Planning a Quilt

Thinking ahead, I determined that the leaf blocks could likely be no bigger than 4 inches finished, that would mean the leaf had to be reduced to less than 4 inches, the sashing would have to be 1/2 inch finished. I could place the background fabric between the outer sashing and borders at 2 inches.

Now, add it up and see if we could get all that in the space available on that wall. Using finished measurements, the borders 6 inches, the blocks 12 inches, the sashings 2 inches, the background 4 inches. Voila! 24 inches.

I then reduced the leaf on the scanner and appliqued one on a 4 1/2 inch background square (fusible interfacing and zigzag) and presented the plan sketch and the block the next week. I think Kathleen was disappointed I had lost the 3rd border but she compromised on a 1/2 inch piping in its place. She also made a fabric change on the inner border. I explained we either had to use filler blocks or add more leaf blocks than the original 12 she wanted in order to get more length. That would make 24 blocks.

As I cut the sashing, and borders I had to remember to add the seam allowance.

I have a 1/4 inch seam foot for my machine so I put it to use hoping I could sew the seams accurately. There was not much leeway for error here. The colors went together wonderfully, and the measurements worked out as planned. After completing the piecing of the top, it measured 24 1/2 inches wide. Hooray!

I did a "quick turn" to save space of binding and added a sleeve for hanging on the back. I machine quilted all seams with smoke monofilament on the top, and outlined the leaves with offwhite to match the background. Theoretically the piece should have measured 24 inches wide when completed but quilting pulled it up a bit and it is now 23 1/2.

I hope, from this accounting, that you understand how you can plan a quilt of any size by judging what size you want the finished quilt to be, grabbing that sketch pad and working out the units and subunits. Don't forget to add that 1/4 inch seam everywhere when you cut the fabric.

And won't you rate this article below and others that you read? Your ratings help me know what you find interesting and helpful.

See you next month and

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