Periwinkle Quilt: On Point Pattern Guide

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Periwinkle on Point Quilt Pattern

Hey there, quilting enthusiasts! Ready to dive into a stunning quilt project that will add a touch of elegance and charm to your home? The Periwinkle on Point Quilt is exactly what you need. This pattern combines the classic beauty of periwinkle hues with the dynamic layout of an on-point design, resulting in a quilt that’s both eye-catching and cozy. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or looking to elevate your skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to create your own Periwinkle on Point masterpiece. So, grab your fabrics, thread, and let’s get started!

What is a Periwinkle on Point Quilt?

Alright, guys, let's break down what makes this quilt so special. The "Periwinkle" part refers to the color palette we'll be using. Think soft, dreamy shades of blue and purple, reminiscent of the periwinkle flower. This color scheme brings a calming and sophisticated vibe to your quilt, making it a perfect addition to any bedroom or living room. Now, the "On Point" aspect refers to the layout. Instead of the traditional straight grid, the blocks are rotated 45 degrees, creating a dynamic diamond pattern across the quilt. This diagonal arrangement adds visual interest and a modern twist to a classic design. Combining these two elements gives you a quilt that’s both beautiful and engaging. But why should you choose this particular pattern? Well, for starters, the on-point layout is incredibly versatile. It can make smaller quilts look larger and add depth to larger quilts. The periwinkle color palette is also super adaptable. You can use a variety of fabrics within that color range to create a quilt that’s uniquely yours. Plus, working with an on-point pattern is a great way to improve your quilting skills, especially when it comes to accurate cutting and piecing. Trust me, once you see the finished product, you'll be hooked on this design!

Materials You'll Need

Okay, before we start cutting and sewing, let's gather all the necessary materials. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a detailed list to get you started:

  • Fabrics:
    • Assorted periwinkle, lavender, and light blue fabrics (approximately 5-7 yards total, depending on the quilt size). Consider using a mix of solids, prints, and textures to add depth and interest. Aim for at least five different fabrics to create a varied and visually appealing quilt. Make sure to pre-wash your fabrics to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding later on. Pre-washing also helps to soften the fabric, making it easier to work with. If you're using a fabric line, it's often designed to coordinate well, which can simplify the selection process. However, don't be afraid to mix and match fabrics from different collections to create a unique look. When choosing your fabrics, think about the overall mood you want to create. Lighter shades will give a more airy and delicate feel, while deeper shades will add richness and warmth.
  • Backing fabric (enough to cover the quilt top with at least 4 inches extra on each side).
    • Choosing the right backing fabric is just as important as selecting the fabrics for the quilt top. A wide backing fabric will eliminate the need for piecing, saving you time and effort. Consider using a solid color or a simple print that complements the quilt top without overshadowing it. Flannel is a popular choice for backing fabric because it’s soft and adds extra warmth to the quilt. However, any high-quality cotton fabric will work well. Make sure to pre-wash the backing fabric as well to ensure it shrinks at the same rate as the fabrics in the quilt top. This will help prevent puckering and distortion after the quilt is washed.
  • Binding fabric (approximately 1/2 yard).
    • The binding fabric is what holds the quilt together and provides a finished edge. Choose a fabric that coordinates with the quilt top and backing. You can use the same fabric as one of the fabrics in the quilt top, or opt for a contrasting color to make the binding stand out. Bias binding is a good choice for quilts with curved edges, but straight-grain binding works well for the Periwinkle on Point Quilt. Cut your binding strips according to your preferred width, usually between 2.25 and 2.5 inches.
  • Batting:
    • Cotton, polyester, or a blend (choose based on your preference for warmth and drape).
    • The batting is the layer of insulation that goes between the quilt top and the backing. Cotton batting is a natural fiber that’s breathable and drapes well. Polyester batting is lightweight and holds its shape well. A blend of cotton and polyester offers a good balance of both. Consider the loft (thickness) of the batting as well. A higher loft batting will create a puffier quilt, while a lower loft batting will result in a flatter quilt. Pre-washed batting is also available, which can help prevent shrinkage.
  • Tools:
    • Rotary cutter, cutting mat, and quilting ruler.
    • A rotary cutter, cutting mat, and quilting ruler are essential for accurate cutting. A large cutting mat will provide ample space to cut your fabric, and a rotary cutter will make quick work of cutting strips and shapes. A quilting ruler with clear markings will help you cut precise angles and measurements. Invest in high-quality tools that will last and make your quilting experience more enjoyable.
    • Sewing machine.
    • A reliable sewing machine is a must for any quilting project. Make sure your machine is in good working order and that you have a variety of needles for different types of fabrics. A walking foot can be helpful for quilting layers together, as it helps to feed the fabric evenly.
    • Thread (matching or contrasting, depending on your preference).
    • Choose a thread that coordinates with your fabrics. Cotton thread is a good choice for cotton fabrics, and polyester thread is a good choice for synthetic fabrics. You can also use a contrasting thread to add visual interest to your quilt. Experiment with different thread weights to see what you prefer.
    • Pins or clips.
    • Pins or clips are essential for holding your fabric pieces together before sewing. Use pins with fine points to avoid snagging your fabric. Clips are a good alternative to pins, especially when working with thicker fabrics.
    • Iron and ironing board.
    • An iron and ironing board are essential for pressing your fabric pieces. Pressing your seams open or to the side will help create a flat and even quilt top. Use a hot iron and plenty of steam to remove wrinkles and creases from your fabric.
    • Seam ripper (just in case!).
    • A seam ripper is a quilter's best friend. It's essential for fixing mistakes and removing unwanted stitches. Keep a seam ripper handy so you can quickly and easily correct any errors.

