Quilt Block of the Month: April

Have you ever wanted to make a quilt but couldn't find just what you had in mind? The editors of Quilter's World magazine have compiled some block patterns, from the thousands of traditional blocks available, that you can download for free. With a few basic skills and a variety of block patterns, you can create countless designs in no time.

A new 8" x 8" finished block will be available each month along with helpful hints, tips and tricks. We will also give you ideas for block combinations and possible quilt settings from time to time to help you create fabulous quilted projects. We hope these blocks will inspire you to experiment with quilt design and create your own layouts. So get a binder and some page protectors to fill with block patterns and samples to fuel your creative juices.

Economy

Finished Block Size
8" x 8"

Helpful Hints

• Choose light and dark fabrics for this block. Use scraps from other projects or purchase fat eighths (9" x 22") or fat quarters (18" x 22") to make one sample block.
• Cut individual pieces from scraps or cut strips, and then individual pieces from strips if using yardage or large pieces of fabric. For example, to cut several 2 1/2" squares, cut a 2 1/2"-wide strip the width of the fabric. Subcut the strip into 2 1/2" squares.
• Use a 1/4"-wide seam allowance for all seams and stitch right sides together.
• Use common sense and press seams to cut down on bulk. Traditionally, quilters press seams toward the darker fabric. However, some blocks may benefit from pressing seams open. Pressing tips are often given in the pattern.

Choices

Some quilt blocks automatically make us think of floor or wall tile patterns. They may even have those unsettling optical illusions that some tile patterns have that make them difficult to walk on. You know the ones that recede before your feet hit the floor?

This month's block, Economy, is one of those blocks. Have fun with these blocks by taking the time to place colors to enhance the effect. Copy the block and try several color placements to see if you can make the D center square recede even further than it already does in the line drawing. Or can you make the exact opposite happen and bring D popping up to the top of the design? Mix the effects in one quilt giving it an in-and-out feel.

For more detailed help with quilting techniques, view our Quilting Lessons or consult a complete quilting guide. Your local library will probably have several on hand that you can review before purchasing one.

DOWNLOAD
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