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If you follow me on IG (and if you aren’t, you should) you have probably seen my latest obsession: the Pollinate Quilt. I'm obsessed with everything about this quilt. The pattern...amazing. The fabrics...so beautiful I can't stand it. The challenge of learning a new skill...I seriously can't get enough. It is all I want to talk about right now.

So, that's what a blog is for, right? 

I thought it would be fun to share more about my journey into English Paper Piecing as I learn this new skill and make the Pollinate Quilt. And so, the blog series, Adventures in EPP, was born. I'll be sharing what I learn, what works (and what doesn't), and just generally talking about how much fun I'm having with it. 

What is EPP?

What is EPP? It stands for English Paper Piecing. It is a method of hand sewing that allows for incredibly accurate and intricate piecing. Starting with a paper template, fabric is wrapped around the template and secured using either glue or thread. Then the shapes are sewn together by hand. Sounds simple enough, right? Probably the most common EPP shape is the hexagon. 

Getting started with EPP

When I first bought the Pollinate Quilt pattern it sat in a drawer for a month. I felt really overwhelmed and I didn't have any idea where to start. So, I didn't. November rolled around and the pattern designer (Kitty Wilkin, @nightquilter) hosted a progress party on IG for everyone to share their quilts. 

I can't resist a good IG party! I pulled my pattern out of it's drawer and started playing fabric choices. Once I nailed down my fabric choices for the first rosette, I was finally ready to turn off the video tutorials and get started. Buuuuuut, I realized I didn't have the necessary supplies...like hand sewing needles.

I was so busy watching videos on how to sew my shapes together, how to tie a quilters knot, and playing with various fabric options that I had completely forgotten I might need other tools and notions that I didn't already have. Oops.

Tools and Notions for EPP

I read several blogs about "must have tools and notions for EPP" and started making a list. Some things were on every list (like Sewline Glue Pens) which made it easy to add them to my Amazon cart. Other things were a little more confusing because they seemed to be personal preference of the person writing the list. 

If you are like me and are wanting to start learning EPP, here are the tools and notions I went with and how I have liked them so far: 

Sewline Glue Pens and refills - I think every single list I read included these. It was a no brainer to order them, and so far, they have worked beautifully. My fabric stays attached to the template, and I was able to remove the paper template easily. One last thing about the glue pens, I can't remember where I read this tip, but keeping the glue pen and refills in the fridge helps with finer application of the glue. 

Millner needles - this is one I went back and forth on. Do I get a thicker needle that is sturdier or a thinner needle that pokes smaller holes in the fabric? What brand is best? I went with these. So far, I've bent both needles I've used. Maybe its something I'm doing wrong, or maybe it's the needle, but I think I will buy the next size up when I order again. 

SuperBob's Bottom Line Thread - in quilting, I use 100% cotton thread. One of the comments I saw repeatedly was that cotton thread is more likely to shred as it is passed over the paper template repeatedly. Superior Threads Bottom Line thread was probably the most recommended option. I'm really happy with this purchase. I have every color I could possibly need, and the thread is really fine, but I haven't broken it once.

Thimble - several people recommended the thimble pad! Like the glue pens, it was a no brainer option for me. Now that I've used it, I have to say, I don't love it. I will be looking for a more standard thimble. When I first tried it, I had to reposition it several times. Then, after a while, the thimble pad kept siding around my finger. While it gets the job done, it is annoying. I have ordered this leather thimble, and I will report back! 

Wonder clips - to hold the pieces in place as you stitch. This is more useful than you think. I didn't bother at first, and had to rip out my stitches and redo them because the pieces shifted ever so slightly. Chalk that up to a lesson learned the hard way. 

Embroidery scissors - there are lot of threads to cut. This is a no brainer. I didn’t buy anything new, I used what I already had  

Things I didn't get, but now think would be handy:

Needle/Thread holder - I've been putting my used, still threaded needle back in the little paper envelope they come in - which has worked fine, but I do think this would be handy though. 

Smaller rotary cutter - while my regular 45mm rotary cutter get the job done, I would like a smaller one that cuts around the templates easier. 

Pollinate Update

I have the center of my first Pollinate Quilt rosette stitched together. One issue I've noticed is that my pieces are fitting together a tad too snug which is causing some puffiness in the center of the rosette. I suspect I'm stitching too much of the fabric together making the pieces just a hare to small which starts to add up as the quilt gets bigger.

