How to make a quilt Archives - Page 2 of 19

Hand Sewing a Quilt Block – Tuesday Thread

Hand Sew a Quilt Block

Let’s do some hand piecing of a quilt block

I hand piece or hand quilt EVERY Monday at my small group quilting group. Really…I’m just to lazy to get my sewing machine carried in and set up, plus then I couldn’t walk over. A new member arrived last Monday and she asked LOTS of questions about hand piecing.
So, I’m re-posting my basic hand piecing class

I feel all quilter’s should at some time do hand piecing, I know you think I’m nuts, but it brings me back to the tradition of what quilters are all about. I try to do one every year or so. Your piece need not be a huge project, but please, try it.

This is my travel quilt box, would you believe it’s an old Ethel M Chocolate box from Las Vegas about 35 years ago. It has everything but scissors, you just can’t travel with them anymore. I have gotten into the habit of keeping it all together. This box has been on many vacations, fishing trips and even at baseball/football games in many towns, when the boys still lived with us.

Cut an assortment of fabric,

For one block you will need

8 – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″

and

4 – 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2″

I just cut a pile of each and put the colors together as I piece.

Mark a 1/4″ seam line on fabric back, I use a ruler and pencil.

Knot your thread and do a rocking stitch. After a bit you will not need the line, notice my thumb,

I use it as my measurement guide, some add a mark on their nail, but I don’t like messing up my nails, aka manicure !

I use a thread about 18-20 inches long and string piece, knotting at the beginning and end of each block. Finger piece them open.

Draw seam line if needed. Place good fabric to good, pin and sew.

Open and finger press. Add 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2′ to side.

Draw sewing line, Pin and sew on line,

Finger press to the outside.

Take 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ and draw sewing line on each end, sew to 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ Do 2 times.

Draw seam line if needed. Place good fabric to good, pin and sew.

This is the back of my hand pieced block.

Two finished blocks, each block has a finished size of 4″

Take some time, don’t take it all too serious, pick a comfy chair, good light and just have some HAND piecing fun.

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Weekly Quilt Block of Grandma’s Quilt Pin Wheel

Let’s Make Grandma’s Quilt Block

This weeks Quilt Block is from my Great-Great Grandmother Quilt.
Here is how to make the Pin Wheel Quilt Block from Grandma’s Quilt

Finished block will be 6″ x 6″

Cutting for ONE Block

Cut 2 Green – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″

cut each block from corner to corner

(shown as gray)

Cut 1 Pink 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″

cut corner to corner and then again, corner to corner

(shown as red )

Cut 1 White 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″

cut corner to corner and then again, corner to corner

(shown as white)

Piece 4 blocks together as shown

Sew into rows

Sew rows together

My Great, Great Grandmother's Pin Wheel Quilt Block Pattern

Please remember,

there are other methods of piecing

the quarter triangle, this is how I do it. My quilt tutorial how I do Triangles

My Great-Great Grandmother’s Quilt
This quilt was a gift to my mother from her Great Grandmother. And then a Gift to me from My Mother. Making it by, GREAT-GREAT Grandmother’s Gift to ME ! Well…That’s how I like to look at it.
I never met her and my mom only remembers helping with the peddle sewing machine. I use this quilt and love sleeping under it. It goes in the washer and now living here in Florida and not having a clothes line it does go it the dryer….Yes… it bothers me too, but…. the colors are still very bright, but the Florida sun won on these photo’s.

The hand quilting on this quilt is WONDERFUL

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

From Photo to Quilt Fabric Colors

Tuesday Thread – How to Quilt

This may seem a bit strange, but I love the colors in this dress, it’s from a Vogue magazine probably 6-8 years ago, (LOVE IT) and it’s how I picked the colors for my quilt B. Annie
This quilt post has been used and shared of years it really does work.

I do have to say that after all these many years, I don’t over think color anymore. I have used some real dog of fabrics and when it’s all together…the quilt seems to work on it’s own.

quilt fabrics from a photo in vogue — Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop

Can you see it?

The purples, the pink/red sleeve, the green top
And a White added for the white Chair !

