Table of contents for Fall 2016 in Modern Patchwork

One of my favorite things about early autumn is the abundance of new school supplies. Kids seem to have all the fun: new crayons, pencils, scissors, and staplers. But my studio—my “learning place,” could use some fresh supplies as well. Don’t you wish your local quilt shop had the same kind of inventory boost every September? What would you stock up on? For me, the first thing on my list would be a new rotary cutter. Not just a supply of sharp blades, but a shiny new unit with sleek styling and perfect ergonomics. Why this ubiquitous tool? Because my favorite rotary cutter just broke. I’ve used this trusty tool for years. Its gray-and-orange handle fit perfectly in mygrip and never let me down. It was integral in the making…

There was a moment at QuiltCon 2016 when Tara Faughnan, her niece, sister, and mom—as well as a small handful of strangers— stood in front of a quilt and cried. It wasn’t one of the statement quilts that had brought tears to so many, nor was it one of Tara’s award winning quilts in the show. It was her niece’s first quilt. She’d worked with Tara to learn quilting. As they stood in front of the quilt, the power of tradition was overwhelming. “We were feeling that long history of quilting at that moment,” says Tara. It is a long history that Tara drawson as she makes her bold, graphic, and decidedly modern quilts. It is that same history that inspired one of the more unique quilts Tara made—her Pine…

A well made binding will protect the edges of your quilt, add to the overall design, and make it last longer. The following technique is for creating a French-fold binding, also known as a double-fold binding. PREPARE THE BINDING 1. Measure the perimeter of your quilt and add approximately 24". The additional length will accommodate the mitered corners and the finished ends of the binding, and give you a few inches to spare. 2. Cut enough 2 ¼ "-wide strips to equal the desired length. 3. Join the strips together using diagonal seams. To do this, place two strips, right sides together at right angles. The area where the strips overlap forms a square. Sew diagonally across the square. Trim the excess fabric ¼ " from the seam line and…

It’s a cliché—though essentially true—that simple things areoften the best. This adage definitely applies to this quilt design. Crafted from the most basic of building blocks—half-square triangles—this quilt has a graphic, intense impact, intermixing strong colors and a purposeful use of value. These elements combine to create a quilt that is bold and beautiful, yet quick to sew. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. From mustard, cut: — 4 (8½ ") squares. From indigo blue, cut: — 5 (8½ ") squares. From chocolate brown, raspberry, coral pink, and chartreuse, cut from each: — 6 (8½ ") squares. From grass green, cut: — 8 (8½ ") squares. From red, cut: — 9 (8½ ") squares. From orange and pale blue, cut from each: — 10 (8½ ") squares. From turquoise,…

Use these simple directions to finish pillows with an envelope closure. Binding or no binding? That’s up to you. MATERIALS ■ Pillow top􀁑 Backing fabric ■ Pillow form ■ Bamboo point turner ■ Binding strips: 2 ¼ " x the pillow perimeter + 5" (for the envelope back with binding option only) ENVELOPE BACK WITHOUT BINDING 1. Cut 2 pieces of backing fabric, each the height of the finished pillow plus ½ " (for seam allowances) and the width of the finished pillow plus 6" (for overlap). As an example, for a 16" x 16" pillow, cut 2 rectangles, each 16 ½ " x 22". 2. Fold and press the rectangles in half width wise, wrong sides facing. (In our example, the rectangles would be 16 ½ " x 11".)…

Ready for curved piecing? This is just the project to perfect those skills—and the quilt will be a pleasing reminder for years to come. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Templates A and B are provided on pattern insert. Border strips are exact length needed. You may want to make them longer to allow for piecing variations. From dark green solid, cut: — 6 (6 ½ "-wide) strips. From strips, cut 36 B pieces. From tan solid, cut: — 1 (6 ½ "-wide) strip. From strip, cut 2 B pieces. From bright green print, cut: — 1 (6 ½ "-wide) strip. From strip, cut 6 B pieces. From yellow print, cut: — 2 (6 ½ "-wide) strips. From strips, cut 10 B pieces. — 8 (2 ¼ "-wide) strips…

This quilt will make either a bold or serene statement depending on your color choices. Pull out some 5" pre-cut squares for this fun, weekend project. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Templates A and B are provided on the pattern insert. From each assorted solid 5" square, cut: — 1 Template A piece. From medium gray solid, cut: — 4 (11"-wide) strips. From strips, cut 10 (11") squares. — 13 (3 ¼ "-wide) strips. From strips, cut 168 Template B pieces. — 1 (1 ¼ "-wide) strip. From strip, cut 21 (1 ¼ ") squares. — 8 (2 ¼ "-wide) strips for binding. From light gray solid, cut: — 4 (11"-wide) strips. From strips, cut 11 (11") squares. BLOCK ASSEMBLY 1. Sew 1 A piece and 1 medium…