My goal for this next row of pieces is to make sure I'm only getting the very edge of the fabric. Then we'll see how it looks! Luckily, I've caught my errors early enough on that I don't think it will negatively impact the quilt as a whole. Fingers crossed, anyway!

 This post contains some affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Running Stitch Quilts!

Every year I’m asked to make a Christmas List. And every year, I hem and haw and put it off until the last minute because I don’t know what I want. Or, I give really vague suggestions that aren’t helpful to anyone. 

This year, however, I’m on top of my game. I’m asking for quilting notions and supplies I can never have enough of, and the things that I haven’t purchased for myself because it feels like a splurge. 

Since I was writing up the list anyway, I figured I’d share it in case you need some ideas as well!

The Essentials

These are the tools and notions that aren't sexy or exciting, but are ones that are used daily. I know, personally, I put off spending money on this stuff because I would rather buy something fun...like fabric. 

Extra rotary cutter - I could remember to take my rotary cutter downstairs with me when I need to use the big table to cut fabric, or I could have an extra one to keep downstairs and save myself the trouble. Either way, these get used a ton, and it never hurts to have a spare. It is also handy to have a smaller one for cutting curves or around a template, and a larger one to easily cut multiple layers of fabric. 

Extra rotary cutter blades - I am notorious for leaving my blades in my rotary cutter until I'm practically hacking away at my fabric. Then, when I finally change the blade, it slices through the fabric like butter and I wonder why I waited so damn long to change the blade. Fresh blades make cleaner cuts which improves accuracy. Fresh blades also require less force making it easier on the wrist and hands. 

Curved safety pins - these guys fall under the "can never have too many" category. It is no fun to run out of pins 2/3 of the way through basting a quilt (ask me how I know). While every quilt needs to be basted before it can be quilted, it doesn't have to be basted with pins. This spray is a good alternative to pin-basting. 

Wonder clips - these guys are so incredibly handy. They can be used for everything: binding the quilt, holding EPP shapes together for hand sewing, keeping stack of blocks together to keep organized, etc. Wonder clips also fall in the "can never have too many" category. 

Aurifil thread cone - aurifil is my go to thread for both piecing and quilting. It is 100% cotton, comes in every color imaginable, and isn't quite as linty in my machine. Win-win-win. 

Glass head pins - the last thing in my "can never have too many" category. They are thin enough that they don't leave visible marks or holes in the fabric, but also strong enough to withstand not being bent easily. Because they are made of glass, the fabric can be pressed with the pins in place. 

The Fun Stuff

These are things things that feel frivolous and would be considered a "splurge". So, I rarely buy them for myself because if I'm spending money on quilting, I'd rather being buying something I need...like fabric. 

Specialty Rulers - such as the Bloc-loc which makes trimming HSTs and flying geese blocks easier, or the Stripology ruler which allows you to cut a bunch of strips in a short amount of time. 

Fancy, extra sharp scissors - such as these beauties from Warm Crochet. Not only would they be incredibly useful to snip threads, but they make a fun prop for Quilty IG photos. 

Reversible cutting mat - I would argue that every quilter has a self-healing cutting mat. But this one is high on my list of wants. It is white on one side and black on the other. Imagine the beautiful IG photos! Go for at least the 18"x 24", but get the 24"x36" if you can! If fancy IG photos aren't important, these self-healing mats are really excellent quality. 

Magnetic pin holder - this one is worn on the wrist. There is nothing handier than easy access to pins no matter if you are sitting at the sewing machine or standing at your ironing board. Etsy makes some really cute bowls like this or this that would also make great gifts.  

Gift cards to online fabric stores - buying new fabric is one of the great joys in life that is only topped by buying new fabric with a gift card. Fat Quarter Shop, Fabric Bubb, and Stash Fabrics are my go-to options.

I hope this gives you a good start on buying the perfect gift for you favorite quilter. Or, me if that's who you are shopping for. ;)

This post includes affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click them, but I may earn a small commission if you do. Thank you for supporting Running Stitch Quilts! 

The Summer Garden Pattern is now available in my shop!

When my old college roommate asked to make a quilt for her baby girl, I started sketching out some flower ideas. I prefer traditional piecing to appliqué, so I was playing with a traditionally pieced flower with a sawtooth star center. And that's how Summer Garden Pattern was born. My friend ultimately decided to go with an appliqué pattern (see that quilt here!), and I made this one anyway because I loved it so much.

