HGTV.comHGTV.com

Quilt Planning Advice: One Step at a Time

Quilt design may change as blocks are assembled.

Simply Quilts : Episode QLT-1104 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

Alex Anderson originally selected a brown border for this quilt, but as it emerged, the red border complemented the colorful blocks.
PHOTO

This quilt initially seemed to ask for a dark half-square triangle border, whereas the floral appliquéd border ended up tying the quilt together best.
Quilting expert Alex Anderson answers a viewer's letter relating to managing a quilt project. "When I start a project I'm wondering how best to organize the project. Do I cut everything first then sew, or cut and sew as I go? Is there a preferred way to handle your fabric and your project?"

Anderson acknowledges that it is challenging to preplan an entire quilt. She tweaks her projects as she works. From her experience she finds that each quilt has a mind of its own. This became readily apparent when she wrote her border book Finish It. In the book, Anderson illustrates how quilt concepts changed as blocks were assembled and the quilt took form.

Here are a few of her suggestions:

  • Begin with a general project plan.
  • Select intended fabrics for the project.
  • Create one block at a time.
  • Take one step at a time and work as you go.
  • Display blocks on a design wall to determine design development. Listen to the quilt; it will tell you what direction to go.
Resources
Finish It With Alex Anderson
by Alex Anderson
C&T Publishing, 2004
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Also in this Episode
Simply Quilts : Episode QLT-1104
•Botanically Correct
•Quilt Planning Advice: One Step at a Time
HGTV.com
Services Popular Content About
Our Sister Sites

Comparison Shop for Home Decor & Garden Tools at Shopzilla & BizRate

UpMyStreet and uSwitch.com provide UK comparison services.

© 2008 Scripps Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.