QT User Blog

We’ve all done it, when we enter a quilt shop and just start grabbing every fabric pattern we see that we like. However, it can get overwhelming with how to go about mixing and matching these different patterns together. It can get pretty tricky to pick out the right kinds of patterns of fabric for your next project so here are a few tips to help you when mixing and matching different patterns of fabric.

First pick out patterns that speak to your personality

By doing this allows you to pick patterns of fabric that you know you will love no matter what. Also if it turns out that some of the fabric patterns don’t work into the mix, you can then save them for later for another project or use it for a border for another quilt.

The second step is to pick three patterns per space in your quilt

When picking your three patterns choose one of each type listed below.

• 1. Floral and or organic themed
• 2. Geometric
• 3. A scale that is either bigger or smaller than the other two patterns chosen above.

The third step is to then consider the color for each pattern

Think about what colors you want to highlight in your quilt. For instance if you wanted to highlight one of your favorite colors like the color purple then pick out a pattern with that color in it. For instance have your floral pattern consist of some purple in it as well as your geometric pattern too. This will allow the patterns to mix and match together easily because they have the same color in them.

As seen in the patterns below here is an example from the website Tiny Sidekick.

 

 

 

 

• The first pattern to the right is called Green Lettuce
• The second pattern in the middle is called Purple Floral
• The third pattern to the left is called Purple Gingham.

Notice how when you move from left to right how each pattern has similar colors as the pattern in the middle but are different in the style of pattern. This is a great mixture of different patterns that work well together. Another way to help you pick colors of different patterns that are going to work well is by using a color wheel to see if they complement each other.

The final step is to play around with the patterns before starting

Another great tip when trying to pick patterns that will mix well together is to take a swatch of the fabric patterns you like from the fabric or quilt shop if they allow this. Then take them home and play around, swapping different patterns in and out of the mix to see which ones actually work well for  you. This will help you save time and money.

Check out the local shops on our Quilter’s Thread mobile app for where to get your fabrics for your next quilt project and share with us how you like to mix and match patterns when quilting.

Live well. Quilt well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that it is finally summertime, you can start getting out the brightest and most colorful fabrics in order to create a quilt as bright as the summer’s day. To help boost your mood even further try working on your quilt outside while getting some natural light and get further inspiration from the outdoors to help you design your best summer quilt. Here are some ideas to help get you started!

Lula Magnolia Panel Quilt

The vibrant summer quilt was  designed by Amy on the Diary of a Quilter website. This quilt uses a combination of bright colors of orange and blue as well as flamingo and flower prints in it. Lula Magnolia precut prints by The Quilted Fish are now available for purchase as of this June through Riley Blake Designs.

 

 

 

Watermelon Table Runner

This sweet refreshing watermelon themed table runner is perfect for any summer party occasion with its vibrant colors and fine detail with a zigzag line running through the watermelon slices in the middle. What makes this summer table runner even more perfect is the little ants crawling around as if to try and eat all the watermelon! This quilted table runner was designed by Caroline. Detailed steps on how to create this watermelon table runner can be found on sewcanshe.com

Giant Indie Star Quilt

This Indie Star quilt is perfect for your next summer quilt project that is easy and simple to make during the days off from work. The different colors and patterns of fabric make it feel free and calm. What also makes this quilt great is that the fabric chosen that make up the star look effortless and unique. The leftover fabric to make the star was then added to make the border on the outside as well. If you wish to get a little more creative try using what you have left in your scrap bin from previous quilts and create a unique border of your own.

Make sure to share with us your favorite summer quilt projects on our Quilter’s Thread mobile app!

Live Well. Quilt Well.

In less than a month families and friends will be having cookouts, parades and fireworks to celebrate our country’s freedom. In order to get ahead and be prepared, use your talent in quilting to make your own unique 4th of July decorations by hand. Here is a list of fun and creative quilt projects you can make for 4th of July.

 Patriotic Star Coasters

These star and striped designed coasters will make an excellent addition to your decorations as coasters or pot holders for the 4th of July cookouts or any other kind of celebration. This pattern is more laid back with the dark navy blue, faded white and bright red colors incorporated in this design giving it a more rustic style overall.

 

 

 

 

 Red, White and Blue Stars Table Runner

This American themed table runner  is great for 4th of July cookouts and celebrations this summer. Use this table runner to serve appetizers and drinks as shown in the image.Or simply use it for decorating the center of your dining room table or on a side table. This quilted table runner will help brighten up your room with its vibrant colors and unique texture making it overall refreshing and appealing to the eye. This table runner will be a great collection to anyone’s 4th of July decorations for many years of celebrations.

