Decisions, decisions. Coming up with a theme for a quilt can be challenging. Should it be a heart quilt? A Log Cabin design? Or Flying Geese? Authors and highly accomplished instructors Diana McClun and Laura Nownes join host Alex Anderson to help with the challenge and create a perfect sampler quilt.
A sampler quilt is described as a medley of patterns merging into one unit, using many different fabrics. It's considered a good starter quilt for beginners. In a class setting, the easiest block would be started first, progressing to the more difficult. The student is introduced to a number of quilting techniques, such as use of fabric, hand piecing, applique, and design, to just name a few.
Sampler fabric tips
For a sampler quilt, chose a wide variety of fabrics and colors ranging from light to dark to give a punch to the final design. Remember to represent the whole range of value and color if just a few colors are selected or just one color is used (figure A).
Larger prints are best used in a larger space, whereas small prints used in the background will create a light, airy look.
To create unity in the quilt and use the same background fabric in the blocks.
Double Half-Square Triangles
This unit is traditionally made up of triangles that can lead to problems of distortion and stretching of fabric. This easy 1-2-3 technique, the double half-square triangle, creates the perfect Dutchman's Puzzle Block, also known as the Flying Geese Unit (figure B). Measurements for a six-inch and 12-inch block (figures C and D).
1: Right sides together, place a square on top of a rectangle and stitch on the diagonal of the square, making sure to stitch from point to point.
2: Prior to trimming the excess material, here's a checkpoint. Flip the unit over to view the rectangle. Does any fabric from the square show? If not, things are lining up correctly. Cut back two layers only and press open (figure E).
3: Continue the same process to the other side to complete the finished unit ( figure F).
Design board
There are a number of considerations to think about when placing the blocks on the design board. Here are two major considerations:
- Shape: Consider the shapes within the blocks or the pieced components. For example, two blocks with half-square triangles probably should not be placed next to each other. Using a combination of 12- and 6-inch blocks in a quilt design allows more freedom in sampler quilt design.
- Color: Also consider color and the weight color can imply. Dark colors are considered heavy. Distribute color evenly throughout to allow the eye to travel over the entire quilt. Don't bunch up all dark blocks into one corner or in one section of the quilt .
- Using a reducing glass will reduce the design image to give a better idea of balance and color.
Layout tips
Break up a design by using solid six-inch blocks if the design seems to be busy with the blocks side by side (figure G).
Sashing is not necessarily needed when designing a sampler quilt. A plaid and stripe design (figure H) used six-inch, nine-patch blocks to separate the center blocks. Still want to use sashing? This pattern design (figure I) is separated using double half-square triangle technique with corner stars.
Resources Quilts, Quilts, and More Quilts!
by Diana McClun, Laura Nownes, Harold Nadel (ISBN: 0914881671)
Click
here to order this title.
Limited availability.
Guests Diana McClun
Quilter and author
Website:
www.dianaandlaura.comLaura Nownes
Quilter and author
Website:
www.dianaandlaura.com Also in this Episode
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