Thanks for joining me in this journey to make the Block Chain quilt. If you are still working on your quilt, scroll down to the end for links to all of the quilt along steps.
This is the week to finish up your quilt with binding, but of course you can work at your own pace, and share your progress in my ChristaQuilts Facebook group anytime. And feel free to ask questions about this quilt. I want you to be successful from start to finish!
Quilt Binding
For my quilt, I used the Circle Grid print in black for the binding. I love the pop of interest it gives the quilt around the edges.
Here’s a roundup of quilt binding tutorials from other quilts I’ve made. I use the same process on all my quilts, whether I bind them by hand or machine. Check out these educational links below:
So the biggest casualty for me in this whole quarantine situation is getting out and chatting with fun folks like you! Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy working from home and am grateful for the flexibility that my job in the quilting community allows. However, I miss teaching quilting and I miss talking about quilting and I miss being with quilters. So I wanted to try out an experiment….
Starting on Monday, April 27th at 2 PM PST (5 PM EST) I’m going to host “Ask Me Anything” using Facebook Live in my ChristaQuilts facebook group.
It’s going to be very casual and unscripted, mostly so I don’t have to plan too much ahead of time. And I’d like to keep it at about 30 minutes so it doesn’t take up too much of your time. This will be a great chance for you to ask me ANY questions you have, quilting related or not!
I might even share some behind the scenes sneak peeks of the “secret sewing” I’m currently working on, and maybe some general thoughts about life or anything else that naturally comes up.
If it goes well – meaning people show up for some fun conversation – I’d like to make it a weekly thing. So think about what you’d like to ask me and let’s have a fun conversation. I can’t wait!
I’m sorely missing quilt market, teaching, and other live events, so hopefully this will be the next best thing. Click here to join my Facebook Group and I’ll see ya on Monday!!
This part of the quilt along is always my favorite!! I’m excited to share how I free-motion quilted my Block Chain Quilt with a fast, fun and forgiving modern design I call “Geometric Chains.”
The basic idea is to quilt an allover design, one line at a time across the entire quilt. Below is the basic motif diagram shown in the Block Chain quilt pattern.
To get a feel for how this design is stitched, draw a series of geometric lines, similar to those shown below on a blank piece of paper. Start with a straight-ish line, then sketch a series of geometric shape such as circles, triangles, squares, spirals, hearts, etc. The sky’s the limit when it comes to ideas!!
To get around each shape and make the next one, you can backtrack (stitch over a previous part of the design), or you can echo part of the design. There’s no wrong way to do it! To avoid marking, make the shapes roughly the size of a pieced block unit. Notice how the middle spiral chain above is roughly the width of the center of the block.
Once you’ve sketched out a few shapes you like, stitch them out on some practice scraps before quilting them on your actual quilt. Be sure to test out thread colors so you are happy with the results.
In the closeup image below, you can see I used a colorful thread from my Aurifil Variegated thread collection. Because the quilt has such a high contrast, I didn’t want to have to change threads as I quilted – so I made the colorful quilting a part of the final design!
When it comes to quilting the quilt, I use my “divide and conquer” method. I start on the right side of my quilt and begin stitching at the top of the quilt, in the batting sticking out around the edges. Then I quilt one “anchor” line of quilting through each block. This will hold each pieced row together so it won’t shift after basting. Then I go back and fill in all of the quilting in each row of blocks.
Click the play button below to watch a short, 2 1/2 minute video of me quilting a couple of the “chains” in this quilt. I’m only showing the closeups, but I’m just quilting one section at a time, and taking my time. I’m able to quilt an entire chain from top to bottom without having to tie off threads at either end.
Click here, or above to view my Block Chain quilting on YouTube. (Be sure to subscribe!)
The image below is a cross section details of the quilt. Notice how all that quilting adds a somewhat whimsical texture to the quilt. Click the image below to enlarge for detail.
You can definitely apply the Geometric Chains quilting motif to any quilt, and there are several ways you can change it up, too! How about using ONE geometric design across the entire quilt? Or mix up each “chain” of quilting so it looks like a geometric sampler.
Instead of quilting straight lines with each shape, try wiggly lines, or do an allover meander with the shapes instead. No matter how you quilt it, I’d love to see your variations! Be sure to share them in my ChristaQuilts Facebook group. Or tag me on instagram @christaquilts and use #blockchainquilt so I can see your progress.
Next week it’s time to bind this quilt and then it will be complete! Be sure to check out my Quilt Along landing page for past quilt alongs and new ones coming in the future!
During these crazy times, sewing is such great therapy! Nothing warms my heart like seeing so many of you sewing masks (especially from my fabrics), making beautiful quilts, and sharing and encouraging each other! I’m currently working behind the scenes on quilts made from my next fabric collection coming later this summer. (See the sneak peek below!)
My next fabric line is called Good Vibes and will be available in July 2020!
So naturally, this means it’s time to clear off some shelf space to make room for the new arrivals! I’ve just reduced the yardage price on my first fabric line, Modern Marks. It’s now only $8.95 per yard, with no coupon required!