 

 

 

 

 

4th of July Quilt Pattern

 This pattern uses all of the patriotic colors in a perfect blend of different shades and patterns of fabric with red, white and blue. The easy four patch blocks of this quilt will be great to show off this 4th of July with family and friends at events, parks and cookouts. Click on the image below to get a free friendly printer version of instructions on how to make this quilt. Use this quilt to snuggle up with your friends and family to watch the fireworks at night or use it to lay on top of your sofa for decoration.

 

 

 

 

 

Country Spirit Quilt

This quilt is another great quilt to make for the 4th of July that uses a wide variety of fabric that has different shades and patterns of red, white and blue. This quilt also uses shades such as brown, yellow and orange as well making it also a great quilt for fall season. If you are a quilter who goes straight to flannel as their main fabric choice than this is the quilt for you! Part of making this quilt includes creating 24 matching sets of two that make up the blocks in the quilt. For more information about the quilt and to download instruction on how to make this free pattern click on the title underneath the image.

 

 

 

 

To find your fabric for your 4th of July project check out quilt shops near you by going to our mobile app and clicking on shops. Make sure to share with us your finished 4th of July projects on our mobile app!

Live Well. Quilt Well.

Put your talent and creativity to use as a quilter by giving back through donating your next quilt to one of the many charities in the U.S. that accept quilts as donations for those in need. Use your talent to make your next quilt to comfort and brighten another person’s life along the way. Volunteer your creative talent and start quilting for charity!

Here is a list of charities that you can donate a quilt to.

1.) Quilts of Valor, QOV 

Quilts of Valor is a charity that gives back to veterans in need by donating durable blankets to those who have served for our country. QOV also holds many events and volunteer opportunities open to all members of QOV. If you are not a member you can simply sign up in order to help out at events. In order to ensure that the quilts last a long time for our veterans there is a requirement that certain fabrics and threads are used in each quilt that is donated.

2.) Project Linus

With over 5 million quilts donated to children since 1998, this charity has come a long way in helping comfort so many children across the U.S. who are battling illness. There are local chapters of this charity all across the U.S. that you can find in order to get involved. You can also donate your blanket by mail or in person. This charity gives you full in depth information about how you can help give back to a child in need as well as how to go about donating your quilt.

3.) Quilts for Kids

Quilts for Kids is another great charity to donate your time and talent to as a quilter. This charity donates quilts to children in need who are struggling from illness. As a quilter you can volunteer your time and talents by sending unused fabric to their headquarters or create patch worked quilts to donate. If you are looking to get more involved you can look for local chapters located near you here.

 

4.) Wrap Them in Love Foundation

This non-profit organizations help donates blankets to children of all ages all around the world so that “they can can be wrapped in love and comfort”. The Wrap Them in Love Foundation values every quilter’s help in the donation process as well as their unique creativity that they leave behind in each quilt made. This foundation gives quilts to children locally and around the globe at orphanages, hospitals and shelter homes. When tragedies such as natural disasters occur, Wrap Them in Love Foundation will send quilts to help those who are struggling and need extra blankets.

 

5.) American Hero Quilts

This charity specifically donates quilts to U.S. soldiers who served in Afghanistan and Iraq wars. For 11 years now this charity has been providing soldiers and their families with a special hand made patriotic quilt as a way of thanking them for their service. Since 2015 this charity has donate over 17,000 quilts. Click here to get more information about how you can help donate and give back.

 

6.) Binky Patrol

Binky Patrol is a simple and easy way for any quilter to volunteer by donating any knitted, quilted or sewn blankets to children and teenagers who are in need of a little love and warmth during hard times. All that is required for donated blankets is that they are washer friendly and have no pins or needles in them so as not to harm the children that they are given to. This charity also provides special events free for all to join and free patterns to help get you started. For more information about how you can help click here.

 

 

7.) The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a more familiar organization that gives back locally and nation wide to those who are in need of help. One way quilters can help give back is through donating quilts in excellent condition to the American Red Cross location nearest them or bidding off their quilts to help raise money to donate to the American Red Cross.

 

There are many more charities out there that you can donate to such as local shelters, hospitals and youth centers that are in need of extra blankets for those who are in need of help during hard times. Try looking at charities within your hometown and that are nearby where you can also get involved with and help give back within your own community. Share with us your finished quilt that you plan to donate to charity on our Quilter’s Thread mobile app.

Live Well. Quilt Well.