Quilt Block of the Month: August

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 block download 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.

Hovering Hawks

Finished Block Size
8" x 8"


Hovering Hawks
8" x 8" Finished Block

Helpful Hints

• Choose one each light and darkfabric 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.

Creating a Quilt Backing

Don't be afraid to be creative with your quilt backing! Besides using a one-color backing, you can use the scraps from the quilt itself and piece them together with extra yardage, make a few extra blocks to add to the back, or piece together solid colors coordinating with the front of your quilt.
Here are a few things you should be aware of when choosing backing fabric and determining how large a backing you should have for your quilt:

• Choose backing fabrics that have the same care needs as the quilt top. Trim the selvages from any yardage. Selvages do not act the same way as the rest of the fabric and are difficult to stitch through.
• If you are doing your own quilting and have some doubts about how well you will do, pick a backing that will camouflage your stitches, like a print. Remember that muslin or any solid color will allow every quilting detail to show.
• If hand quilting, consider how many seams will be involved in piecing a backing. Many seams may make hand quilting more difficult because the needle will be piercing several layers.
• Backings should be larger than the quilt top. We suggest that you make a quilt back at least 8" larger than your quilt top to allow for shrinkage from the actual quilting. For example, if you have a quilt that measures 45" x 56" you will want to have a back that measures 53" x 64".
• When having your quilt quilted by a longarm quilter, contact them for their preferences on how large they want the backing for ease of attaching the quilt to the longarm quilting frame.
• If using a fabric with 42" of usable width, you will need to piece the backing. If your quilt is 40"-60" wide, piecing the backing with horizontal seams saves yardage. If wider than 60", use one or two vertical seams. A quilt 81"-120" wide will require a backing with two vertical seams. Consult a complete quilting guide for more details on piecing backings. By purchasing an extra-wide fabric specifically made for quilting, you can have a backing without seams. Check with your local quilt or fabric store to see what is available.

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.

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