Making Sense OF Quilt Patterns



There are literally thousands of quilt patterns already in existence, and more being designed everyday. If you are a beginning quilter it is best to stick to the simpler patterns. As you become more experienced, you will never run out of new patterns to try.

Some examples of simple patterns use squares. A Four Patch uses four squares of fabric sewn together to make one block. A Nine Patch uses nine small squares to make up one block. Different prints and colors can be mixed and matched to create different looks with these basic blocks. A Double Nine Patch is made up of nine 4-inch squares. The middle square is divided into nine 1 1/3 inch squares. Traditionally the large squares are cut from 4 dark and 4 light fabrics, while the small squares are cut from 4 light and 5 medium colored fabrics. Color combination may be varied to create different patterns.

The Churn Dash is another easy pattern. This block uses 3 different fabrics-2 designs and one background fabric. Variations of this pattern include the Grecian Design, the Greek Cross and the Wrench. There are three major pattern pieces: a 4 inch square, a 2x4 inch rectangle and a large triangle.

The Log Cabin design is probably the most well recognized quilt pattern. It is made of strips of fabric sewn together to give the appetence of a log structure.

The names of quilt patterns often reflect certain aspects of life. Names such as Job's Tears, Bethlehem Star, Cross and Crown, Jacobs Ladder reflect the Spiritual aspect.

Love and marriage is reflected in patterns like Hopes and Wishes, Lover's Knot, Double Wedding Ring and Cupid's Own.

Every state has at least one pattern named after it. These include Ohio Star, California Rose and Carolina Lily.

Not all quilt patterns are suitable for beginners. Drunkard's Path is definitely one. Once you have mastered it, it may quickly become a favorite.

Choosing fabric goes hand in hand with choosing a pattern. In fact there is great debate in quilting circles over which should be chosen first. While once quilts were made from scraps and leftovers, quilter's today have a wide variety of resources to choose from, and may purchase fabric expressly to create a quilt from it. One thing to remember is that it is better to buy to much fabric then to not have enough. Colors can't always be matched from different sources and runs.

Color is probably the most important aspect of any quilt. It is important to study tones, shades and hues. The easiest color scheme for a beginning quilter is probably monochromatic. This means one color, but different shades. Value is the lightness or darkness of a hue. A range of values provides contrast and depth to a pattern. A dominant color should be found in almost all of the quilt's blocks. An accent color should be used to create contrast and a blender color contains both colors in a pattern. When in doubt try a sample block first.


Brought to you by: Deb St. George, Publisher, Tapestry-Crochet.com






Menu


My Articles

All About Quilting
Best Books For Quilting
So You Want To Make A Quilt
Moda
What Are Quilts?
Quilting Is A Hot D.I.Y. Craft!
Making Sense OF Quilt Patterns
Essential Supplies For Quilting
All About Thread For Quilting
Choosing And Preparing Fabric
Choosing Fabrics For Quilting
How To Use Stencils For Quilting
All About Appliqué
Choosing Quilt Fabric
All About Hoffman Fabrics
How To Use Templates In Quilting
Quilting 101
How To Choose The Right Batting
The Best Quilting Pattern ForYour Needs
Where To Find Free Quilt Patterns
Discovering RJR Fabrics
Sewing Tips For Beginning Quilters
Add Life To Your Quilting With Embroidery
Patchwork Techniques






My Articles


The Best Quilting Pattern ForYour Needs Quilting has enjoyed an incredible upsurge in popularity..


Quilting Is A Hot D.I.Y. Craft! You may have heard the initials D.I.Y. and wondered what..


Best Books For Quilting Whether you are a beginning quilter, or an advanced practitioner of the..


A Notion About Notions When you take up quilting, there are many notions, or items that will make..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
Colorful Quilts Coming to Farmpark - Patch.com

    

Colorful Quilts Coming to Farmpark
Patch.com
By Jason Lea See the handiwork of quilters from all around the state at Quilts 2012 this weekend at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Submitted A colorful collage of quilters from all across the state are coming to Quilts 2012, an annual show and judged ...

and more »



Marion's Sylvia Richardson: An original - Southwest Virginia Today

    

Marion's Sylvia Richardson: An original
Southwest Virginia Today
Sylvia Richardson's quilts have won international acclaim. Yet, by her own description, she is a painter. It's just that her primary medium is cloth. When the Marion artist described her work creating wall quilts, she said, “You are painting with your ...
Happily making quilts for othersSarasota Herald-Tribune

all 2 news articles »