B Annie Quilt Pattern eBook by the Quilt Ladies

This is one of the quilt rows, choosing fabrics this way

The only color that just didn’t work for me was the black belt and I couldn’t find anything I liked, so I just left it off.

(Note: when piecing the blocks the dark green took the place of the black)

Here’s a look at one of the 16 blocks !

It worked !

See my B. Annie Quilt Pattern at my Etsy Shop

Meet Beth Ann:

how to quilt on Tuesday Thread — Beth Ann of The Quilt Ladies

Beth Ann is a Quilter and an Author who decided to self-publish her books and quilt pattern books

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Beth Ann and as always, Thank you for making my dream a reality ! !
www.bethanndoing.com
www.thequiltladies.com

Quilter’s and 100% Cotton Fabric

Tuesday Thread – Why Cotton Fabric

One of the best things about quilting is the Wonderful Fabric’s you get to purchase, lots and lots of fabric.
Sign up top right of this site to receive notice of new posts, I will NEVER send a newsletter, etc. I just don’t like them!?!

And with that I have to add,
This is the way I do my fabric, you do you !
Purchasing fabric is fun, please, always buy the best fabric you can afford and what you like. For quilts you will use 100% cotton fabric. Fabric will cost between $6 and $17 per yard. If you are just purchasing for a maybe project, I do mostly cuts 1 to 2 yards. If you have a quilt pattern, follow the recommendations, but as I say in my books, “Please think of purchasing more fabric than needed, as a pattern designer I have no idea how you will cut and use your fabric.”

Purchased cotton yardage, I wash, dry and iron my fabric before starting any project. Please think of purchasing more fabric than needed, a pattern designer has no idea how you will cut and use your fabric.

When talking about fabric it always brings up the conversation of washing fabric. Here is what I do,

I wash and dry all my fabric BEFORE sewing cutting and piecing a quilt. You only have to pull out one finished quilt from the washer and see bleeding to know you must/should wash all fabric.

Cotton fabrics bleeding means, the dyes used on the fabric will become loose when washing. It’s said that it’s common is cottons, but all fabrics can bleed. Dyes will/can stain other fabrics in a prewashing, the biggest problem is the dye transfer after a quilt is finished.
Last weeks Tuesday’s Thread HERE

When cotton fabric is made it is stretched on a loom, pulling the fibers straight. A stabilizer is applied to keep fabric straight and that is what you are washing off. Washing allows the fabric to relax and return to a more natural state. A dryer lets the fabric relax or shrink. All cotton fabrics are different you cannot know the amount any fabric will shrink.

Knowing a cotton fabric will not bleed and not shrink is worth a bit of time for the perfect quilt in the end.

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

When prewashing quilt fabric, I use my daily machine washer detergent, the same type that will be used when the complete quilt is washed. Same with the dryer, use the setting that will be used when the quilt is completed.

With 100% cotton fabric after washing and drying you will need to clip away all the threads that have twisted. If fabric is wrinkles you can shake it to smooth out more wrinkles, or press the fabric with a dry iron.

It’s a habit for me to wash/dry as soon as I purchase fabric. You will develop YOUR way of caring for your quilt fabrics.

When using/cutting the fabric I will press and starch it BEFORE any cutting and square up the fabric so that all cuts with a rotary cutter are straight. I use what I use for clothing as my starch just plain old Niagara brand, it makes it just a bit stiff and will washed very easily.

All this being said,
“I do not EVER wash contest quilt fabric before sewing, or quilting the quilt.” That is just me, you do YOU !

Last weeks Tuesday’s Thread HERE
Thank you for asking, yes this all should be a book…but…

learn to quilt with The Quilt Ladies — Beth Ann’s The Quilt Ladies

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Beth Ann and as always, Thank you for making my dream a reality ! !

A Four Inch Quilt Block Pattern for YOU to Make

Free Weekly Quilt Pattern

GIVE it a TRY ! it’s easy, all you use is triangles and squares. Here is one of my four inch quilt blocks, don’t over think it. Sew as you would any quilt block.

Old Maids Puzzle. This quilt block has a finished size of four inches by four inches. Making the quilt as shown in the book you will have a finished quilt thirty inches by thirty inches, perfect as a lap quilt or a baby quilt.

