Excavator Quilt Pattern

My pattern, Excavator Quilt, represents my family. Each family has their own unique characteristics

that define who they are at the core. For my family, it’s construction and these are the characteristics I associate with the industry and my family – hard work, tenacity and problem-solving.

My original sketch for this quilt was done in my black and white grid-lined notebook using colored pencils. It took several iterations to get the proportions right on the excavator. In fact, once the squares were laid out on the floor and I was ready to start piecing them, I made a final modification to the design, cut more squares and then got to work.

While ultimately it is a pixelated quilt, I chose to use one fabric for each section. Moda Grunge by BasicGrey has a unique texture. Every square I cut looked different and had a very gritty, construction feel.

My inspiration behind Excavator Quilt was my brother. I spent more than two years trying to figure

out a quilt design to make for him. While my brother would appreciate anything that I put the time and effort into making, he’s not a particularly expressive person. I wanted a design that he would really think was neat. So, I just didn’t make one for a long time. Then finally inspiration struck for an excavator as my brother has been involved in construction since he was a kid.

I took great care in the design and fabric selection as well as constructing this quilt. It was met with a very pleased and appreciative response from my brother (win!). This was not a design I created originally to become a pattern. However, since I had already documented each step, I decided later on to make it into one as I figured there might be a handful of people who have loved ones in the construction industry, or even a construction-loving kid, who would love this quilt.

I hope you enjoy making this quilt. And I hope the recipient is just as pleased and appreciative as my

brother in receiving this quilt.

Use the hashtag #ExcavatorQuilt and tag @maeberrysquare on Instagram when you share your version of this quilt!

Purchase this pattern in my Etsy shop.

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