How to Sew a Sampler Quilt

A sampler quilt is a great project for beginning quilters. Sewing a sampler quilt involves sewing single blocks of different patterns and allows a beginner to learn several new techniques at a time. For a basic sampler quilt, use a pattern with 6 different blocks connected with borders.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring and cutting board
• Rotary cutter
• Scissors
• Iron

1. Choose and purchase your fabric. A basic sampler quilt can be sewn using a minimum for 3 fabrics. Choose fabrics that coordinate well together. Purchase 1 yard for the color you'll use for one of the block colors and borders, 1/4 yard for the second color you'll use in the blocks, 3/4 yard for the third block color which will also include the sashing and 1 yard for the fabric you'll use for the back. This last yard can be one of the three first colors, just buy one yard more than originally needed.

2. Lay the fabric out and cut the amount you'll need for each block. A basic sampler quilt uses six main blocks: rail fence, log cabin, four patch, flying geese, pinwheel and fair and square. These increase in complexity from beginning to end.

3. Sew each individual block separately. When sewing, make sure you use 1/4-inch seam allowance on all pieces and sew them together by having the "right" sides of the fabric facing together. Be careful to ensure that the lines are straight and the points on the triangles come together sharply. When completed, iron each block so they lay flat and double check to ensure they're all 6 1/2-inches square.

4. Cut the fabric you'll use for the sashing. Sashing is the border that will go between the blocks and a border on the outer edges. Place the blocks out on a table and sew the vertical sashing strips that will go between the blocks first. Then starting at the bottom, sew the horizontal sashing strips together until all 6 blocks are sewn together. Finally sew the long vertical sashing strips together that will go the length of three blocks on the outside.

5. Attach the border by laying the outside vertical strips on top of the sashing. Remember to sew with the right sides facing together. Then sew the top and bottom border fabric strips.

6. Finish your quilt by stacking the layers and adding a binding. Lay the back side of the quilt right side down, then the batting and the sampler quilt on top. After you quilt everything together either by hand quilting or machine quilting, attach the binding (see Resources below).

Resources

• For more detailed information on how to sew the binding on a quilt.