Designer Barbara Parsons Cartier has always loved quiltsmade up in soft colors, so at last year’s International Quilt Festival in Houston, she collected a lovely assortment of gray and yellow fat quarters, and came up with this easy quilt design based on half-rectangle triangles. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Border strips are exact length needed. You may want to make them longer to allow for piecing variations. From white solid, cut: — 10 (8½ "-wide) strips. From 2 strips, cut 6 (8½ ") squares. Place 4 pairs of remaining strips together, wrong sides facing. From each pair of strips, cut a total of 16 A triangles (32 total triangles from each pair: 16 A and 16 A reversed). From the 4 pairs of strips you will end up…

Simple Housetop quilts—also known as Log Cabins—with their target-like concentric rows, are traditional favorites. This modern adaptation alternates rows of black-and-white fabrics with icy blue prints that are fractured with black accents randomly inserted. A variety of fabrics and proper value placement are the keys to this quilt’s success. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. If using precut strips of light blue and black-and-white prints, skip the last 2 cutting steps. From black-and-white print #1, cut: — 1 (4½ " x 24½ ") rectangle for quilt center. From black tone-on-tone, cut: — 3 (2½ "-wide) strips. From strips, cut 72 (1½ ") pieces for small accents. From black-and-white narrow stripe, cut: — 1 (2½ "-wide) strip. From strip, cut 10 (1½ ") pieces for small accents. From black-and-white wide…

This medallion quilt is based on the classic Log Cabin block. The center square historically represents the hearth and is typically red or orange. This modern interpretation pays homage to tradition with its bright orange center square, but the white sashing and slightly irregular arrangement of the logs convey “contemporary.” CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Border strips are exact length needed. You may want to cut them longer to allow for piecing variations. From orange square, cut: — 1 (5") square for center. From white solid, cut: — 7 (6 ½ "-wide) strips for outer borders. — 30 (1 ½ "-wide) strips for quilt top. From gold solid, cut: — 2 (2"-wide) strips. From light gray solid, cut: — 3 (2"-wide) strips. From dark brown solid, cut: —…

Follow these instructions to make Clamshell Units using the Fons & Porter Twisted Triangle Template. CUTTING 1. Place Twisted Triangle template on7"-wide fabric strip, aligning straight edge with bottom of strip. Cut along curved edges of template. NOTE: You can cut multiple layers a tone time, stacking fabrics with wrong sides facing to cut Twisted Triangles and Twisted Triangles reversed at the same time. 2. Turn Twisted Triangle template and align straight edge with top of strip. Cut along curved edges get more Watch a video of this technique from our sister publication at FONSANDPORTER.COM/TWISTEDTRIANGLES CLAMSHELL UNIT ASSEMBLY 1. Join 1 Twisted Triangle and 1 Twisted Triangle reversed to make a Clamshell. 2. Place Clamshell on 1 background Twisted Triangle, right sides facing. Working with concave edge on top, pin…

MEMBER OF THE PORTLAND MQG Gwen Marston is a master of improvisationalstyle. The keynote speaker at QuiltCon 2016 and author of several books about “liberated” quiltmaking, she also finds inspiration in old, handmade quilts. “Initially, with very few expectations, I liked every quilt I saw,” said Marston in the introduction of Liberated Quiltmaking II, “but eventually I realized the quilts that really tantalized me were the unorthodox quilts—the ones that held surprises. These quilts didn’t have obvious explanations.” Gwen is wise to look at old quilts. Early signs of improvisation are seen in the oldest American pieced quilts, made in a “make-do” spirit with mismatched but coordinating fabrics. A Nine-Patch pieced top from New York State, made in the 1830s, exhibits some of the earliest signs of improvisation in its…

TARAFAUGHNAN.COM Tara Faughnan's work is associated wtih bold colorsand rich contrast. This traditional, block-based quilt design incorporates unexpected value and color choices, making it completely modern. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seamallowances. WOF = Width of Fabric. The cutting instructions are for 1 block using 4 different solid fabrics. You will notice in the actual quilt, some of the blocks use just 3 fabrics. Once you are comfortable with the basic piecing for this block, experiment with your own color choices. 1. Cutting instructions are for1 block measuring 11 ½ " × 11 ½ " (11" finished size). 2. Choose 4 different solid fabrics, and label A, B, C, and D as in the Block Layout Diagram. From Fabrics A, B, C, and D: — Follow the cutting chart and…

