The Quilter's Bible. Linda
contain forty-nine units and so can build into very complex patterns. As with five-patch blocks, the units in seven-patch blocks do not have to be of equal size.
Nine-Patch Blocks
Along with four-patch blocks, nine-patch blocks form the backbone of so many quilt designs. These blocks are made up of nine units, three x three, and are usually made up of squares and rectangles, with subdivisions creating triangles.
Square-in-a-Square Blocks
There are many blocks made up of squares within squares, frequently with inner squares turned on point. Amish quilts make a bold feature of this type of design. Other designs, such as Log Cabin and Snail’s Trail are often classified as square-in-a-square designs.
Star Blocks
There are dozens of star blocks and a wealth of variations and many are based on a nine-patch format. Friendship Star blocks were traditionally drawn around a square so that names could be stitched in the centre. Some block designs are more irregular and eccentric and would make good subjects for English paper piecing.
Curved and Fan Blocks
Curved blocks are very popular and create some interesting interlocking patterns. Some classic blocks use curves and fan shapes, including Dresden Plate and Double Wedding Ring. For more examples of curved blocks see Curved Block Examples.
Polygon Blocks
Any type of polygon can be used as the basis of a patchwork block but the most common multi-sided shapes used are hexagons, which have six sides, and octagons, which have eight sides. Patterns created with these shapes tend to be composed of triangles, diamonds and trapezoids, as the examples here show.
Pictorial Blocks
These blocks are also called realistic or representational and favourite motifs include buildings, trees, flowers and animals. They can use various shapes but geometric ones are the most common. Many objects can be reduced to a simple grid representation. Cross stitch embroidery patterns can be good sources of inspiration.
Block Settings
The way that blocks are combined in an arrangement or setting is fascinating and varied, and part of the fun of patchwork is deciding on how blocks will be combined. Some magical effects can be created when blocks begin to be sewn together. Some basic arrangements are shown here.
Repeating Block Settings
Perhaps the simplest design of blocks is a repeating grid pattern. Even this repetition can create interesting secondary patterns. Alternatively, blocks can be repeated horizontally or vertically with plain areas left in between.
Mirrored Settings
Mirroring and rotating blocks can create quite a different look. Rotations of 45 degrees produce pleasing effects, especially when combined with plain blocks or very simple ones.
On Point Settings
It is amazing how different a block can look when set on point, that is diagonally, and it is well worth trying this effect. Blocks set this way will need triangles added at the sides and corners. By offsetting a row half a block down, zigzag background patterns can be created.
Combination Block Settings
The sky’s the limit when it comes to combining different block designs. Sometimes the combination of just two blocks can create the cleanest look; alternatively, just adding plain squares or simple four-patch blocks is equally successful.
Scrap Quilts
Scrap quilts are traditionally made up of small pieces and offcuts of fabric, pieced together in a chosen arrangement. These quilts often have a colourful quality but scrap selection can also be within a specific colour range. Some people define a scrap quilt as one where little or no new fabric is bought for the project. String patchwork (see String Patchwork) is often described as scrap work. Making a scrap quilt is a really easy way to begin quiltmaking, but even if you are experienced just feeling free to delve into your fabric stash or use up small remnants is a relaxing way to work. In addition to providing a great way to use up your excess fabric, scrap quilts can also produce some wonderful results.
Deciding on Colours
For many people a true scrap quilt is one that uses random scraps in random colours – just put two piles together, one of darks and one of lights, and select from each pile in turn as you stitch them together. This casual approach often leads to some interesting effects, with colour combinations that might not otherwise have been discovered.
Selecting the Scraps
The scraps used in this type of quilt can come from many different sources, including those from newly purchased fabrics, offcuts from fabrics used for other projects or pieces cut from old clothing and household textiles. Take care when using old fabrics that you use unworn areas, such as shirt tails. You could also base a scrap quilt around units and blocks previously made and not used, using sashing to unify them all.
Cutting Patches
You can use rotary cutting to obtain a good selection of patches. Try using just fat quarters, stacking four together and cutting one or two strips lengthwise from the stack. Choose another four fat quarters and stack and cut again, and so on. These strips can then be sub-cut