Traditional / Public Domain — an iconic Amish quilt design from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
A mesmerizing one-patch quilt design where small squares are arranged in concentric diamonds radiating from the center, with colors alternating between warm 'sunshine' tones and cool 'shadow' tones. This iconic Amish design showcases the interplay of light and dark.
Sunshine and Shadows is one of the most celebrated Amish quilt designs, originating in the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Amish community in the mid-to-late 1800s. While structurally similar to Trip Around the World, Sunshine and Shadows specifically alternates warm and cool colors to create a pulsating optical effect of light and dark radiating from the center.
For the Amish, the name reflects the theological concept that life contains both joy and sorrow, light and darkness. This deeply spiritual meaning elevated a simple construction technique into a profound artistic statement. Amish quilters used solid fabrics in jewel-tone colors drawn from their plain dress fabrics — deep purples, greens, blues, reds, and blacks. These quilts are now prized by art collectors and hang in major museums worldwide.
Also known as: Sunshine and Shadow, Light and Dark, Amish Diamond (when set on point)
finished Block Size
Individual squares finish to 2" or 3" (whole-quilt design)
seam Allowance
1/4"
grid Basis
Odd-numbered grid of squares, alternating warm and cool color rings
units Required
Approximately 576 squares for a 24x24 layout using 3" finished squares
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square (warm) | Warm solids (assorted) | 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" | 288 | Approximately half of total; warm color rings |
| Square (cool) | Cool solids (assorted) | 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" | 288 | Approximately half of total; cool color rings |
Organize your fabrics into two groups: warm (reds, oranges, yellows, golds) and cool (blues, greens, purples). Within each group, arrange by value from lightest to darkest. The pattern alternates warm and cool rings: Ring 1 warm, Ring 2 cool, Ring 3 warm, and so on.
Tip: Place fabrics side by side and photograph them in black and white — this reveals value differences that your eye might miss in color.
Cut 3 1/2" squares from each fabric. For a 24x24 quilt, you need approximately 576 squares total. Cut the warm and cool colors in roughly equal quantities, with increasing numbers for outer rings.
Place the center square and build outward, alternating warm and cool rings. Within each ring, use graduated values of that temperature — lightest in the center, darkest at the edges (or vice versa). Step back frequently to assess the overall effect.
Tip: The alternating warm-cool rings create the signature sunshine-and-shadow pulsation. If the effect is not visible, increase the contrast between your warm and cool fabrics.
Pick up squares one row at a time, keeping them in order. Sew each row with 1/4" seams. Press seams in alternating directions between rows for easy nesting.
Starting from the top, join rows with 1/4" seams, nesting the pressed seams. Press each joining seam as you go. Work methodically to maintain the color pattern.
Square up the quilt center. Add wide solid borders (6"-8") in a deep, rich color — black or dark navy is traditional. Some versions include a narrow inner border in a contrasting color before the wide outer border.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Classic Amish — set square with wide dark borders
On point (Amish Diamond) — rotate the entire quilt 45 degrees and add large setting triangles
Rectangular adaptation — extend the center to a rectangle with adjusted color rings