Inspired by architectural art deco motifs, this paper-pieced design uses shifts in color and value to create movement. An added bonus—the half-hexagon blocks require no tricky Y-seams! PREPARATION Print or photocopy42 copies each of paper-piecing patterns A and B. CUTTING All seam allowances are ¼ ". This is a basic paper-piecing pattern. When rough cutting fabric, we recommend cutting pieces about ¾ " larger all around than the shape you are covering (as indicated in the measurements below). If you are new to paper piecing, make a test block before cutting all the fabric. You may want to cut your pieces larger. If you are experienced in paper-piecing, you may need less fabric. Cutting Chart MATERIALS Finished size: 52" x 50" ■ ½ yard white (White) for the blocks ■…

One of the hottest trends in the modern quilt world is using a combination of light and dark values of the same hue to create a transparent look. Try it out for yourself using Nichole Ramirez’s easy pattern and all solid color fabrics. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. From white, cut: — 17 (2"-wide) strips. From strips, cut 324 (2") A squares. From dark pink, cut: — 4 (23 ⁄8"-wide) strips. From strips, cut 52 (2 3⁄8") squares. Cut squares in half diagonally to make 104 B triangles. From olive, cut: — 4 (23⁄8"-wide) strips. From strips, cut 56 (23⁄8") squares. Cut squares in half diagonally to make 112 B triangles. From dark teal, cut: — 4 (23⁄8"-wide) strips. From strips, cut 56 (23⁄8") squares. Cut squares in…

This quick quilt pattern is a natural for solids and/or smallprints. The use of negative space in the background gives this quilt a modern feel. Learn an easy stitch-and-flip technique to make these oversized Flying Geese. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Press all seams open, unless otherwise instructed. Label the chevron fabrics from 1–5 in the preferred order from top to bottom. From fabric 1, cut: — 1 (6 ½ " x 12 ½ ") rectangle. — 6 (6 ½ ") squares. From fabric 2, cut: — 3 (6 ½ " x 12 ½ ") rectangles. — 2 (6 ½ ") squares. From fabric 3, cut: — 1 (6 ½ " x 12 ½ ") rectangle. — 6 (6 ½ ") squares. From fabric 4, cut: — 3…

Despite its ultra simplicity, Christine Barnes’ quilt packsa punch. For maximum color impact she advises, “Don’t be afraid to include colors that aren’t in the center plaid square— they add a surprise element and make your design more original. Also, place solid squares of similar value and color side by side in the blocks. These create new shapes and modernize the classic Nine Patch.” CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Border and sashing strips are exact length needed. You may want to make them longer to allow for piecing variations. From each assorted plaid 5" square, cut: — 1 (4½ ") square. From each assorted solid 5" square, cut: — 1 (4½ ") square. From assorted light gray/white print fat quarters, cut: — (4½ "-wide) strips ranging in length…

The subtle seam of a mitered corner creates the illusion of a continuous line around the quilt. Mitered corners are ideal for striped fabric borders or multiple plain borders. PREPARE THE BINDING 1. Referring to Measuring Quilt Center Diagram, measure your quilt length through the middle of the quilt rather than along the edges. In the same manner, measure the quilt width. Add to your measurements twice the planned width of the border plus 2". Trim borders to these measurements. 2. On wrong side of quilt top, mark ¼ ”seam allowances at each corner. 3. Fold quilt top in half and place a pin at the center of the quilt side. Fold border in half and mark center with pin. get more Watch a video of this technique from our…

The Drunkard’s Path block is ubiquitous in modern quilts, but some quilters avoid it because they’ve avoided learning how to sew curves. Like many things, piecing curves takes a little practice. With these tips, you’ll soon be creating smooth curved seams like a pro! 1. Cut a convex quarter circle piece and a concave L-shaped piece from contrasting fabrics. Fold the each piece in half. Finger press at the curved centers. 2. With right sides together and the L-shaped piece on top, align press marks and pin in the center of the block. 3. Pin the outside edges together with the straight edges matching. 4. You might find it necessary to add more pins between the 3 original pins, but this step is optional. 5. Sew the curve. Sew slowly…

There are times when we are faced with the sunrise and sunset moments in our own lives . . . and we want to memorialize those moments. This graphic wall hanging does just that. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Strips that span the width of the quilt are cut to the exact length. You may want to make them longer to allow for piecing variations. To allow for a pleasing mix of gray fabrics, you will have extra rectangles, triangles, and squares after cutting. From light gray mottled solid, cut: — 2 (5" x 40") strips. From the first strip, cut 1 (5" x 10") rectangle. From the second strip, cut 2 (4" x 16") rectangles. — 2 (2½ " x 40") strips. From 1 of the strips,…