I made this quilt block with very simple colors and background, but you can have lots of fun with it. Remember to press NOT IRON a quilt block and I always press as I go each seam. I have a small ironing board right by my sewing machine. I posted how I do quilt triangles

Cut 2 Red – 1 7/8” x 1 7/8”

Cut 2 White – 1 7/8” x 1 7/8”

Make Triangles (4)

Cut 1 Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”

Cut 1 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”

Make Triangles (2)

Cut 4 White – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Sew as Shown

Now ALL 2025 are in ONE place

eBook

Book in Print

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Books, nothing is possible without your purchases, Beth

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

The Quilt Ladies Book of Quilt patterns and stories — My Book “The Quilt Ladies”

Tuesday Thread – How to Press Quilt Block Seams

Quilt How-To with The Quilt Ladies

Welcome to my Tuesday Threads: Quilt How-To with The Quilt Ladies! Every Tuesday, I’m sharing simple, step-by-step quilting techniques straight from my sewing room to yours.

I have so many brand new to quilting or if you just want a quick refresher, these posts are here to help. Grab your fabric, pour a cup of something cozy, and let’s get stitching, one technique at a time!

I am starting with pressing because I see SO many new quilters pressing as they would IF you were sewing a dress, with quilt blocks you do NOT press the seam open, you press to the darker fabric and here is why. NO Steam, a hot, dry iron.

press to darker fabric — press your quilt block to the darker fabric, here the red

make a table topper — seam opened and how the nest into each other

When you press both layers of fabric and the seam allowance all to one side, you’re giving that seam more fabric layers to support it. This extra layer of fabric over the stitching line helps protect your thread from wear and tear over time.

As your quilt gets used, loved, washed, and tugged on, the seams take a lot of stress. By pressing to one side, you’re wrapping that stitching line in a little fabric shield. The thread sits just under the fold, with fabric on top of it and underneath it. This extra cushion means the thread is less likely to snap or break down over the years.

Press to the Dark Side… Always (Well, Almost Always)

I HOPE you have heard this rule a hundred times: “Press your seams to the dark side.” But why?

It’s not just some old quilting superstition. There’s a real reason for it!

When you sew two fabrics together—especially a light fabric next to a dark one—the seam allowance can show through the lighter fabric if it’s pressed the wrong way. This is called “shadowing.” Nobody wants to finish a quilt top, hold it up to the light, and suddenly see dark seam lines peeking through those lovely light fabrics.

By pressing your seam allowance toward the darker fabric, you’re tucking that extra bulk safely under the dark side—where it stays hidden.

Press, Don’t Iron: Up and Down, Not Side to Side

Now let’s talk about the motion of pressing.
When you’re at your ironing board, it’s tempting to treat your quilt block like a wrinkled shirt and slide the iron back and forth. But don’t!

In quilting, you want to “press,” not “iron.”
That means setting your iron down straight onto the fabric, holding for a few seconds, then lifting it up and moving it to the next spot.

Why?
Dragging your iron side to side can stretch the fabric, especially along diagonal seams (the bias). This leads to wonky blocks, wavy edges, and points that don’t quite match later.

This a little thing, but the pressing of the quilt block the right way can make your quilt pop just a little more, and last a bit longer.

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Star Quilt Pattern here for You to Make

Make a Quilt NOW, Complete Pattern Here

Let’s Make a Quilt !
Have a FANTASTIC Weekend with my free quilt pattern

Here is a Complete quilt pattern for you. I think it’s a fun quilt because of the colors and the black making it pop. This quilt LOOKS hard BUT it’s just triangles.

I cut 3 7/8″ blocks to make my triangles, you can cut any size you would like. I made and quilted this quilt YEARS ago and I have used it as a table topper, a front door quilt and as a lay over the back of the couch quilt for color. My quilt has a finished size of 30 inches by 30 inches.

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

For the center

Cut 1 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 1 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles How I make my Triangles

Cut 2 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 2 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 4 Black – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles

Cut 4 Black – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

Sew units as shown, sew to the sides. Sew top and bottom as shown and sew

Finished center of the quilt block.

