This is one of the two finished blocks you can make with this tutorial. Learn how to make this block in less than 2 minutes This is a very short video that shows you how to cut your blocks and arra…
Ready to sew bags that turn heads? Stylish, comfortable, and practical? Bags that will make you proud? Check out these 2 bag patterns for bags with deep front pockets.
Explore jennbennstar's 2350 photos on Flickr!
Got scraps? An extra jelly roll? A fat quarter bundle just waiting to be used? A layer cake languishing in your sewing room? Look no further…we’ve got a pattern to help you use up some of these fabrics (so you can make room for more, of course!) The striped blocks in this pattern use 1 … Continue reading Sofa Siesta – A Free Quilt Pattern
It is such a satisfying feeling to finish a quilt! You might have noticed that it's not something I do every other week so it's caus...
Creating, Sharing and Living the Patchwork Dream
Hi, all! Are you having fun with your scraps this week? I know I am! Here's the latest blocks for my Long Time Gone quilt... These log cabin blocks were fun and I worked them up in about an hour, pulling fabrics from the top of the string basket again. Today I also pulled some scraps to remake this block.... ...because when I put it with the other blocks I've made, it seems dull and muddy. I've pulled some pretty Kate Spain prints for the second go and I think it will be much better. This one will find a home in another quilt! And now, since I have strings on the brain these days, here's some great inspiration I've found in the last few weeks... You can find the original info for all of these quilts by clicking on them on my Pinterest page, Oh Scrap! What have you been doing with your scraps this week? Feel free to link up below and share!! Hugs! Sarah
Hello dear quilty friends, Thank you for all your lovely comments on my previous posts on the series of wishbone variations! It is truly heartwarming to see so many people being enthusiastic about …
Kaffe Fassett fabrics made into a bright queen sized quilt.
Well, "Tartan" is what MrPnP called it, when he saw my latest quilt top together! As this is made from Densye Schmidt's "Shelburne Falls" range of fabric, that's the name that's stuck! I chose the pattern from here... There is just one partial seam in each block.... right there in the centre! But it came together fairly painlessly! I didn't need to use "Herman" too many times! The solid I chose is Kona "Chinese Red".... a nice change from white or grey, and appropriate for a southern hemisphere winter. Though I'm not sure the Chinese made tartan fabric? Perhaps someone else has a better name for me? Happy sewing! SUZ
Well it took me long enough, but I can finally check this one off! You can see my almost two years' worth of progress shots over here. This is an exciting finish as its the largest quilt I've ever made! I know that because I ran out of binding, and I've never needed more than 8 strips before. I had more of the green solid, but I decided to keep that spot interesting and gave it a little Happy Go Lucky orange mum. When I started this quilt, I was disappointed that for the first time in my adult life I lived in a house and had a backyard, but I couldn't do what I'd been dreaming of for years- garden! I loooove home grown tomatoes and squash, but we couldn't grow a thing because of a vole infestation. Luckily they were just in the yard, but man I hated those things. They ate everything in sight, there was no stopping them. Since I was so sad that I couldn't grow a garden, I started a quilt full of flowers and juicy reds and oranges and greens. (For the record, it was just a weird occurrence that year, and we haven't seen one in the yard since, thank goodness!) Fabric: mix of reds, greens, oranges and a dash of grey from my stash. They are about 70% Bonnie and Camille, with some Riley Blake basics and other lines mixed in. The backing is Vintage Picnic wide grey check, and the border and binding are from the Miss Kate line. Pattern: I did not follow a specific pattern, but the stars are 12" square, the sashing is 2" finished, and the border is 3.5" Quilting: by Julie Hirt in modern loops. Thanks again Julie!!