Cutting the Fabric

Alright, fabric lovers, let’s get to the good stuff – cutting! Accurate cutting is key to a successful on-point quilt. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Prepare Your Fabric:

    • Iron all your fabrics to remove any wrinkles or creases. This will ensure accurate cutting and piecing. Fold your fabric in half lengthwise, selvage to selvage. This will give you a straight edge to work with. Place the folded fabric on your cutting mat, aligning the fold with one of the lines on the mat.

  2. Cut the Squares:

    • Using your quilting ruler and rotary cutter, cut squares from your assorted periwinkle fabrics. The size of the squares will depend on the desired finished size of your quilt blocks. For example, if you want a 6-inch finished block, you’ll need to cut squares that are 6 7/8 inches. This accounts for the seam allowances and the extra fabric needed for the on-point layout. Refer to a specific pattern for the exact measurements, as they can vary. When cutting, make sure to keep your ruler perpendicular to the folded edge of the fabric. This will ensure that your squares are perfectly square. Use a sharp rotary cutter and apply even pressure to get clean, precise cuts.

  3. Cut the Triangles (if needed):

    • Some on-point quilt patterns use half-square triangles (HSTs) or quarter-square triangles (QSTs) to create the diagonal effect. If your pattern calls for triangles, you’ll need to cut them from your squares. To cut HSTs, simply cut a square in half diagonally. To cut QSTs, cut a square in half diagonally in both directions. Use a quilting ruler with a 45-degree angle marking to ensure accurate cuts. Label your triangles with a piece of masking tape and a pen to keep them organized. This will help you avoid confusion when piecing your quilt blocks.

  4. Border Strips:

    • Cut border strips from your chosen border fabric. The width of the strips will depend on the desired width of your border. Common border widths range from 2 to 6 inches. Measure the length and width of your quilt top before cutting the border strips. Add a few inches to each measurement to account for trimming. Cut the border strips longer than necessary, as it’s easier to trim them down than to add more fabric. Press the border strips in half lengthwise to create a neat, folded edge.

  5. Stay Organized:

    • As you cut your fabric, keep the pieces organized by color and size. Use small containers or plastic bags to store the pieces. Label each container with the fabric name and the size of the pieces. This will save you time and frustration when it comes to piecing your quilt blocks. Consider using a design wall to lay out your quilt blocks and get a sense of how the finished quilt will look. This will allow you to make changes to the layout before you start sewing.

