Fussy Cut Medallion Quilt Step-by-Step: Polar Medallion Quilt Completed, Medallion Quilt Books

Here it is!  The completed "Polar Medallion Quilt".   I love all the colors so I particularly enjoyed working on this quilt!

And it was a joy to quilt. I did some straight line quilting, some echo quilting, a bit of embroidery on one of the solid concentric inner borders and I used my favorite Bernina #4 stitch in the last border.

Here's the back of this quilt. You can see the quilting much more clearly on this side as well as the structure of the medallion.

Polar Medallion Quilt--back side

I hope you enjoyed following along with the making of this quilt. If you make one for yourself, please let me know! 

In my last post, I mentioned that I would tell you about two medallion quilt books. One is available now, the other is scheduled for release 12/26/2017.

The Modern Medallion Workbook by Janice Zeller Ryan and Beth Vassalo was published by Stash Books in 2015.   The book has a couple relatively simple medallion quilts but most of the quilts are complex, visually very exciting and look fairly challenging to make.  I really like the quilt shown on the right side of the book's cover shown above.  It looks like a party! The round flying geese medallion shown in the lower left corner above is incredible. It's the center medallion of a bright, fun quilt.  It's an amazing book, but not one for a beginner quilter.

The book coming out in December is being published by Lucky Spool. Make Your Own Medallion: Mix + Match Block and Borders to Build Your Quilt From the Center Out was written by Erin Burke Harris.  The preview states she has created a variety of borders that can be made in 3 widths, as well as 6 center medallions that are ready for use. She has done all the math for the borders! Quilt Math is what makes designing a medallion quilt challenging. Here is a link to some page spreads photos from the book on the Lucky Spool website.  I'm so intrigued. I can't wait to see this book!

I hope I've sparked your interest in medallion quilts and that you'll try making one at some point. They are fun to sew and make beautiful and interesting quilts.

Fussy Cut Medallion Quilt Step-by-Step: Finishing the Quilt Top

In the previous 3 posts there are instructions for building this crib/lap size medallion quilt. In today's post, the quilt top as I've made it, will be finished. But feel free to continue adding to the quilt if you want to make it bigger!

Step 9: Adding plain border strips

I add plain borders every couple rounds as accents or to give the eye a place to rest since this is a busy pattern.

• Cut (2) 34 x 2 1/2 inch strips from a solid color
• Cut (2) 38 x 2 1/2 inch strips from the same color
• Sew 38 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch strips to the sides of the quilt. Press.
• Sew the 34 x 2 1/2 inch strips to the top and bottom of the quilt.

Step 10: Narrow Piano Key borders

Use a variety of the jelly roll strips for this step

• For the side strips, Cut (40) 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 rectangles from the jelly roll strips
• Cut (2) 3 1/2 tall x 3 3/4 wide spacer blocks from the sidestrip sets. I used fussy cut patches for these spacer blocks.
• For the top and bottom strip Cut (32) 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 rectangles
• Cut (2) 3 1/2 tall x 4 inches wide spacer blocks. As for the sides, I fussy cut these patches from the novelty fabric
• Fussy cut 4 corner blocks, 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches from the novelty fabric.
• For the sides, sew together (4) strip sets of 10 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch patches. Note: Sew the patches together on the longer 3 1/2 inch sides.
• Sew one 10 patch strip to the side spacer block, 3 1/2 x 3 3/4. Then attach a second 10 patch strip

• For the top and bottom strips, sew together (8) 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch patches. Make (4) of these 8 patch strips.
• For the top strip, Sew a 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch fussy cut corner block to an 8 patch strip. Attach the 3 1/2 x 4 inch spacer block. Attach another 8 patch strip and a final 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch corner fussy cut patch.
  Repeat for the bottom strip. If your fussy cut patches have directional designs make sure you check to make sure the design will be upright in the strips.

The finished Polar Medallion Quilt Top

Step 11: Final Solid Border Strips

• Cut (2) 2 1/2 x width of fabric from contrasting solid fabric. 
• Sew one to the top of the quilt and one to the bottom.
• Cut (3) 2 1/2 x width of fabric from the contrasting solid.  Sew these 3 strips together either straight or on the diagonal.  Sew to one side of the quilt. Then cut and sew the left over strip to the other side of the quilt.
• For greater accuracy in cutting, measure the length and width of the quilt in the center of quilt rather from the ends or sides. Use those measurements from the middle of the quilt side and top to cut the last border strips.

That's the completed Polar Medallion Quilt top!  If you've been using these directions to make a similar quilt, I hope you had fun. Please let me know if you find errors in the instructions.

In my final Polar Post, next week, I'll show my finished quilt and give some recommendations for books about Medallion quilts.

Fussy Cut Medallion Quilt Step-by-Step: From Square to Rectangular

Two weeks ago I started posting step-by-step instructions for making a fussy cut medallion quilt. Up until now, the same strips sets were added to each side of the quilt. There is one more border to add, working in the round. Then the quilt will morph from the traditional square quilt to a rectangular quilt.