Free quilting patterns and designs for you to trace and use for your quilting projects. Ideal for Quilting for Beginners
Para una amiga... El Square Dance es un trabajo que parte de la base de coser cuadrados, utilizar una plantilla "especial", cortar y volver a coser... Es aconsejable para realizar a máquina Utilizamos los cuadros que queramos (pares o impares) y unimos en tiras cosemos esas tiras formando un bloque Colocamos una banda alrededor del bloque (si el cuadrado mide 12 cm, la banda debe tener algo mas de la mitad de este, unos 8 o 9 cm. aprox) Las costuras de cada tira se planchan cada una en un sentido Colocamos la plantilla haciendo coincidir los trazos del patrón con las cuatro costuras Dibujamos todos los cruces, bandas incluidas y cortamos los nuevos cuadrados. Aconsejo cortar con tijera El cuadrado pequeño del centro se descarta Tenemos las cuatro piezas. Vamos poniendo los cuadrados rectos, dando un pequeño giro hacia la izquierda... y ya tenemos montado nuestro square dance Lo planteamos y cosemos por tiras, planchando las costuras de igual forma, cada tira para un lado. Unimos las tiras entre si y queda montado el bloque Para hacer la plantilla : Trazamos una recta que llamamos AB y situamos el punto C a la derecha Trazamos una recta pasando por C y formando un ángulo de 57º con la recta AB con la ayuda de un transportador Sobre esta recta situamos el punto D a una distancia de C con la medida exacta de los cuadrados cosidos y terminados. Situamos el punto E en mitad de CD (si el cuadrado mide 12 cm, lo situamos a 6 cm) Hacemos una perpendicular a la recta CD pasando por E con la ayuda de una escuadra Situamos los puntos FG de tal manera que la distancia entre ellos sea igual que CD (12 cm) Hacemos dos rectas perpendiculares a AB pasando una por F y otra por G, llamamos a estos puntos H e I Por último, hacemos una paralela a AB pasando por D y con esta obtenemos los puntos JK El resultado al cortar este cuadrado sería nuestra plantilla. Si no nos conviene las medidas del patrón que venga en una revista, con este trabajo, ya sabemos hacer la nuestra propia. Espero que el montaje de las fotos os aclare la forma de hacerlo, cuando se lo di a leer a mi marido, me miro y me dijo "la parte contratante de la primera parte será considerada como la parte contratante de la... me dio risa pero... ooooohhhhh, se entiende ¿no?, explicar una plantilla con ángulos, paralelas y demás no me ha sido tan fácil, hacerla si lo será. Buen comienzo de semana
Kalish Quilt - I bought this from my Cousin's Wife when they were leaving the states to go to Panama. I have fixed a few spots that the threads were loose etc. other than that it is in good shape. Have no idea who made it, where it came from, how old it is, what the pattern is, but I LOVE THE C
Para una amiga... El Square Dance es un trabajo que parte de la base de coser cuadrados, utilizar una plantilla "especial", cortar y volver a coser... Es aconsejable para realizar a máquina Utilizamos los cuadros que queramos (pares o impares) y unimos en tiras cosemos esas tiras formando un bloque Colocamos una banda alrededor del bloque (si el cuadrado mide 12 cm, la banda debe tener algo mas de la mitad de este, unos 8 o 9 cm. aprox) Las costuras de cada tira se planchan cada una en un sentido Colocamos la plantilla haciendo coincidir los trazos del patrón con las cuatro costuras Dibujamos todos los cruces, bandas incluidas y cortamos los nuevos cuadrados. Aconsejo cortar con tijera El cuadrado pequeño del centro se descarta Tenemos las cuatro piezas. Vamos poniendo los cuadrados rectos, dando un pequeño giro hacia la izquierda... y ya tenemos montado nuestro square dance Lo planteamos y cosemos por tiras, planchando las costuras de igual forma, cada tira para un lado. Unimos las tiras entre si y queda montado el bloque Para hacer la plantilla : Trazamos una recta que llamamos AB y situamos el punto C a la derecha Trazamos una recta pasando por C y formando un ángulo de 57º con la recta AB con la ayuda de un transportador Sobre esta recta situamos el punto D a una distancia de C con la medida exacta de los cuadrados cosidos y terminados. Situamos el punto E en mitad de CD (si el cuadrado mide 12 cm, lo situamos a 6 cm) Hacemos una perpendicular a la recta CD pasando por E con la ayuda de una escuadra Situamos los puntos FG de tal manera que la distancia entre ellos sea igual que CD (12 cm) Hacemos dos rectas perpendiculares a AB pasando una por F y otra por G, llamamos a estos puntos H e I Por último, hacemos una paralela a AB pasando por D y con esta obtenemos los puntos JK El resultado al cortar este cuadrado sería nuestra plantilla. Si no nos conviene las medidas del patrón que venga en una revista, con este trabajo, ya sabemos hacer la nuestra propia. Espero que el montaje de las fotos os aclare la forma de hacerlo, cuando se lo di a leer a mi marido, me miro y me dijo "la parte contratante de la primera parte será considerada como la parte contratante de la... me dio risa pero... ooooohhhhh, se entiende ¿no?, explicar una plantilla con ángulos, paralelas y demás no me ha sido tan fácil, hacerla si lo será. Buen comienzo de semana
House quilts really appeal to us, maybe because "home is where the heart is." With dozens of FREE quilt patterns... which house will you cho...
