. I couldn't wait to share more about each of them! Be on the lookout for more photos so you can see all the beautiful ways this quilt can be made!
Please be sure to check out these creative ladies and follow their quilting journeys. You will definitely be inspired!
- Allison @peonypedalquilts
- Etsy Fabric Shop | Peony Pedal Quilts - Always Together Baby Size Quilt Kit
- Melisa @dreamfarmquilts
- Melissa @quiltingabovetheclouds
- Tracey @ttabes80
Resources
Ready to start your Always Together Quilt? Here are some of the materials and tools I used, along with affiliate links to help you get started:
- Always Together Quilt Pattern - PDF
- Cover Quilt Fabric Kit – Throw Size
- Cover Quilt Fabric Kit – Mini OR Baby Size - Remi Vail Studio
- Quilt Fabric Kit - Baby Size - Peony Pedal Quilts
- Aurifil 50 wt Thread (piecing)
- Aurifil 40 wt 3 Ply Thread (longarm quilting)
- Aurifil 12 wt Thread (hand quilting, big stitch binding)
- Dritz Soft Comfort Thimble - Small, Medium, Large
- Dritz Silicone Thimbles
- Clover Chenille Size 24 Needle
Join the Community: #AlwaysTogetherQuilt
As you create your Always Together Quilt, I encourage you to share your progress and finished quilts on Instagram using the hashtags #AlwaysTogetherQuilt, #RemiVailStudio, and #RemiVailStudioPatterns. Be sure to tag me @RemiVailStudio—I can’t wait to see how you bring your own stories and connections to life through this pattern. Your creativity always inspires me!
If you need some inspiration check out #AlwaysTogetherQuilt on Instagram.
This quilt is more than just fabric and thread—it’s a celebration of the ties that bind us, a reminder that we’re always together, no matter where life takes us.
Happy quilting, my friend! 🧵✨
xo,
Tamara @remivailstudio
There are affiliate links in this blog post that I may earn a commission from if you purchase after clicking. This has in no way swayed my recommendations for resources. It is exactly what I use in my own sewing room.
