Easy Ghost Quilt Pattern
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With Halloween just around the corner, this throw-size Free Ghost Quilt Pattern is an adorable way to welcome the spookiest season.
This versatile Ghost Block, which the quilt is based on, is available in three sizes and is perfect for everything from mini-projects to large quilts.
Easy Ghost Quilt for Halloween
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to sew for! When my kids were little, I loved to sew costumes, cute dresses (like this Halloween peasant dress and flat-front skirt), and fun tops (like this raglan top and this circle top).
Nowadays, no one wants me to sew for them, so I have moved on to Halloween quilts and other decor.
What you’ll love about this Easy Halloween Ghost Quilt is that even beginners can whip up this cute design. It is all-straight-line construction and a simple appliquéd face. (I’ve even included an SVG file for the applique in case you plan on using your cutting machine instead of scissors.)
You can swap out the traditional orange and black color scheme for pastel shades, or use bold neon colors for a modern twist on the classic design. The possibilities are endless!
Don’t have time to make an entire quilt?
No problem!
Use the smaller block sizes to create adorable coasters or placemats for your Halloween party table setting. You could even turn them into festive throw pillows to add a touch of spooky charm to your living room.
Why you should make this ghost quilt
Multiple Block sizes
There are endless possibilities for creating charming Halloween-themed sewing projects with these Ghost Blocks.
The pattern includes instructions for a throw-size quilt and offers three block sizes:
- 6 x 8.25 inches: perfect for small projects like coasters or mug rugs.
- 11.5 x 16 inches: (used in the throw quilt pattern)
- 15 x 20 inches: for large quilts or decorative pieces.
Let’s make your Halloween decor extra special this year—one ghostly quilt block at a time!
Ideas for using the different-sized Ghost blocks:
Smallest Ghost Block (6 by 8.25 inches)
- Spooky Mug Rugs: Piece together four of the smallest ghost blocks to create a set of charming coasters or mug rugs. They will be perfect for keeping your table safe from Hot or cold drinks while adding a dash of Halloween spirit to your table.
- Decorative Table Scatter: Use several small blocks to create a playful tabletop scatter for your Halloween party. Arrange them around candles or your buffet table for a fun, festive touch!
Medium Ghost Block (11.5 by 16 inches)
- Charming Placemats: Combine four medium ghost blocks to create delightful placemats. Imagine how cute your table will look with these ghostly figures welcoming guests at dinner!
- Spooky Wall Hanging: Use three medium blocks in a row to make a whimsical wall hanging. Add some ribbon or string for extra flair and have a fun Halloween decoration.
- Festive Table Runner: Use two or three large blocks sewn together to craft a festive table runner. It’s an excellent way to liven up your dining table for Halloween.
- Pillows or Cushion Covers: Make a cozy throw pillow using one or two medium-sized ghost blocks. You can mix and match colors and fabrics to suit your decor style—perfect for adding a touch of charm to your sofa! If you need your pillows or cushion covers to be square, just add a bit more width to the block using your background fabric.
Largest Ghost Block (15 inches by 20 inches)
- Quilted Wall Art: Take one large ghost block and frame it in beautiful fabric borders to create an eye-catching piece of wall art. This makes for a fantastic Halloween decoration that you can easily store away until next year.
- Large Quilt: Combine multiple large ghost blocks to create a large quilt. You can use Flannel or cuddle backing for extra warmth, making it perfect for bringing Halloween decor into the bedrooms. Plus, since the largest quilt blocks are so big, a full, queen, or king-size quilt will come together very quickly since there are fewer blocks to be made.
Quilt Variations
Here are a few mockups I put together to give you some quilt design ideas:
59″ by 82″ using medium ghost block and 3 colors 
60″ by 80 multicolor, no border with large ghost block 52″ by 72″ offset ghosts using the medium ghost block 
25″ by 25.75″ wall hanging using the small ghost block
Pattern Information
The pattern includes:
- Fabric amounts, cutting, and assembly instructions for 3 ghost block sizes (small, Medium, and Large) so you can use the block in just about any type of project.
- Fabric amounts, cutting, and assembly instructions for a throw-size quilt. (50 by 68 inches) (If you want larger or smaller size quilts you can add or subtract blocks or use one of the different sizes.
- Coloring page for the throw-size quilt so you can design your own colorway.