Let the sunshine in with the latest issue of BLOCK! It's bursting with the colors of springtime and refreshed with more than 10 new quilting projects to keep you busy at home. You'll love our new redesign featuring even more of what you love including in-depth quilting articles, an exciting quilt-along project, original stories, beautiful photography, and even a fun mystery story. And, as always, BLOCK is advertisement free for your enjoyment. Welcome spring into your home with a bright, sunny issue of BLOCK Magazine! Get inspired to begin a new quilting project with the brand new Ruby Sensation quilt-along. It's a lively sampler in hues of red featuring a variety of beautiful quilt blocks that you'll build as each issue comes out this year. Get a glimpse into Jenny's personal studio with Jenny's Journal. You'll love her favorite projects including her cute Tiny House quilt. Then, discover the history of crazy quilts and create your very own Stars & Stitches quilt. You'll also learn more about fussy cutting to customize your quilt blocks. Finally, try out the 3D Pinwheel triple play with three unique projects just for you! Take a moment to browse through these cheerful quilting projects and soon you'll feel motivated to start cutting and stitching again. All of these quilting delights are waiting for you in this issue of BLOCK Magazine. We hope you love it! BLOCK Magazine 2020 Volume 7 Issue 2
I'm delighted to be here for the end of 2017 FAL Quarter 2 tutorials week to share something fun with you. At least, I hope you'll think it's fun. I don't know about you, but sometimes I just love working on simple, effective blocks. There are definitely seasons for complex patchwork with multiple techniques demanding much skill and attention, and then, there are times when I just want something that comes together swiftly. Not because I care any less, but often for the joy of seeing progress that feels like progress, if you know what I mean. Anyway, less babble. I have one of these kind of blocks to share with you today for my FAL tutorial. I hope you can see its potential and might even give it a go. This block has been inspired by a pic I saw months ago online somewhere (probably IG) but there was no block name or details given, just a photo, so I'm sorry I can't give credit. So I pulled together a little instruction for myself and am sharing it here as a free tutorial for you all. I've also called the block the Twister block because of a 'twist' in the construction process and because it kind of reminded me of two those little wire twisting tabs you get. (Yes, my mind makes odd connections.) And, if you look at my flimsy above you'll see that in the negative space the shape of the coloured fabrics has been 'twisted' in the opposite direction. Let me say from the outset that my method of constructing this block will work best with NON-DIRECTIONAL fabric, but I will give you the block cutting measurements for working with directional fabrics further down the post if that's what you prefer to use. You'll see that my fabrics had me doing both. Also, further down I've given you the fabric requirements for a lap size (60" square) version of the quilt top. So, without further ado, here's how to make a Twister block: Twister Block 12.5" square unfinished Fabric A (solid background) Cut 1: 6.5" x 7" Cut 2: 3.5" x 7" Fabric B (non-directional print) Cut 1: 9.5" x7" Cut 1: 3.5" x 7" (Both of these can be cut from a single piece measuring 13" x 7") Use scant 0.25" seam allowances throughout. 1. First take one of the 3.5" x 7" pieces of your background fabric and stitch it to the larger 9.5" x 7". Press the seam towards the darker fabric. You now have a piece measuring 12.5" x 7". 2. Cut this 12.5" x 7" piece in two as shown above to give you two pieces measuring 12.5" x 3.5" (see below). 3. Just to mention: handle the pieces carefully where you have made the cut, just to prevent the seams opening where you have no excess of thread keeping them closed. 4. Now 'twist' one of the pieces upside down on your mat so that your layout looks like the pic above and then sew the pieces together along the centre seam. This time, I pressed the seam open just because I didn't want my strong red showing through my white background. Leave the joined piece aside for a few minutes. 5. Take your three remaining pieces of fabric and lay them out as I have above. Join the background 6.5" x 7" piece to the 3.5" x 7" print fabric and then stitch the final 3.5" x 7" background piece to the bottom. Press seams towards the darker fabric. You now have a piece measuring 12.5" x 7". 