Tag Archives: quilting

Indian Maze Quilt Block

I have been enjoying playing with the Indian Maze quilt block.

Indian Maze

This block is drawn with an 8 x 8 grid.

*Clicking on any of the photos will show a larger view.

Here’s what the Indian Maze quilt block looks like in a basic straight set with borders:

Indian Maze Straight Set

Let’s play!

Using Electric Quilt, it is very easy to delete a few lines from the original block and create a variation of this block.

Indian Maze Variation

Now let’s pair the two together:

Indian Maze Straight Set 2

Here is another variation created simply by deleting lines from the original Indian Maze block:

Indian Maze Variation2

And a quilt designed with the original block and the new variation:

Indian Maze Straight Set 3

Now, for comparison to the straight set, let’s see what the Indian Maze quilt block looks like turned on point (with sashing and cornerstones).

Indian MazeOn Point Set

I like it!  It looks like tapestry to me.

And more designs on point, with the variation blocks included:

Indian MazeOn Point Set 2

Indian MazeOn Point Set 3

Indian MazeOn Point Set 4

It isn’t hard to design your own quilts.  Just by deleting a few lines to create new variations of a block, and perhaps adding a plain block, one can create lots and lots of quilt designs.

Play with color too.  Be sure to have dark, medium and light values.  Move them around…you’ll be surprised what a difference it makes!

Which design do you like?

Indian Squares Quilt Block

This week, I’m playing with the Indian Squares quilt block.

The block is drawn with a 10 x 10 grid.

Indian Squares

If you have BlockBase, it is number 2870.

Clicking on any of the photos will show a larger view.

Here’s what the Indian Squares quilt block looks like in a basic straight set with borders:

Indian Squares Straight Set

Next, the blocks are defined with some sashing and cornerstones:

Indian Squares Straight Set 2

I’ve paired the Indian Squares block with a variation block that I drew.  It makes the quilt less busy and adds some interest.  

Indian Squares Straight Set 3

In the following design, the Indian Squares block is paired with the Double Nine Patch block. 

Indian Squares Straight Set 4

Now, for comparison to the straight set, let’s see what the Indian Squares quilt block looks like turned on point.

Indian Squares On Point Set

That is one busy looking design!

Let’s calm it down with a plain block and the variation block.

Indian Squares On Point Set 2

That’s better.

And with the Double Nine Patch block:

Indian Squares On Point Set 3

In this last design, I’ve put in plain blocks and four half square triangle blocks.

Indian Squares On Point Set 4

Which design do you like?

Gentlemen’s Fancy Quilt Block

I have been practicing my EQ7 skills by working my way through some of the blocks from the Nancy Martin’s Perpetual 365 Quilt Blocks A Year Calendar.

NM Calendar

* I could just as easily have chosen any other block based book or source to practice with.

For this week’s quilt block, I’m playing with Gentlemen’s Fancy.

NM Gentlemen's Fancy

This could be drawn with a 3 x 3 or 6 x 6 (easier) grid.

* Clicking on any of the photos will show a larger view.

Let’s see what the Gentlemen’s Fancy quilt block looks like in a basic straight set with borders.

Gentlemen's Fancy Straight Set

And with some sashing and cornerstones added. 

Gentlemen's Fancy Straight Set 2

Or paired with an alternate block, in this case, the Basic 4X.  Some of the 4X blocks were rotated.

Gentlemen's Fancy Straight Set 3

A simple half-square triangle block was used as the alternate block in the next design. 

Gentlemen's Fancy Straight Set 4

It’s amazing what a simple block can do!

Now, for comparison to the straight set, let’s see what the Gentlemen’s Fancy quilt block looks like turned on point.

Gentlemen's Fancy On Point Set

 I like it better with the sashing and cornerstones included.

Gentlemen's Fancy On Point Set 2

In this last design, notice the one little color change in the Gentlemen’s Fancy block?

Gentlemen's Fancy On Point Set 3

It makes a big difference.  So does placing a plain block here and there.

Which design do you like?