tutorials

Crackle - Meet the Quilt

Missy Winona

Construction Type: Traditional Piecing

Recommended Sewing Level: Beginner

Quilt Size(s): 54x72”

For most of our quilts, we design the quilt and then choose the fabric.  But every now and then we design a quilt for the fabric.  This quilt is one of those.  I wanted to have big enough pieces to be able to showcase the larger prints in this fabric.  A lot of quilts cut the fabric up enough that you miss some of the design.  And there are some really fun fabrics out there that you want to be able to see. 

Crackle is perfect to showcase some of those larger prints in a chevron look.  It uses paper templates to make cutting out the pieces easy.  Because of the larger pieces, it also makes for a great beginner pattern.

This pattern only comes in a throw size, but by adding additional pieces or rows, you could easily create a larger quilt.

FAQs:

  • How do I make sure that my templates are the right size?
    • We include a 1” square on all of our templates. This way if you purchase a PDF version and need to print it out, you can ensure that it is the right size.  You’ll want to make sure that your printer doesn’t default to the fit to page setting that some do.  Print it at actual size and then double check that square.
  • How do I cut those long border/sashing strips?
    • When you are cutting along the length of the fabric instead of the WOF, the trick to making sure that your strips stay straight is to make sure that your folds are straight. If your folds are off by just a little, it can make a big difference in your strips.
    • If you are worried about keeping the fabric folds straight, you can always cut WOF and then sew the strips together to create the length that you need. When measuring your strips, measure the largest length that you can, add a pin to that spot and then measure again to get the full length needed.  We have a decent size cutting table with a 36” wide cutting matt that we use to measure out our border and sashing strips.
  • What stitch length should I use?
    • Not all sewing machines are the same so you will want to check your user manual to determine what the standard stitch length is. We use the standard stitch length for most construction.  There are instances where that will change, mostly when basting something, applique or foundation paper piecing.
  • My blocks are stretching as I sew, how do I prevent this?
    • For this specific quilt, you will have bias cuts due to the nature of the chevron look. To help keep those seams lined up, I use a pin on each end of those diagonal sides.  This helps ensure you don’t stretch one fabric over the other.  Starch also helps with this by adding a little additional protection to those edges. 
  • What’s the best way to press my seams/blocks?
    • Pressing is the magic word here. You want to make sure you press and not iron your seams or blocks.  We press seams and blocks on a wool pressing mat and use a quilters clapper to help flatten them as much as possible.

 

Here is a list of our YouTube video tutorials that may be helpful as you put this quilt together.  There are many others as well so you might want to check out our channel and subscribe so you are notified when we upload new videos.

Color Ways

We love to play with color and have provided you with a few different color ways to consider for this quilt.  We hope it helps inspire you to create your own version of our quilt.

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