6. As before, cut this 12.5" x 7" piece in two to give you two pieces measuring 12.5" x 3.5". 7. This time, you need to 'twist' the second piece upside down on your mat and make room between the two pieces for the piece you joined in steps 1 - 4. Check that the layout is the same as the photo above and then stitch the two side pieces to the centre piece, pressing seams open. 8. And, yes, it really was that easy. You now have a 12.5" square Twister block! Now as promised, here are the cutting measurements for using DIRECTIONAL prints in your blocks. The construction is simple, just join the pieces in columns and then stitch the columns together, taking care to press the fabrics whichever way best prevents darker fabrics showing through paler ones. Love this fluttery pic of my flimsy - you can see I added a white border to finish. Lap Quilt Fabric Requirements Since the potential of this block is in its repeat, you might fancy making a few more and growing your blocks into a lap quilt. So, for those who might be interested, here are the fabric requirements for a 25 block quilt measuring 60" square: Fabric A - Background solid - 2m Cut 9 strips 7" x WOF, From each 7" strip you will be able to sub-cut enough pieces for 3 of the Twister blocks (i.e. cut 6: 3.5" x 7" and cut 3: 6.5" x 7") Fabric B - Print fabric - 13 fqs Each block requires 13" x7" of print fabric so you will be able to cut enough fabric for at least 2 blocks from a fat quarter of fabric. (You might get three blocks worth from a generous fq.) I recommend 13 fat quarters for 25 blocks, cutting 2 blocks worth of pieces from 12 fqs and 1 from the final fq Binding Fabric - half metre You should be able to make sufficient binding from 6 strips cut 2.5" x FWOF (unless you add a border to the quilt, in which case you'll need to measure for yourself exactly how many strips you'd need) I hope this tutorial and the extra cutting measurements are clear and helpful and that some of you at least will have fun with them! This block would be a great one for Bees and charity block drives where you would end up with a lovely variety of prints, and your Bee mates will thank you for an easy month's stitching ;-)
It's time again for Amy's Bloggers' Quilt Festival...and here's my submission... I had a great time making this string quilt. Never made one before and was inspired by Julie http://juliekquilts.blogspot.com/ Homespun plaids are a little different to work on I found out...for one thing they don't cut true....no matter how hard you try. I sewed the strings onto a muslin foundation. They don't look too pretty while sewing...but when the blocks are pressed and squared up...they look great. As I was making up the blocks...I found that spray starch made a huge difference...I never use starch, but am glad I did for these blocks. When I finished the quilt and washed it I was sooooo impressed, this may be my favorite cuddly, crinkly, down home feeling quilt! I just love it! I'm thinking of making another...already have started making some blocks! Thanks for stopping by...and don't forget to visit the FESTIVAL!!! Can't get the button...but here is the link http://amyscreativeside.com/2011/10/28/bloggers-quilt-festival-fall-2011/ ***Evelyn Sloppy's book should get the credit for this beautiful pattern...I don't know the name of the book, sorry!***
Para una amiga... El Square Dance es un trabajo que parte de la base de coser cuadrados, utilizar una plantilla "especial", cortar y volver a coser... Es aconsejable para realizar a máquina Utilizamos los cuadros que queramos (pares o impares) y unimos en tiras cosemos esas tiras formando un bloque Colocamos una banda alrededor del bloque (si el cuadrado mide 12 cm, la banda debe tener algo mas de la mitad de este, unos 8 o 9 cm. aprox) Las costuras de cada tira se planchan cada una en un sentido Colocamos la plantilla haciendo coincidir los trazos del patrón con las cuatro costuras Dibujamos todos los cruces, bandas incluidas y cortamos los nuevos cuadrados. Aconsejo cortar con tijera El cuadrado pequeño del centro se descarta Tenemos las cuatro piezas. Vamos poniendo los cuadrados rectos, dando un pequeño giro hacia la izquierda... y ya tenemos montado nuestro square dance Lo planteamos y cosemos por tiras, planchando las costuras de igual forma, cada tira para un lado. Unimos las tiras entre si y queda montado