Easy Scallop Ruler and March Free Quilt Block Patterns

Greetings Quilter -

With St. Patrick's Day coming up next week, it seemed like a great time to talk about curves - so you can sew those fun little 3 or 4 leaf clover quilt blocks.

I"ll admit that it was years before I decided to take on the challenge of sewing curved patches.

And my first few attempts were pathetic!

But, with some help from Pepper Cory and a few tips from other quilting friends, my curved pieces now look pretty good.

I still make the patches the size that seems natural to me. Pepper - the curve expert in my book - told us that she makes her patches larger so the curves are more gentle and easier to sew.

One thing that has escaped me is how to cut curves in borders or binding.

You'll find information below about a handy tool that helps you design, mark and cut the curves in your borders - and create some gentle scallops around your quilt.

Plus, you'll also find a video showing how to sew curved patches in a quilt block. Slightly different techniques, but still - curves!

Have fun making your St. Patty's Day colvers!

And now for the rest of the news - -

Happy Quilting!

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A Quilting Tool - Easy Scallop

Tying a quilt using a curved needle makes it easier

Quilter, author and teacher Darlene Zimmerman is well known in the quilting arena. Did you know that in addition to her books about quilting, her fabric design and her own quilting, Darlene designs tools to make quilting easier for all of us?

Darlene designs quilting tools for EZ Quilting, a company that’s been in business for more than 40 years. Their tools are designed by quilters, so they know what the rest of us want and need!

If you have ever wanted to add scalloped borders to a quilt but was afraid to try, Darlene has designed the Easy Scallop. The template helps you mark scalloped borders on quilts of all sizes. Two different sizes let you mark scallops in sizes from 4 to 12 inches.

The directions for the tool are very helpful for those who have never tried a scalloped edge. If you happen to lose the directions with your Easy Scallop packet, the company has also published them on their website. Along with directions, Darlene makes sure to outline exactly how to apply the bias binding to your scallops to finish your quilt.

A great book to accompany your Easy Scallop is Darlene’s “The Quilter’s Edge: Borders, Bindings, and Finishing Touches.” The book includes scalloped edges as well as other fancy edgings for your quilts.

Sometimes a simple quilt can be made super spectacular with a special edging. Don’t be afraid to try scallops. The instructions with this tool advise you not to cut a thing until your bias tape is sewn on. They also give you specifics on how to cut it or how to use one that’s already prepared. Try it on a test project first to see how you like it.  With just a little practice, you will probably be adding scalloped borders to everything!

Quilting Technique - Sewing Curves in Your Quilts

Sewing curves can be quite challenging for beginning quilters. They can even be difficult for experienced quilters who are accustomed to sewing in straight lines. There are a few pointers, however, that can make sewing curves into your quilt blocks easier.

When you cut out your circular pieces you will notice they are slightly larger than the pieces to which they will be sewn. Don’t try to recut them. They are supposed to be a little larger. The extra space allows for the curve to be sewn without puckering the fabrics.

To prepare to stitch your curves, you will work with the fabrics right sides together. The first step – and an important one not to overlook – is to pin the pieces together before sewing. This will insure proper placement that will not slip while you sew either by hand or by machine.  Start at one end and pin as you go along the curve. You may have to adjust your pinning to make sure the background fabric is equally distributed around the curve. 

Use the pins you have put into the pieces to serve as markers when you sew. Start at one edge and sew to your first pin. When you stop sewing, leave the machine foot down (if sewing by machine. If sewing by hand, you will resume from this same spot.) Rearrange the fabric back to the area from which you just sewed. You will continue doing this until you have sewn around the entire curve. Use the edge of a ruler, clothes pin or other straight object to help press out the seams.

After all the sewing has been done to stitch your curved pieces together, turn the pieces so they both face right sides up and the edges should match up. When you press the seams, press toward the background on all your pieces. If you have been careful, you shouldn't need to clip your seams to remove any excess fabric around the curve.

Applique circles can also be tricky if you are using a machine. The machine stitches you might choose to use for appliqué are not easily maneuvered to stitch around circles. The best advice is to go slowly and just take your time.

The pin mark approach is a good idea to use with appliquéing around circles too. Pin the fabric in place and stitch up to the pin. Remove the pin and continue to the next pin. If you have fused the appliqué pieces in place, the pins are unnecessary. Just set a visual mark. Sew up to your predetermined spot, keep the needle down, reposition fabric as needed, then sew on.

Appliquing by hand around circles is not so difficult. You just must remember to keep your stitches even and spaced equally. Appliquing around circles by hand gives you the most control, especially if you are a beginner.

Don’t let circles in quilt patterns scare you away. While many beautiful quilt blocks are pieced with straight edges from triangles, squares and hexagons, there are also many that incorporate circles or curves into the quilt block.

Once you are comfortable with straight edges, go ahead and advance to circles. Practice sewing them by hand and by machine and decide which method is best for you. If you select hand sewing first, give machine piecing a try another time. Mastering circles, like anything else in quilting,  just take a little time and practice.

As you practice with circles, start with small projects first then build to larger ones. A good first project would be a Dresden Plate throw pillow. The Dresden Plate design has curved edges that will give you good practice.

These free March quilt block patterns will make your St. Patrick's Day full of quilting fun. Most of these are 9 patch quilt blocks, and some are 9 patch quilt blocks.

Click here to download your March FREE quilt block patterns

Click here for the Irish themed quilt block patterns

Apple Tree	Basket Weave	Chimneys and Cornerstones	Four Leaf Clover
Goose Creek	Migration	Multiple Squares	Nine Patch Plaid
	Pieced Tulips Block	Signature

Click here to download your March FREE quilt block patterns