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Improv / free form quilt blocks series – block 6 – tutorial

18 Feb

This  is the sixth and last block. It is constructed in the same way as my first free form mini quilt.

See

The block is constructed like a log cabin block.

Cut the strips of fabric with a pair of scissors or with a rotary cutter without using a ruler. Start with a small rectangle for the centre. Use strips made of different colours to build the block around the centre. The strips can be one single colour or the strip can be made of different colours joined together.

Keep adding strips of fabric until your block can be squared to 10 inches.

The sides of the block may get very wavy as you keep sewing. To straighten a wavy strip, you need to place the side of the block on top of the new strip of fabric, pin it, and cut around the edge of the block on the fabric below (see picture).You will end up with a wavy strip of fabric as per picture below.

To add the wavy strip to the side of the block, pin it in place matching the inside and outside waves really well. It can be tricky to start.

When you’re done with the block, square it to 10 1/2 inches.

So we have now a set of 6 blocks. Next time we will add the sashing and a border ready to mount on canvas.

Improv / free form quilt blocks series – block 5 – tutorial

11 Feb

This is the fifth block in a series of 6. The blocks will be used to make a quilted bedhead (or wall hanging).

See

This block was done based on my earlier improv mini quilt.

The following is roughly the method I used to achieve this result.

I started the construction by cutting a long strip and then I cut it in sections at irregular intervals.

Then I cut small strips to insert them in between the larger strip sections. Make each strip at least 11 inches long.

I stiched all bits together as per (this very bad) photo.

I ironed the strip and cut another white fabric strip.

I stitched the white strip to the colour strip just completed and then I constructed another colour strip and attached it to the other side of the white strip.

For the current block I used the same colour strips and white strips in between.

I continued to add strips.

I ironed the pieces flat.

Then trim the block to 10 inches square.

Wonky log cabin tutorial

5 Jan


Materials

Front

  • Scrap fabrics
  • Cream fabric for sashing

Back

  • Scrap fabrics
  • Cream fabric for sashing
  • 1 yard of matching fabric

Wonky log cabin block construction

The final block size is 9 inches.

Cut a wonky piece of fabric for the centre piece.

Cut two more wonky pieces to attach to the side of the centre.

Cut both pieces slightly larger than the sides of the centre square.

Sew and square sides.

Repeat with the other two sides.

Square sides again.

Calculate how much fabric is needed in the last border to complete a 9 inch block.

Repeat as for previous steps cutting and attaching the pieces around the centre.

Cut strips long enough so that some fabric is left over around, particularly for very wonky blocks.

Square finished and ironed block to 9 inches and cut.

Sashing

Cut 24 2 1/2 x 9 inch strips
Cut 12 x 2 1/2 squares scrap fabric photos
Construct quilt as per photo

Back of quilt

Materials

  • 30 4 inch squares
  • 4 x 1 1/2 inch strips cut along the whole width of the fabric in cream for the sashing
  • 2 x 2 1/2 inch strips cut along the whole width of the fabric in cream for the sashing and a bit more for the short sides of the grid

Assemble as per photo.

Quilt as per your choice.

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