Step 6: Strips, last step where the same strip sets are added to all 4 sides.

• Cut (2) 24 1/2 x 1 1/2 inch strips from a solid color with good contrast
• Cut (2) 26 1/2 x 1 1/2 inch strips from a solid color with good contrast
• Sew the 24 1/2 inch strips to the 2 sides of the quilt.
• Sew the 26 1/2 inch strips to the top and bottom of the quilt.
• The quilt should now measure 26 1/2 x 26 1/2 inches square. THIS IS THE LAST SQUARE STEP.

Quilt with strip sets added only to top and bottom changing the quilt to a rectangle.

Step 7: Adding blocks to top and bottom of the quilt

• Choose a quilt block that you like and that will be 6 1/2 inches UNFINISHED. (I found the pattern for this block, "Vintage Propellers" at ConnectingThreads.com).
• Make (6) 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 (unfinished) blocks
• Cut (4) 4 1/2 x 8 1/2 spacer blocks from one of the patterned fabrics
• Sew two strips sets: 1 quilt block, one spacer block, 1 quilt block, one spacer block, 1 quilt block.
• Sew one strip set to the top of the quilt and one to the bottom of the quilt.
• The quilt is now 26 x 38 inches.

Adding skinny side strips with fussy cut patches

Step 8: Adding just side strips with embedded fussy cut patches

•  Cut (4) 6 x 2 1/2 inch strips from a patterned fabric
•  Fussy cut (4) patches 2 1/2 inches wide and as tall as needed for the design.
•  Because my fussy cut patches were a variety of heights, you'll need to do a bit of your own quilt math to cut this strip. From the patternedfabric, cut (2) 2 1/2 inch x length needed to make a completed 26 inch strip set when a fussy cut patch is attached to the top and bottom of this strip. Make sure to allow for the quarter inch seam allowances when cutting this spacer strip.
• Sew one fussy cut patch set to each end of the spacer cut in the previous step.
• Sew one 6 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch strip cut from patterned fabric to the top and bottom of each of these fussy cut strip sets.
• The quilt should now measure 30 x 38 inches.

In the final post next week, the quilt top will be completed.

Fussy Cut Medallion Quilt Step-by-Step: Working in the Round

In the last post I started the directions for making a Crib/lap size Medallion Quilt. 

Step 1 was creating the 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 inch central focal block for the medallion quilt.  This post will include the steps for the concentric strip sets, working in Round, keeping the quilt square.  Step 2 and Step 3 can be seen with the central medallion in the picture above.

Step 2: patterned strips

• Cut 2 strips 9 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches from your jelly roll strips
• Cut 2 strips 12 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches from your jelly roll strips
• Sew the 9 1/2 inch strips to the 2 sides of the central block. Press
• Sew the 12 1/2 inch strips to the top and bottom of the central blocks. Press
• Trim to 12 1/2 inches square

Step 3: Flying geese strips

• Cut (12) 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch strips from a solid fabric
• Cut (24) 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch squares from 1 jelly roll strip
• Cut 2 corner blocks 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch squares from a jelly roll strip which contrasts with the jelly roll strip used for the flying geese
• Draw a diagonal line down across each of the (24) 2 1/2 inch squares.  Place a square on the right side of the solid rectangle and sew just to the inside (closer the the corner) of the drawn line. Press.  Trim seam to 1/4 inch. Repeat on the left side of the rectangle to complete the flying geese block.
• Sew 3 flying geese blocks together on the short ends of the rectangle.  Sew 2 of these units to the sides of the quilt
• Sew 1 2 1/2 inch square corner block to each end of the other 2 flying geese units. Press.  Sew to the top and bottom of the quilt
• The quilt should now measure 16 1/2 inches square

Round 4 of the Polar Medallion Quilt

Step 4: Strips with Fussy Cut Corner Blocks

• Cut (4) 16 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch strips from a solid color
• Fussy cut (4) 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 corner blocks from the novelty fabric
• Sew two solid strips to each side of the quilt.
• Sew a corner block to each end of the remaining 2 solid color strips. PressBe careful of the orientation of the design in your fussy cut block if there is a right way up in the pattern.
• Sew the strips with the corner blocks to the quilt. Press.
  • The quilt should now measure 20 1/2 inches x 20 1/2 inches

Polar Medallion Quilt Step 5

Step 5: Squares with center-strip spacer units

• Cut (44) 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch squares from an assortment of the jelly roll strips
• Cut (4) 1 1/4 x 2 1/2 inch spacer blocks from a coordinating solid fabric (good use of scraps)
• Sew four units of (5) 2 1/2 square blocks
• Sew (1) 1 1/4 x 2 1/2 inch spacer blocks to 1 strip of 5 blocks. Then sew another 5 block strip to the other side of the spacer.  Make one more unit this way.
• Sew four units of (6) 2 1/2 inch square blocks
• Sew (1) 1 1/4 x 2 1/2 inch spacer block to 1 strip of 6 blocks. Then sew another 6 block strip to the other side of the spacer block. Make one more unit this way.
• Attach the shorter strips to the sides of the quilt
• Attach the longer strips to the top and bottom of the quilt
• The quilt should measure 24 1/2 x 24 1/2 inches square

Next week working in the round will be finished and the quilt will be changed into a rectangle.