The inspiration for this quilt came from two packs ofpre-cut squares of fabric, one of rich, saturated colors and the other, a charming group of low-volume prints. Visual interest is heightened by using two different sizes of the same block plus a sprinkling of squares for a little negative space. They almost look like flocks of different birds flying together! CUTTING From 5 (10") squares assorted solids, cut: — 17 (5") squares. There will be extra squares. From 8 (10") squares assorted off-white, low-volume prints, cut: — 32 (5") squares. From binding fabric, cut: — 5 (2¼ "-wide) strips from yardage or 36 (2¼ "-wide) strips from squares ASSEMBLY 1. Referring to Modern Basics: Half-Square Triangle Blocks, Two at a Time on page 107, pair 18 (10") squares assorted solids…

Remember the sleight-of-hand game where a pea seemedto shift beneath one shell to another, and the spectator was always fooled? This variation of the clamshell block will leave viewers guessing how it was constructed. Lucky for you, it is easier than it appears. Learn to piece this clamshell block with an ingenious template and simple curves. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Instructions call for cutting a few extra Twisted Triangle shapes to allow for design choices. If not using the Twisted Triangle Template, use template provided on pattern insert. From each bright print fatquarter, cut: — 2 (7"-wide) strips. From strips, cut 3 Twisted Triangles and 3 Twisted Triangles reversed. NOTE: Referring to Cutting Diagram, stack strips with wrong sides facing. Cut Twisted Triangles and Twisted Triangles reversed at…

This quilt uses an analogous color scheme—three huespositioned next to each other on the color wheel. Choosing colors next to each other in the color wheel and then changing the shade makes the striking monochromatic effect. The simplicity of this quilt—saturated colors and white sashing—is a modern masterpiece. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. Press seams open. Strips are cut the width of fabric. Sashing and border strips are exact length needed. You may want to make them longer to allow for piecing variations. From each fat quarter, cut: — 1 (18") square. From the white fabric, cut: — 12 (2½ "-wide) strips. From3 strips, sub-cut 6 (2½ " x 18") rectangles for horizontal sashing. Piece remaining strips to make 2 (2½ " x 57") vertical sashing strips, 2…

1 Indah Solidsand Batiks Me+You for Hoffman Fabrics We are crazy in love with Me+Youfabrics by Hoffman, especially this collection of 8" hexagons—40 of them!—comprising 20 Indah Solids and 20 Indah Batiks with no repeats. Not a fan of hexagons? You’re in luck because tucked in the collection are directions on how to cut them into wedges, rectangles, diamonds, and more. We are so impressed with the richness and vibrancy of these colors, both in the solids and the batiks—they will add character and liveliness to your next project. MEANDYOUFABRICS.COM 2 Hemma Lotta Jansdotter for Windham Fabrics How wonderful to see a new collection from Lotta Jansdotter, complete with whimsical cats, flowers, checks, half moons and more. We imagine Lotta in her native Sweden—sketchbook in hand— capturing the flora, fauna,…

Fall Lanterns is a simple block that will build confidence in your paper-piecing skills. Makefour blocks in colors reminiscent of autumn and sew up a table runner that is perfect for celebrating the changing seasons. Because table runners are smaller than a quilt, they’re fast and easy to put together and perfect for practicing a variety of skills. Rookie Exercise: FALL LANTERNS BLOCK Fall Lanterns has the sharp look of a paper-pieced block, but with very few seams to line up and only two pieces of fabric per template, it’s easier than most to perfect. Choose a few different prints and solids in the same color way and a neutral background to make the colors pop. FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 8" × 8" TEMPLATES REQUIRED: 2 each: Fall Lanterns A, B,…

TIPS FOR PAPER PIECING ■ Print or trace the pattern onto foundation or copy paper. Accuracy matters: check that the printed patterns are accurate. Sometimes printers and scanners slightly change dimensions; make sure the printed pattern is the same size as the original. You will need one pattern piece for each block. ■ Cut the fabric a bit generously. Although it feels wasteful, it will save time and fabric in the long run. We recommend adding ¾ " to the piece needed. ■ Use a new 90/14 needle and shorten your stitch length to 1.8mm to make it easier to remove the paper after the quilt is assembled. ■ Sewing is done with the paper side up and the fabric beneath. Stitch on the printed lines. ■ Make a test…

