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BargelloFractured quilts come from several traditional quilt processes; appliqué quilts, Bargello quilts and crazy quilts. Fractured quilt paintings have a modern twist. A Bargello quilt forms an optical pattern by using strips of fabric pieced in varying width and depth. The pieced fabric is cut again into strips of varying widths and then pieced together. The strips are shifted up and down to create a chevron pattern. The colors are harmonious, typically increasing from dark to light.
Fractured quilts are also similar to crazy quilts when they are divided into irregular sections. The main difference between the 2 is that fractured quilts use a picture as a reference. The fractured quilt is representational while a crazy quilt forms random designs from scraps of fabric. - To make a fractured quilt you will need a reference photo, paper to make patterns from, a pencil, access to a copier to make patterns, scissors, fabric and thread to match and a sewing machine.
- Choose a reference photo or drawing. Keep it simple. Large florals and landscapes are good choices. Avoid using the human face because of the distortion. Enlarge the photo or drawing to the size you want the quilt square.
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Make 2 copies of the reference drawing or enlarged photo. Cut both copies in quarters or in more pieces at random angles, depending on how you chose to fracture the design. One copy will become the pattern for the shapes that form the background fabric pieces. The other copy will become the pattern for the picture pieces. Make the background pattern by tracing the shapes and adding ¼ inch all around the shapes. To make the picture pieces, cut the picture out of the background. Trace each piece of the picture, adding a ¼-inch border around the whole picture piece.
Cut the fabric using the patterns. Appliqué the picture pieces to the background fabric. When you have the fractured pieces complete, sew the finished pieces together.
Use the quilt blocks as a quilted wall hanging or as part of a bigger quilt. - Some quilt artists use a collaborative process to make a fractured quilt square. Each quilter makes a quilt square fractured in quarters but does not piece the finished quarters together. The quarter pieces are given to 1 of the members of the quilting group. She combines the quarter pieces together randomly and then gives the member 4 finished quarter pieces. The quilter receives a mix of quarter pieces made from different fabrics and with different techniques. The quilt group member then pieces her quadrants together.
