Bentley's Wonderland Fabric by Smithsonian for Marcus Fabrics

Bentley's Wonderland Winter Fabric by Marcus Fabrics

Step into a magical winter landscape with Bentley's Wonderland by the Smithsonian for Marcus Fabrics, an exquisite collection of snowflake quilting fabrics, moonlit winter scenery, and elegant blue coordinates inspired by the beauty of snow crystals.

Deep midnight navy, rich blue, soft sky blue, and icy tone-on-tone prints create a peaceful winter palette. A beautiful snowy night scene featuring a church, snow-covered trees, and delicate snowflakes brings a nostalgic, almost storybook quality to the collection.

At the heart of Bentley's Wonderland is a magnificent 24-inch navy Christmas tree fabric panel, featuring an intricate tree formed from snowflakes. Coordinating snowflake running yardage and beautifully detailed snowflake prints offer endless possibilities for winter quilts, Christmas wall hangings, table runners, and seasonal home décor.

While Bentley's Wonderland includes a stunning Christmas tree panel, its snowflake motifs and icy blue palette make it equally beautiful for decorating throughout the winter season.

Explore our Winter Fabrics, Snowflake Fabrics, and Christmas Fabrics for more seasonal quilting inspiration.

Bentley's Wonderland 24-Inch Snowflake Christmas Tree Panel

One of the most extraordinary pieces in Bentley's Wonderland is the 24-inch navy Christmas tree panel, identified as R652-445-P Navy.

The centerpiece features a Christmas tree created from an intricate arrangement of snowflakes against a deep navy background. The contrast between the delicate snowflake details and the rich blue setting creates a striking winter composition.

This panel captures the beauty of Christmas while retaining the quiet elegance of a snowy winter night.

Christmas Tree Panel for Winter Wall Hangings

The Bentley's Wonderland Christmas tree panel is a beautiful starting point for a Christmas or winter wall hanging.

Frame the panel with coordinating navy, sky blue, and icy snowflake fabrics to create a decorative piece that celebrates the season.

The intricate snowflake tree provides a ready-made focal point, allowing you to build a beautiful project around the artwork without requiring complicated piecing.

Christmas Tree Panel for Quilts and Seasonal Décor

The 24-inch panel can also serve as a focal element in a larger holiday quilt.

Surround it with traditional quilt blocks, snowflake prints, or pieced borders using coordinating Bentley's Wonderland fabrics.

The panel is equally appealing for framed textile art or a special handmade Christmas decoration.

Featured fabric: Bentley's Wonderland 24-Inch Christmas Tree Panel — R652-445-P Navy.

Bentley's Wonderland Snowflake Running Yardage

Another beautiful feature of this Smithsonian fabric collection is the 6-inch snowflake running yardage, offered in two colorways:

• R652-450-D Navy

• R652-450-D Sky

Unlike an individual fabric panel, running yardage features a design that continues along the length of the fabric, making it especially versatile for quilting and sewing.

The intricate assortment of snowflakes creates a beautiful winter composition that can be enjoyed in both smaller projects and larger uninterrupted sections.

Navy Snowflake Running Yardage

The navy colorway features beautiful snowflake imagery against a deep blue background.

Its rich coloring makes it especially appealing for winter quilts, quilt borders, and seasonal decorations.

The darker background can also create a dramatic contrast with lighter sky blue and icy fabrics from the collection.

Featured fabric: Bentley's Wonderland Snowflake Running Yardage — R652-450-D Navy.

Sky Blue Snowflake Running Yardage

The Sky colorway offers a lighter interpretation of the snowflake design.

Its soft blue palette creates a peaceful, frosty appearance that coordinates beautifully with the collection's deeper navies and icy tonal fabrics.

Use it for winter quilt borders, decorative projects, or as a coordinating fabric alongside the Christmas tree panel.

Featured fabric: Bentley's Wonderland Snowflake Running Yardage — R652-450-D Sky.

Snowflake Running Yardage for Quilt Backing

One of the most appealing uses for this snowflake fabric is as a quilt backing.

The continuous design allows the snowflakes to flow across the back of a quilt, creating a beautiful second side.

The Navy colorway can provide dramatic contrast, while Sky offers a softer winter appearance.

Because this is standard-width running yardage rather than a designated wide-back fabric, larger quilts may require piecing the backing to achieve the necessary width.

The snowflake running yardage is also beautiful for borders, table runners, decorative pillows, and seasonal sewing projects.

