Butterfly Threads: 2022 A'MAZE'D Quilt Along Step 1

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