Sometimes you find a really great pattern but want to make variations in the fabric requirements by using more or fewer different fabrics than the pattern calls for. I love how with quilting you can easily adjust a pattern’s specifics to meet your needs and even use fabrics from your stash instead of buying new!
So you want to make a Connector quilt out of fat quarters? I say that’s a GREAT idea! It will definitely look a bit more scrappy but can be really amazing! Scrappy quilts are great!
There are lots of different ways to go about making a quilt pattern without adhering strictly to fabric requirements. I personally prefer to view the “requirements” as more of “suggestions”.
Here are a few examples of how to adjust the fabric requirements to meet your desired level of scrappiness and use up fat quarters, or even just any decent size scraps you might have laying about!
With the launch of the Connector Quilt pattern, I have teamed up with some amazing fabric shops that are offering pre-designed Quilt Kits for you! I didn’t want the pandemic keeping you back from being able to get your hands on fabric for this quilt, so let’s dive into the world of online shopping with these diverse and unique quilt kit options.
It’s been a long time coming but I am THRILLED to finally announce the release of my very first quilt pattern for my shop: Connector! This modern quilt pattern comes in 5 different sizes: Wall Hanging, Baby, Lap, Throw, and Bed.
To celebrate this momentous occasion of my first official quilt pattern release, you can purchase it for 20% off until May 12th. (no code needed)
If you’ve ever made quilt blocks using the Stitch & Flip method, then you might have noticed that there is quite a bit of wasted fabric that gets cut off. I hope you will consider using this no-waste method to turn those wasted bits into useful quilt blocks. This No-Waste Stitch & Flip technique turns your excess fabric into Half Square Triangles which can easily been used in another project!
I want to begin by saying this technique is nothing new and I did not create it, but it is really neat and I want to share! The Connector Quilt pattern, which is available here, uses both Stitch & Flip Quilt blocks and some traditional Flying Geese — which both tend to result in some fabric waste. Fabric waste is sad, so here’s how I remedy that by reducing waste! This method teaches you how to turn that extra corner into a Half Square Triangle Quilt Block for a fun scrappy HST project later on!
First things first, a Stitch & Flip block will require that you draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of your fabric across the middle. To implement the no-waste technique, you will also want to draw another line 1/2″ away from that line.
My favorite tool for marking my lines depends on what fabric I am working with. In the example shown here I’ve used a heat-erasing pen, but I also love using a water-soluble marker at times for thinner fabrics or ones that may be slippery or stretchy like rayon or knits. If you are marking on dark fabric, consider using a chalk pencil so it will show up.
Once your lines are drawn, match up your smaller corner piece where it should go (with right sides together) and stitch along both lines. Next, use your rotary cutter and a ruler to cut directly down the middle between the two lines (1/4″ away from each one, creating your seam allowance on both pieces.)
The Connector Quilt pattern also includes a handful of Flying Geese blocks, made with the traditional method. You’ll be happy to hear that can use this same technique while making Flying Geese as well! The steps are the same as above, but here is a visual that may help clarify the specifics for Flying Geese.
