TUTORIAL: Welcome Home Quilt Block

If you are looking for a scrap quilt pattern that is versatile, good looking, beginner friendly, group friendly, quick and just plain FUN, you have found it: Welcome Home Quilt Block.

Yes, all of these are Welcome Home Blocks!

As long as the pieces match up, it does not matter what order you assemble them–traditional log cabin, court house steps, random–they all look good.

MATERIALS (for each block–it takes 48 blocks to make a 60″ x 80″ quilt)

From a variety of scraps, cut…

2 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares

2 2-1/2″x4-1/2″ strips

2 2-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ strips

2 2-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ strips

1 2-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ strip

ASSEMBLY

1. Stitch the 2-1/2″ squares together. Press.
2. Add the 2-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ strips, matching ends and pressing between each.
3. Add the 2-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ strips, matching ends and pressing between each.
4. Add the 2-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ strips, matching ends and pressing between each.
5. Add the 2-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ strip, matching ends. Press.
6. Ta-dah! That’s it. Now, go make a whole bunch more.

Yep, this quilt was built with just such blocks! Aren’t you excited?! Go build 48 blocks and have a nice size quilt people will cuddle under with love.

TUTORIAL: Star Kissed Big Block Baby Quilt

When a single block is 28″, it is easy to turn it into a baby quilt, wall hanging or table topper.

BIG BLOCK BABY
Finished size: 36-1/2″ x  36-1/2″

MATERIALS

ONE Size Large (based on 2-1/2″ squares) Star Kissed Block.  It will measure 28-1/2″. You can find all directions HERE.

64 2-1/2″ scrappy squares
1/4 yard background fabric (NOTE:  I matched the background to the star block itself, but it is OK to use a scrappy background as long as it is very similar value.  Otherwise, the star won’t shine as bright)
1-1/8 yard backing fabric
batting
binding (NOTE that I matched the star points.  Not necessary, but I think is helps the quilt “work.”)

CUTTING DIRECTIONS

You may already have the 2-1/2″ squares. Cut from your scraps. Use mini charms, or 5″ charms cut into quarters. Leftover jelly roll pieces are good, too. Just get a good pile.

From background fabric you will need:
2 1-1/2″ x 28-1/2″
2 1-1/2″ x 30-1/2″
2 1-1/2″ x 35-1/2″
2 1-1/2″ x 36-1/2″

CONSTRUCTION

I thought I took pictures as I built this, but, if I did, I can’t find them.  So, this is really more just directions rather than a tutorial.

1.  Attach the 1-1/2″ x 28-1/2″ strips to the sides of the block.
2. Attach the 1-1/2″ x 30-1/2″ strips to the top and bottom of the block.
3.  Sew 2-1/2″ squares together to form strips.  You need two strips of 15 squares each and two strips of 17 squares each.
4.  Attach the 15 square strips to the sides of the block.
5.  Attach the 17 square strops to the top and bottom of the block.
6. Attach the 1-1/2″ x 35-1/2″ strips to the sides of the block.
7. Attach the 1-1/2″ x 36-1/2″ strips to the top and bottom of the block.
8.  Ta-dah!  You have a top.
9. Sandwich backing, batting and top together and quilt.  I used a panto called Billowy.
10.  Bind.  NOTE:  As mentioned above, a binding that matches the star points is a nice frame and ties the quilt together.

BIG BLOCK BABY Gallery

Claire created this beautiful version using soft colors and some wonderful custom quilting.

Your beautiful creation HERE…

 

Star Kissed Quiltalong: Another Layout

How are you doing with your Star Kissed blocks?  Remember there is no hurry, but I do like to know how it is going and if there is anything I can do to help.

Today I am sharing another option for your blocks.  (Information on the entire quiltalong HERE.) Since the quilt is designed in four different block sizes, I decided to make four different quilts to show some ideas that might work for you.

These blocks are based on 1-1/2″ squares.  Four of them, with triple sashing (also based on 1-1/2″) makes a 37″ baby quilt or table topper.  Of course, feel free to add more blocks.  I think it would make a striking bed quilt.

