Sliding Stop, 72" x 90" FPP Quilt Pattern

Saddle up, hold on tight, and prepare for some serious "equestrian drifting" with this action-packed Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) quilt pattern! Let’s be honest: reining horses are basically just sports cars doing burnouts in the dirt, and this pattern proves it.

This modern design captures a quarter horse mid-sliding stop, complete with flying dirt, chic white leg wraps, and a rider who is half-cowboy, half-mystery (because who needs a head when your chaps have this much fabulous fringe?). If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the exhilarating feeling of getting arena dust in your teeth using only cotton fabric, this is the project for you! Raid your stash for literally every shade of dirt-brown you own to bring this magnificent "Fast and Furious: Western Drift" moment to life. Whether you're making a wall hanging for the barn lounge, a throw for your favorite rodeo star, or just want to prove to your friends that you can sew an ungodly amount of fringe, this pattern lets you show off your precision piecing skills stitch by hilarious stitch.

This is a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (PDF). No physical pattern or quilt will be shipped to you.

PATTERN FEATURES

Level: Confident Intermediate to Advanced. There are MANY tutorials available online to assist in learning the art of FPP. Don't let the number of pieces (or the sheer volume of flying dirt) scare you!

Technique: Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP).

Fabric Friendly: Uses distinct fabrics—perfect for creating a dramatic gradient or a scrappy look. Feel free to change the fabric colors to whatever you like best! This pattern is meant to be a guide, not a hard rule.

We are so thrilled you have chosen to bring this pattern to life! Whether you are a seasoned quilter or tackling Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) for the very first time, these instructions are designed to guide you smoothly from your first cut to your beautiful finished quilt top. Take it one step at a time, trust the process, and enjoy the creative journey. You've got this!

Step 1: Print and Prepare

Check your printer settings: Print all Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) patterns and fabric templates at 100% scale or "Actual Size." I suggest you use newsprint paper for the fpp prints for easier paper removal later.

Gather your supplies: Collect your fabrics, printed templates, rotary cutter, cutting mat, and pins or fabric glue so your workspace is fully prepped.

Step 2: Cut and Organize

Cut your pieces: Use the provided fabric templates and cutting guides to carefully cut out your fabrics. Important note: Ensure the fabric template lays upright on the fabric (the back of the template should be touching the top, or right side, of the fabric).

Label everything: Keep your cut pieces organized by labeling them with their corresponding letters or numbers to prevent any mix-ups during assembly.

Group by block: Sort your cut fabric pieces into small stacks corresponding to their specific blocks or FPP sections to streamline your sewing process.

Step 3: Piece the Blocks

Review the written directions: Read through the step-by-step text instructions for your specific blocks before you begin sewing.

Construct the FPP sections: Sew your fabric to the FPP templates, following the numbered sequences directly on the paper.

Trim to size: Carefully trim your completed blocks or sections along the designated seam allowance lines so they match the exact unfinished dimensions listed in the pattern.

Remove the paper: Once your FPP blocks are fully secured and trimmed, gently tear away the paper backing.

Step 4: Assemble the Quilt Top

Consult the assembly map: Use the visual layout diagram provided in the pattern to arrange your finished blocks in the correct orientation.

Sew into rows: Pin or fabric glue your blocks together, and sew them row by row.

Press your seams: Press your seams in the directions indicated by the pattern (or press them open) to ensure your block intersections nest beautifully.

Join the rows: Pin or fabric glue the completed rows together, carefully matching up your seams and points, and sew them into your final finished quilt top.

SUPPORT
Need help? I’m here for you! If you have any questions about the instructions or file layout, please feel free to reach out via Etsy convo or email me directly at: lori@fernmountainfollies.com
I'd love to show off your finished quilts! Send me a photo!

COPYRIGHT & TERMS
© 2026 Lori Fry, Fern Mountain Follies, LLC. All rights reserved.
This pattern is for personal use only. The pattern, instructions, and files may not be copied, shared, resold, or redistributed in any form. You may sell small quantities of finished quilts made from this pattern, provided you give design credit to Fern Mountain Follies.

Disclosure: Artificial Intelligence is occasionally utilized to assist in writing listing descriptions and generating the finished quilt block photos.