Quilting is a timeless craft that combines creativity, precision, and a love for textiles.
The Walk About Quilt pattern is a delightful project for quilters of all skill levels.
This tutorial will guide you through every step, from selecting your fabrics to piecing the quilt top together. Follow along to create your beautiful Walk About Quilt.
Selecting Fabrics and Cutting Instructions
Choosing the right fabrics is crucial for your quilt’s overall look. For the Walk About Quilt, you’ll need a mix of light, medium, and dark fabrics to create contrast and visual interest. Aim for a cohesive color palette with a few standout prints.
- Main Fabrics: Choose four different fabrics for the main blocks. You’ll need ½ yard of each.
- Background Fabric: Select a complementary fabric for the background. You’ll need 1½ yards.
- Binding and Backing: For the binding, ½ yard of fabric is sufficient. For the backing, 3½ yards are needed.
Cutting your fabric precisely is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the cuts:
- From each of the four main fabrics, cut:
- Eight 6.5″ squares
- Four 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangles
- From the background fabric, cut:
- Eight 6.5″ squares
- Four 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangles
- Thirty-two 3.5″ squares
Assembling the Blocks
Once your fabric is cut, it’s time to assemble the blocks. The Walk About Quilt uses a combination of simple squares and rectangles to create a visually appealing pattern.
- Block Layout: Each block consists of one 6.5″ square from a main fabric, one 6.5″ square from the background fabric, and two 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangles (one from the main fabric, one from the background fabric). Arrange these pieces to form a 12.5″ square block.
- Sewing the Blocks: Begin by sewing the 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangles together along the 6.5″ side, press the seam towards the darker fabric. Next, sew the two 6.5″ squares together, then attach the rectangle unit to complete the block.
- Repeat and Chain Piecing: Repeat this process to make a total of sixteen blocks. For efficiency, use chain piecing – sewing multiple blocks at once without cutting the thread between them.
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Piecing the Quilt Top
After assembling your blocks, the next step is to piece them together to form the quilt top. This part requires careful arrangement to ensure your pattern flows smoothly.
- Layout the Blocks: Arrange your blocks in a 4×4 grid, ensuring that the colors and patterns are evenly distributed. Take your time to step back and view the overall layout.
- Sewing Rows: Sew the blocks together in rows. Press the seams of each row in alternating directions to make it easier to match seams when sewing the rows together.
- Join the Rows: Once your rows are sewn, join them to complete the quilt top. Ensure your seams align correctly to maintain the pattern’s integrity.
Adding Borders
Borders frame your quilt and add an extra design element. For the Walk About Quilt, we recommend a simple border to complement the busy pattern of the blocks.
- Cutting the Borders: From your background fabric, cut six 3.5″ wide strips across the width of the fabric. Join these strips end-to-end to create one long strip.
- Attaching the Borders: Measure the length of your quilt top and cut two border strips to match. Sew these strips to the left and right sides of the quilt top. Press the seams towards the border.
- Completing the Borders: Measure the width of the quilt top (including the side borders) and cut two border strips to match. Sew these strips to the top and bottom of the quilt top, then press the seams towards the border.
Quilting and Finishing
Now that your quilt top is complete, it’s time to quilt and finish it. This process involves layering the quilt top with batting and backing, then sewing through all three layers to hold them together.
- Layering the Quilt: Lay out the backing fabric with the wrong side up, place the batting on top, and then position the quilt top with the right side up. Smooth out any wrinkles and baste the layers together using safety pins or a basting spray.
- Quilting the Layers: Choose a quilting pattern that complements your quilt design. You can opt for straight-line quilting, free-motion quilting, or even hand quilting. Start from the center and work your way out to prevent shifting.
- Binding the Quilt: Once quilting is complete, trim the excess batting and backing. Prepare your binding by cutting strips of fabric 2.5″ wide and joining them end-to-end. Sew the binding to the front of the quilt, then fold it over to the back and hand stitch it down for a clean finish.
Displaying Your Quilt
With your Walk About Quilt complete, it’s time to display and enjoy your beautiful creation. Here are a few ideas to showcase your quilt:
- On a Bed or Couch: The Walk About Quilt makes a stunning addition to any bed or couch. Its vibrant pattern and cozy feel make it perfect for adding warmth and style to your home decor.
- Wall Hanging: If you prefer to display your quilt as art, consider hanging it on a wall. Use a quilt hanger or a simple rod and clips to secure it in place.
- Gift Giving: Handmade quilts make heartfelt gifts. Consider giving your Walk About Quilt to a loved one for a special occasion. Personalize it with a quilt label to commemorate the date and recipient.
Tips for Successful Quilting
Quilting can be a rewarding and meditative craft. Here are some tips to ensure your quilting experience is enjoyable and successful:
- Take Your Time: Rushing can lead to mistakes. Take your time with each step, especially cutting and piecing, to ensure accuracy and a polished finish.
- Use Quality Tools: Invest in good quality quilting tools, such as a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and quilting ruler. Sharp tools make clean cuts and precise measurements easier.
- Practice Patience: Quilting requires patience, especially for beginners. Don’t get discouraged by small mistakes. Each project is an opportunity to learn and improve your skills.
Creating a Walk About Quilt is a delightful journey from selecting fabrics to the final stitch. This pattern offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, making it an excellent project for quilters of all levels.
Follow this tutorial, and you’ll have a stunning quilt that showcases your creativity and craftsmanship. Happy quilting!
