How to Design a Quilt Block
Designing a quilt block allows you to choose every component of design from the pattern, print and texture of the fabric. There are a countless number of patterns from historic forms to more contemporary options. Take the time to think out what you'd like your quilt to look like when you begin brainstorming design block ideas.
What You'll Need:
- Pencil
- Freezer paper
- Ruler
- Large sized 45-degree right triangle
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- Computer with Internet access (optional)
- Decide the major design elements first. Determine if you want to create a more historic quilt filled with geometric design ideas or a more contemporary quilt that doesn't have as many pre-sets. Which ever style you chose to make create a simple sketch of your ideas first.
- Chose the size of your blocks. Before you begin creating your pieces of patchwork, you'll first need to choose the size of your finished quilt. Keep in mind, the dimensions you select will have an effect on the size of each patchwork. Use a large sized 45-degree right triangle as a guide and draw an outline of your block on the paper side of the freezer paper and then cut it out.
- Begin drafting your design using the block as outline. For a four-patch grid, fold the freezer paper block into halves. For a nine-patch grid, search the Internet for templates. One choice is available on the Whitman Mission National Historic Site's web page.
- Using a utility knife or a pair of very sharp scissors cut out each of the pieces of the pattern along the design outlines.
- Select the fabric you'll use for your quilt. This step can be done later but its sometimes easier to envision the final outcome if you have your fabric selection in front of you.
- Cut the pieces of fabric you've chosen and iron the wax based side of your pattern pieces to the underside of the fabric. Using a pencil and a ruler, draw a seam allowance line of about 1/4 inch.