Five tropical bird blocks -- Cockatoo, Toucan, Cockatiel, Macaw, and Lorikeet -- arranged in a rainbow gradient from warm pinks and corals at the top through oranges, yellows, greens, and teals at the bottom, all on a dark army green Essex Yarn-Dyed background. The birds sit on small perches, face different directions, and vary in size and shape, which is what gives the large quilt its character: 40 birds in 8 color groups, each group cycling through all five species, creating a dense and joyful tropical scene. Elizabeth Hartman's Pretty Birds is a 2019 pattern updated in 2023, and it remains one of her most visually striking.

The construction is all conventional patchwork throughout -- no templates, no paper piecing. Five different bird block types at Skill Level 5 of 5 makes this her most complex rating, reflecting the variety of block constructions and the high volume of small pieces involved. The fat quarter system is built around monochromatic color groups of 5, each group making one of each bird species.

What the Pattern Includes

This listing is for the printed paper pattern only. Fabric, batting, backing, and notions are not included.

This is the second edition of Pretty Birds (2023). The current sample quilt uses Kona Solids for the birds; the original 2019 edition used the Library print collection, which is no longer available. The second edition's fabric guide is built around Kona Solids and works with any coordinating solid palette.

The pattern booklet includes complete instructions for all five bird blocks and both quilt sizes, plus a detailed fabric guide on Page 4. Cutting charts and full-color diagrams for every construction step are included.

• Small Quilt (36" x 41"): two of each bird block (10 birds total)
• Large Quilt (69" x 79"): eight of each bird block (40 birds total)

What You'll Need

Fat quarters are organized into monochromatic groups of 5. Each group should be monochromatic solid or subtle print fabrics in a variety of values -- one group makes one each of the five bird species. The small quilt uses 2 groups (10 fat quarters); the large quilt uses 8 groups (40 fat quarters).

Large Quilt (69" x 79"):

• Colorful bird fabrics: 40 fat quarters in 8 monochromatic groups of 5
• Light solid detail fabric: 3/8 yard | Dark solid detail fabric: 1/8 yard
• Perch detail fabric: 3/8 yard
• Background fabric: 4-1/2 yards
• Backing: 4-7/8 yards | Binding: 5/8 yard | Batting: 73" x 83"

Small Quilt (36" x 41"):

• Colorful bird fabrics: 10 fat quarters in 2 monochromatic groups of 5
• Light solid detail fabric: 1/4 yard | Dark solid detail fabric: 1/8 yard
• Perch detail fabric: 1/8 yard | Background fabric: 1-1/2 yards
• Backing: 1-1/4 yards (at least 44" wide) | Binding: 3/8 yard | Batting: 40" x 45"

A fabric marking tool is also required.

Perfect For

• Experienced quilters ready for Elizabeth Hartman's most complex level, with five distinct bird constructions
• Kona Solids collectors who want a pattern that showcases a full color spectrum in a bold, graphic design
• A tropical-themed room, plant-filled space, or any home that appreciates bold color and nature
• Quilters who have enjoyed the Dinosaurs or Whale Watching gradient quilts and want the bird version
• Anyone drawn to the army green background, which sets off the bright bird colors with unusual intensity

Why You'll Love This Pattern

Five different bird species means five completely different block silhouettes. The Toucan's beak is its defining feature; the Cockatoo's crest distinguishes it immediately; the Lorikeet is the smallest and most compact. Arranged together in a single color row, the five species create a complete tropical family. Repeated across eight color rows from pink to teal, the finished large quilt is a full spectrum of tropical life on a dark, rich background.

The perch strips are a detail worth noting. Each bird sits on a short horizontal perch block, which gives the quilt a clean horizontal rhythm -- birds facing left and right, sitting and standing, in a grid that reads as organized from a distance and wonderfully varied up close.

Product Details

• Brand: Elizabeth Hartman
• Item #: EH051
• Designer: Elizabeth Hartman
• Category: Quilting Pattern
• Skill Level: Skill Level 5 of 5 (Elizabeth Hartman's highest rating); five different bird block types; high volume of small pieces; experience with accurate patchwork piecing required
• Technique: Standard Machine Sewing, Conventional Patchwork
• Edition: Second Edition (2023)
• Finished Sizes: 69" x 79" Large Quilt (40 birds) | 36" x 41" Small Quilt (10 birds)
• Format: Printed Paper Pattern
• Made in the United States