Quilt layouts and overall patterns can be as simple or as complicated as you like. The coolest part is that switching up one or two things can completely change the outcome of the quilt. I am by no means the foremost expert, however my goal with the following is to simplify some of the aspects of quilt design. Since much of the overall design is greatly impacted by the actual block layout, I’ve outlined some of the elements for you here. This is not comprehensive and I will add to it as time goes on.
Traditional Quilt Options
Straight Layout
This is what I consider the most common design – straight rows and columns. By far the design I see most often and is probably the simplest to complete for newer quilters. Basically, the quilt is divided into rows and columns – the finished size of the quilt will depend largely on the block size.
On Point
The blocks are still set into rows and columns, however they are put together in such a way that they appear as diamonds – and the construction is slightly more complicated. The sides will have to include triangles to complete the design, whether or not borders are added.
Modifications
Whether you’re looking to increase the size of your quilt or just make it a little more interesting, there are some simple additions you can make.
Borders
The fastest way to add to the size, borders can be added in pretty much any size and number you wish. I’ve noticed borders have become less popular with the increase in modern quilts. That said – if you have a complicated quilt center and want to stop the design and/or make it a bit bigger, borders are the way to go. Keep in mind – the larger the border is the more opportunity for issues like puckering when you quilt it. Be mindful and make sure you’re measuring.
Sashing and Cornerstones
Sashing is best and most simply described as the sections between your blocks. It can be as narrow or as wide and as simple or complicated as you want it. Sashing can also be used as a pieced addition to your block.
For the former, more simple design, a narrow complimentary strip is placed between each block, then added between each row. Sashing can be solid or put together with cornerstones – squares pieced into the sashing.
A great example of the latter is the classic Storm at Sea block – which includes the block, sashing on two sides joined by a cornerstone. When these completed sections are placed together in a quilt the sashing becomes a part of the block design.
Single Block Quilts
This is a simple way of describing any quilt that uses just one “block” consistently. Examples include hexagons, triangles, plain squares (smaller squares are sometimes called postage stamp quilts), the popular tumbler block, and more.
Single block quilts have a few benefits that I’ve noticed – they lend themselves to scrap quilting in a big way. You can cut squares, triangles, etc or dive into English Paper Piecing and put together hexagons (and other shapes) to use in a scrap quilt later on. You could also dive into designing your own quilts by using coloring sheets with the various block types. The possibilities for a really easy way to have fun with color and design without a bunch of math headache….
Panel Quilts
It is pretty common now to use a panel in quilts – hence “panel quilts”. There are panels for just about anything you want – baby, nature, novelty, patriotic, holiday and the list goes on. The options for panels are really only as limited as your imagination. They can be used as is or cut up and put back together in a variety of ways. Often times you can get panels that aren’t just one picture, but rather a set of smaller sections. They make great last minute quilts – for example a baby quilt for that new addition to a coworker’s family. With very little piecing you can put together something that will be well loved by the recipient.
The same modifications are of course available – you can add extra blocks or just borders around a panel and have a cute quilt.
You can also piece a large center section and treat it like a panel – for example, piece a carpenter star and use it as the focal point. Again – the possibilities here are pretty endless.
Whole Top Quilt
This is my generic description for a quilt that incorporates the entire thing into the design. I would place in this category most art quilts, wall hangings, or really anything that needs to be viewed at the same time to see the design.
These are fun for me to play around with and I plan to explore more of this type of quilt – particularly different techniques for art quilts.
Whole Cloth Quilt
Also something on my Quilt It List, whole cloth quilts are a perfect opportunity to stretch your quilting muscles and creativity. The quilting takes center stage here as the quilt isn’t pieced. I personally would not do a whole cloth quilt as anything other than a wall display, as I think they are meant to be enjoyed as artwork.
Quilts with Blocks of Varied Sizes
Okay – this is where math should be your friend.
Super interesting and I’ve seen some absolutely stunning quilts, but graph paper, pencils, and a design wall would be your friend. You could easily make these simple or complicated – a simple example might be a 12” block with 4” blocks creating another 12” block. Again – not for the faint of heart for the more complicated designs because you could really go anywhere with blocks here.
That is the most basic of descriptions for most of the quilt layout options. Again – remember that small tweaks can have a great impact on your finished project. Don’t be afraid to make some changes to your quilt – just keep in mind that double checking math is a good idea prior to cutting.
Let’s get quilting!
