So Many Great Quilt Patterns - Difficult Choices



Posted: Thursday, May 24, 2007

by
Quilt Value Zone

There are literally thousands of wonderful quilt patterns already in existence, and a new quilter should look for the simpler ones at first. The most basic patterns use squares.  An example would be the Four Patch which uses four squares of fabric sewn together to make a single block.  The Nine Patch uses nine small squares to make a single larger block and these all mix or match different colors or prints to create different looks.

A Double Nine Patch is made of nine 4 inch squares with the middle square divided into nine one and a third inch squares.  Usually the largest squares are cut from 4 dark and 4 light colored fabrics with the small squares cut from 4 light and 5 medium colored fabrics. The patterns are varied by changing around the color combinations.

Log Cabin is one of the most recognized quilt patterns.  It's based on strips of fabric sewn together to mimic the structure of logs in a log house.  Another well known pattern is the Churn Dash.  This one uses 3 different fabrics: two for design and one for background. It can be varied to create other patterns such as Grecian Design, Greek Cross and Wrench.  All have three major pattern pieces: the four inch square, a two by four inch rectangle and a large triangle.

Inasmuch as quilts and quilting have arisen from both necessity and craft, the names of various patterns reflect our cultural beliefs, trials and triumphs.  One finds names like: Job's Tears, Cross and Crown, Bethlehem Star, Wedding Ring, Lover's Knot and Drunkard's Path.  Many of the States in the US have quilt patterns named after them.  Chances are great that if you have an event to commemorate with a quilt, there will be a pattern already designed for you to use. Not all are equally easy to make, but once mastered, the most difficult can become the most favored.

Once in our history, quilts were made from scraps of material left over from other projects or from worn out items.  The Crazy Quilt made up of all kinds of fabrics and patterns has given way to minutely planned patterns and colors made with fabric carefully purchased solely for a particular quilt. Some quilters are absolute artists forming fabric mosaics that look like water color paintings which depend on perfect fabric color choices. Sometimes there is a pattern for the pieces they use to create their quilt masterpieces, but other quilters have free formed techniques that yield astonishing results.

The novice quilter first can learn how to use color with basic patterns.  Monochromatic color uses varying shades to create contrast and depth in a pattern.  Today a quilt is not just using scraps to create a means for warmth, but is a canvas for creative expression.  The pattern and color can be used to create a mood or send a message.
Cheryl Snider is a retired letter carrier with many interests which include webmaster, seamstress, making jewelry, knitting, crochet, quilting, gardening, hiking, camping, birding, butterflying and most important of all time with little granddaughter Evelyn.

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