Mottled solid fabrics are cut into different-sized circles,creating raw-edged layers of yummy colors. The random spiral black stitching in lazy circles balances the text background of this fun and easy-to-make pillow—a great designer look that will add a pop of color to any décor CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. From the mottled prints: — Put 3 pieces of the mottled fabricin a plastic bag. Spray thoroughly (but do not soak) with the fabric stiffener. Remove the fabric from the bag, and with a hot iron, press each piece until dry. — Repeat with the remaining mottled solids. — Make the 3 circle templates. Trace 2 or more of each size on the wrong side of each of the mottled solid fabrics. — Cut out the circles and stack…

This quick-and-easy table runner is adaptable for any season. Use these warm reds and russet colors for fall—and try a stark blue and silver look for winter. CUTTING AND APPLIQUÉ PREPARATION From fusible web, cut: — 9 (9" x 17") rectangles. From 8 bright fat eighth prints, cut: — 8 (9" x 17") rectangles. Apply fusible web to the wrong side of the fabric. Remove the paper. NOTE: Use an appliqué pressing sheet or parchment paper to avoid getting fusible residue on your ironing surface. From each piece of fused fabric, cut: — 1 (3 x 5½ ") rectangle, 1 (3" x 7") rectangle, 1 (3" x 9½ ") rectangle, and 1 (4" x 8") rectangle. Mark the center of the short end of 1 rectangle. Cut from the center to…

Take a deep breath and enjoy the simplicity of this quilt thatevokes Japanese imagery of tea and peacefulness. This quilt is perfect for showcasing your favorite designer’s full collection of coordinating fabrics. Because it’s block based, it can easily be made smaller or larger. Break out your fat quarter bundles and get busy creating! CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. If using directional or striped fabrics, pay attention to the orientation of the fabric while cutting and piecing. More fabric may be required for pattern matching. From each assorted print fat quarter, cut: — 2 (2 ½ " x 12 ½ ") strips. — 4 (3 ½ ") squares. — 2 (1 ½ " x 2 ½ ") pieces. — 1 (4 ½ " x 6 ½ ") rectangle.…

Made with an assortment of fabrics in neutral tones, Gosia Pawlowska’s pillow uses prints with words, letters, and numbers for a modern and stylish home. The simple block design uses curved piecing, and if you haven’t tried it, this project is the perfect introduction. CUTTING Measurements include ¼ " seam allowances. From assorted print 5" squares, cut a total of: — 16 A. — 16 B. From lining fabric, cut: — 1 (18") square. From backing fabric, cut: — 2 (16½ " x 22") backing rectangles. From cream binding print, cut: — 1 (2½ "-wide) strip for binding. From gray binding print, cut: — 1 (2½ "-wide) strip for binding. BLOCK ASSEMBLY Referring to the Modern Basics Drunkard’s Path tutorial on page 85, sew 1 assorted print A and 1…

Celebrating the modern quilt movement in all its glory. Modern Patchwork is packed with projects for today’s quilters and sewists. The contemporary and fresh aesthetic of these projects pays tribute to the modern revival of patchwork, integrating traditional and innovative techniques. What are we looking for? Distinctive and unpublished original projects to suit every room of the house. We encourage you to submit projects that fall within these guidelines: ■ Modern quilts: all shapes and sizes ■ Home décor: pillows, quilt throws, and table toppers ■ Kitchen & dining: aprons, place mats, and table runners ■ Bags & totes: any shape, any size, for any occasion ■ Studio accessories: pincushions, organizers, and needle books ■ Baby stuff: play mats and baby quilts How to submit a project Send project proposals…

Half-Square Triangle blocks(HSTs) are some of the most versatile blocks we use in quilting, but the bias-edge seam makes them a bit of a challenge. This quick method for making two identical HST blocks at once eliminates the need to sew along a cut bias edge—you get more blocks with less fuss. 1. Cut 2 squares 7⁄8" larger than the desired finished size of your block. 2. Using a ruler, draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the lighter square from the upper left to the lower right corner. 3. With right sides facing, pair a dark square with the marked light square. 4. Stitch ¼ " on each side of the drawn line. 5. Cut along the drawn line, creating2 HSTs. 6. Press the seam allowances either…

This tri-fold patchwork sewing organizer makes it easy totote supplies to workshops and retreats—or to carry all the necessities for an on-the-road, hand-sewing project. Multiple pockets and a zipper compartment keep everything in its place. Fold it up, button it shut, and go sew! CUTTING All seam allowances are ½ ". From print #1, cut: — 5¼ " x 12" for outer panel. — 5¾ " x 8" for pocket D. — 1½ " x 6" for closure loop. From print #2, cut: — 3¼ " x 12" for outer panel. — 5¾ " x 13" for pocket C. — 5½ " x 10" for left inside panel. — 5" x 10½ " for zipper pocket lining. — 1¾ " x 10½ " for upper zipper pocket lining. From print…