Today it’s time to share the fourth quilt that’s presented in my book Piece and Quilt with Precuts. Here’s, “S.W.A.K.” featuring a colorful X+O themed design. This is the last quilt in the first section of the book that’s all walking-foot quilted. Of course you can mix and match any of the pieced and quilted designs in the book, and there’s tons of options for you to choose from!
S.W.A.K Photography courtesy of Martingale/That Patchwork Place and Brent Kane.
Piece It
Of course if you look closely, you’ll see that this quilt is constructed entirely from one of my favorite units – the half-square triangle (or HST for short). I could literally design a book full of quilts based on this versatile building block!
The trick that makes this design work is the color placement of the blocks. The pattern actually includes two sizes for the quilt. You can start with fresh fabrics, or you can do what I did and use leftovers from another quilt in the book (coming up later on the hop). Whichever way you choose to make it, I’m sure you’ll have as much fun with it as I did!
For the thread, I chose a shade of blue from my Aurifil Piece and Quilt Collection It’s just the right shade that blends into all of the fabrics, but you can still see it on the navy print. The stitches sink in nicely to the quilt because I’m using one of my favorite battings from Hobbs – 80/20 cotton/poly.
See the end of the post below for a fabulous batting giveaway!
Quilt It
In each of my books so far, I’ve taught different ways to quilt spirals with your walking foot (or dual feed). For S.W.A.K. I figured out how to quilt a continuous square spiral. The secret is to count your stitches when you quilt the starting square! Of course I go into a much more detailed explanation in the book and include plenty of diagrams and closeup photography so you can follow along. I also include which fabrics and precuts I chose, along with which batting and thread I used for each quilt. I wanted you to have all the details for each quilt!
More S.W.A.K inspiration
Check out the amazing color options below. Head to each blog to read more about their fabric and quilting choices and be on the lookout for more giveaways! Whether you like to piece, or quilt, or both, we’ve got you covered with loads of inspiration!
Michelle Bartholomew
Who says you have to make the quilt exactly as shown in the book? I love how Michelle Bartholomew made fewer blocks and turned them into this lovely table runner. And her straight line quilting adds incredible texture to the piece. Visit her blog to see more stunning pics and read what she has to say about her version of S.W.A.K.
If you plan to attend at QuiltCon next year, you’ll definitely want to take her photography workshop. Isn’t her picture so fab?? I always admire those who can style and shoot a beautiful beautiful image!
Sherry Shish – Powered by quilting
Sherry from Powered by Quilting chose stunning black, white and gray prints with a pop of blue and red. Here’s a bonus tip: If you want to skip all the triangle trimming, you can, as long as all of your blocks are the same size. It will make your quilt slightly bigger but since it’s made from the same unit throughout, they’ll all fit together.
If you do choose to trim, here’s any idea on what to do with the waste: stuff them all into a pillowcase. When it’s full, simply stitch the end closed and donate it to an animal shelter to use as a pet bed. It’s an eco-friendly way to recycle even the tiniest of scraps!
Didn’t Sherry do such a fantastic job with her version of S.W.A.K? The color scheme gives it a sort of modern patriotic vibe and she did an amazing job with her quilting! Head over to Sherry’s blog to see more gorgeous pics and read about her interaction with the book.
Allison Dutton – Allison Sews
As you can see by all of these examples including Allison from Allison Sews, this is such a fun design to make from your favorite scraps or coordinated precut bundle!
Look at all that yummy texture!!
I’ve enjoyed watching Allison share her in-progress videos on Instagram. Now you can pop over to her blog to see how she chose to quilt this beauty, along with her fabulous finish!
Today’s Gift – Win Batting from Hobbs
In the book I made nearly each quilt from a different batting so I could try them out, and I listed which batting was used so you can try them out, too. My #1 piece of advice when choosing batting is to use a different batting on your next few quilts and see which ones you like best!
My preference is for natural fiber battings and I love that Hobbs offers such a wide assortment. Today’s lucky winner will receive a Hobbs batting of your choice, so you can experiment, too!
Natural fiber battings cling to the quilt, helping you to prevent shifting and puckers!
To enter, leave me a comment on this blog post letting me know how you prefer to buy batting – do you like to get it by the yard, in pre-sized packages, by the bolt, or some other way? I’m curious to know! This giveaway is open to all, and a winner will be chosen at the end of the hop.