Fussy Cut Medallion Quilt Step-by-Step: Introduction

Looking through my stash of fabrics this summer, I found a lovely set a fabrics which had been a gift from a friend.  There was a jelly roll of 2 1/2 inch batik strips and two 1/2 yards of coordinating fabrics.  I also found 1/2 yard of a novelty print with inhabitants of both North and South Poles which was a perfect match for the watery/icy colors batiks in the jelly roll. I also pulled out some coordinating Kona® cotton solids to add to my collection of fabrics.

I decided to use them to make a medallion quilt.  A medallion quilt has a central focus block and strips of fabric or strips of blocks are added concentrically until the quilt is the final desired size. It sound simple, but it's actually rather challenging. It that QUILT MATH THING!  I've written previously about Designing Medallion Quilts.

I also wanted to use the book. The Fussy Cut Sampler, by Nichole Ramirez and Elisabeth Woo, published by Lucky Spool Media 2017.   I picked "block 32, four-way prints" on page 96 of the book as my central feature block in the quilt. 

My Polar version of Block 32 from "The Fussy Cut Sampler"

In the next several posts, I will post step-by-step instructions, with measurements, on how I made this crib sized quilt. It's not a tested pattern but it should work if you want to make a similar fussy cut medallion quilt using a jelly roll.  The finished quilt should measure approximately 44 x 52 inches. (I haven't quilted it yet so don't know the exact completed dimensions).

Supplies:

• 1 jelly roll or 2 1/2 inch strips cut the width of the fabric.  About 30.
• 1/2 yard of 2 coordinating patterned fabrics
• 1/2 yard of 2 coordinating solid fabrics
• 1/2 yard of a novelty print, with some motifs that are not larger than 2 x 2 inches
• Fabric scraps

STEP 1: Make the Central Medallion Block

• Make a 9 1/2 inch unfinished quilt block with a complex pattern or interesting pattern.

In the next three posts, released each Thursday, there will detailed photos and information for each set of concentric strip sets to make a similar quilt. 

Hunt through your stash if you have one, find some great fabrics, and sew along!

Designing Medallion Quilts

Today I want to show 2 small lap size medallion quilts which I designed.

I designed my medallion quilt "Windmills and Wild Geese" using the Mac version of EQ 7 (Electric Quilt 7).   This past summer I participated in the Jump Start quilt along on EQ7's blog.  My 4th block in the Quilt Along won a prize---a free book from EQ.  I chose Quilt Design-Design Tricks from EQ Experts.  

I still consider myself a novice user of EQ7.  I've learned a lot about it since the beginning of the year but still have so much more to learn.  Reading Quilt Design I found discovered that  EQ7 not only has a block library, but also a layout library.  The layout library provides a collection of whole quilt templates which can be used as the bones of a quilt design. You can create a unique quilt by adding quilt blocks of your own design, blocks from the EQ library, or by adding or subtracting lines to make the template unique. 

EQ7 is protected by copyright so I can't reproduce a picture of the layout design from their quilt library.  But the EQ paperwork states that what you design in EQ 7, as long as there are no specific copyrights noted on the blocks used, is copyright free.  So here is my design early  on.  You can see that I was still auditioning  blocks in the design at this point.  Also there aren't any blocks yet surrounding the central medallion Dutchman's Puzzle block. 

Below is the design after adding some additional lines which made it possible to add 2 block sets around the central medallion.  I also added another set of cross blocks.

If you look up at the finished design, you'll see that I've changed some colors to make the design more interesting.  Below is the finished quilt which I have posted previously.

"Antelope!"

I gather from what I've read on-line and heard from designers, complex Medallion quilts are more typically designed by hand on graph paper.  

But sometimes they are designed by improv.   That's how I created the quilt below.  I already had a stack of half square triangles, half cream and half designed fabric from the Moda line "In From the Cold."  So I knew I was going to incorporate those in my design.

Christmas Medallion Quilt

I first created the Medallion center--4 diamonds comprised of 32 half square triangles. Then I added a 2 1/2 inch strip around it, followed by a wider green strip.  I had intended to have the dark green strip abut the next strip of half square triangle diamonds.  I thought I had my quilt math right but I missed by 1/2 inch. So I added a strip of light green which actually makes the center of the quilt pop. A design error with a happy outcome!

After the next set of diamonds I added a light green strip top and bottom to change the final quilt from a square to a rectangle.  Finally I added a wide strip of red fabric with white snowflakes which was in my stash.

No matter whether you a design medallion in a computer program, on graph paper or by improvisational piecing on your design wall, they are fun to make and the result is a really interesting quilt.  I hope you give it a try sometime!