Fabric Cuts for the 3 different sized ghost Blocks
Small Ghost Block
Background Fabric:
- 2 – 1.5 by 1.5-inch squares
- 2 – 2 by 2-inch squares
- 2 – 6.5 by 1.5-inch strips
- 2 – 1.75 by 6.75-inch strips
Ghost Print:
- 1 – 4.5 by 5.75-inch rectangle
- 2 – 2 by 2-inch squares
Eyes/Mouth
- 2 eyes, 1 mouth – see the template in the pattern
Medium Ghost Block
Background Fabric:
- 2 – 2.5 by 2.5-inch squares
- 2 – 3 by 3-inch squares
- 2 – 12 by 2-inch strips
- 2 – 2.25 by 13.5-inch strips
Ghost Print:
- 1 – 8.5 x 11.5- inch rectangle
- 2 – 3 by 3-inch squares
Eyes/Mouth
- 2 eyes, 1 mouth – see the template in the pattern
Large Ghost Block
Background Fabric:
- 2 – 3 by 3-inch squares
- 2 – 3.5 by 3.5 inch squares
- 2 – 15.25 by 2.5-inch strips
- 2 – 3 by 16.5-inch strip
Ghost Print:
- 1 – 10.5 x 14.5- inch rectangle
- 2 – 3.5 by 3.5-inch squares
Eyes/Mouth
- 2 eyes, 1 mouth – see the template in the pattern
Tip: I recommend that you do a test run on scrap fabric to make sure you get your seam allowances just right.
Ready to make the Quilt?
Read on for the fabric amounts, sewing instructions, and pattern templates.
Pin this project for later.
Quilt Finished size:
- 50 by 68 inches
The tutorial below is based on the 11.5 by 16 block and makes a throw quilt size. Assembly instructions for the other size blocks are the same; they just use smaller or larger pieces.
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced beginner. (Basic piecing and sewing knowledge .)
Time needed: 8 to 10 hours (just an estimate)
Where do I get the Quilt Pattern?
The free Ghost Quilt Pattern/template link is under the Materials Needed section. Click the link, add the pattern to your cart, and check out. (It takes about 15 seconds for the process.) A copy of the pattern will be emailed to you as well. (As long as you enter your email correctly.)
Quilt Assembly/Sewing Tips:
- Press and starch fabric before sewing and cutting. Pre-pressing and starching help keep the fabric cuts straight.
- Don’t forget to check your seam allowance before starting to sew! Each time I start a project, I line my needle up using a seam allowance ruler. I also recommend this quarter-inch foot with the guide. (Just choose one that fits your machine.) You can use the seam allowance ruler with this foot, and once I have adjusted my needle, the guide helps keep all my seams perfectly aligned.
- The Ghost eyes and mouth can be cut by hand, or if you have a Cricut or Silhouette machine, I have included an SVG file you can print here.
Materials Needed
- Ghost Quilt Pattern
- Fabric (see amounts below)
- Eyes/mouth SVG file for cutting machine (eyes/mouth shapes also in the printable pattern)
- Steam a Seam lite
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Rulers (a basic quilting ruler and a square ruler are about all you need, although I love this ruler for trimming my half-square triangles)
- Design wall (not necessary – but oh-so-nice.)
Fabric Amounts needed for a throw-sized Quilt
- Background fabric = 3 yards
- 1st Ghost/print fabric = 1 1/4 yards
- 2nd Ghost/print Fabric = 1/2 yard or 2 fat quarters
- Eyes/mouth = 1/4 yard or 1 fat quarter
- Binding = 1/2 yard
- Backing = 3 1/4 yards
Ghost Quilt Sewing Instructions
Instructions for quilt top only: quilt and bind using your preferred method.
Step 1: Cut/Gather Fabrics
Background fabric
- 24 -12 inches by 2 inches
- 24 – 2.25 by 13.5
- 24 – 2.5 by 2.5
- 24 – 3 by 3
- 4 – 12 by 16.5-inch
- 6 – 2.25 inches by wof
1st Ghost/print fabric
- 9 – 8.5 by 11.5
- 18 -3 by 3
2nd Ghost/print Fabric
- 3 – 8.5 by 11.5
- 6 – 3 by 3
Eyes/mouth
- 24 – eyes
- 12 – mouths
Step 2: Make the ghost block
(More of a visual learner? Be sure to check out the step-by-step video for the ghost block at the top of the page.)
