Summer 2023 Scrap Along Challenge - large units
Welcome to the Summer 2023 Quilt Along Challenge. This summer I’m challenging myself to empty as many of my scrap bins of fabric as I can and make quilts for charity. Check the previous post for more information.
If you are joining me, we’ll be using 2 1/2” squares and 6 1/2” squares. These measurements include the 1/4” seam allowance and should be measured from the outside edge of the fabric.
You can choose a theme for your quilt (kiddos or Christmas) or a colour combination (all greens, all soft colours, all dark colours) or limit yourself to a single line of fabric.
The finished quilt will measure 54” x 74”. You can always make a larger quilt by adding more blocks or a border to the quilt.
I'm going to share a number of posts in the next few days to get us going. Then as the summer progresses, I'll be sharing some of my blocks and quilts (more than one I hope) and encourage you to send me your cutting and piecing images. I expect as the summer progresses, we'll get lots of finished quilt tops. Remember: you can bring the quilt for me to quilt for you or you can come and quilt on my longarms .. all free of charge.
Let's get started.
Step 1:
Look for a selection of larger pieces of fabrics. 1 meter or 39” of fabric will be sufficient for the large units if you want to have all the large units the same fabric. You can make it a truly scrappy quilt by using a variety of fabrics for the large units.
I found this blue print and after measuring found that I had sufficient for the large blocks and some leftovers that would do nicely for the binding of the quilt.
Press the fabrics flat. You may notice that this fabric didn't get pressed before I started cutting. Pressing first results in better cutting.
Cut these into 6 ½” x 6 ½” squares.
I had a bit left over and trimmed these down into 2 ½” x 2 ½” squares.
You will need 35 squares, 6 ½” x 6 ½”.
Binding
If you have found a large piece of fabric that will work for your large squares and you have enough for binding, cut 7 strips 2 ½” wide and set aside. You will need 17 ½” or 45 cm.
I like to sew my binding strips together as soon as possible and wrap it up with a big safety pin so I know they are just not random strips of fabric. I am sure you can guess why I do this now!
I have these scrapbooking boxes and will keep the units for this quilt in the box. You can see that I have my binding strips cut, some smaller units and my large 6 ½” x 6 ½” squares cut and ready for the next step.
TIP
Replace your rotary cutting blade before you start cutting all your scraps. I find that as soon as I have to use any pressure or cut through the fabric more than once, it's time to change the blade. Yes, they can be expensive, but we are addicted to this expensive hobby and deserve to have the best quality products we can get.
In another post, I'll share a product you can use to make use of these older blades.