If you haven’t yet purchased your copy of Piece and Quilt with Precuts,
I have a fresh box of them waiting to ship, and I’m happy to sign one for you!
Update: Winner Selected and Comments Closed
Congrats to Peggy P. who has been notified via email.
Christa Quilts 
Love this quilt and the quilting! I have only bought batting in packages- but have planned and cute a queen batt into 4 baby quilt batts.
I like to buy cotton batting and now I buy it buy the bolt.
I have recently started my own business, and once my supplies are used up, I hope to buy it by the roll to have it readily available. I do prefer to buy by the yard to avoid the creases. My preference is for natural fibers…Hobbs and Warm and Natural are my usual go to.
I like to buy batting on a roll (bolt) cuz I love that it has no folds or wrinkles.
I buy by the yard when it’s on sale, for special projects to try out different battings (silk, wool, bamboo) I buy packaged. For our guild, we purchase rolls for community giving quilts.
I have used mostly batting in the bag but also found a great deal on a roll of batting. (the roll actually fits nicely behind the door in the guest bedroom). I look for sales and if I do buy something that doesn’t work for me, my MIL chairs mission quilts at her church. They take batting scraps, thread,fabric, and assorted supplies so I don’t end up with many leftovers.
I buy packages due to limited storage space. Thank you for the chance.
I bought a bolt of Hobbs 80/20 two years ago and I love having it readily available. I do have to go upstairs to cut it but I need the exercise. The only drawback is not being able to try different types. I’ve ordered packaged wool to use in the quilt I’m making for my bedroom. Can’t wait to try it! Would love to win some 100% cotton!
I have always bought the precut. My lap quilts are made from a queen size divided into 4 pieces. This way I am freer to purchase the thickness I want for the quilt. Always learning though!
I usually buy packaged batting in queen size and use it for whatever size projects I’m working on. I’d like to buy a big roll but don’t have a good place it store it.
I buy packaged batting in the size I need… that’s what is available!
Thank you.
Hello! I am super excited about your new book! I prefer to buy my batting by the roll. Nothing is worse than finishing the quilt top itching to finish things up only to discover you are out of batting. Rarely happens when I buy it by the bolt 🙂 Congrats on a great new book!
I usually buy batting by the bolt. However, if I am going to be trying out different types, then batting just for that specific project. I, too, like all natural batting. I love wool batting and how lofty it makes the quilt. Love your new book.
I like to buy batting by the yard. I have considered buying a bolt.
I have bought batting from the roll and prepackaged. Buying from a roll allows me to purchase almost exactly what I need but prepackaged means leftovers so I am always challenged to make smaller pieces ( placemats, hotpads, bags, etc.) to use up my batting scraps.
I have used most types of batting from 100% poly to 100% cotton and combinations of both plus bamboo and wool battings. Right now I am loving using wool battings.
I haven’t completed many quilts in my lifetime but I’ve always bought batting by the yard (or metre, as I live in Canada!). I keep an eye out for sales, and I never dispose of my remnants — you never know when you’re going to make a mini 🙂
I like to buy the packages of batting. I get the biggest possible and then use the leftovers for baby bibs, burb cloths, table runners, etc. I also stitch together batting pieces for baby and throw quilts–only pieces of the same kind of batting, of course. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
I love buying batting by the yard and have also bought it in packages for smaller projects. I love saving little scraps to make “quilt sammiches” to practice my FMQ. I’m getting a teeny-weeny bit more confident. I received my signed copy of your book Christa! I love how you make me feel equipped to tackle something new. This quilt may be my favorite! Thanks for all you do to encourage us!
I like my batting in a package Christa …. closest to size of quilt I’m making. Thanks for asking!!! Deirdre
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I’ll use any kind of prepackaged batting I can get cheap, but I buy my batting by the roll for my big quilts.
I usually buy batting prepacked but in the largest size available
I often buy packages, but sometimes by the yard. Depends on size and price, but if I had a long arm, I would buy a roll.
The only way I can buy batting locally is in pre-packaged sizes. So that’s pretty much my only choice!
I have just learned to quilt and have yet to buy batting!! I have 21 sampler squares that are
12 1/2″. Let’s just say that my color choices have evolved since I started. I am working on piecing a throw size quilt now and will probably buy a little extra batting when the time comes so I can practice quilting before I start.
