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Rocket Pattern

 The Rocket pattern has been an idea that has lived rent free in my head for about a year, year and a half now. It had originally come from a mug.

A couple years ago, the Ottawa MQG had a challenge to make charity quilts inspired by mug designs. My husband and I decided to try to find interesting mugs at thrift stores and see what was inspirational. I ended up not getting the mug that inspired the Rocket pattern. I don’t remember the whole mug, but I loved the rainbow palette and the curves. I would say it was from the 70s.

After trying so many variations, I settled on the current Rocket pattern and then decided it would be my first quilt pattern. This pattern is great for solids or non directional fabrics and can be made in 1-2 days depending on sewing speed.

There are three sizes for the rocket. The baby/lap size is 49x63in, Twin size is 70x90in, and the Double is 79x90in. 

My rainbow version used the following Kona Cottons: Citrus, Torch, Tomato, Velvet, Surf, and Clover. It is long arm quilted by Happy Wife Quilting (Carleton Place, ON) with the Around the Square panto from Red Willow Quilts.


Cover of the Rocket Quilt Pattern

BTS shot of the double size Rocket
BTS shot of the double size Rocket (Cover photo)

Close up of the rainbow version of the Rocket. This was my first picture at the longarm quilter.
First impression taken right after picking up from the longarmer.


Blue/purple gradient flimsy

My blue/purple gradient version used the following Kona Cottons: Geranium, Mulberry, Deep Blue, Pacific, Lagoon, and Breakers.

Tips and Tricks

- If you have problems pinning curves, try glue basting with a Sewline Glue Pen or a washable glue stick (Elmer’s purple). I have a quick YouTube Tutorial as well.

- Trim. To get less frustrated with things not lining up, trimming can do wonders. 

- If you haven’t made quarter circle curves before, try a few test blocks. This will help you get accurate results and lets you experiment with basting techniques (pins or glue) and trimming.

- To get accurate seam allowances, try a 1/4 in presser foot on your machine.

- Use binding clips and scrap paper to keep track of the background pieces as you cut them.



Thank you for supporting me during this time!

-Elaine J (Woven Ladybug)




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