The Giant Dahlia quilt is a classic, visually stunning medallion project that transforms a bed or wall into a blooming garden. This intricate pattern features a central flower with radiating petals that create a sense of movement and depth. While it is traditionally considered an advanced project due to its curved piecing, modern templates and precise instructions make it an achievable masterpiece for dedicated quilters looking to level up their skills.
This specific pattern allows you to play with color gradients, ranging from soft pastels to bold, vibrant solids. The construction relies on repeating segments that eventually form a large, circular motif, which is then set into a square background. Because the central design is so impactful, this quilt often serves as a focal point in a room, draped over a bed or displayed as a significant piece of textile art.
Giant Dahlia Quilt
One of the reasons the Giant Dahlia remains a favorite in the quilting world is its versatility. By varying the fabric choices, you can create a traditional Amish-style look with dark backgrounds and bright solids, or a modern aesthetic using contemporary prints. The pattern consists of multiple “rounds” of petals, allowing you to experiment with color theory and value to make the flower appear to pop off the surface.
The color palette in this version is truly inspiring, utilizing a sophisticated mix of cool blues and warm pinks. From an expert’s point of view, the contrast between the saturated “petals” and the lighter background provides an excellent visual balance. This specific combination would look absolutely stunning in a master bedroom, adding a touch of elegance and handcrafted warmth to a neutral space.
Technical Details and Fabric Requirements
To succeed with this design, precision is your best friend. The curved seams require careful pinning and a consistent 1/4-inch seam allowance. Since the pattern involves many small pieces that join at the center, using a thin, high-quality 50wt cotton thread can help reduce bulk at the intersections. If you enjoy this style of medallion work, you might also find interest in exploring other intricate designs like the Amish Dahlia Quilt Block or traditional Star Quilt patterns.
When selecting your fabrics, look for high-quality quilting cotton that holds its shape well during curved piecing. A mix of small-scale prints and tonal solids usually works best to define the individual petals without distracting from the overall flower shape. If you are looking for more project ideas, check out our collection of Free Quilt Patterns to find your next inspiration.
The detail in the petal assembly is where the artistry truly shines. Notice how the subtle shift in tones creates a three-dimensional effect, making the flower look as if it is in full bloom. For the best results, I suggest using this quilt as a “showpiece” draped over the back of a sofa or a cozy reading chair; it is an ideal piece for year-round use because its floral theme feels fresh in spring but cozy in winter.
Tips for Success
- Starch is Essential: Use a fabric starch or sizing spray on your fabric before cutting. This stabilizes the bias edges and prevents stretching during curved piecing.
- Accurate Templates: Ensure your printer is set to “Actual Size” when printing the PDF templates to maintain precise measurements.
- Pin Generously: When matching curves, use pins at the start, center, and end of the seam to ensure the fabric feeds evenly through the machine.
- Pressing Matters: Press seams toward the darker fabric or open to reduce bulk at the petal intersections.
For those who are new to curves, practicing on a smaller quilt block before tackling the full Giant Dahlia can build your confidence. This pattern is essentially a series of wedges, so once you master one segment, the rest of the project follows the same rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the skill level for the Giant Dahlia quilt?
This pattern is generally considered Intermediate to Advanced because it involves curved piecing and matching many points in a central medallion. However, patient beginners can succeed by following the templates carefully.
Can I use fat quarters for this pattern?
Yes, many of the petal pieces are small enough to be cut from fat quarters, making it a great way to use a coordinated fabric bundle. Check the official pattern for the exact yardage needed for the background and borders.
How do I prevent the center from becoming too bulky?
Using a thinner thread and pressing your seams open at the very center where the petals meet can help the quilt top lie flat. Some quilters also prefer to “swirl” the seams at the center point.
Seeing the finished project in a bedroom setting highlights why this design has remained popular for decades. It possesses a timeless quality that bridges the gap between heritage quilting and modern home decor. My personal styling tip: choose a background fabric with a subtle texture—like a marble or linen look—to give the “flower” an even more realistic, organic appearance against the solid space.
Whether you are making this as a gift or for your own home, the Giant Dahlia is a rewarding project that truly showcases your growth as a sewist. Take your time with the cutting and pinning, and you will be rewarded with an heirloom-quality quilt that will be cherished for generations. Happy quilting!
I can’t find a way to get it!!
It’s not really a pattern that we can say “it’s easy” because it’s actually not as simple as we think. But if you follow the PDF to the letter I’m sure you can do it!
How can I actually get the pdf? I can’t find a link to the pattern.
Hey Carol in last page you have botton with link.
I would like to do but cannot seem to print
Pattern off
see your mail ^^
Please send me the Giant Dhalia pattern.
[email protected]
Pls see your mail, you have pattern
I’ve tried everything to get the download. Nothing works. Please send me the pattern for the Giant Dhalia Pattern. Thank you!!!!!!!!
Hello Vickie see you mail, you have the pattern now!
please send the pattern
SEe your mail pls
this is beautiful
Hello, please email the pattern. Thank you
Hey Jackie see you mail ples
please send me the Giant Dahlia pattern
Hello Martha, the pattern sent for you pls see you mail.
Can you send me the Thalia quilt pattern. Thanks, Aggie Howard
Aggie the pattern sent for your. If no receive pls comment here new time.
Cant find /download Giant Dhalia pattern. please send to email below.
Thanks.
