The 13-sided Einstein Tile came out of a decades’ long mathematical challenge to find a single shape that would interlock (tesselate) in a never-repeating nature. I took on the challenge to recreate the shape in a quilt without using Y-seams and by constructing it row by row.

I chose colors for this version of the quilt by thinking what might happen to a load of white shirts with one rogue red shirt in the washing machine.  It's also perfect for the one-of-every color quilt—see the color chart a pattern tester created.

If you're a die-hard puzzler, you can work out any one of an infinite number of layouts!  For the rest of us, this pattern provides a layout for you.

Detailed instructions are included on cutting, laying out and assembling your quilt top.  Bonus sections include coloring page, resizing from pillow to king size, and instructions if using a die-cutting system for equilateral triangles.

Shirt Puzzle Quilts use a unique, 13-sided shape called the Einstein Tile.  The shape tessellates (interlocks) in a NEVER-REPEATING pattern!  The shape looks like a shirt, and it is constructed using 60º equilateral triangles and 30º right triangles.

• NO Y-Seams, even though it looks like it!

• Easy construction of HTTs (half-triangle triangles)

• LAYOUT page shows you where the pieces go and in which orientation 

• Coloring Page lets you try out your own color combinations

• Row-by-Row assembly of quilt top

• Uses Fat Quarters (child size) and Half-yard (full size), great use of fabric bundles

Your experience level as a quilter will call into play INTERMEDIATE skills to work with bias edges for cutting, sewing and pressing.  

In addition to your quilting skills, this pattern can tease (challenge) your PUZZLER's mind—in many ways this top looks like a paint-by-number project; however, it's very easy to get your pieces turned around as you sew and have you scratching your head.  A design wall and numbered marking pins will help.

You will take pride in your accomplishment of making a Shirt Puzzle Quilt, and know the secrets as others try to figure out how you did it!