Moonlit Winter Scenes and Snow-Covered Churches

Bentley's Wonderland captures the quiet beauty of winter with a peaceful snowy night scene.

A church surrounded by snow-covered trees, delicate snowflakes, and moonlit winter scenery gives the collection a nostalgic, storybook appearance.

The combination of architecture, winter landscape, and nighttime blues makes this fabric especially appealing for quilts celebrating the beauty of the winter season.

Winter Landscape Quilt Fabrics

Scenic winter fabrics are beautiful when used in larger quilt blocks, decorative borders, and projects that allow the artwork to remain visible.

Combine the snowy church scene with coordinating snowflake prints and icy tonal fabrics for a peaceful winter composition.

Winter Quilts That Can Be Displayed Beyond Christmas

Although the collection includes a Christmas tree panel, its moonlit scenery and snowflake fabrics are equally suitable for winter decorating.

A quilt emphasizing the snowy church scene, navy snowflakes, and soft sky blue coordinates can remain on display long after Christmas decorations have been put away.

Smithsonian Snowflake Fabrics Inspired by Winter's Beauty

Snowflakes are the defining motif of Bentley's Wonderland, appearing in beautifully detailed prints across several shades of blue.

The collection celebrates the extraordinary shapes and delicate structures found in snow crystals.

From intricate snowflake designs to subtle icy textures, the fabrics provide opportunities for both traditional and contemporary winter quilts.

Navy Snowflake Fabric

Deep navy snowflake fabrics bring richness and contrast to winter patchwork.

Use them for borders, quilt blocks, bindings, and decorative projects that benefit from a dramatic winter color palette.

Medium Blue Snowflake Fabric

Mid-blue snowflake prints provide a beautiful transition between the collection's darkest navy and lightest icy fabrics.

These colors are useful for creating movement, contrast, and visual balance within quilt blocks.

Sky Blue Snowflake Fabric

Soft Sky blue snowflake fabrics introduce a gentle, frosty quality to the collection.

They coordinate beautifully with darker navy prints and are especially attractive in quilts inspired by snowy landscapes and winter skies.

Discover additional Snowflake Fabrics for coordinating winter quilting cottons.

Ice Tone-on-Tone Fabrics

Bentley's Wonderland includes a subtle tonal fabric in the colorway Ice.

Tone-on-tone fabrics provide visual texture while allowing larger, more detailed prints to remain the focal point.

The Ice coordinate is especially appealing alongside the collection's intricate snowflakes and dramatic navy winter scenes.

Using Ice Tonals in Winter Quilts

Ice tone-on-tone fabric can be used for quilt backgrounds, sashing, borders, and smaller patchwork pieces.

Its lighter coloring provides contrast against deeper navy and medium-blue prints.

Use it to introduce breathing room between detailed snowflake fabrics or to frame the beautiful Christmas tree panel.

Browse our Tonal Fabrics for more subtle coordinating prints.

The Story Behind Bentley's Wonderland and the Smithsonian

Bentley's Wonderland by the Smithsonian brings together the beauty of winter textiles and a fascinating chapter in the history of snowflake photography.

Wilson Alwyn Bentley, often called “Snowflake” Bentley, was a pioneering American photographer from Jericho, Vermont, who devoted much of his life to studying snow crystals.

In 1885, Bentley successfully photographed a snow crystal through a microscope, revealing intricate details that would otherwise disappear as the snowflake melted.

Over his lifetime, he photographed thousands of snow crystals, documenting their remarkable structures and variations.

In 1903, Bentley donated 500 snowflake photographs to the Smithsonian Institution, helping preserve his work for future generations.

His photography continues to inspire appreciation for the extraordinary beauty and complexity of snowflakes.

Bentley's Wonderland celebrates that spirit of discovery through intricate snowflake imagery, beautiful winter blues, and seasonal textile designs.

The collection is presented by the Smithsonian Institution and manufactured by Marcus Fabrics.

Explore additional collections from Marcus Fabrics.

Bentley's Wonderland Precuts by Marcus Fabrics

Bentley's Wonderland is offered in two convenient precut formats: 2½-inch strip rolls and 10-inch squares.

These coordinated precuts make it easier to combine the collection's beautiful snowflake fabrics, deep navy prints, soft Sky blues, and icy coordinates into winter quilts and seasonal projects.