Keep stitching!

Star Kissed Quiltalong: Corners

Welcome to the Star Kissed Quiltalong! This is an ongoing quiltalong with no deadlines and no race to the finish.  It is a great day to get started.

You can find all you might want to know about previous steps in the quiltalong HERE, or you can link from the button to the right or the menu above.

Today we are focused on the corners, those lovely little four-patches and their accompanying background fabric.

For EACH block you plan to finish, you need EIGHT pieces of background fabric, in two different sizes:
*If using 1-1/4″ base squares your four patch should measure 2″ and you need FOUR rectangles 1-1/2″ x 2″ and FOUR rectangles 1-1/2″ x 3″.
*If using 1-1/2″ base squares your four patch should measure 2-1/2″ and you need FOUR rectangles 2″ x 2-1/2″ and FOUR rectangles 2″ x 4″.
*If using 2″ base squares your four patch should measure 3-1/2″ and you need FOUR rectangles 2-3/4″ x 3-1/2″ and FOUR rectangles 2-3/4″ x 5-3/4″.
*If using 2-1/2″ base squares your four patch should measure 4-1/2″ and you need FOUR rectangles 3-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ and FOUR rectangles 3-1/2″ x 7-1/2″.

The sewing steps for all four sizes are the same. For each block you should have completed FOUR four-patches.  See HERE for more information on the patch sections.

1. Sew one smaller rectangle to each four patch section.  Press open.

2.  Attach two of the longer rectangles to the “top” of two sets and two of the longer rectangles to the “bottom” of two sets.  This allows the finished block to have a symmetrical look.  Although, you may not be bothered by them facing in different directions, but I like them to be even.

3. And that’s it!  Duplicate as many times as necessary for the quilt you plan to build.

Thanks for quilting along! I’ll be back next week, or so, with the star points and block assembly.  Let me know how this is going for you.

 

 

 

TUTORIAL: Sticks And Bricks Quilt

In a previous post I referred to this pattern as “Sticks and Stones,” but “Sticks and Bricks” seemed more fitting.

So, here is a mini tutorial for Sticks and Bricks.

STICKS AND BRICKS

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82-1/2″ x 82-1/2″

(but size is highly flexible–FINISHED block size 7-1/2″)

MATERIALS

A big pile of background fabric scraps, OR yardage–about 6 yards total

A big pile of colored fabric scraps

CUTTING DIRECTIONS

from the background fabric cut a total of…

180 2″x8″ rectangles

732 2″x2″ squares

from the colored scraps cut a total of…

120 2″x8″ rectangles

793 2″x2″ squares

ASSEMBLY

There are two types of blocks–Sticks and Bricks, naturally.

To build a Sticks block, alternate background and colored rectangles–three background and two colored.    Stitch.  The block should be 8″ UNFINISHED. Make 60 Sticks blocks.

To build a Bricks block, build a 25 patch with the colored squares in the corners, using 13 colored squares and 12 background squares.  The blocks should be 8″ UNFINISHED. Make 61 Bricks blocks in all.

Using your 121 blocks, lay out in an 11×11 pattern, with the Bricks in the corners.  Assemble into rows and then into an entire top (Isn’t it easy to write and tiring to do?! About this stage in quilt construction I consider that those who say quilting is a sedentary hobby haven’t quilted very much).

Ta-dah!  A Sticks and Bricks top.

This pattern is forgiving and easy to change in size.  If you want a true queen/king, consider building a 13×13 grid–169 blocks in all.  That will measure 98″ square.  I prefer odd numbers of blocks on this type of quilt as it keeps the outer corners consistent, but that is just a personal preference.

I hope to have a fully finished quilt to show you soon, but my quilting machine is unavailable for a while due to the pandemic. And that is OK.  I have plenty of fabric to see me through.

STICKS AND BRICKS Gallery

your beautiful creations here…

 

Teacup Pincushion

Recently, I was gifted a tiny plant in a cup.  Alas, the plant did not survive very long, which is unusual around here.  I am pretty good at keeping plants alive. But, the cup remained.