1. Make the half-square triangles.
For faster assembly, we will make these half-square triangle blocks using the two-at-a-time method.
- Line up a 3-inch background fabric square with a 3-inch ghost/print fabric square, right sides together. Use a pencil to draw a line diagonally across the back of one of the squares.
- Sew a scant 1/4 inch on each side of the line you drew. (It is essential to sew using a scant inch, this gives you extra room when trimming.)
- Use a rotary cutter or scissors to split the square down the line you drew.
- Open the squares, press, and trim the block to 2.5 inches square.
- Keep repeating until you have used all of the 3-inch fabric squares.
2. Sew the half-square triangles together.
- Line up four half-square triangles according to the diagram and sew them together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This is the bottom of the ghost. Press flat.
3. Snowball the top corners of the ghost body.
Tips For Adding Snowball Corners:
- When working with small squares, it helps to press them with spray starch. This keeps the squares from getting wonky and pulled out of shape when you sew.
- When making several snowball quilt blocks at a time, I like to use washable glue instead of pins to hold the small squares in place.
- Use a fine-tip pen or pencil to draw the diagonal line across the snowball squares. Another option, instead of drawing a line, is to fold the square on the diagonal and press it with an iron. The pressed line is a bit harder to see, but it is much faster when you have several blocks to make.
- When sewing the snowball corner square to the larger square, instead of sewing directly on the line, sew just along the outside edge of the line; that way, when you press the corner flat, it will line up better with the edges.
- Before trimming the snowball corners off, press the block flat to set the seam.
To snow ball the corners of the ghost body:
- Line up two of the 2.5-inch background squares,to the top two corners of the ghost body.
- Draw a line from corner to corner on the 2.5 by 2.5-inch squares. Sew along the line you drew. Trim off the excess fabric.
- Press the corner flat with an iron and use a ruler to square up any wonky corners.
4. Sew the ghost body together.
- Line up the 4 half square triangles piece (that you made in step 2) with the bottom of the ghost body, right sides together, and sew with a .25 inch seam allowance. Press flat.
5. Add the top, bottom, and sides to the ghost block
- Line up the 2.25 by 13.5-inch strips on each side of the ghost block and sew with a .25 inch seam allowance. Press flat.
- Line up the 12 by 2 inch strips along the top and bottom of the ghost block and sew with a .25 inch seam allowance. Press flat.
- Square up the block.
6. Add the eyes and mouth.
- Follow the directions on the steam a seam lite to adhere the steam a seam to the eye/mouth fabric. Use the provided template to cut out two eyes and one mouth. If you are cutting more than one set of eyes/mouths, use the SVG file linked in the materials.
- Place the eyes/mouth in desired location and press into place.
- Sew the eyes and mouth into place using a straight stitch or applique stitch.
- Repeat for 11 more ghost blocks
step 3. Assemble the Quilt
1. Sew the blocks together.
- Arrange the blocks according to the template. Then, sew each row of blocks together using a .25 inch seam allowance. Press flat.
- Repeat for each row.
2. Sew the four rows together.
- Sew the rows together with a .25 inch seam allowance. Press flat with iron.
Step 4: Add the borders.
1. Add the side borders.
- Piece together the 2.25 inch strips until you have two strips that are the same height as the quilt (about 64 inches.) Be sure to measure your quilt in case your seams are just a little bit off.
- Sew the two border strips to the sides of your quilt using a 25 inch seam allowance.
2. Add the top borders.
- Piece together additional 2.25-inch strips until you have two more strips that are the same width as the quilt (about 49.5 inches). Be sure to measure your quilt in case your seams are slightly off.
- Sew the two border strips to the tops of your quilt using a 25-inch seam allowance.
- Press the quilt top with your iron.
Step 5: Quilt And Bind As Desired.
Refer to the fabric list above for backing and binding fabric requirements.
That’s it, you are done!
Did You Make A Ghost Quilt?
Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or a review in the comments section below. If you share an image on Instagram, be sure to tag me and use #scatteredmompatterns! You can also share an image to my private Facebook sewing group!
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- Jack-O-Lantern Quilt Pattern
- Straight as an Arrow Quilt Pattern
- Colorful Squares Quilt
- Butterfly Mini Quilt
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