A'MAZE'D Quilt Along STEP
1
SCRAPPY VS.
PLANNED
This pattern lends itself to scrappy or planned versions. We are
basically choosing lights and darks. Fabrics A, C & E are light
and Fabrics B, D & F are darks. But you could always reverse that
if you choose. If you are undecided, I would recommend printing out
the copy of the block and coloring it in with several
different ideas. You could always just lay out the fabrics as well.
Please note these pieces (except for Fabric A) are small and will
appear as a solid or color so large scale prints wouldn’t be the
best choice for these blocks because they would appear differently in
different cuts and might create chaos rather than repetition. So I
recommend solids, small scale prints or tone on tone prints. If you
want to use a busy print or pattern it would be best used in Fabric A
in which an almost 6” square will be visible.
NOTE: We are sewing the smallest sections first, and you can decide as you go. We will make the tiny four patches first. Choose the colors for those, perhaps something you already have a lot of in your 2" strip bin? If you want to just choose 2 or 3 colors and stick to those, that would also work really well.
There are kits available if you would like to make your quilt exactly
like mine. Binding is included and backings can be purchased
separately. Click the link to see all the details about the kits.
Throw Kit
Twin Kit
Queen Kit
King Kit
GETTING ORGANIZED
Before starting any new project, I like to get organized. I have some
tips about how to do that HERE and HERE. But I would
suggest the following specifically for this quilt:
- Wind plenty of bobbins, change your needle, clean and oil your
machine if needed.
- Clear off your cutting mat and check to make sure your rotary
blade is sharp.
- Locate the rulers and supplies you will need (listed on the chart
in the last post).
- If printing off these steps, choose a clipboard or folder or
binder for keeping them in order.
- Designate a bin or tote for keeping all the supplies and fabrics
together in one place.
- When cutting and sewing the steps, you may want to put them into
baggies or use a binding clip to hold all of one step together.
Remember, the less time you spend looking for stuff and clearing off
space, the more time you will have for sewing!
CUTTING NOTES
HINT:
Let’s talk about
using the ruler for rotary cutting strips. I always place the
line marking the size I want over the edge of the fabric. The mark on
the ruler should rest on top of the fabric. This allows for the full
measurement of the size I need and gives me room for the turn under
after the seam is sewn.
TIP:
Okay, so now that we
have those details sorted out. I always cut my strips parallel to
the selvage. I trim off the selvage then I just continue cutting
strips the same direction. When I do this with fat quarters my strips
end up 18” long. This is the measurement I always use when
working with strips. Longer strips tend to get unruly and shorter
strips are usually tossed into the “bits” bin. To read more about
“bits” and my scrap organization system go HERE. It’s
okay, I’ll wait.
CUTTING 4 PATCHES
For each block you will be making a set of four identical 4 patch
blocks.
Cut one light
strip (Fabric E) and one dark strip (Fabric F) 2” x 17” (or
longer)
You will need the following:
TWIN- 24 light strips 2” x 17”, 24 dark strips 2” x
17”
THROW- 42 light strips 2” x 17”, 42 dark
strips 2” x 17”
QUEEN- 64 light strips 2” x 17”,
64 dark strips 2” x 17”
KING- 80 light strips 2”
x 17”, 80 dark strips 2” x 17”
SEWING
Sew one light strip to one dark strip, lengthwise, using a ¼” seam
allowance.
Cut the strip set every 2” to create 8 two patch units. There will
be enough extra to trim the ends.
Open the units. Layer two units right sides together (light touching dark, dark
touching light).
With the dark square on top, closest to the needle. Sew the units
together, using a ¼” seam.
Repeat for each pair, making four 4 patches.
PINWHEEL PRESSING
When opening the 4
patch to press, flip the seam allowance so that the seams spin and a
tiny 4 patch is created in the middle.
Press from the back to ensure
all seams are laying flat. Flip, and press again from the front.
Repeat until you
have made all of the 4 patch sets needed for your size quilt.
Now snap some photos
and share on social media using #2022amazedQAL
#butterflythreadsquilting
Congratulations!
You are ready for next week!
Diane