Free Cincinnati Quilt Pattern: A Nod to Mid-Century Modern Design
If you've been reading along with me for a bit, you already know that I am a huge fan of Charley Harper's unique artistic style and his minimalistic animal illustrations. You may have also already sewn my last Charley Harper inspired quilt, Bird Watching. This Cincinnati quilt pattern that I'm bringing you today, offers more insight into the man behind the artwork. Each quilt block creates a frame, or a window, if you will, to showcase the individual bird illustrations.
A Cincinnati Man
In my previous CH post I briefly brushed over a few facts about him – one being that he spent the majority of his life living in Cincinnati. Harper's early years living on a farm in West Virginia were incredibly influential, however it wasn't until he moved to Ohio and began attending the Art Academy of Cincinnati that his skills as an illustrator truly began to flourish.
Also while at the academy, Harper became close friends with a fellow art student, Edie McKee, whom he married shortly after graduation in 1947. He saw Edie as a peer and partner in creating art and together, with their son Brett, they eventually formed Harper Studios.
As a nature artist, Harper saw the forests and creatures of Ohio as his true inspiration and guide. During his long career as an artist (over 50 years!), he placed his stamp on Cincinnati by illustrating animals for many nature-based organizations including the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Nature Center, the Hamilton County Part District (Ohio) as well as multiple posters and prints for the National Park District.
Fun fact: Just outside of Chicago in the village of Oak Park is Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio along with many other beautiful houses designed by him. Before finishing this quilt I thought, "Wouldn't it be fun to get a pic of a Charley Harper quilt next to a FLW house? Two great midwestern artists colliding. Actually, if I throw myself into the mix, let's just say three midwestern artists. 🙂
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A Cincinnati Quilt
My first Charley Harper quilt emphasized his style, – influenced by Cubism and Minimalism. Bird Watching uses big, bold shapes and large templates to achieve minimal cuts and seams with maximum impact. I think, however, if CH was here now, he would really like this Cincinnati quilt. Once when asked to describe his style he said,
When I look at wildlife ..., I don't see the feathers in the wings, I just count the wings. I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures. I regard the picture as an ecosystem in which all the elements are interrelated, interdependent, perfectly balanced...; and herein lies the lure of the painting; in a world of chaos, the picture is one small rectangle in which the artist can create an ordered universe.
With this Cincinnati quilt pattern, I've created multiple small rectangles for Harper's ordered universe. With exciting shapes, color combinations and quilted textures, you too can recreate this design – using just a few strips and lots of imagination!
Quilting Notions and Tools
Sewing Machine 101
Your Cincinnati Quilt is lovely. Thanks for the pattern. I love birds, but I also love butterflies. I bought some butterfly fabric years ago that would work beautifully in this Quilt. Have a very happy birthday!🎁
Sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to see it.
Happy Birthday to you!
THank you so much Suzy. Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! Enjoy the evening with your husband. I sent you a reply to your email.
thank you for the Charley Harper pattern. I didn’t know what to do with some of his postcard=sized prints.
I just found your blog and discovered we share a love of Charlie Harper! I made three quilts with the Maritime Collection and would like to send you pics.
What a gorgeous quilt and beautiful selection of fabrics. Considering this for some Japanese fabrics of mine–fish, flora, other fauna. Thank you for posting.
I have this kit and have it all washed and ready to go. I have a hard time cutting nice straight lines over and over. And I have a hard time sewing all those pieces perfectly. Would you ever suggest some best press to firm up the pieces before cutting and sewing?
I love this so hard! I live near, and work in, Cincinnati, and own a couple of signed Charley Harper posters, my mother has a few prints, so I have a feeling I know what I’ll make her for Christmas this year.
That’s so cool! I hope you enjoy making the pattern 🙂
Good morning
I love the bear quilt. Where can I get the pattern?
The bear quilt? Is that a Charley Harper quilt you saw somewhere?
Thank you for the Cincinnati quilt. I am born and raised in Cincinnati so love love love Charley Harper! This will be on my to do list. I have done one improve CH quilt already.
Thank you so much for this pattern, Suzy. Happy birthday!
-Jean❤
Thank you so much for this pattern, Suzy.
-Jean❤
I love your you “Cincinnati” quilt, but I especially love the backing you chose for it. Is that a fabric that is still available somewhere? Love, love, love the whole quilt!
It looks like currently you can still find it at fabric.com.
The link to the quilt pattern no longer seems to work – is this pattern still available?? Thank you!
For some reason the link broke, but I just fixed it.
want size is cincinnati quilt?
58″ x 64″
I can’t download the CINCINNATI QUILT PATTERN
The link is at the bottom of the page. Here is it for your convenience – https://suzyquilts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Cincinnati-Pattern.pdf
HI,
I am a beginner quilter and I love your blog. I love this pattern, and and planning to use it to make a phot/ memory quilt for my husband’s birthday. Any ideas/ suggestions for making it bigger?
The best way to make it bigger would be to continue repeating the pattern and make more blocks.
Thanks
Thank you for your generosity with the free patterns. I already see you are a gem.
I subscribed & requested the free pattern for the Cincinnati. But my free pattern is for another quilt. Pretty one. Just not what I needed. Love the site. Really love the pattern I’m trying to get.
Hi Wanda! Everyone who subscribes to our newsletter receives the same free pattern, Bow and Arrows. You can download the free Cincinnati pattern in this blog post! Click the link that says, “Get the FREE Cincinnati quilt pattern download here!” at the end of the post, and it should automatically start downloading! Enjoy 🙂