Seasonal quilts have a special energy. They’re comforting and nostalgic. You usually display them front and center. They often become the pieces families look forward to unpacking every December. That said, your fabric choice definitely plays a huge role in the overall feel of your project.
Great Christmas fabrics make your quilts appear festive without overpowering the design. They add instant holiday vibes while still working well with simple blocks and patterns. Good fabrics also stand up to repeated washing. Besides, we all know holiday quilts see a lot of action. And when you’re sewing small presents like pouches or mug rugs, they give everything a polished finish.
Whether you’re planning a cozy lap quilt or a quick handmade gift, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’re breaking down the best Christmas fabrics of the year. We’ll highlight a curated lineup of traditional and trendy prints so you can shop and stitch with confidence.
1. Classic Christmas Plaids
Good old Christmas plaids are the MVP of holiday quilting. They bring a touch of nostalgia and a “cabin-at-Christmas” flair. Plus, they're incredibly versatile. They’re a natural fit for everything, from modern patchwork to traditional blocks.
Why They Work
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Easy to pair with solids and basics.
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Available in endless color combinations.
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Add charm in both large blocks and small accents.
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Provide texture without needing busy prints.
Best Uses
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Throw quilts.
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Table runners.
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Stockings.
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Binding accents.
Red-and-black buffalo plaid partners well with cream and forest green solids. Or try a softer aesthetic with muted tartans in sage, blush, and ivory.
2. Snowflake Prints
Snowflake fabrics lend a wintry elegance. They come in all scales, from tiny flakes to bold, graphic shapes. This variety makes them easy to use in almost any piece.
Why They Work
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Capture the holiday mood without being too on-on-nose.
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Enhance contemporary and classic designs.
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Blend with blues, whites, and icy pastels.
Best Uses
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Background fabric for star or block quilts.
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Borders and sashing.
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Table toppers and mini quilts.
Match small-scale snowflakes with metallic accents for sparkle. Or mix with tone-on-tone prints for a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.
3. Holiday Florals
Holiday florals aren’t limited to poinsettias anymore. Minimalist greenery, vintage blooms, retro styles, and watercolor botanicals are all trending.
Why They Work
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Give a romantic touch to Christmas quilts.
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Great for farmhouse-style designs.
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Combine beautifully with solids and neutrals.
Best Uses
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Throw quilts.
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Pillow covers.
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Wall hangings.
Try blending florals with red solids for timeless warmth. Or go with eucalyptus greens and blush tones for an airy palette.
4. Evergreen & Pine Prints
These natural-inspired prints infuse an outdoorsy character to holiday quilts. Whether you prefer simple linework graphics or realistic pine branches, they layer in texture while staying visually gentle.
Why They Work
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Earthy, grounding, and seasonally appropriate.
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Pair nicely with plaids and deep greens.
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Easy to use in scrappy layouts.
Best Uses
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Borders.
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Bag linings.
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Accent blocks.
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Tree skirts.
For a rustic tone, combine pine prints with muted browns and cream textures. For something more modern, use them alongside bright whites and deep navy.
5. Novelty Christmas Prints
From gingerbread men to Santa hats, novelty prints instantly generate pure joy. They’re always well-suited for a merry and classic energy.
Why They Work
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Introduce personality and visual appeal.
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Perfect for kiddie quilts.
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Ideal for small accents or fussy cutting.
Best Uses
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Mug rugs.
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Stockings.
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Advent calendars.
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Quilted ornaments.
For a balanced design, use novelty fabrics in small pops. Think corners, pockets, or scrappy rows.
6. Metallic Accents
Metallic reds, golds, and silvers always add a touch of sparkle without being too flashy.
Why They Work
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Make simple blocks feel special.
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Blend seamlessly with wintry themes.
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Add dimension and shine.
Best Uses
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Stars or small block accents.
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Binding.
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Table runners and festive decor.
Combine metallic scarlet red prints with navy, emerald, or cranberry for a tasteful, luxe holiday look.
7. Cozy Flannels
In quilting, flannel brings that snuggly plushness that makes winter crafting extra fun.
Why They Work
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Soft, thick, and comfortable.
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Available in plaids, solids, and winter prints.
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Ideal for lap quilts or TV blankets.
Best Uses
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Backing fabric.
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Whole-cloth quilts.
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Baby quilts.
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Throws.
Choose high-quality flannel to reduce stretch. For best results, Pre-wash before sewing.
How to Mix Christmas Fabrics Like a Pro
Selecting a combination of prints is easier than you might expect. Keep these tips in mind:
Go for a Balanced Palette
Pick 1 to 2 “hero prints.” Fill the rest with supporting prints like dots or solids.
Vary Scale
Use small, medium, and large prints. That way, nothing competes for attention.
Pick a Dominant Color
Red and green aren’t your only options. Consider:
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Navy + gold.
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Sage + blush.
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Cranberry + cream.
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Gray + icy blue.
A clear color direction keeps your quilt looking cohesive.
Use Neutrals to Soften Busy Prints
White, cream, and grays work wonders in holiday quilts.
Project Ideas to Use Your Christmas Fabrics
Once your fabric stack is ready, here are simple seasonal pieces to try:
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Patchwork throw quilt using plaids and solids.
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Table runner with snowflake prints.
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Quilted stockings in mixed novelty fabrics.
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Mini wall hanging using metallic stars.
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Scrappy mug rugs from leftover prints.
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Flannel-backed lap quilt.
Each one offers a chance to showcase your prints without needing complicated piecing.
Final Thoughts: Sew the Season Your Way
Whether you love rustic evergreens or novelty prints, Christmas quilting celebrates the season. It’s all about capturing the holiday spirit in fabric form. Choosing the right prints not only makes your creation shine. It also helps your quilt come across as more intentional, cohesive, and uniquely “you.”
With the right inspiration and fabric choices, your holiday quilt can become a piece you’re excited to display every year.