el bloque Para hacer la plantilla : Trazamos una recta que llamamos AB y situamos el punto C a la derecha Trazamos una recta pasando por C y formando un ángulo de 57º con la recta AB con la ayuda de un transportador Sobre esta recta situamos el punto D a una distancia de C con la medida exacta de los cuadrados cosidos y terminados. Situamos el punto E en mitad de CD (si el cuadrado mide 12 cm, lo situamos a 6 cm) Hacemos una perpendicular a la recta CD pasando por E con la ayuda de una escuadra Situamos los puntos FG de tal manera que la distancia entre ellos sea igual que CD (12 cm) Hacemos dos rectas perpendiculares a AB pasando una por F y otra por G, llamamos a estos puntos H e I Por último, hacemos una paralela a AB pasando por D y con esta obtenemos los puntos JK El resultado al cortar este cuadrado sería nuestra plantilla. Si no nos conviene las medidas del patrón que venga en una revista, con este trabajo, ya sabemos hacer la nuestra propia. Espero que el montaje de las fotos os aclare la forma de hacerlo, cuando se lo di a leer a mi marido, me miro y me dijo "la parte contratante de la primera parte será considerada como la parte contratante de la... me dio risa pero... ooooohhhhh, se entiende ¿no?, explicar una plantilla con ángulos, paralelas y demás no me ha sido tan fácil, hacerla si lo será. Buen comienzo de semana
DIY Thread Catcher Hanging Bag Sewing Patterns
Happy Friday. This week I finished the Birch Trees Quilt for my grandson Easton. He picked out the pattern (Bright Birch Trees from Crazy M...
Para una amiga... El Square Dance es un trabajo que parte de la base de coser cuadrados, utilizar una plantilla "especial", cortar y volver a coser... Es aconsejable para realizar a máquina Utilizamos los cuadros que queramos (pares o impares) y unimos en tiras cosemos esas tiras formando un bloque Colocamos una banda alrededor del bloque (si el cuadrado mide 12 cm, la banda debe tener algo mas de la mitad de este, unos 8 o 9 cm. aprox) Las costuras de cada tira se planchan cada una en un sentido Colocamos la plantilla haciendo coincidir los trazos del patrón con las cuatro costuras Dibujamos todos los cruces, bandas incluidas y cortamos los nuevos cuadrados. Aconsejo cortar con tijera El cuadrado pequeño del centro se descarta Tenemos las cuatro piezas. Vamos poniendo los cuadrados rectos, dando un pequeño giro hacia la izquierda... y ya tenemos montado nuestro square dance Lo planteamos y cosemos por tiras, planchando las costuras de igual forma, cada tira para un lado. Unimos las tiras entre si y queda montado el bloque Para hacer la plantilla : Trazamos una recta que llamamos AB y situamos el punto C a la derecha Trazamos una recta pasando por C y formando un ángulo de 57º con la recta AB con la ayuda de un transportador Sobre esta recta situamos el punto D a una distancia de C con la medida exacta de los cuadrados cosidos y terminados. Situamos el punto E en mitad de CD (si el cuadrado mide 12 cm, lo situamos a 6 cm) Hacemos una perpendicular a la recta CD pasando por E con la ayuda de una escuadra Situamos los puntos FG de tal manera que la distancia entre ellos sea igual que CD (12 cm) Hacemos dos rectas perpendiculares a AB pasando una por F y otra por G, llamamos a estos puntos H e I Por último, hacemos una paralela a AB pasando por D y con esta obtenemos los puntos JK El resultado al cortar este cuadrado sería nuestra plantilla. Si no nos conviene las medidas del patrón que venga en una revista, con este trabajo, ya sabemos hacer la nuestra propia. Espero que el montaje de las fotos os aclare la forma de hacerlo, cuando se lo di a leer a mi marido, me miro y me dijo "la parte contratante de la primera parte será considerada como la parte contratante de la... me dio risa pero... ooooohhhhh, se entiende ¿no?, explicar una plantilla con ángulos, paralelas y demás no me ha sido tan fácil, hacerla si lo será. Buen comienzo de semana
