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The Map Quest Quilt is a 24 × 34-inch United States wall hanging made with a printed Explore America fabric panel. To make it, trim the panel, layer it with batting and backing, quilt it with lines no more than four inches apart, then bind it. Embroidery and buttons can turn the map into a record of trips and landmarks.
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What fabric panel do you need for a map quilt?
The project uses an Explore America fabric panel as the map surface, with solid brown fabric for the backing and binding. The pattern identifies the Explore America and Kona Cotton collections as Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Its materials list calls for:
- One Explore America fabric panel
- 1½ yards of solid brown fabric for backing and binding
- 32 × 42 inches of 80/20 quilt batting; Fairfield Soft N Crafty Cotton Quilter’s 80/20 Batting is given as an example
- Optional embroidery floss and small buttons for personalizing the map
The pattern lists a finished size of 24 × 34 inches. It does not establish current stock or dimensions for panels now being sold, so check that a panel has enough usable fabric for the project’s 24 × 34-inch cutting target before buying. The instructions below are from the AllPeopleQuilt Map Quest Quilt pattern, updated February 11, 2025.
#1 Best Overall
- The National Parks collection by the Anderson Design Group for Riley Blake Designs is great for quilting, apparel and home decor. This panel features a map of the national parks in the United States of America bordered by national park posters. Panel size is 36" x 43 1/2". Official licensed product. Not intended for commercial use.
- Washing Instructions: Machine Wash Cold / Tumble Dry Low
- 36" x 43.5''
How do you make a map quilt?
1. Trim the panel
Cut around the map panel, leaving ½ inch outside its brown frame lines. The pattern says this produces a 24 × 34-inch panel.
2. Personalize the map, if desired
If you plan to embroider routes or landmarks, do that before assembling the quilt sandwich. An embroidery hoop helps keep the fabric taut while you work.
Rank #2
- Sold in one yard increments - Multiple yard orders will come in one piece; e.g. Quantity 3 will come as a 3 yard piece
- Quilt quality, New off bolt!
- 100% Cotton
- 45 inches wide
- Machine wash cold/easy care
3. Layer and pin
On a flat surface, place the backing, batting, and map panel in layers. Smooth the layers, then pin every four inches, working from the center outward.
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4. Quilt the layers
Stitch or quilt as desired. The pattern’s example follows state lines and outlines the country, compass shapes, Alaska, and Hawaii. Keep quilting lines no more than four inches apart: the close spacing helps support the wall hanging’s weight when it is hung.
Rank #3
- Sold in one yard increments - Multiple yard orders will come in 1 Yard Precuts
- Quilt quality, New off bolt!
- 100% Cotton
- 45 inches wide
- Machine wash cold/easy care
5. Trim and bind
After quilting, trim excess batting and backing so the piece measures 24 × 32 inches. Join the binding strips and fold them into a 1¼-inch double-fold strip. Sew the binding to the quilt with a ¼-inch seam, mitering the corners, then hand-stitch it to the back.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can you add travel routes and landmarks to a quilt?
Use embroidery and small embellishments to mark meaningful places, then add new details as travel expands. The pattern suggests marking routes with a water-soluble marker, stitching over the lines with white No. 5 perle cotton, and removing the marks according to the marker manufacturer’s instructions.
Rank #4
- 100% Cotton Fabric.
- 42'' wide. Fabric is sold by the yard and cut to order. For example, order of 1 yard (Qty=1) is 36" x 42"'. Order of 3 yards (Qty=3) is 108" x 42". Maximum bolt size: 8 Yards
- Perfect for quilts, home décor accents, craft projects...
- Fabric Care Instructions: Machine Wash Cold / Tumble Dry Low
Its examples include yellow French knots and green stem stitches to represent Iowa corn, buttons at state capitals, and brown, red, and blue split stitches for Minnesota hockey sticks. Choose motifs that fit your own trips and keep them small enough not to obscure the map’s printed details.
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Best Value
- SOFT YET STURDY 100% COTTON FABRIC: Our breathable soft cotton fabric by the yard measures 44/45 inches wide, providing a durable and versatile cotton material for all your crafting needs
- VIBRANT PRINT CLARITY: Our natural cotton fabric features a stunningly clear and vibrant print that brings your creative projects to life; ideal map fabric for sewing, for making garments and home décor
- CONVENIENT CONTINUOUS CUT: Order multiple yards and receive your cotton print fabric by the yard in one continuous piece; ideal for larger projects without interruptions
- VERSATILE USAGE: This printed cotton fabric is suited for a wide range of applications; it makes a great quilting fabric, for fashion apparel to crafts; unleash your creativity with our versatile all cotton fabric
- EASY CARE: Machine wash cold for effortless maintenance, ensuring your cotton material fabric stays vibrant and soft, wash after wash
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