Bentley's Wonderland 2½-Inch Strip Roll

The Bentley's Wonderland 2½-Inch Strip Roll by Marcus Fabrics features coordinating strips cut approximately 2½ inches wide.

This format is ideal for strip-pieced quilts, repeating patchwork blocks, and projects that showcase a variety of coordinating snowflake prints.

The collection's range of navy, blue, Sky, and Ice fabrics provides opportunities for beautiful contrast and movement within a winter quilt.

Shop Bentley's Wonderland 2½-Inch Strip Roll

Jelly Roll Friendly Quilt Patterns for Bentley's Wonderland

Many quilt patterns designed for 2½-inch strips are commonly described as Jelly Roll friendly.

Although Jelly Roll is Moda Fabrics' name for this precut format, many compatible patterns can also be made using 2½-inch strip rolls from Marcus Fabrics.

Check the required number of strips, strip lengths, and additional fabric requirements before beginning.

Explore Jelly Roll Friendly Quilt Patterns for winter quilting inspiration.

Bentley's Wonderland 10-Inch Squares

The Bentley's Wonderland 10-Inch Squares by Marcus Fabrics provide a coordinated assortment of precut fabric squares measuring approximately 10" × 10".

These larger squares are beautiful for showcasing intricate snowflake prints and creating traditional patchwork blocks.

They are also useful for half-square triangles, geometric quilt designs, and other projects that benefit from a coordinated winter fabric assortment.

Shop Bentley's Wonderland 10-Inch Squares

Layer Cake Friendly Quilt Patterns for Bentley's Wonderland

Many quilt patterns designed for 10-inch precut squares are commonly described as Layer Cake friendly.

Layer Cake is Moda Fabrics' name for this precut format, but compatible patterns may also work with 10-inch squares from Marcus Fabrics.

Check the pattern's square count and additional yardage requirements before selecting your project.

Browse Layer Cake Friendly Quilt Patterns for coordinating ideas.

Winter Quilt Patterns for Bentley's Wonderland Fabric

Bentley's Wonderland is an especially beautiful collection for quilts celebrating snowflakes, snowy landscapes, and winter's peaceful blue palette.

Blue and White Winter Quilts

Combine deep navy snowflake prints with Sky blue and Ice coordinates to create a striking blue-and-white winter quilt.

The contrast between dark and light fabrics can emphasize traditional patchwork shapes and create a crisp, frosty appearance.

Snowflake Quilt Patterns

Snowflake-inspired quilt patterns are a natural choice for Bentley's Wonderland.

Use the collection's detailed snowflake prints alongside coordinating tonals to create a quilt that celebrates the intricate beauty of winter.

Scenic Winter Quilts

The moonlit church scene provides a beautiful opportunity to incorporate winter landscape artwork into a quilt.

Choose a pattern that allows the scenic fabric to remain visible rather than cutting it into pieces too small to appreciate.

Explore our Winter Patterns & Books and Quilt Patterns for more inspiration.

Christmas Quilts with Bentley's Wonderland

The snowflake Christmas tree panel makes Bentley's Wonderland a wonderful choice for Christmas quilting.

Unlike traditional red-and-green holiday fabrics, this collection offers an elegant Christmas palette of navy, blue, Sky, and Ice.

Blue Christmas Tree Quilts

Create a beautiful Christmas quilt around the 24-inch navy snowflake tree panel.

Add coordinating snowflake borders or pieced blocks using the collection's precuts and yardage.

Christmas Quilts with Winter Appeal

A quilt made with Bentley's Wonderland can celebrate Christmas while remaining appropriate for winter decorating.

Emphasize snowflakes, icy blue fabrics, and winter scenery for a project that can be enjoyed throughout the season.

Explore Christmas Fabrics for additional holiday quilting cottons.

Winter Table Runners and Snowflake Table Décor

Create beautiful winter table runners, placemats, and table toppers using Bentley's Wonderland fabrics.

The collection's navy and Sky snowflake prints coordinate beautifully with lighter Ice tonals.

Snowflake Table Runners

A snowflake table runner is a wonderful way to decorate for winter without relying on traditional Christmas motifs.

Use the snowflake running yardage as a focal fabric or combine the collection's precuts in a pieced design.

Winter Table Toppers

Smaller winter projects are ideal for displaying intricate snowflake prints and experimenting with combinations of navy, Sky, and Ice.

Browse Table Runner Patterns and Winter Patterns & Books for coordinating projects.

