How To Make a DIY Wood Quilt Pattern

It may seem strange to create a quilt out of wood, but wood quilt designs do precisely that. These quaint and crafty structures add thoughtful, homespun charm to your home’s entry. DIY wood quilt patterns combine the traditional art of quilting with woodworking, resulting in striking, one-of-a-kind pieces.

In this article and accompanying video above, This Old House editor Michelle Brunner shows us how to craft a beautiful wood quilt for a front porch using a mix of waxed, stained, and milk-painted boards.

*Cost information in this article sourced from estimates used by Angi and HomeGuide.

Materials and Tools Needed To Make a Wood Quilt

Before diving into the project, gather the following materials:

• 1/2-inch plywood (32 inches by 32 inches for this project)
• Lauan sheets
• Panel adhesive
• Paneling strips
• Shelf edge trim
• Stain, wax, and milk paint (for finishing)
• Wood glue

Additionally, you’ll need these tools:

• Brad nailer
• Chip brush
• Circular saw
• Miter saw
• Pencil
• Rags
• Straight-edge

Planning Your Wood Quilt Design

The first step in creating a wood quilt is planning your design. While this project focuses on an eight-point star pattern, you can experiment with different designs.

Choosing a Pattern

When selecting a pattern for your wood quilt, you must account for a few factors. These include the type and color of wood available to you, how experienced you are at woodworking, how complex the design is, and the dimensions of your plywood base.

For beginners, simpler geometric patterns like squares or triangles might be easier to execute. As you gain experience, you can move on to more intricate designs, such as the eight-point star shown in this project.

Selecting Wood Types

Your choice of wood will significantly impact your wood quilt’s appearance.

We recommend the following species:

• Cedar for its natural weather resistance (ideal for outdoor projects)
• Oak for a more pronounced grain pattern
• Pine for a light, natural look
• Reclaimed wood for a rustic, eco-friendly option

Creating the Wood Quilt Base

It’s important to get the foundation of your wood quilt right because without a trustworthy base, the whole project will fall apart.

Follow these steps to create a solid base:

1. Cut a 32-inch by 32-inch square from 1/2-inch plywood using a circular saw.
2. Find the center of the square by drawing an X from corner to corner using a straight edge.
3. Draw a cross over the X, connecting the midpoints of each side of the square.

This grid will serve as a guide for your star pattern and help ensure symmetry in your design.

Laying Out the Star Pattern

With your base prepared, it’s time to create the star pattern that will be the centerpiece of your wood quilt.

1. Place two-panel strips side by side against one of the diagonal lines.
2. Draw a line along the edge that’s not resting on the diagonal.
3. Flip the paneling across the diagonal line and draw another line on the other side.
4. Repeat this process for all vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines to create the eight-point star shape.
5. Once you’ve finished the star, darken the outline to make it more visible.

Cutting and Fitting the Wood Pieces

Now that you have a roadmap, it’s time to cut the wood pieces that will form your quilt.

1. Lay panel strips over the star pattern and mark your cut lines.
2. Set your miter saw to a 45-degree angle.
3. Cut the paneling pieces according to your markings.

Testing Your Layout

First, position all wooden pieces onto the base without adhesive to ensure they fit well together. Correct any pieces that don’t line up before applying wood glue.

Sanding Edges

After cutting, lightly sand the edges of each piece to remove any splinters or rough areas. This small but impactful step will make the assembly process smoother and result in a professional-looking final product.

Assembling the Wood Quilt

With all your pieces cut and fitted, it’s time to assemble your wood quilt. Use the following steps to assemble:

1. Apply panel adhesive to the back of each piece.
2. Carefully place each piece onto the plywood base, following your star pattern.
3. Fill out the rest of the quilt with lauan pieces cut to size.
4. Apply shelf edge trim to the edges using wood glue and secure with a brad nailer.

Confirm you’ve attached and aligned all pieces correctly before moving to the finishing stage.

Finishing Your DIY Wood Quilt Pattern

Now that you have your wood piece in place, it’s time to finish the wood. Use the following steps to put the finishing touches on your one-of-a-kind wood quilt.

Choosing Your Finish

Depending on the finish you want, you can use paint for bold and solid colors, polyurethane for a water-resistant seal, stain to enhance the wood’s natural grain, and wax for moisture protection and a subtle sheen.

For this project, we used a mix of stain, wax, and milk paint to create a varied, rustic look.

Applying the Finish

1. Wipe down your wood quilt so that it has a clean, dust-free surface.
2. Apply your chosen finishes in thin, even coats.
3. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
4. Sand lightly between coats if needed for a smoother finish.

Safety Precautions While Making a Wood Quilt

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), wood dust is a carcinogen and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. To prevent any harm to your body, use the following tips:

• Use gloves when handling any wood stain to prevent it from getting onto your skin.
• Wear a dust mask or respirator when cutting wood.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each product.

Displaying Your Wood Quilt

Once your wood quilt is complete and fully dried, it’s time to display your handiwork. Consider these placement options:

• Hang it on an interior wall as a focal point
• Mount it on your front porch for a unique welcome sign
• Place it above a headboard in your bedroom

Mounting Tips

When mounting your wood quilt, use hardware with a weight-bearing capacity that can support your piece. Use wall anchors for heavy pieces, and consider weather-resistant mountings for outdoor displays. For safety and to prevent damage to your home and the quilt, anchor the hanging hardware in wall studs, not drywall or hollow wall.

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