I’m making way for some new patterns coming this summer (to go along with some new fabric) so it’s time to clear out some of my older paper patterns. The following 4 printed patterns are on sale now until they are sold out – first come first serve!
This was my very first pattern I ever released and the good news is I will actually be releasing a newer updated version with upcoming fabric. But in the meantime, you can get the original version of Charming Chevrons for a killer price!
Here’s another version I made when I was on a solids kick:
This was one of my earlier patterns from before I started designing fabric. It’s perfect for using up scraps or leftover strips!
Here are some beauty shots of the quilt + quilting. I combined simple straight lines with pebbles, alternating the quilting design to emphasize the colorful blocks.
This has been one of my all time most popular modern designs. It’s simple yet eye catching and one of these days I will remake it using my own fabric prints in similar colors.
Irregular straight line quilting brings a wow factor to this modern minimalist quilt. I was thrilled when it won a ribbon at my local quilt guild’s show several years ago.
This quilt pattern is a fun way to ease into improv piecing and it’s made from one layer cake + background fabric. I only have a couple of these left, so grab it before they are gone!
Once the paper versions above are gone, that’s it! I need the shelf space for new stuff to come!
However, if you prefer instant download patterns, many of my current line of my PDF patterns are on sale in my Etsy shop for 15% off the regular price.
Now we come to everyone’s least favorite part of quilt-making: the basting! But if you take it one step at a time and prepare the layers of the quilt properly, this part will be a breeze, and you’ll be on to quilting in no time.
The Batting Should be Several Inches Larger that the Quilt Top
The most important step in basting a quilt is to ensure that the batting and backing are several inches larger than the quilt top all the way around. Sometimes I can get away with less If I’m careful.
For me, the easiest way to measure the batting is to buy a roll of it, then unroll it across the width of the quilt top and roughly trim off the amount I will need. In the photo above, I’m using Hobbs Tuscany cotton/wool batting which is one of my favorites. It’s 90″ wide and folded double on the bolt. So after I trim off a chunk from the bolt, I’ll lay the quilt top out and trim of several inches from the top of the batting. I save those chunks to make practice quilt sandwiches later.
For my backing I used the same gray Hourglass print that I used for the background because I really like it! The busy print will help hide any quilting imperfections!
Refer to page 7 of the Block Chain quilt pattern for how big to cut your backing pieces. The backing should be a few inches larger than both the quilt top AND the batting so you have plenty of room for basting. The extra will get trimmed off later. I like to sketch out a diagram of my quilt backing so I know how to piece it together.
For my size quilt (69″ x 69″) I want to piece together a square that’s approximately 76″ – 80″ square. Once I trim off the selvages, the width of the diagram below will be about 80 wide. I can cut my backing (4 1/2 yds total for this size) into two equal pieces, about 80″ each (2 1/4 yds x 36″, rounded down an inch). I sew my backing together with 1/2″ seam and press the seams open.
Time to Baste!
I didn’t take step by step pics when I basted this quilt. However, I used my fast and easy spray basting technique that I use on each and every quilt. You can click here for a step by step photo tutorial of the process, or click the image below for a speedy YouTube video of the process (on my Infrastructure quilt:
My favorite part of making any quilt is machine quilting it and I can’t wait to share some video snippets on how I actually quilted this quilt!! It’s a modern, geometric design that is fast, fun and easy to do! So join me again next week, and don’t worry if you aren’t to that point yet. I’ll keep these quilt along tips on my site indefinitely so you can refer to them any time you need to!
How are your Block Chain quilt blocks coming along? Be sure to share pics of your progress in my ChristaQuilts Facebook group or instagram #blockchainquilt and ask any questions you have. I love to cheer you on!
This week it’s time to finish up those blocks and sew them into a completed quilt top, also knowns as a “flimsy.” Refer to the Block Chain pattern pages 5-7 for the step by step instructions.
The easiest way to arrange your blocks is to use a design wall so you can stand back and play around with the color placement of your blocks. Just don’t overthink it since they will look great no matter what!
If you don’t have a design wall, you can use a design floor, or maybe even a design bed! No matter where you lay them out, be sure to take a picture of them with your camera phone, so you can refer back to the layout again and again as you sew.
I was in a hurry to make this quilt so I don’t have a lot of in-progress pics, but I want to point out a little thing I like to do when sewing the blocks. You can see a closeup of the pattern layout here in this diagram:
Rotate every other block so that the background seams don’t intersect. This will make it faster and easier to sew the rows together. Pin generously for best results and press each row as you go. In fact, I like to sew pairs of blocks, then press them, then sew them into larger pairs. It’s easier to press smaller chunks of blocks so the whole process isn’t so overwhelming.
Sew a Victory Lap!
When the quilt top is complete, you’ll want to “stay-stitch” the edges by sewing all the way around the edges of the quilt (called the perimeter.) Do this about 1/8″ away from the edge so it will get hidden when you put on the binding. If you add borders to your quilt, you can skip this step since the borders will stabilize the edges instead.
