By Henry Joseph 
The trip around the world quilt is a fun and colorful quilt pattern that looks harder than it is. It’s made by sewing strips of fabric together and then cutting them into squares to form pretty patterns that move out from the center like ripples. If you’ve never made one before, don’t worry! This quilt is great for beginners and also perfect for using up scrap fabric you already have at home. Whether you like bright colors or soft ones, this pattern works with all types of fabric. Many quilters love it because every quilt looks different, even if you use the same steps. If you enjoy sewing and want to try something that looks amazing without being too tricky, this quilt is a great place to start.
When you make a trip around the world quilt, you’ll see how fun and relaxing it can be. You can plan out your colors so that they “travel” from the center to the outside, kind of like a journey around the world! That’s how it got its name. You start with long fabric strips, sew them into tubes, cut them, and then open them in different ways to create rows that look like diamonds or ripples. The best part is that you don’t need to sew tiny squares one by one. There’s a neat trick with tubes that makes the process faster and more fun. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to do it step by step, give tips for choosing colors, and share ideas to make your quilt extra special—even if it’s your first time quilting.
A trip around the world quilt is a pretty quilt design made from small squares that form circles or diamonds moving out from the center. It looks fancy, but it’s actually easy to sew. People love this quilt because it uses simple strip sewing tricks that save time. You don’t have to cut every little square one by one. Instead, you sew long strips, make tubes, and cut them into rows. Each row is opened in a different spot to make a pattern that spreads out like a ripple. This quilt is fun for both new and old quilters. It also helps use leftover fabric pieces, which makes it a smart and thrifty choice. Whether you use soft colors or bright ones, the quilt always turns out beautiful and cozy. That’s why quilters keep making it again and again!
The trip around the world quilt got its name because the pattern spreads out from the middle like a journey. When you look at the quilt, you’ll see rows of squares that go in all directions, like paths across a map. The colors move from the center and stretch out, kind of like traveling to faraway places. Each color row can feel like a stop on a trip, and when the quilt is done, it’s like you’ve made a full journey around the world with fabric. It’s a very old quilt style, but it’s still loved today because it’s easy to make and looks amazing. People from all over the world make this quilt, and they all give it their own twist. The name makes it feel fun, like you’re going on a sewing adventure from start to finish.
Before you begin your trip around the world quilt, you’ll need a few simple tools. First, get some fabric in different colors or prints. You’ll need strips about 2.5 inches wide and 18 inches long. You’ll also need a sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, and a rotary cutter with a cutting mat. A seam ripper helps with opening the tubes later. A ruler is useful for measuring your cuts and keeping things straight. You should also have an iron and ironing board ready for pressing the seams. A design wall or a big table is helpful for laying out your pieces and checking your color layout. If you’re quilting by hand or machine later, have batting and backing fabric ready. Keep everything organized and in one spot so it’s easy to work step by step. With these tools, you’re all set to start sewing your beautiful quilt.
Picking fabric for a trip around the world quilt is like picking colors for a painting. You want the colors to move from the middle to the outside in a pretty way. Choose one strong color to go in the center of each block or row—this helps the pattern “pop.” Then add lighter or darker colors around it. You can use bright colors for a fun quilt or soft colors for a calm one. You can even mix old fabric from your stash. Make sure the fabrics are all 100% cotton so they sew together well. You can pick solid colors or fun prints, just make sure they look good next to each other. Try laying out strips before you sew to see how the colors flow. Don’t worry too much—quilting is about having fun and being creative!
To make a trip around the world quilt, start by sewing 6 to 9 strips together side by side. Then fold them into a tube by sewing the first strip to the last. Press the seams neatly. Next, cut the tube into even sections about 2.5 or 4 inches wide. Now comes the fun part! Use a seam ripper to open each tube in a different spot to make rows with colors that “travel” across. Put the rows in order so the center color moves diagonally across the quilt. Sew the rows together one by one and press the seams as you go. Keep checking your pattern to make sure it looks right. When all the rows are sewn, you’ll see the diamond shapes forming. Add borders if you want, then quilt and bind. You did it—your fabric trip is complete!
