Looking for a Halloween quilt that's as enjoyable to make as it is to display? Kung Fu Boo combines playful design with techniques that will help you grow as a quilter. Whether you're trying a new skill for the first time or looking to gain confidence, the pattern includes explicit cutting instructions and clear, step-by-step diagrams to guide you through every stage.
Plan Your Quilt! Here's What You Need:
Background: 4 yds.
Ghosts (from each of 6 of your favourite mix and match prints): 3/4 yd.
Heart Eyes: 1/4 yd. (or scraps)
Binding: 5/8 yd.
Backing: 5 yds.
This quilt was featured in Issue 154 of Love Patchwork & Quilting!
Let's Get Started!
Each ghost block is assembled in three simple sections: the top unit, middle unit, and bottom unit, making construction approachable while introducing a variety of techniques.
Ghost Head: Master Curved Piecing
The ghost's rounded head is created using gentle curves. The pattern walks you through each step, including how to align the corners, distribute the fullness evenly, and sew a smooth ¼" seam around the curve.
The pattern features an easy cutting method that uses folded fabric to produce symmetrical pieces quickly and accurately.
If curves are new to you, helpful tips make the process less intimidating. Pinning the corners first, then adding a few extra pins between the center and edges, helps keep everything aligned. You'll also find suggestions for guiding the fabric smoothly as you sew and optional backstitching to secure the seam.
Each pattern includes 2 Kung Fu Boo Ghost Head blocks, for a total of 12 Ghost Heads across the collection.
Fabrics Used (in order of appearance above)
Background (Fabric A): Starry in Natural by Alexia Marcelle Abegg for Ruby Star Society Basics
Fabrics B & C: Prints from Geometry, a collaborative collection by the designers at Ruby Star Society:
Pixie Jade
Square Dance Plum
Ladders Sorbet
Ripple Eggplant
Hump Day Chambray
Harlequin Plum
These bold geometric prints paired with the classic Starry background create a fun, modern Halloween quilt with plenty of personality.
Heart Eyes: Learn Foundation Paper Piecing
Those tiny heart eyes may be small, but they're surprisingly beginner-friendly thanks to Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP).
The pattern clearly explains:
how to add fabrics in numerical order, where to sew along the printed lines, why shortening your stitch length makes removing the paper easier, and how to prepare your templates by creasing the sew lines first.
Don't have foundation paper? No problem! A simple sheet of loose-leaf paper works beautifully and tears away much more easily than standard printer paper.
You'll also learn a handy trimming technique before adding each new piece, helping those tiny hearts come together with crisp, precise points.
Now put it all together to complete the Heart Eyes Unit and repeat with each of your (6) fabrics.
Ghost Body: Half Rectangle Triangles Made Easy
The ghost's body features Half Rectangle Triangles (HRTs) using the efficient two-at-a-time method. If HRTs have ever felt intimidating, this pattern is designed to change your mind.
Detailed diagrams and trimming instructions take the guesswork out of the process, helping you achieve accurate units with confidence. The pattern also includes notes for working with directional fabrics, so you'll know exactly what to expect.
Repeat with each of your (6) fabrics.
Ghost Bottom Unit: Curved Piecing Practice
For each ghost block, you’ll create three ghostly bumps to complete the bottom unit. These curves are a little more rounded and playful than the Ghost Head, making them a great opportunity to build your curved piecing confidence.
Follow the tips and techniques outlined in the pattern for the best results. Slowly sew a ¼" seam along the curve, removing pins as you go. Use your fingers to gently guide the fabric, keeping the edges aligned as you stitch.
You will have a total of 6 curved units to complete 2 Kung Fu Boo Ghost Bottom Units.
Optional tip: Backstitch at the beginning and end of the curve to help secure the seam. With a little patience, these curves come together beautifully and give each ghost its adorable shape! 👻
Repeat this step with each of your 6 fabrics.
Bring It All Together
Once the top, middle, and bottom units are complete, simply sew them together to finish each ghost block. Arrange your blocks, add the sashing strips, and your festive Halloween quilt comes together in no time.
With thoughtful instructions, detailed illustrations, and plenty of helpful tips throughout, Kung Fu Boo is more than just a cute seasonal quilt—it's a project that will leave you with stronger quilting skills and a Halloween quilt you'll look forward to displaying every fall. 🎃👻
Oh, and did we mention the pattern also includes instructions for turning your adorable Kung Fu Boo blocks into as many cute pillows as your heart desires? 👻✨ Create a whole collection of spooky-season décor or make a few extra ghosts to share!
Grab your favorite fabrics, pour a cozy drink, and enjoy some spooky stitching! Happy sewing!
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