I was a package girl for quite a while but I got a great deal with joAnn’s in a bolt. Always opened to sale items and giveaways. 🙂
Occasionally bought batting in a bag of the size I require, but normally but by the yard as an impulse buy… Normally planning another quilt while at it.
I buy it by the package but I would love to buy it by the roll (but storing it….)
It depends on what is available when I am ready to quilt the quilt. If there is a show and I can have a variety to choose from I will buy however they are selling it. Otherwise, I usually have to buy packaged. I don’t have room to store large rolls of batting.
I love the SWAK quilt and everyone’s variations. I buy my batting in packages sized for my quilt, and I love natural fibers. I tried bamboo and plan to try cotton/wool next.
I’m currently in a tiny studio apartment, so I don’t have hardly any storage space. I’ve had to kinda buy as I need it. So far I’ve only bought batting in packages, and pretty close to the size I needed. I’ll be moving into a bigger apartment in just a few weeks, and I’ll be doubling my square footage (it’s almost 1,000sf! haha) so I’m excited to have the space to set up an actual sewing area with a bit of storage.
I tend to buy batting for each project as I finish it, as I don’t have much storage room. I mostly up by the yard at my LQS
I buy it by size as needed because I don’t have room to store batting.
I usually buy a few yards at a time. And Hobbs is my favorite. In the future when I get a larger sewing room I may buy a bolt if I have the space to store it in. Thanks for all the inspiration you share.
I usually buy it by the yard when it’s on sale. I tend to make large quilts (well they don’t start out that way) so I keep lots of batting handy. I’d really like to try some of the new bamboo batting. It looks like it would be fun to work with.
I buy pre-packaged when I have a coupon. It’s easier for me to store.
I love to use batting by the bolt because it has less wrinkles. The next would be packaged because it is easier to maneuver.
I’ve got several packaged pre-cut battings in different sizes, just waiting to be used. I’ve also purchased by the yard when I have pieces that would waste too much of the pre-cut batting. Mainly use W&N all cotton so far, but open to trying others. Thanks for all you do, Christa!
If i had it my way, in a PERFECT WORLD. i would buy it by the bolt and have it waiting for me at all times. I dont live in a perfect world. So i buy mine prepackaged right before i need it. Which bums me out, but i am disabled and i barely am able to afford my craft right now because my treatment is considered “experimental” (its not, its used by millions of lupus patients) and costs me about 3,000 a month. So, prepacked for me at the last minute when i can. Its ok though, it gets done. Its my favorite part!
I buy by the bolt mostly. I do buy a few speciality (wool) by the package. I’m loving the patterns you have been showing from your book!
I like it in pre sized
I have only ever bought the bags of batting.
I normally buy the package in queen or king size when on sale. I have been using 80/20 but want to try bamboo batting with next quilt.
I usually buy pre-packaged batting to match the quilt I’m making. Love cotton and wool batting.
I buy pre-packaged bats for each of my quilts. No place to store large rolls. I have tried wool batting, 80/20, all cotton, and polyester. Have to say the wool was my favorite, but not sure I would use it on a regular basis (cost and not sure about washing on a regular basis). Everytime I walk by the quilt with the wool batting, I pat and stroke it – so squishy and soft puffs. Poly is my least favorite batting.
I buy by the yard when I need it for a personal quilt. Most of the quilts I make are prayer quilts for a church and the batting is provided for us.
I am still working on a couple of different rolls of Hobbs batting I purchased a couple years ago. I like to cut what I need when I need it.
My last few quilts I have also been experimenting with different types and brands of batting, so I have purchased yardage specifically for them. It is fun to compare the finished washed look.
I’ve been buying by the yard. I’m very fond of Hobb’s 80/20.
I prefer to buy batting by the roll. Then I don’t run out for a long time. I also do prefer the 80/20 blend.
I’ve bought by the yard, seldom by the package. When I can I prefer to buy by the roll, That way I can cut whatever size I need and often find that what I didn’t use is the right size for a lap or baby quilt. I also zigzag larger scraps together to make the rights size for a project.
I buy batting on a massive roll at the local quilt show where I can get show special pricing. One roll usually lasts over a year. The only drawback is carrying that hulking roll out to the car. It’s like trying to carry a teenager for several blocks, lol. I love these versions of your SWAK quilt!
I’ve bought batting in different ways but my favorite is to get a big roll. Then I don’t have to go to the store every time.