If you are looking for a really simple quilt to make, this is about the easiest.
Using a design that has simple blocks - whether you use a 4 patch or a 9 patch - and then adding strips between columns of blocks makes this easy while offering many design possibilities.
By changing the fabric, you will change the entire feel of the quilt. Use a flannel with pastels, and you have a baby quilt. Switch to cowboy fabric, you've got a quilt for a guy. Choose some nice florals and include large scale prints in the strips, and your quilt will bring a smile to your gardening friend.
These quilts can be tied, machine quilted or hand quilted - whichever you prefer.
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Once you have your fabric squared up and have done a test strip to be sure the edge of your fabric is straight, you are ready to make your first cut. I use my ruler to measure strips of fabric - rather than using the grid on the cutting mat. Place your ruler on the fabric, lining up grid lines on the ruler with the edge of your fabric. If you are going to cut a strip that is 4 inches wide, the 4 inch marker on your ruler will be lined up with the cut edge of the fabric. Remember to include the seam allowances - the 4 inch cut strip will give you a 3 1/2 inch finished size. Additional tips for cutting your fabric |
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Once your strips are cut, sew two strips together using the color pairs of your choice. |
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After the strips are sewn together, cut off pieces the same width as your strip. These will create the blocks for your quilt. Place two units right sides together and sew them using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. This creates 4 patch blocks.
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Sew columns of blocks together. For this quilt, I sewed 5 four-patch blocks in each column.
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Once the columns of blocks are sewn, it's time to add strips between them. Your strips can be as wide or narrow as you like. For this quilt, I used the width of each square patch as the width of the strips between the columns. Measure and add the strips just as if you were measuring borders and adding borders. |
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Add borders (with or without cornerstones), layer and quilt your quilt. This quilt can be tied, machine quilted or hand quilted. Once the quilt is quilted, finish the edges with your choice of binding. |
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren
Master Quilter
