Metro Tiles Quilt Pattern

A collection of decorative tiles — created in fabric and appliqué.

Metro Tiles was originally inspired by beautiful decorative tiles I spotted during a visit to Liberty of London. I loved the individuality of the designs and the way so many different motifs could sit together and still create a wonderfully cohesive whole.

That idea eventually became Metro Tiles — a quilt filled with individual appliqué designs, set on point with narrow strips of fabric creating the effect of "grouting" between the tiles.

Each tile is made and quilted individually using a quilt-as-you-go method before the blocks are joined together. The grouting strips are then appliquéd over the joins, becoming part of the design as well as finishing the construction.

I made my quilts using fused raw-edge appliqué, but the appliqué designs can also be finished using your preferred method. A fine blanket stitch around the shapes would be a lovely alternative.

Three Quilts — Three Very Different Looks

I've now made Metro Tiles in three different fabric collections, and each version has developed its own character.

The original quilt was made using Hoffman batiks, creating a soft and subtle tiled effect. Another version uses my colourful 100s & 1,000s batik collection, showing just how vibrant the same designs can become.

And, rather fittingly, I eventually made a third version using Liberty quilting cottons — bringing Metro Tiles back to the place where the original inspiration began.

Even the Back Becomes Part of the Design

Because Metro Tiles is quilted block by block, there's another opportunity to play with fabric on the back.

Use the same backing fabric throughout, or choose a collection of coordinating fabrics. Each backing piece remains visible as its own square, creating a simple patchwork effect on the reverse of the finished quilt.

It's a lovely way to use more of a favourite fabric collection — and means the back can be almost as much fun as the front!

Finished Sizes

50" × 60" without the outer border
60" × 70" with the outer border

The border is optional, giving you a choice of two useful finished sizes.

The pattern includes the appliqué designs and instructions for making, quilting and assembling Metro Tiles, with two supporting GourmetQuilter videos on YouTube to help you along the way.

Techniques: Appliqué, piecing and quilt-as-you-go
Appliqué shown: Fused raw edge
Finished size: 50" × 60" or 60" × 70" with border
Pattern: Digital PDF download
Supporting videos: Two GourmetQuilter tutorials on YouTube

There are also 2 videos to support the pattern:

Getting started on the applique:  https://youtu.be/V14uI5PFW9I

Joining up:  https://youtu.be/r_XHPhHa48o