Winter Wall Hangings and Snowflake Home Décor

Bentley's Wonderland offers beautiful possibilities for winter wall hangings, framed fabric art, and seasonal decorations.

The 24-inch Christmas tree panel makes an especially striking focal point for a holiday wall hanging.

For winter decorating beyond Christmas, choose the moonlit landscape, snowflake prints, or running yardage as the centerpiece of your project.

Use coordinating navy, Sky, and Ice fabrics for borders and decorative accents.

Discover Wall Hanging Patterns for additional project ideas.

Handmade Winter Gifts and Seasonal Sewing Projects

Beyond quilts, Bentley's Wonderland fabrics are beautiful for decorative pillows, fabric baskets, table accessories, gift bags, and other handmade projects.

The collection's elegant snowflakes and winter blues make it particularly attractive for gifts that can be enjoyed throughout the colder months.

The snowflake running yardage is especially useful for projects that benefit from a continuous decorative design.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bentley's Wonderland Fabric

What is Bentley's Wonderland fabric?

Bentley's Wonderland is a winter quilting cotton collection by the Smithsonian Institution for Marcus Fabrics, featuring intricate snowflakes, moonlit winter scenery, a 24-inch Christmas tree panel, and coordinating blue fabrics.

Who designed Bentley's Wonderland?

Bentley's Wonderland is credited to the Smithsonian Institution and manufactured by Marcus Fabrics.

Is Bentley's Wonderland a winter or Christmas fabric collection?

Both. The collection primarily features snowflakes and winter landscapes, making it beautiful for winter quilting. Its snowflake Christmas tree panel also makes it appropriate for Christmas sewing projects.

What colors are in Bentley's Wonderland?

The collection features deep navy, medium blue, soft Sky blue, and icy tonal fabrics.

Does Bentley's Wonderland have a Christmas tree fabric panel?

Yes. The collection includes a 24-inch navy panel featuring a Christmas tree formed from intricate snowflakes. The panel is identified as R652-445-P Navy.

What can I make with the Bentley's Wonderland Christmas tree panel?

The panel is a beautiful focal point for Christmas wall hangings, seasonal quilts, framed textile art, and decorative holiday projects.

Does Bentley's Wonderland include snowflake running yardage?

Yes. The collection includes 6-inch snowflake running yardage in Navy and Sky colorways.

What is the difference between a fabric panel and running yardage?

A fabric panel is a designated section of fabric featuring a particular image or composition. Running yardage features a design that continues along the length of the fabric and can be purchased in different lengths.

Can I use Bentley's Wonderland snowflake running yardage for quilt backing?

Yes. The continuous snowflake design makes it a beautiful choice for quilt backing. Larger quilts may require piecing standard-width yardage.

What is the Ice fabric in Bentley's Wonderland?

Ice is a subtle tone-on-tone coordinate that complements the collection's darker blue snowflake prints and scenic fabrics.

What precuts are available in Bentley's Wonderland?

Bentley's Wonderland is offered in 2½-inch strip rolls and 10-inch precut squares.

Can I use Bentley's Wonderland strip rolls with Jelly Roll quilt patterns?

Many Jelly Roll friendly patterns are designed for 2½-inch strips and may work with Bentley's Wonderland strip rolls. Check the pattern's required strip count and lengths.

Can I use Bentley's Wonderland 10-inch squares with Layer Cake quilt patterns?

Many Layer Cake friendly patterns are designed for 10-inch squares and may work with Bentley's Wonderland precuts. Confirm the required number of squares and any additional yardage.

Who was Snowflake Bentley?

Wilson A. Bentley was an American photographer who pioneered the photography of snow crystals. He captured his first successful snow crystal photograph in 1885 and donated 500 photographs to the Smithsonian Institution in 1903.

Can Bentley's Wonderland be used for quilts displayed after Christmas?

Absolutely. Its snowflake prints, moonlit winter scenes, and blue palette make it beautiful for decorating throughout the winter season.

Where can I find winter quilt patterns?

Browse Winter Patterns & Books for quilts, wall hangings, table runners, and other seasonal projects.

Where can I buy Bentley's Wonderland fabric?

Shop Bentley's Wonderland by the Smithsonian for Marcus Fabrics at Shabby Fabrics, including available fabric by the yard, the 24-inch Christmas tree panel, snowflake running yardage, 2½-inch strip rolls, and 10-inch squares.