It was decorative and not really intended for drinking.

But I thought it might make a cute (and functional) pincushion.

This TUTORIAL gave me a good starting point.

 

And before I knew it, I had a new super cute (and functional) pincushion.

It was so much fun, I made a second one, which I will share with you tomorrow.

Do you have a little pot laying around?  Consider a pincushion.

String Pieced Potholders

While it is fun to develop new designs, sometimes it is fun to revisit old favorites, too.

This week it was String Pieced Potholders.

They are simple and satisfying to create.

If you need a quick gift for someone special (this can include YOU) they will brighten the day and bring a smile, too.

And use scraps.  It’s a good thing.

New Project (And Future Tutorial For You)

It has been a while, probably too long, since I shared a new tutorial.  But, as part of the quilts I am making Number One Son and his family for their new house, I am creating this one.  No name yet, probably something like Shine On. Maybe.

Colors–yellow and black.

I have a similar idea running in red, blue and white vintage.

So much fabric, so little time…

TUTORIAL: Lily Pad Baby Quilt

This happy little quilt is based on the Fresh Flowers quilt by Karen. (You can see the original here: http://piecesofcontentment.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/fresh-flowers-quilt.html ) She kindly gave permission for me to resize it and write a tutorial for the design.  I just love the happy shape.  Hers uses a charm pack (5″ squares), a great alternative.  This one is based on 4″ squares.

LILY PAD

Finished size: 32-1/2″ 32-1/2″

MATERIALS

36 4″ squares.  Use scraps to give variety.  On this one I used 6 different fabrics in the six colors chosen to match the backing fabric.  I like doing that with baby quilts.

1/3 yard for the outer “strip” and binding (not shown in picture above)

1  yard background fabric

1-1/8  yard backing fabric (or as required for quilting technique)

batting suitable

CUTTING DIRECTIONS

• Prepare your colored squares.  36 of them.
• Background fabric:
  • 36 4″ squares
  • 4 2-1/2″x 9-1/2″ strips
  • 4 1-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ strips
  • 4 2-1/2″ x 12-1/2″ strips
  • 2 1-1/2″ x 30-1/2″ strips
  • 2 1-1/2″ x 32-1/2″ strips
• Colored Strip:
  • 4 1-1/2″x9-1/2″ strips
  • 4 1-1/2″x10-1/2″ strips
  • 4 2-1/4″xWOF for binding

CONSTRUCTION

1. Pair the colored squares with background squares.  Draw a diagonal line across the back of the background square.  Stitch 1/4″ away from the line on each side.  Cut and iron open to create two half-square triangles. Do this 36 times.  It will create 72 half-square triangle blocks.

2. Square up the half-square triangles to 3-1/2″ inches. Yes, this does matter.

3. Lay it out in a pleasing arrangement.  You will notice that it is an arrangement of 8 by 8, plus 8 more in triangles outside the array.

4. Stitch the rows together.  I created strips and then sewed the strips together, nesting the seams for accurate piecing and to minimize bulk.

5. Now you are going to create the first set of borders.  Sew the 1-1/2″x9-1/2″ colored strips to the 2-1/2″x9-1/2″ background strips.  Do this four times.

6. Make a long border that uses a strip-background pair, two half square triangles in a pyramid shape, and a second strip-background pair. Make sure the colored strip is on the side that is at the base of the pyramid as shown below.  To this two times.

7. Attach the borders to the top and bottom of the quilt.

8. Now, you are going to create the borders for the other two sides.  The technique is similar, but there are extra pieces. First, attach the 1-1/2″x2-1/2″ background pieces to the 1-1/2″x10-1/2″ colored strip.  Do this four times.

NOTE: I thought for sure that I had pictures of each step. I guess I was caught up in the creative process.  I’ll have to make another one sometime soon and do better on photography.

9. Stitch the pieced strip to the 2-1/2″x12-1/2″ background strips.  Double check first to make sure the small background  piece will end up on the outer end of the larger pieced unit and on the base of the triangle.  Yep, I had to use my seam ripper here when I didn’t double check. 🙂 Do this four times.