Check your mail Cheryl pls!
Can you please send me the pattern.
thank you in advance!!
Susan see your mail pls, really was sent for you.
Can’t find the link for getting the giant dahlia pattern. Please help.
Gail, pls see you time your mail. Here talk was sent.
hello mam i cant find the gaint dahila pattern can you send me 🥺
Annie, pls see you time your mail. Here talk was sent.
Please send pattern
pls see yout mail, Joann, was sent for you
Please send me your free dahlia quilting pattern. I think it is beautiful. Hope I can make it.
Louise pls see your mail, was sent.
Please email pattern. I love it.
Susan the mail was sent for you, pls see new time, if no, pls back here and comment
Love this can’t wait to make it
I can’t seem to get the Giant Dahlia link. Please help
see your mail pls Sue
I was just browsing your group after it popped into my email.
I love all your beautiful quilts and would love to try some. My first love though is the Giant Dahlia, however I can’t find the download link.
Could I please, please get the pattern?
Blessings
Glad you liked the patterns. The one you want has been sent to you, and in a few days we will update the PDF to an even more complete one.
i would like the dahlia download but am unable to receive can you email it to me
Hey Joyce, pls see your mail, was sent;.
Joyce pls, see your mail, was sent.
Please send me the pattern
Jocely the pattern was sent your mail, pls see now ^^
I have tried twice to get the pattern sent to me- no luck! Can you send it to me please?
Your pattern has been sent to the email you entered. Please check your spam, junk folder. We also found that there are some email companies that don’t accept it, if you want to take another test, create an email at gmail.com. Thank you very much, like your pattern.
Please send me the pattern. I can’t find a way to get it without downloading an app.
Thanks!
Your pattern has been sent to the email you entered. Please check your spam, junk folder. We also found that there are some email companies that don’t accept it, if you want to take another test, create an email at gmail.com. Thank you very much, like your pattern.
The PDF is secured so will not print
pls see your mail, the PDF now is ok.
The PDF is secured so it cannot be printed. I need the password
LOL really is secured. Judie.. thx for comment. see your mail in ~ 5 minuts
I purchased the giant dahlia quilt from Susan Murwin and Suzzy Payne. I cut out all the pieces and formed the spokes as stated. Everything was great up til sewing the last two spokes to the whole. You sew spokes. Then connect two spokes then add the two to another set of two. then add another set. With each addition I would lay the quilt on floor to make sure everything was not only lined up but laying FLAT. As perfect as could and should be. Totally excited with each one cause they say it’s a difficult pattern. And then with the addition of the last set of spokes. All hell broke lose. Suddenly half the quilt doesn’t lay flat. the 4 row of pieces puckered. And I tried a number of times to fix by undoing and redoing the seam. You can’t keep doing that as we all know. And the more I tried the worse it got. Now at least a third of quilts outer ring, 5rows don’t lay flat. And worse. To make sure it wasn’t my start I literally put together a second with scraps and it did the same. Exactly the same. Any idea who to fix. Cause in trying to fix the middle row the whole outer row got out of whack and worse. I have a pic in my email mom took of my efforts. If need a look. I will send. I was told try to shrink in seams of center. After pinning together the outer rings and it getting worse. I’m disappointed out of even trying. But torn cause it was for my great niece.
Wow Michele, did you try to put all the seams in a stronger position with the lining already in place? Maybe make the seams sticking to the lining or bottom. It would work (if I understood what happened)
And to add disappointment to the situation. It was not only for my great niece. It’s made from left over materials I made her baby and toddler outfits with. Some fabrics are no longer available. Which makes it even more upsetting that not only do I have to start all over. But have to find different fabrics.
Michele happened to me…my dear friend…I will be honest the urge to cry was great and I had done half of it…. my husband gave me an idea to finish this one and use it as a rug and start another one from scratch this time with the leftover fabrics!
I didn’t get the pattern, please email again
see your mail
The link you send for the Dhalia quilt is not a live one so you have to copy and past it in our browser and then download it. Just FYI in case you want to make the link live so people don’t have so much trouble.
Joan Thank you very much for letting me know. These days we have noticed that the links have been experiencing some difficulties. We are looking for new methods to facilitate the download of the patterns. We also noticed that our editors are doing something very wrong and we will fix it as soon as possible. People should download from the pattern designers’ sites, not here on our site, but these are things we need to fix urgently. Thank you very much for your comment and letting us know and even indirectly showing the error that is on our site as well. Thank you very much!
May i please have a copy of the pattern…[email protected] Thank you so much!!
Hello Ivy, was send!
This is a beautiful pattern, could you please forward pattern. Thanks
Really this is a wonderful pattern, I hope you can enjoy it, check your email now, I believe you have already received it.
THE LINK IN THE EMAIL DOES NOT WORK
is there another way to get the pattern please
Hello Elaine! We have sent you the pattern, please check your mailbox.
I got a lot of nonsence. But no pattern.
Hello Ines! We have sent you the pattern, please check your mailbox.
I have looked for the pattern but cannot seem to locate the link to download can you please email the link or pattern?
[email protected]
Hello Melissa! We have sent you the pattern, please check your mailbox.
Hi
Could you please send the pattern to [email protected]. Thanks
Hello Bridget! We have sent you the pattern, please check your mailbox.
Can I get this amazing pattern! Thanks
Can I get this amazing pattern!
I would like this pattern please