I am continuing on with a theme of rectangles this week. And squares. More specifically a rectangle inside a square. Not complicated and probably not an original combination, but definitely an eye catching result for such a simple concept.
I have been collecting novelty fabrics for a long time - or call them I-Spy fabrics - which are great when fussy cut as a feature fabric. These fabrics are also perfect for kids' quilts and make for a unique story quilt. Hence the name - A Story Quilt. (See also my Economy Block Quilt which another example of an I-Spy Quilt). For this quilt I have featured these novelty fabrics in blocks framed with solid fabric.
This one-block quilt is suitable for beginners and a great way to work through some stash so today I thought I would share with you a quick tutorial on how to make this easy block.
A STORY QUILT - TUTORIAL
FABRIC AND CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH BLOCK:
The above image shows the fabric requirements and cutting instructions for EACH block ~ a single rectangle which is framed with solid fabric (in pink) on all four sides. The center rectangle may be a fussy cut fabric featuring a novelty but this is not a requirement. You will notice that many of my block centers are dots, checks, and general floral prints that have not been fussy cut.
Step 1 Take a center rectangle and using a 1/4" seam allowance sew the two smaller solid fabric strips to the short sides of the rectangle as pictured below. Press seams together and away from the center rectangle as indicated by the arrows.
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| Unit measures 4 1/2 inches x 2 1/2 inches. |
Step 2 Take the remaining two solid fabric strips and again using a 1/4" seam allowance sew to the remaining sides of the rectangle. Press seam together and away from the center rectangle as indicated by the arrows below.
Each Story Block measures 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" (includes seam allowances)
To sew the blocks together into a quilt top lay out all your blocks and rotate blocks so that the center rectangle alternates: vertical - horizontal - vertical etc as pictured:
Sew blocks together in rows and press seams towards the block with the vertical (upright) rectangle as indicated by the arrows. This will ensure that all seams "nest" or lock together when piecing the quilt top.
For my quilt top I have made a total of 154 Story Blocks ~ 14 rows of 11 blocks. The quilt top measures 44 inches x 56 inches, which is a great size for a toddler and young child.
For my quilt top I have made a total of 154 Story Blocks ~ 14 rows of 11 blocks. The quilt top measures 44 inches x 56 inches, which is a great size for a toddler and young child.
All solid fabrics used are Robert Kaufman Kona Cottons.
Kona colors include:
Grasshopper, Cactus, Sour Apple, Honey Dew, Mulberry, Crocus,
Grellow, Buttercup, Orange, Tomato, Carnation, Wheat, Tan,
Chestnut, Malibu, Robin Egg, Silver, Titanium, and Kona White.
I love this quilt! It is such a fun quilt for kids and offers endless opportunity for imaginative play and stories as well as playful learning about colors, letters, numbers and shapes. I can also see this design working with all printed fabrics - a low volume center fabric framed with a contrast printed fabric - or even the reverse of what I have done - a solid center framed with a contrast printed fabric.
Now ready for basting and quilting!
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita
Please leave any questions you may have regarding the tutorial in the comments section and I will reply there as others may also benefit from further clarification.
RELEVANT LINKS:
The Finished Story Quilt
More Red Pepper Quilts Tutorials
More RPQ Quilts featuring Kona Cotton
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Love this quilt idea. Thank you for sharing how you make it.
ReplyDeleteThis is so great. I love that idea!
ReplyDeletexx Mond from St. Petersburg, Russia
Such a great idea!
ReplyDeleteNice! I have been looking for inspiration for what to do with my mega stash of Kona solids! As always, your work is beautiful! Thanks for sharing your pattern.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. I am not usually a great fan of solids but this is fantastic. I'll b eon the lookout for some to make this. I love the way you only need small pieces of fabric to get such an interesting result. x
ReplyDeleteNice quilt, Rita. I love the idea of making a quilt something a child can play games with.
ReplyDeleteOh, Rita, thank you so much! I want to make one of these for my granddaughter. Thank you, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to share what you did - always helps to see finished block sizes :)
ReplyDeleteRita, this is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your massive skills.
I just love everything you make!! :-)♥️
Great idea! I don't have I-spy fabric, but have thought to use my embroidery machine to stitch up little designs for a quilt. This would fit nicely. jarvenpa1ne(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tutorial. Love this quilt!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt , you make simple so i figure i would give it a try . Thank you
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing your tutorial, I went through my stash and selected white backgrounds. My granddaughter Emma helped me chose the solids and sewed them. It's going to be a fun and cute little quilt! Thank you Rita!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this...just made one with a charm pack and it turned out so cute!! Thanks for sharing!! :)
ReplyDeleteRita - would you please share more of how quilt was finished; border? Binding?
ReplyDelete