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:
After we are done with the top, it will be time to piece the backing, prep our backing and get ready to baste. This is a quick process so you can take a little extra time to finish your quilt top if needed.
Today is my stop on the Benartex Precut Project Hop and I have a load of fun ideas for you! I’ve rounded up a collection of precut-friendly quilts I’ve made from my 5 Benartex fabric collections, including a mix of free patterns, paid patterns, and remakes from my books. I hope this will inspire you to put those precuts to use!
By using 4 Modern Marks Charm packs + white background I was able to really show off the rainbow in my debut collection. You’ll get a different look when using scrappy charms, but it’s just as much fun to make!
Beaded Lanterns Made from Strip-Pies
This quilt solved the dilemma of how to use precut 2 1/2″ strips + background all from the same collection. With the introduction of the gray print from my Fandangle line, I designed this quilt so that it uses 36 (out of 40) Fandangle precut strips. That gives you wiggle room to leave out a couple of fabrics if needed and still get a cohesive looking quilt.
The original version of this quilt was made from 10″ squares of my Modern Marks line. Since the Modern Marks 10″ squares have long since sold out, I’ve been itching to remake this quilt using gone of my other fabric lines. All you need is a contrasting background fabric to really make those precuts pop!
Bling Made from Fat Quarters
I love this quilt pattern so much I made it twice! Both of these versions hung in my trade show booth to showcase my Geo Pop fabric collection. I wanted to show what it would look like using the exact same block fabrics, but with a completely different background fabric in black or white. Which one is YOUR favorite??
Color Weave made from Precut Strips (or Fat Quarters)
This has been BY FAR my most popular pattern ever. This rainbow-colored quilt was really quite satisfying to make. The pattern comes with instructions to make it from precut strips (I made my version from Abstract Garden). If you don’t have duplicate strips (2 of each color), you can also make it from fat quarters to get the rainbow gradation effect.
Lattice Work Made from Charm Squares
This pattern is such a great design to show off a favorite bundle of precut squares! I love charm pack patterns because they are super versatile; if you don’t have enough charms, you can use 10″ squares instead and then cut them into 4 squares each.
Terrace Tiles Made from Fat Quarters
I loved this design I made it three times to show off 3 different colorways of my newest line, Gridwork. Fat Quarters are actually my favorite precut because they are the most versatile. You can cut ANY precut you like from fat quarters, and you’ll always have enough.
I love precuts so much that I wrote an entire book on what to do with them!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual trunk show and are inspired to put them to good use.
Enter My Giveaway!
To celebrate my love of precuts, I’m offering 3 lucky winners a PDF pattern of their choice from my current pattern line below. Most of them are precut friendly and they are all fun to make!
To enter, first take a look at all of the projects that have been shared so far during the hop. (Click this link for all of the participants and check out their amazing projects.) Then leave me a comment on THIS POST letting me know which has been your favorite project (and who made it if you can remember)! The giveaway will run through the end of the month, March 31 and the winner will be notified via email.
Sneek Peek alert!!
I’m now in the midst of sewing up a plethora of new precut friendly projects and patterns fro a future fabric line… so stay tuned!!! There will be precuts-a-plenty later this summer. 🙂
What a week it has been since we began! I know that many of you are home sewing and I hope this Block Chain quilt along is just what you need to make something beautiful when the world is in a bit of chaos! This week we will be sewing our chain blocks using the 5″ charm squares + black accent fabric.
Follow the Block Chain pattern instructions on page 2 to trim down your black strips, and sew the center units shown above.
For the next step, I used the hourglass fabric in gray for my contrasting background because I love the texture, but I think it would look super cool with the black/white print also.
Continue with the pattern instructions on pages 3-5 to sew as many blocks as you need for your size. The contrast around the center squares really makes them pop!
Tip: when sewing all of the complete blocks above, I like to chain piece as much as possible. That means sewing all of the same unit to all of the blocks, one right after the other without clipping threads in between. I prefer to sew with a shorter stitch length (2.5 instead of 3.0) and press my seams open for nice, flat blocks.
Sewing with a shorter stitch length also hides the piecing thread so it doesn’t poke through in between the seams. I used my neutrals thread collection for piecing this quilt because they blend into all of the different colored fabrics.
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:
Next week we will start sewing our blocks into the quilt top. Just remember, you can work at your own pace, faster or slower as you wish. I’m here to cheer you on each step of the way!
Use Code SHIP at Shop.Christaquilts.com for Free US Shipping
We are living in uncertain times right now and as many of you know, quilting is my full time job that supports my entire family. To help us all feel better about being home bound, I want to do my part to help keep the quilting industry alive and well!
Therefore, starting today, and until further notice, I’m offering FREE US shipping on all orders, and reduced shipping on all international purchases. Enter code SHIP in the coupon box at shop.ChristaQuilts.com and click the + symbol to ensure it gets applied to your order. You’ll be able to confirm the correct total before finalizing checkout.
So if you are “quilting under quarantine” as may of us are, stock up, stay safe, stay home and sew!!
Christa Quilts 