The Details

This is my most versatile pattern to date. I've written instructions for a large crib size (40" x 53") using 12" finished blocks and a throw size (56" x 74") using 16" finished blocks. Since the pattern is block based, you make any quilt size you want by choosing how many of which size block you need.

The pattern is written to get two flower blocks from one cut of fabric. The 12" finished blocks have instructions from FQ or yardage. The 16" finished blocks only have instructions from yardage, but if you wanted to use a FQ you definitely could! However, for the 16" size, a FQ will only provide enough fabric for one flower block, so you would need extra FQs depending on how big you wanted your quilt to be.

My version was made entirely from fabric I had in my stash. Some of the fabric didn't have a selvedge or didn't have identifying information on the the selvedge, so unfortunately, I don't know where all of it came from! The combination of orange, peach, and pink makes it feel bright and summer-y.

For the backing, I stumbled across this in a fabric sale. It was like this fabric was made to be the back of this quilt. The blue flowers provides a nice, calming contrast to the brightness of the front. The pops of orange and red flowers mixed in with the blue perfectly compliments the front.

Similar to Snowflakes in July, this pattern is a suitable for a confident beginner. A tutorial on the No Waste Flying Geese method can be found here, and be on the lookout for an in depth tutorial on the Magic 8 HST method coming soon. The most complex part of this pattern is paying attention to the direction of the HSTs, ;)

The Process

As I stated earlier, I originally sketched this out as a concept for a custom quilt. When the client chose a different option, I still fleshed this out to see what it could turn into.

Compared to the drawn-out process for Snowflakes in July, this came together really quickly. It's been fun to share the process in real time as I've put it together.

The Quilt

I made the large crib size with 12" finished blocks.

My fabulous tester, Joanne (@turtlequilterjo) made the throw size with 16" blocks. I love how she used a blue background for hers!

Click Here to see the Flying Geese tutorial.

Click here to download the No Waste Flying Geese Reference Sheet.

Be sure to tag me (@runningstitchquilts) or use the hashtags (#summergardenquilt or #rsqpatterns) so I can see what you make! :) 

Purchase The Pattern

When I bought my first sewing machine, I didn’t really have a plan for it. I vaguely thought making a quilt would be fun, but the sewing machine itself was a spur-of-the-moment purchase. I took the sewing machine home, learned how to thread it, learned what a bobbin is, and then searched Pinterest for a good beginner project.

Pinterest came through with a free tutorial for quilted pot holders, and decided to make them. I went back to the craft store to buy fabric and thread. Then went back again for a rotary cutter. (Yes, I tried to use scissors at first. No, it did not go well.) Then I went back again for straight pins. You get the idea. I had no idea what I was doing.

Back then, I would have loved a list of all the things I would absolutely need when starting my first project. Not the fancy/trendy/fun notions, but the ones that were actually essential to the quilt making process. So, that’s what I’ve made for you: a list of the absolutely essential tools for quilting without any of the extra fluff. I even made a handy checklist you can take to your local quilt shop or craft store so you don’t have to make multiple trips like I did. 

Let’s get to it. Here are the essential tools you need to make a quilt, from the obvious to the not so obvious.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR QUILTING:

– A SEWING MACHINE

I told you, obvious. Yes, you could hand sew a quilt, but that’s a different discussion for a different day. You don’t need a fancy machine that costs thousands of dollars. When I first started quilting, I had a $200 Singer that I bought at Joann’s. It got the job done! It was a reliable machine that I used for about a year. By then, I knew I was going to stick with quilting as a hobby, so I upgraded to a fancy machine.

If you don’t have a sewing machine and are in the market, I would highly recommend going to your local quilt shop and trying out several before choosing. Having someone show you how they work is really helpful. Unless you know you are going to continue quilting, all the fancy, extra features aren’t necessary, but I would recommend getting a machine that has the needle-down feature. The needle-down feature keeps the needle down in the fabric when the presser foot lifts. This is helpful when chain-peicing and moving the quilt around when quilting.

You may also need: a 1/4″ guide presser foot. While not essential, I do think it is helpful in maintaining an accurate, straight seam allowance.

– IRON / IRONING BOARD / STARCH

Personally, I do not prewash my fabric, but I do prep the fabric by starching and then pressing it. Starching the fabric before cutting into it makes it a little stiffer. Plus, it frays a little less, and it is generally easier to work with. I use this starch because I can get it for a couple bucks at the grocery store. It works well, and it smells nice. Many quilters swear by Best Press, but I find regular starch works just as well and it’s cheaper. Win-win.

