bev195000

Hi,
I would like to try making a Kaleidoscope block but need to know what sort of template i would need to make this and where i can find any tutorials on how to make these blocks

sewwhat85

i love those quilts too

Tamara

Me too!

Holice

there are many kaleidescope designs. which do you want to make.

bev195000

Oh i don't really know i have seen some beautiful ones with floral fabric but a easy one to start with would be good as a beginner in these types of blocks i think if i started with a really hard one would panic me lol

Holice

A good one to start with is one block wonder or Bethany Reynolds Kaleidscope pinwheel. For these you only need a straight ruler. This would give you the concept and you can go from there. And the uglest fabric make the most attractive designs.

Holice

and #2 it is addictive

amma

You may want to start out with a pattern. Some are fussy cut, others are cut out using repeat fabrics stacked up.

Having a good book or pattern in front of you for the first one is very helpful :wink:

Once you pick one out, it will be easier for us to help you with it :D:D:D

amma

Check out this tutorial from connecting threads :D:D:D

http://www.connectingthreads.com/tut...lock__D21.html

BKrenning

Florals sounds like Stack & Whack or One Block Wonders. Stack & Whack (S&W) generally uses 45 degree templates but can be done with any size really. One Block Wonders (OBW)are generally hexagons so they use 6 triangles--60 degree rulers or equilateral triangles. I used Kaye Wood's Star Maker 6 ruler for my OBW. I like how large it is so I can make any finished size between 2" & 14".

There is a tutorial on this website for the OBW's. Very good pictorials to follow. Finding the repeats and accurate cutting are the hardest parts.

Another method is to find a specific design in a fabric and fussy cut multiples in triangles, squares (4 Patch Posies), or blades (Dresden Kaleidoscopes). How many units depends on the degree of ruler you use. A 10 degree blade ruler would be 36 blades or a 36 degree blade ruler would be 10 blades. You have to equal 360 degrees to make a block. 6-60 degree triangles, 8-45 degree triangles also known as half square triangles. Squares are 90 degrees so 4 squares.

A really cool one I saw wasn't flowers. It was chili peppers. The oriental fabrics look great also. I prefer the high contrast versions myself with lots of color. To me, the muted ones with fewer colors look like a whole lot of work for very little bang but many people like the very subtle changes across the quilt. I like eye candy overload!