Traditional / Public Domain — inspired by the appearance of stacked coins in East Asian currency
Rectangular strips of varying widths stacked horizontally to form vertical columns, resembling stacks of old Chinese coins. This wonderfully scrap-friendly pattern is one of the easiest quilt designs, requiring only straight-line sewing with no matching points.
Chinese Coins takes its name from the rectangular shape of traditional Chinese currency that had a hole in the center for stringing onto cords. The quilt pattern mimics these stacks of strung coins. The pattern has been documented in American quilting since the mid-1800s, likely influenced by the Chinese immigrants who came during the Gold Rush era.
This pattern reflects the cross-cultural exchange that occurred during 19th-century American expansion. Chinese immigrants brought their textile traditions to the American West, and the visual resemblance between stacked fabric strips and strung coins was noted by quilters. The design is also found in African-American quilting traditions, where strip construction was a common technique with roots in West African textile arts.
Also known as: Coin Quilt, Stacked Coins, Strip Coins, Money Bags
finished Block Size
12" wide column (variable length)
seam Allowance
1/4"
grid Basis
Stacked strips of varying heights within a fixed-width column
units Required
12-20 strips per 12" column depending on strip width
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coin Strip (narrow) | Assorted scraps | 6 1/2" x 1 1/2" | 6 | Vary the widths for visual interest |
| Coin Strip (medium) | Assorted scraps | 6 1/2" x 2 1/2" | 5 | Mix prints, solids, and textures |
| Coin Strip (wide) | Assorted scraps | 6 1/2" x 3 1/2" | 4 | Larger prints work well in wider strips |
| Sashing Strip | Background/solid | 3 1/2" x length of coin column | 2 | Cut to match assembled column height; separates coin columns |
Cut fabric scraps into strips 6 1/2" wide and varying heights from 1 1/2" to 3 1/2". The variety in strip widths is what gives Chinese Coins its organic, lively appearance. Cut enough strips to equal the desired quilt length when stacked.
Tip: Jelly roll strips (pre-cut 2 1/2" x 44") are perfect for this pattern — just crosscut them to 6 1/2" lengths.
Lay out the strips in a column, varying colors, values, and widths. Stand back to check the overall balance — distribute lights, darks, and mediums evenly. Avoid placing two similar fabrics next to each other.
Starting from the top, sew strips right sides together with 1/4" seams. Chain piece for efficiency. Press all seams in one direction (typically downward).
Tip: Press as you go, after every 4-5 strips, to keep the column straight and flat.
Repeat to make as many coin columns as needed for your quilt width. Vary the strip arrangement in each column so no two columns look alike.
Cut sashing strips 3 1/2" wide and the same length as your coin columns. Sew sashing between each pair of coin columns with 1/4" seams. Press seams toward the sashing.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Vertical columns separated by solid sashing strips
Alternating coin columns with plain fabric columns of equal width
Horizontal orientation — lay the coin columns sideways for a different effect