Cut 6 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 6 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles

Cut 1 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 1 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 2 Black – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles
Sew as shown add sides first, then top and bottom

Orange and Blue Star Quilt — Free Star Quilt Pattern

Cut 4 Blue 3 1/2″ x 24 1/2″

Cut 4 Orange – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

Sew one orange square on to each end of two blue strips

Sew sides on first and then the top and bottom

I cut my binding 2 1/2″ by 130″

Here is my Quilt Ladies Tutorial for you on How I do quilt binding

Beth Ann of The Quilt Ladies — Beth Ann is The Quilt Ladies

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

All in One Year 2025 Quilt Pattern Book

A New Quilt Book – Full of Patterns, Color, and Inspiration

There’s something special about opening a new quilt book. The feel of the pages, the burst of color, and the endless ideas that start flowing. I’m excited to share that my newest quilt pattern book is ready and available! This book has been in the works for quite a while—sketched at my kitchen table, pieced in my sewing room, and finished with all the love and care that I put into every quilt I make.

All in One Year Quilt Patterns 2025 from The Quilt Ladies — from The Quilt Ladies

eBook

Book in Print
Inside, you’ll find 12 complete quilt patterns—one for each month of the year. Whether you’re in the mood for something small and quick or ready to take on a larger project, there’s a pattern here for you. Each design has simple step-by-step instructions, full-color diagrams, getting started section and how to bind a quilt.

Monthly Patterns Include:

January – Baby Star Quilt, 44″ x 44″
February – Baskets Around a Quilt, 42″ x 42″
March – Four Patch Quilt, 36″ x 36″
April – Make it Special, 30″ x 30″
May – Scrappy Quilt, 60″ x 54″
June – Breaking Down a Quilt Block, 6 assorted block patterns
July – 4 Barn Quilt Blocks, each 12″ x 12″
August – Edison Tree Quilt, 38″ x 38″
September – Put on Some Red Lipstick Quilt, 60″ x 70″
October – Grand Four You Quilt, 60″ x 52″
November – 13 Simple Quilt Blocks in 3″, 6″, and 12″ sizes
December – Golden Eye Quilt, 34″ x 34″

This book isn’t just about making quilts—it’s about taking time for yourself, playing with fabric, and bringing your creativity to life. Whether you’re quilting for your home, a friend, or just for the pure joy of making, I hope these patterns inspire you to pull out your favorite fabrics and start sewing.

You can grab your copy:

eBook

Book in Print

OR at my Etsy Shop: Each Month on It’s OWN

Fish Quilt Block Pattern for You to Make

Quilt Block Fun

This weeks quilt block is Husband’s Fish Quilt block. This quilt has been traveled with, used and it’s the softest quilt in the house !
This quilt block has a finished size of 10″ x 10″, quilt block pattern is below, simple half-square triangles and patchwork squares, it will be great with prints or soft pastels.

This quilt is loved, used, washed and dried. Finished size of ONE quilt block is ten inches by ten inches. For Husband’s quilt I made 6 quilt blocks, added sashing and binding. It’s long to be used in a reclining chair.

Cutting for this ONE block as shown on the Left

Cut 3 Green – 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″
Cut 3 White – 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″
Make Triangles

Cut 4 White – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″

Cut 1 White – 3 1/2 x 2 1/2″
Cut 1 White – 4 1/2″ x 10 1/2″

Sew as Shown

You will need FOUR of this block to make a School of Fish!

Meet Beth Ann: A Quilter and an Author who decided to self-publish her quilt books and quilt patterns, SEE her BOOKS on Amazon and PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Triangle and Rectangle Quilt Block Pattern

Free Star Quilt Block Pattern

Happy Friday and here is this weeks quilt block pattern. This quilt block has a finished size of 12″ x 12″. I did cut and lay these quilt fabric colors out, you do you! I like the colors likeness on each side.

