August is Zoonah’s month for Snip, Sew, Send and she asked us to create 7.5 in by 7.5 in blocks featuring circles and curves. I’ve made a quilt using circles before but it was much too simple to repeat for the bee. Instead I decided to try using freezer paper to draft and create a block that I’d design.
Theoretically you can create whatever you want, cut the pieces apart, iron them onto fabric, add a 1/4 in seam allowance, cut the pieces out and sew them back together and they will look exactly as you drew them. The reality I found was a bit different. I’m sure part of that has to do with using curves but no compass. I was forced to eyeball the seam allowance on the curves so the pieces didn’t quite fit together… My other mistake was attempting this first on a small block with small pieces.
I started with this drawing on the paper side of the freezer paper.
Before cutting it apart I numbered the pieces and labeled them with the fabric they would be cut from.
This way I didn’t forget and I could reassemble the design out of fabric exactly as I had drawn it.
I ironed the pieces waxy side down on the right side of the fabric.
I drew the seam allowance around the pieces.
And then cut them out.
I started to assemble the larger circle first.
It went together like a dream!
The idea of trying to sew in the tiny red circle was overwhelming so instead I appliqued it over the center.
All that was left was the corner pieces which required more than their fair share of pins.
When it was all put together it was 7.75 in instead of 7.5 in. Do you already know why? I added the seam allowance to the outside of the four corner pieces but I shouldn’t have since they weren’t being sewn to anything else in the block. Keep that in mind when you draw out your own!
I simply trimmed it back to size and viola
That was interesting to see your process! Thanks for showing the steps!
Great tutorial! You make it sound so easy. Thanks for the step by step process!
I love it! I can’t wait to see it in person 🙂
WOW Nick – so much work!!
Thanks for the great tip. I have been having so much trouble with calculating my blocks because I always forget the seams. I’ll try this technique on the next set. Your blog is one of my new favorites!
so, i have quite a bit of free time these days, and i would love to get together with you one day so you can show me how to quilt! i’m in the midldle of my first quilt right now:) so give me a call!! or get my number from j 🙂 i love this little tutorial you posted tonight!!
becky
Great tutorial and great block!
looks fantastic!
[…] paper quilt block design Aug.06, 2009 in FeedNews great tutorial for this freezer paper piecing technique […]
This is a great idea! I think you could also make a beautiful table topper with this idea. Enlarge your pattern to the dimensions you want. I like to make a point at the outside edge. Then sew pieces together, add a lightweight batting and place a backing piece right sides together, stitch and turn. Applique your center piece on the center.
[…] paper quilt block design Aug.07, 2009 in FeedNews great tutorial for this freezer paper piecing technique […]
Wow, great tutorial. I love blocks with curves but cringed just thinking about how to actually do one! Thanks, I cant wait to add this style to my portfolio.
If only I could find a source of freezer paper in the UK! Lovely design, it wold fantastic as a bed quilt.
Thanks for your tutorial.
Totally cool – thank you for the photos and the tips!
I like working with freezer paper too – great tutorial!
[…] Designing Your Own Quilt Block with Freezer Paper by Make It Modern Designing Your Own Quilt Block with Freezer Paper by Make It Modern Share this:ShareFacebookTwitterLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post. […]