your skill set. There are some simple
block tutorials in this chapter. Why not
start simple with a Nine Patch block
- find out how on page 108, or try making
the popular Log Cabin block (see page
109). Your ‘quilt setting’ is simply the way
you will arrange the various elements of
your quilt top. Once you’ve got to grips
with a few basic options you’ll find you
can combine blocks, borders and sashing
in endless new ways to beautiful effect.
Here’s a quick rundown of the options
available... we’ve put some diagrams on
page 104 to show you each one in action.
Start simple: you don’t have to make up
a quilt top entirely from either plain
patchwork squares or blocks. Why not
mix and match? Once you’ve got the hang
of making and piecing together blocks,
try adding a basic border. To finish, add
binding around the edges.^1
Double up: why stick to one border when
you could have two? Adding two borders
gives the effect of framing the central
patchwork pieces. Here we’ve mixed two
different types of block and set them with
two straight borders – one narrow darker
fabric to ‘frame’ the patchwork, and a
wider outer border.^2
Add sashing: borders aren’t the only
way to help your blocks stand out from
across the room. Adding narrow strips of
fabric sashing in between your block rows
is another way to break up intricate block
patterns and fabrics and help your
patchwork pieces shine a bit more.^3
Get to the point: as your skills improve
you can play around with the different
features of your quilt top – learn new
patchwork blocks, experiment with
sashing, or even tilt your designs 45° so
they are ‘on point’. Rotating each block by
90° also looks great with some designs.^4
HOW TO ADD A BASIC BORDER
A straight-edge border made from a
single fabric is one of the easiest types of
borders with which to frame your blocks.(^5) First measure your quilt top along the
height. Cut two strips of fabric to this
measurement times by the width you
want the finished border to be.
Remember that your width should
include two ¼in (6mm) seam allowances.
Pin and sew both border strips, one
on each side of the quilt top using ¼in
(6mm) seam allowances.
(^6) Press the seams outwards.
(^7) Measure the quilt again, this time
across the width, including the two
borders you’ve just sewn on. Cut two
strips of fabric to this measurement
times by the same width as before
(including seam allowances). Pin and sew
the strips to the top and bottom of the
quilt top. Press the seams outwards.
8 Measure and trim if necessary to keep
all corners right-angled.
NEXT STEPS
Turn the page for our step-by-step guides
to adding sashing in between your rows
of blocks or cornerstones to your borders.
Beginner’s Guide to Quilting 105
56 7 8
Make sure your blocks are all the same
finished size, so the quilt top will fit together well.
ADDING A BASIC BORDER
HAPPY CROSSINGS QUILT
BY PAT BRAVO, P119
© Art Gallery Fabrics