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Cut 18 Assorted Colors – 1 ½ x 2 ½”

Piece as shown for the center

Cut 2 White – 1 ½” x 6 ½”
Sew to left and right side

Cut 2 White – 1 1/2” x 8 ½”
Sew to top and bottom

Cut 4 Yellow – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 4 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles

Cut 4 Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 4 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles

Cut 4 White – 2 ½” x 2 ½”

Sew as Shown

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

At NO Additional cost to you Disclaimer, this quilt pattern post contains affiliate links. I receive a few cents if you click to my links and purchase. These few cents help with my fabric collection and or obsession.
Beth Ann and as always, Thank you for making my dream a reality ! !
www.bethanndoing.com
www.thequiltladies.com

All The Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns

Let’s do some hand piecing of a quilt block

I feel all quilter’s should at some time do hand piecing, I know you think I’m nuts, but it brings me back to the tradition of what quilters are all about. I try to do one every year or so. Your piece need not be a huge project, but please, try it.

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Share this:

Like this:

This weeks Quilt Block is from my Great-Great Grandmother Quilt. Here is how to make the Pin Wheel Quilt Block from Grandma’s Quilt

The hand quilting on this quilt is WONDERFUL

Share this:

Like this:

This may seem a bit strange, but I love the colors in this dress, it’s from a Vogue magazine probably 6-8 years ago, (LOVE IT) and it’s how I picked the colors for my quilt B. Annie This quilt post has been used and shared of years it really does work.

I do have to say that after all these many years, I don’t over think color anymore. I have used some real dog of fabrics and when it’s all together…the quilt seems to work on it’s own.

Share this:

Like this:

One of the best things about quilting is the Wonderful Fabric’s you get to purchase, lots and lots of fabric. Sign up top right of this site to receive notice of new posts, I will NEVER send a newsletter, etc. I just don’t like them!?!

All this being said, “I do not EVER wash contest quilt fabric before sewing, or quilting the quilt.” That is just me, you do YOU !

Share this:

Like this:

GIVE it a TRY ! it’s easy, all you use is triangles and squares. Here is one of my four inch quilt blocks, don’t over think it. Sew as you would any quilt block.

Now ALL 2025 are in ONE place

Share this:

Like this:

Welcome to my Tuesday Threads: Quilt How-To with The Quilt Ladies! Every Tuesday, I’m sharing simple, step-by-step quilting techniques straight from my sewing room to yours.

I have so many brand new to quilting or if you just want a quick refresher, these posts are here to help. Grab your fabric, pour a cup of something cozy, and let’s get stitching, one technique at a time!

I am starting with pressing because I see SO many new quilters pressing as they would IF you were sewing a dress, with quilt blocks you do NOT press the seam open, you press to the darker fabric and here is why. NO Steam, a hot, dry iron.

Press to the Dark Side… Always (Well, Almost Always)

Press, Don’t Iron: Up and Down, Not Side to Side

Share this:

Like this:

Let’s Make a Quilt ! Have a FANTASTIC Weekend with my free quilt pattern

For the center

Cut 6 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Cut 6 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Make Triangles

Cut 1 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Cut 1 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Cut 2 Black – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Make Triangles Sew as shown add sides first, then top and bottom

I cut my binding 2 1/2″ by 130″

Share this:

Like this:

You can grab your copy:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Happy Friday and here is this weeks quilt block pattern. This quilt block has a finished size of 12″ x 12″. I did cut and lay these quilt fabric colors out, you do you! I like the colors likeness on each side.

Share this:

Like this:

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

This weeks Quilt Block is from my Great-Great Grandmother Quilt.
Here is how to make the Pin Wheel Quilt Block from Grandma’s Quilt

This may seem a bit strange, but I love the colors in this dress, it’s from a Vogue magazine probably 6-8 years ago, (LOVE IT) and it’s how I picked the colors for my quilt B. Annie
This quilt post has been used and shared of years it really does work.

One of the best things about quilting is the Wonderful Fabric’s you get to purchase, lots and lots of fabric.
Sign up top right of this site to receive notice of new posts, I will NEVER send a newsletter, etc. I just don’t like them!?!

All this being said,
“I do not EVER wash contest quilt fabric before sewing, or quilting the quilt.” That is just me, you do YOU !

Let’s Make a Quilt !
Have a FANTASTIC Weekend with my free quilt pattern

Cut 6 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 6 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles

Cut 1 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 1 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 2 Black – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles
Sew as shown add sides first, then top and bottom