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Free PDF Pattern is now available for download. Click here! I have had this quilt in the works for a few months and finally got to quilt it this week. When I loaded it on my machine I was planning on doing a panto but it kept nagging at me that it deserved some custom work so I gave in! :) Large pebbles and swirls it was! I had made the blocks at a guild UFO day and had a few guild members help me decide on the finally layout as there are so many options when playing with HST style blocks. I really like how the blocks are worked into the border and glad my friends suggested it! :) I used soft yellow So Fine thread for the background quilting and a light brown Lava thread on the dark batiks. Batting is Quilter’s Dream Blend. I used a Stonehenge extra wide backing. I thought I would share how I made the blocks as I didn’t use a pattern but used a technique that I saw on a Missouri Quilt Company YouTube video that you can see here on how to make quick HST blocks. But instead of using just two fabrics from a charm pack I resized it and replaced one of the fabrics with a Four Patch made with 5” charm squares and that turns out to be 9 1/2” square. Once I had the four patch sewn I cut a 9 1/2” square of my background fabric and layered them right sides together and sewed a 1/4” seam around the outside perimeter. Then I cut the block diagonally twice. Then press open the four sections ( to the dark side) and end up with four HST blocks. Trim blocks, if needed, to 6 1/4" square. Now the only down side to these blocks are they are all bias edges so you have to be very careful when sewing the blocks together that you don’t stretch them out of shape! When adding the border cut 6 1/4" strips WOF of the background and piece in the two corner blocks that extend the design into the border. DO NOT piece white and white HST in the border as that would put bias edges on the outside edge. I have had a few readers do this and that makes for a very unstable outside edge. So if you have a few charm packs sitting around and want make a fast and easy quilt why not give this a try! I used 3 charm packs and my quilt finished 63 3/4"x 69 1/2", that includes the 6 1/4" border. I used about 3m of background/border/binding fabric for this size.
Flying Geese is a charming traditional quilt pattern made up of a triangle centered within a rectangle. The name comes from the triangle’s ...
Scrapbuster Block Tutorialby Little Miss Shabby
Sewing This: Sometimes you just need a new direction when you are sick of your own sewing. The free tutorial for this block, from Sew Kylie, is found *here.* My bee-mate chose it for h…
My Scrappy String quilt/wallhanging is finished and hanging on my entryway wall. It's the perfect spot for it I think, and my husband agrees. We love it hanging there to greet people as they enter our home. I quilted it with "organic" lines down the middle of each string. I like the fact that the lines are not perfect. And, I love the black/white polka dot binding. It's perfect! There is not a good way to get a photo of the whole quilt so this view is from the hallway looking toward the front door. The next photo is the view from the stairs as you are walking downstairs. I'm really, really happy with this quilt. It was fun to do and I love how it looks on the wall!! I was going to do a tutorial but I found an even better one than I could have written. It's seems many, many people have used this tutorial and I can see why. It's very good. Here's what I did differently - rather than one narrow white strip down the middle, I did two strips of black/white fabrics. That way, when they were opened, they created a much wider light "middle". I used a 10" foundation block and when finished sewing all the strips onto it, I trimmed it to 9 1/2". I used 1 1/2" strips throughout. It was an easy, easy quilt!! In case you want to see even more string quilts, I've created a little linky party. Please join in if you've got a great string quilt to show us! Take care,
I'm delighted to be here for the end of 2017 FAL Quarter 2 tutorials week to share something fun with you. At least, I hope you'll think it's fun. I don't know about you, but sometimes I just love working on simple, effective blocks. There are definitely seasons for complex patchwork with multiple techniques demanding much skill and attention, and then, there are times when I just want something that comes together swiftly. Not because I care any less, but often for the joy of seeing progress that feels like progress, if you know what I mean. Anyway, less babble. I have one of these kind of blocks to share with you today for my FAL tutorial. I hope you can see its potential and might even give it a go. This block has been inspired by a pic I saw months ago online somewhere (probably IG) but there was no block name or details given, just a photo, so I'm sorry I can't give credit. So I pulled together a little instruction for myself and am sharing it here as a free tutorial for you all. I've also called the