History and Tips for Making Your Own Duck Duck Goose Quilt

The History Behind the Duck Duck Goose Quilt Pattern

The popular children's game duck duck goose has its origins lost to time, but references date back as far as the 20th century. The game is a staple of kindergarten and preschool classrooms across America. Like many children's games, it later found its way into popular culture, including this whimsical duck duck goose quilt pattern.

What is the Duck Duck Goose Game?

The game is played in a circle with one player, deemed "it", walking around tapping other players' heads while reciting the words “duck, duck, duck”. After a series of “ducks”, the “it” player chooses another player, taps their head and says “goose”.

That “goose” player then jumps up and chases “it” around the circle. If “it” makes it safely to the open spot where “goose” had been sitting without getting caught, “goose” becomes the new “it”. If “goose” does catch “it”, the game starts over in the same order.

The Duck Duck Goose Quilt Design

The duck duck goose quilt pattern seemingly takes inspiration from the childhood game. It features an adorable family of ducks and geese characters frolicking through a colorful scene. The mama goose leads baby ducks and goslings who waddle behind her in single file.

Other elements that stand out in this lively quilt design include pretty springtime blooms like daisies, lavender, and peonies. The baby ducks also playfully chase a little orange butterfly fluttering just ahead.

Meaning Behind the Quilt

Like the children’s game it took inspiration from, the duck duck goose quilt pattern radiates playful joy and the happiness of childhood wonder. The mama goose protectively leading her little ones conveys a sentimental mother’s love.

The springtime botanical details connect youth and new life. It is not hard to imagine a handmade quilt like this gracing a newborn baby's room or a little girl's bedroom.

Tips for Making Your Own Duck Duck Goose Quilt

Part of the appeal of quilting is choosing fun, themed fabric prints to make your quilt unique. If you want to take a whack at your own duck duck goose quilt, here are some handy tips.

Pick Vibrant, Playful Fabrics

Since this quilt pattern celebrates childhood delight, select fabrics full of color and whimsy. Consider sweet floral prints or tiny duckies against backgrounds of sky blues and spring greens.

You could opt for fabrics featuring actual illustrated scenes. Or find complementary patterns like gingham checks, polka dot prints and subtle stripes.

Add Quilting Details

After assembling your duck-and-goose-themed quilt top, consider adding quilted details that enhance the design. Try using a duck foot applique tracing the mama goose and ducklings single-file line.

Or quilt wavy lines around the ponds and little circular shapes around the floral details. Echo quilting around the main shapes will make them stand out.

Have Fun with Finishing

Adding playful finishing details to your quilt can make it pop. Consider using colorful thread like lemon yellow or bright green for details like binding Stitch whimsical buttons onto the ponds like lily pads.

Add borders featuring prints like tiny butterflies or winsome florals. Line the back with a vibrant child-friendly print for an extra kick of joy.

Displaying Your Duck-Themed Quilt

A duck duck goose quilt makes a fantastic statement piece to dress up your living spaces or bedrooms. Here are some ideas for showing it off.

Kid's Room Accent

This quilt is perfectly at home in a little one’s bedroom or play area. Drape it at the foot of a twin bed or size it crib-appropriate for a baby room. Let it lend its playful color and spirit to the space.

Couch Cuddler

Folded neatly over the back of a sofa, this quilt pulls double duty as a stylish accent and cozy cuddler for movie nights and reading nooks.

Table Topper

One way to bring this quilt into main living areas is as a table topper. Allow it to spill gently over the edges of a dining table or coffee table to infuse springtime charm.

However you put your custom duck duck goose quilt on display, it is sure to earn smiles and appreciation for years to come thanks to its playful spirit and connection to the happy memories of childhood.

FAQs

What size is the duck duck goose quilt?

The size of the quilt can vary depending on the number of quilt blocks used and borders added. A baby size version could be around 36" x 45". A twin, throw, or couch sized quilt might end up around 50" x 65".

What fabric is best for a duck quilt?

Cotton fabrics with fun, colorful prints work very well for a playful duck quilt pattern. Small prints featuring flowers, stripes, checks, or whimsical motifs fit the theme. You can also incorporate solid color cottons.

Is the duck duck goose quilt hard to make?

The duck quilt is beginner-friendly involving mainly basic patchwork piecing. However the curved applique details take some skill. An intermediate quilter should find it enjoyable but still tricky in parts.

Can I sell a duck goose quilt I make?

You need permission or licensing to sell items made from someone else's quilt pattern. But an original design featuring your own illustrations of ducks and geese should be fine to sell.