Piecing the Quilt Blocks

Alright, now for the fun part – piecing those beautiful blocks together! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Arrange Your Squares:

    • Lay out your cut squares in the desired arrangement on a flat surface or design wall. This will give you a visual representation of how the finished quilt will look. Experiment with different layouts until you find one that you like. Take a photo of the layout for reference. This will help you remember the arrangement when you start sewing.

  2. Sew the Squares Together:

    • Take two squares and place them right sides together. Pin them along one edge. Sew a ¼-inch seam along the pinned edge. Repeat this process until all the squares in a row are sewn together. Press the seams open or to one side. Pressing the seams open will help create a flatter quilt top. Pressing the seams to one side will help create more defined points. Be consistent with your pressing technique throughout the quilting process.

  3. Join the Rows:

    • Once all the rows are sewn together, it’s time to join the rows. Place two rows right sides together, aligning the seams. Pin the rows together along the seams. Sew a ¼-inch seam along the pinned edge. Repeat this process until all the rows are joined. Press the seams open or to one side. Be careful to match the seams as accurately as possible to create a cohesive quilt top.

  4. Add Setting Triangles (if needed):

    • On-point quilts often require setting triangles along the edges to create a straight border. These triangles fill in the gaps created by the diagonal layout. Sew the setting triangles to the edges of the quilt top, aligning the edges and pinning them in place. Sew a ¼-inch seam along the pinned edge. Press the seams open or to one side. Trim any excess fabric from the edges of the triangles.

  5. Attach the Borders:

    • Now it’s time to attach the borders to the quilt top. Measure the length and width of your quilt top. Cut border strips to the appropriate length and width. Pin the border strips to the edges of the quilt top, aligning the edges and pinning them in place. Sew a ¼-inch seam along the pinned edge. Press the seams open or to one side. Miter the corners of the borders for a clean, professional finish.

Quilting and Binding

Almost there, folks! Now, let's quilt and bind this beauty:

  1. Layering:

    • Lay your backing fabric right side down on a large, flat surface. Place your batting on top of the backing fabric. Center your quilt top on top of the batting. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the fabric. Use safety pins or basting spray to hold the layers together. Start pinning from the center and work your way out to the edges. Place the pins every few inches to prevent shifting.

  2. Quilting:

    • Quilt the layers together using your preferred quilting method. You can hand-quilt, machine-quilt, or send it to a professional long-arm quilter. Choose a quilting design that complements the quilt top. Simple quilting designs, such as straight lines or gentle curves, are often a good choice for on-point quilts. Intricate quilting designs can add visual interest but may also detract from the overall design. Use a walking foot on your sewing machine to prevent the layers from shifting. Quilt from the center out to avoid creating bubbles or puckers.

  3. Binding:

    • Cut binding strips from your chosen binding fabric. The width of the strips will depend on your preferred binding width. Common binding widths range from 2.25 to 2.5 inches. Sew the binding strips together end-to-end to create one long strip. Press the strip in half lengthwise. Attach the binding to the edge of the quilt, mitering the corners. Sew the binding to the front of the quilt, then flip it over to the back and hand-stitch it in place. Use a blind stitch to create an invisible seam. Trim any excess fabric from the corners of the binding.

Finishing Touches

Alright, quilting gurus, it's time for those final touches that make all the difference. Here are some tips to make your Periwinkle on Point Quilt shine:

  • Trim any excess threads: Go over your quilt and trim any loose or stray threads. This will give your quilt a clean and polished look.
  • Wash and dry: Give your quilt a gentle wash and dry. This will soften the fabrics and set the quilting stitches. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying your quilt. Consider using a color catcher to prevent colors from bleeding.
  • Display and enjoy: Finally, display your beautiful Periwinkle on Point Quilt with pride! Hang it on a wall, drape it over a sofa, or snuggle up with it on a cold night. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and the beauty of your handmade quilt.

So there you have it – a complete guide to creating your own Periwinkle on Point Quilt. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create a stunning quilt that will be treasured for years to come. Happy quilting!