Should I Do Rows, or Blocks?
#1
Should I Do Rows, or Blocks?
I want to make a King size quilt using 5 inch squares. There will be no pattern, just a mix of 5-7 fabrics randomly placed. Being my first large quilt, it will probably be tied instead of quilted. My question is, do I piece in long rows, or blocks? What would be the best for smooth seams? Thanks for your help.
#4
I stopped doing long rows. I put my quilts together in quarter sections. I start by putting all the blocks into giant four patches. Then those four patches into even bigger four patches or sections until I have the quilt put together in roughly four quarters. If the quilt isn't an even number across or down one section will be one block wider or longer. Then I sew the top two sections together and the bottom two sections together and then you only have one full width seam. I noticed the first time I put a quilt together that way that it came out straighter and squarer than doing row after row. You do have to really pay attention to which way you press your seams though.
#6
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,134
For a King size quilt, I'd probably make NINE smaller (approx) 35"x35" quilts (or whatever size you'd need them to be), and then sew them together.
(and while making the smaller quilts, I'd also start with smaller configurations, like 3x3 or 4x4, and sew them together.)
Definitely stabilizes and prevents wonkiness.
Also, it makes the whole project less daunting.
And you end up with only two really long seams to sew.
And echoing ScissorQueen's advice - map out your pressing strategy before you start.
Makes life a whole lot easier.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: West Texas
Posts: 2,073
I do a lot of 6" squares quilts for charity. For Lutheran World Relief, the specifications are 60" x 80". I do 4-patch blocks, then sew those blocks into 6 colums of 8 blocks. Finally sew the columns together. It works for me. BTW for those utilitarian quilts, I use 1/2" seams. If I choose to make a border, it is 6" also, and then the situation calls for 5 columns of 7 blocks (all 4-patches).
These quilts are worked up quickly because of the 6" x 24" ruler.
Dayle
These quilts are worked up quickly because of the 6" x 24" ruler.
Dayle
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
quiltingdragon
Pictures
85
08-05-2013 12:57 PM
sewingsuz
Main
7
01-28-2013 08:29 PM