To make your trip around the world quilt stand out, try this easy color trick: choose one color to repeat in the middle of each row. This becomes your “center color” and helps your quilt pattern look clean and bold. Bright colors like red or navy work great, but soft colors can also be pretty. Next, pick colors that look good next to each other. Try to mix lights, mediums, and darks so your quilt doesn’t look flat. You can also use prints, but don’t use too many that are too busy. Solids or small prints are easier to match. Lay your strips out before sewing to see if the colors blend nicely. Try different combos until you find one you like. This little bit of planning makes a big difference in how your quilt turns out!
When sewing a trip around the world quilt, it’s easy to make small mistakes, but they can be fixed. One common mistake is pressing all seams in the same direction—this makes it hard to match your blocks. Instead, press seams in opposite ways so they nest neatly. Another mistake is opening the strips in the wrong spot, which messes up the diamond pattern. Always double-check where you unpick each loop. Some people also forget to measure their cuts evenly, so use a ruler every time. Don’t rush when sewing your rows—keep them straight so the pattern lines up. Lastly, picking too many busy fabrics can make the quilt look messy. Keep your color plan simple. Making mistakes is part of learning, so don’t stress—just enjoy the process and have fun sewing!
You can make a trip around the world quilt even if you don’t have new fabric. Just use your leftover pieces! This is called a scrappy version and it’s one of the best ways to use fabric from old projects. Cut your scraps into strips that are all the same width, like 2.5 inches. Mix and match prints, solids, and colors. The more different they are, the more fun the quilt looks. To make it look neat, pick one color to repeat in the middle of each block or row. Even if your scraps are all different, that one repeating color helps tie it all together. It’s a great way to save money and make something special with what you already have. Plus, scrappy quilts always have a fun story behind them, and no two are ever the same!
Once your trip around the world quilt top is finished, it’s time to add the stitching! This part is called quilting. You can do it by hand or with a sewing machine. For beginners, straight lines or wavy lines are easy and look nice. You can sew down the lines between the rows or across the squares. If you have a walking foot on your machine, use it to help the fabric feed evenly. Some people send their quilts to longarm quilters who use big machines with fancy patterns. But you can do it at home, too! Use simple stitches that won’t take forever. The main goal is to hold all the layers together—top, batting, and back—so the quilt stays strong. Start in the center and work out to avoid wrinkles. When you’re done, your quilt will be soft, cozy, and ready to use!
The last step in finishing your trip around the world quilt is adding the backing and binding. The backing is the big piece of fabric that goes behind your quilt. Pick something soft like flannel or cotton. Make sure it’s a little bigger than the quilt top. Then put your quilt top, batting, and backing together like a sandwich. Pin or clip the layers to keep them from moving. After quilting, it’s time for binding—the strip that goes around the edges. You can buy pre-made binding or make your own by folding long fabric strips. Sew the binding all the way around the edge of the quilt to finish it neatly. Take your time with this part—it’s the final touch that makes your quilt look complete. Now you have a beautiful quilt ready for snuggles, gifts, or hanging on the wall!
Making a trip around the world quilt is like going on a fabric journey. You start with strips, sew them with love, and end up with something warm and beautiful. It’s not hard, and it’s super fun. You can use new fabric or even old leftovers, and every quilt you make will be different.
Even if this is your first time quilting, don’t be afraid. Just take it step by step and enjoy the sewing. Soon you’ll have a lovely quilt that you made with your own hands. And once you make one, you’ll want to make more and more!
Q: What is a trip around the world quilt?
A: It’s a quilt pattern where colors move out from the center like ripples, using strip piecing.
Q: Is it hard to make a trip around the world quilt?
A: No, it’s beginner-friendly and uses simple steps with fabric strips.
Q: How much fabric do I need?
A: About 6 to 9 different fabrics, 1/2 yard each, depending on the quilt size.
Q: Can I use fabric scraps?
A: Yes! This quilt is perfect for using leftover or scrap fabrics.
Q: Do I need a quilting machine?
A: No, you can quilt it by hand or use a regular sewing machine with straight stitches.