10. Again, Make a long border that uses a background-strip-background pair, two half square triangles in a pyramid shape, and a second background-strip-background pair. Make sure the colored strip is on the side that is at the base of the pyramid.  Do this two times.

11. Attach the borders to the sides of the quilt.  The colored strips should meet, giving a continuous look to the corners of the colored border.

12.  Attach the 1-1/2″x30-1/2″ background strips to the top and bottom of the quilt.

13.  Attach the 1-1/2″x32-1/2″ background strips to the sides of the quilt.

14. Ta-dah!  You have a finished quilt top.

LILY PAD GALLERY

This is the first Lily Pad quilt I made, for a family in my neighborhood.

Your beautiful creations shared here…

TUTORIAL: Pint Size Baby Quilt

Little squares again?  Yep, I never seem to get tired of them.  This quilt is based on 2-1/2″ squares and you might have some of those, or something close to it, laying around.  You can use plain old scraps, jelly roll leftovers, a charm pack (with a few friends)…really just about anything.  I have a plastic shoe box where I put 2-1/2″ squares as I cut them.  All I had to do was sort through the box and find pieces that worked.  Don’t worry…the box is still full.  In fact, the box is ALWAYS full.  Scraps don’t seem to match the laws that govern the rest of the universe.

PINT SIZE

37-1/2″ 37-1/2″

block size:  8″ finished (8-1/2″ raw)

MATERIALS

192 2-1/2″ squares.  You can use scraps, a jelly roll, or take one-and-a-little charm packs and cut them into quarters

1-1/3  yards background fabric (in the model I used two different colors, but both the white sashing and borders and the very light blue in the blocks is background)

1-1/4  yard backing fabric (or as required for quilting technique)

batting suitable

1/3 yard binding fabric

CUTTING DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare your colored squares.  Because I am sometimes a little obsessive, mine get sorted by color.  But, you don’t have to do that.  Just make sure a good pile is ready.
2. Background fabric–for each block you will need 4 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares and 4 2-1/2″x 4-1/2″ rectangles.   That means a total of 64 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares and 64 2-1/2″x 4-1/2″ rectangles.
3. Background fabric, continued–for sashing and borders you will need 24 1-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ rectangles, 9 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ squares, 2 1-1/2″ x 35-1/2″ strips and 2 1-1/2″ x 37-1/2″ strips.

CONSTRUCTION

1. Using your colored squares, create a four patch block.  Be color obsessive (I raise my hand here), or just grab 4 pieces and stitch them together.  The finished 4-patch blocks should measure 4-1/2″ square. Do this 16 times.
2. Choose one of your 4-patch centers, 8 colored squares, 4 2-1/2″ background fabric squares and 4 2-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ background rectangles.  Lay out your proposed block.
   

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3. You will create a flying geese block using 2 colored squares and a background rectangle.  Use the “stitch and flip” method. Do this four times.
   

   Stitch on the diagonal

   

   Cut and iron open
4. Assemble the block as you would a 9-patch.  Just join the sections into rows, then join the rows together.
5. Yay!  You have a finished block.
6. Do steps 2-5 a total of 16 times.
7. Lay out your blocks in a pleasing arrangement.  If they are scrappy enough, it probably doesn’t matter.  But, just looking at them all is part of the fun.
8. Create rows of blocks by alternating four blocks with the 1-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ background strips between.  It will take three strips. Do this four times.
9. Create sashing rows by alternating 1-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ background strips with 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ background squares.  It will take four strips and three squares.  Do this three times.
10. Sew the block rows and sashing rows together.
11. Attach the 2 1-1/2″ x 35-1/2″ strips and 2 1-1/2″ x 37-1/2″ strips to the top and bottom and then the sides.  You have a finished top.
12. Layer, baste and quilt as desired.  I used a simple diagonal through the blocks.  It was something I could handle on my home machine.
13. Label and bind.  Ta-dah!  You have a quilt.
    

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    PINT SIZE GALLERY

Your beautiful creation here…