Hey there,
Thank you so much for the warm reception of my Little Dove pattern!
Today I am going to show you two simple options on how you can add this precious little block into a larger quilt. As examples I am using Dragon Dreams and Unicorn Garden, two of my most popular patterns.
Ok, let's go!
A few notes before we start
You will need the following quilt patterns:
1. Little Dove: This quilt block pattern is part of the 2025 Quiltmas Spectacular, a collaborative pattern bundle curated by 12 international designers.
You can get it by signing up here.
2. Dragon Dreams (get the pdf or printed booklet) OR Unicorn Garden (get the pdf or printed booklet)
Fabric requirements:
Please add the fabric requirements of both patterns you're using. Essentially, you'll need those of Dragon Dreams or Unicorn Garden, plus an extra 1/4 yd (or FQ) of background fabric, and some extra scraps for the bird details.
Assembly method:
For both options, we are replacing a plain background piece from the original Dragon Dreams or Unicorn Garden pattern with a dove section (Little Dove block + extra background) of the same total dimensions.
Option 1: Sewing your dragon and dove quilt
1. Prepare all the pieces listed in Dragon Dreams, but instead of a dd piece, prepare the following background pieces:
BG1: 2 1/2" x 12 1/2" (1x)
BG2: 14 1/2" x 5 1/2" (1x)
BG3: 14 1/2" x 21" (1x)
(If you already cut a dd piece: you can use it to sub-cut BG1-BG3.)
2. Piece all the dragon sections as described in the Dragon Dreams pattern (steps 1-74).
3. Make a Little Dove block. You can probably use some of the off-cuts from piecing the dragon.
The branch detail is optional - below are also a few colour examples using a dove block without the branch.
4. Assemble your dove section:
RST, sew your BG1 piece to the left of your Little Dove block and press your seam towards the BG1 piece.
RST, sew your BG2 and BG3 pieces to the top and bottom of your dove section and press your seams towards the BG2 and BG3 pieces.
Your completed dove section should look like the diagram above and measure 14 1/2” x 38".
5. Follow the Dragon Dreams pattern (steps 75-82) to assemble your quilt top and use your dove section instead of the dd piece.
That's it! Baste your two friends and quilt and bind them with your preferred method.
And in case you'd appreciate a few more colour examples:
Option 2: Sewing your unicorn and dove quilt
1. Prepare all the pieces listed in Unicorn Garden, but instead of a bb piece, prepare the following background pieces:
BG1: 3 1/2" x 12 1/2" (1x)
BG2: 7" x 12 1/2" (1x)
BG3: 5" x 22" (2x)
(If you already cut a bb piece: you can use it to sub-cut BG1-BG3.)
2. Piece all the unicorn sections as described in the Unicorn Garden pattern (steps 1-59).
3. Make a Little Dove block. You can probably use some of the off-cuts from piecing the unicorn.
The branch detail is optional - below are also a few colour examples using a dove block without the branch.
4. Assemble your dove section:
RST, sew your BG1 and BG2 pieces to the left and right of your Little Dove block and press your seams towards the BG1 and BG2 pieces.
RST, sew your BG3 pieces to the top and bottom of your dove section and press your seams towards the BG3 pieces.
Your completed dove section should look like the diagram above and measure 22” (width) x 21 1/2" (height).
5. Follow the Unicorn Garden pattern (steps 60-67) to assemble your unicorn and use your dove section instead of the bb piece. Then, add the flower garland and complete the quilt top (steps 68-81).
That's it! Baste your two friends and quilt and bind them with your preferred method.
And in case you'd appreciate a few more colour examples:
I can't wait to see your versions!
Please share them using the hashtag #ApplesAndBeaversPatterns or more specifically #LittleDoveQuilt, #DragonDreamsQuilt or #UnicornGardenQuilt!