Free Printable: Faith Ringgold Inspired Quilt Template

Hi!  I’m here today to share with you a meaningful art project for your younger students.  This would be good as as a “getting to know you” activity.  The following examples were all made by kindergartners near the end of the year, but I would think this lesson would be suitable for kids through grades 2.

Many art teachers have taught about the artist Faith Ringgold and had their students create paper quilts.  I have a free printable for you that will make this lesson easier.  My daughter did something similar at her school in her classroom.  That’s where I got the idea to use a printed template to make it easier for the students.

In the past, I had the students cut construction paper scraps to make a picture of a family memory.  These kindergarten pictures from the previous year were made without the template.  I cut the square drawing paper to a slightly smaller size than the colored background paper.  I also pre-cut all of the patterned square papers from scrapbooking paper.  Lots of cutting. I like how these turned out though!

So this year, we used the pre-drawn templates from this download in my shop.  We read the books Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold and Cassie’s Word Quilt (Amazon Affiliate links). We talked about the design elements of Faith Ringgold’s work and how she makes stories and artwork based on things she has experienced her life and community.  This page by Scholastic gives additional background information you might find useful.  (Image below from Scholastic.)

Here is the template we used for the quilts.  Click on the link to receive the free high resolution download at TPT.  Included is an 8.5″x11″ version as well as an 11″x17″ version (which many standard copiers can print).  I recommend using thicker paper or cardstock on the bypass tray for this project.

In the large center, students can draw a self-portrait or a family portrait.

On the bigger empty spaces, the students can draw pictures of things that they like or that tell about their family.

Pre-cut patterned paper or fabric to fit the smaller spaces.  Glue squares on with glue sticks.

Enjoy!  I hope you are having a great summer!

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