block the Twister block because of a 'twist' in the construction process and because it kind of reminded me of two those little wire twisting tabs you get. (Yes, my mind makes odd connections.) And, if you look at my flimsy above you'll see that in the negative space the shape of the coloured fabrics has been 'twisted' in the opposite direction. Let me say from the outset that my method of constructing this block will work best with NON-DIRECTIONAL fabric, but I will give you the block cutting measurements for working with directional fabrics further down the post if that's what you prefer to use. You'll see that my fabrics had me doing both. Also, further down I've given you the fabric requirements for a lap size (60" square) version of the quilt top. So, without further ado, here's how to make a Twister block: Twister Block 12.5" square unfinished Fabric A (solid background) Cut 1: 6.5" x 7" Cut 2: 3.5" x 7" Fabric B (non-directional print) Cut 1: 9.5" x7" Cut 1: 3.5" x 7" (Both of these can be cut from a single piece measuring 13" x 7") Use scant 0.25" seam allowances throughout. 1. First take one of the 3.5" x 7" pieces of your background fabric and stitch it to the larger 9.5" x 7". Press the seam towards the darker fabric. You now have a piece measuring 12.5" x 7". 2. Cut this 12.5" x 7" piece in two as shown above to give you two pieces measuring 12.5" x 3.5" (see below). 3. Just to mention: handle the pieces carefully where you have made the cut, just to prevent the seams opening where you have no excess of thread keeping them closed. 4. Now 'twist' one of the pieces upside down on your mat so that your layout looks like the pic above and then sew the pieces together along the centre seam. This time, I pressed the seam open just because I didn't want my strong red showing through my white background. Leave the joined piece aside for a few minutes. 5. Take your three remaining pieces of fabric and lay them out as I have above. Join the background 6.5" x 7" piece to the 3.5" x 7" print fabric and then stitch the final 3.5" x 7" background piece to the bottom. Press seams towards the darker fabric. You now have a piece measuring 12.5" x 7". 6. As before, cut this 12.5" x 7" piece in two to give you two pieces measuring 12.5" x 3.5". 7. This time, you need to 'twist' the second piece upside down on your mat and make room between the two pieces for the piece you joined in steps 1 - 4. Check that the layout is the same as the photo above and then stitch the two side pieces to the centre piece, pressing seams open. 8. And, yes, it really was that easy. You now have a 12.5" square Twister block! Now as promised, here are the cutting measurements for using DIRECTIONAL prints in your blocks. The construction is simple, just join the pieces in columns and then stitch the columns together, taking care to press the fabrics whichever way best prevents darker fabrics showing through paler ones. Love this fluttery pic of my flimsy - you can see I added a white border to finish. Lap Quilt Fabric Requirements Since the potential of this block is in its repeat, you might fancy making a few more and growing your blocks into a lap quilt. So, for those who might be interested, here are the fabric requirements for a 25 block quilt measuring 60" square: Fabric A - Background solid - 2m Cut 9 strips 7" x WOF, From each 7" strip you will be able to sub-cut enough pieces for 3 of the Twister blocks (i.e. cut 6: 3.5" x 7" and cut 3: 6.5" x 7") Fabric B - Print fabric - 13 fqs Each block requires 13" x7" of print fabric so you will be able to cut enough fabric for at least 2 blocks from a fat quarter of fabric. (You might get three blocks worth from a generous fq.) I recommend 13 fat quarters for 25 blocks, cutting 2 blocks worth of pieces from 12 fqs and 1 from the final fq Binding Fabric - half metre You should be able to make sufficient binding from 6 strips cut 2.5" x FWOF (unless you add a border to the quilt, in which case you'll need to measure for yourself exactly how many strips you'd need) I hope this tutorial and the extra cutting measurements are clear and helpful and that some of you at least will have fun with them! This block would be a great one for Bees and charity block drives where you would end up with a lovely variety of prints, and your Bee mates will thank you for an easy month's stitching ;-)
Inspired by the often erratic and eccentric stitching found in some Japanese Boro pieces. Made from shot cottons and ikats.