The iron will be necessary to press your seams. Any hot iron will do. You will need something to iron on top of, and that’s where the ironing board comes in.

– ROTARY CUTTER / SELF-HEALING MAT / RULER

Sure, you could use scissors, but it would take longer, your cuts wouldn’t be a smooth or accurate, and it would probably make your hand hurt. A rotary cutter and self-healing mat is a must. Get the biggest size mat you can afford, but I’d recommend at least 18″x24″. As for the ruler, a I would recommend the 6″x24″ size. These sizes will serve you best so you can easily work with a fat quarter or yardage folded in half without having to move the fabric or ruler.

I use Olfa brand rotary cutters and mats, and Creative Grids rulers. I like the Creative Grid brand for rulers a lot. They have textured spots on the backside to help prevent the ruler from slipping.

– STRAIGHT PINS

Straight pins are used for pinning your quilt blocks together when sewing them. This keeps the fabric from shifting under the presser foot and makes sure the seams match up nicely.

Pinning your blocks together before sewing them does take a little bit of time, but in my opinion, it is time well spent to ensure better accuracy. Also, having to rip out seams is a pain in the butt, so if I can do a little more work on the front end to avoid that, I will.

You may also need: pincushion or magnetic cup to store and easily access pins while sewing.

– CURVED SAFETY PINS (OR SPRAY BASTE)

Once you have your quilt top completed, you will need to turn it into a quilt. Basting is the method to keep all three layers of your quilt together while you are quilting it. Doing a good job of basting your quilt is important to prevent puckers or wrinkles as you quilt the quilt.

There are two ways of attaching the layers of the quilt together. The first way-and my preferred method-is to used curved safety pins. The second way is to use a sticky aerosol glue called spray baste. The pros and cons of each could be its own blog post. But, in short, the main reason I prefer to pin-baste is that spray baste is expensive, and you only have to buy the pins once.

– PAINTERS TAPE

Yep, that low stick blue tape. Get the 2in width if you can.

This has so many uses. First, it can be used to tape of a 1/4″ seam allowance on your sewing machine if you do not have a special 1/4″ presser foot. Secondly, it can be used to tape the backing fabric to the floor while basting the quilt. Thirdly, it can be used to tape off lines on the quilt as a way to mark where to quilt it. Fourthly, it can be used to tape the finished quilt top to the wall so you can take a straight on picture. Basically, its uses are endless. I like to have it on hand…just in case.

– MARKING TOOL

I use two different tools for marking. A Frixxon pen and a Hera Marker.

I like Frixxon pens, but I only use them during the block assembly phase, like when making Flying Geese or Half-Square Triangles. I don’t use them on a finished quilt top. The cool thing about these pens is the ink disappears when exposed to heat. Therefore, a quick press of a hot iron on the fabric, and the ink is gone! Full disclosure, there has been some conflicting results with quilters reporting that the ink does not completely disappear or returns when the quilt is exposed to extreme cold. So, for that reason, I don’t use them on the quilt top. I don’t want to risk ruining my quilt. That’s where the Hera marker comes in!

A Hera Marker is fabulous. It’s a plastic, knife shaped tool that leaves a crease mark in the fabric when pressed into it. It can be used to mark sewing lines when you are making the blocks, and it can be used to mark quilting lines on the completed top. Unlike Frixxon pens, it doesn’t leave permanent marks on the fabric. The crease line goes away after a while or when the finished quilt is washed. It’s the best. I find that lately, I have been reaching for my Hera marker more often than my Frixxon pens.

There are tons of marking tools available (water soluble, chalk, etc). No matter what you choose to go with, please please please be sure to TEST IT on a piece of scrap fabric to make sure the mark completely disappears before you use it on your real quilt. On the other hand, just get a Hera marker and call it a day!

– PATTERN/FABRIC/BATTING

Again, stating the obvious here.

Whatever pattern you choose, it will list the fabric requirements needed for the quilt top and backing. If you need an easy beginner pattern, might I suggest this one. Simple patchwork squares make it perfect for beginners, and it makes a wonderful wall hanging in any home. 

A quick note about fabric quality: the fabric you find at big box stores (Hobby Lobby, Joann’s, Walmart, etc) is a slightly lower quality than the fabric you will find at a quilt shop. That’s not to say you shouldn’t buy it if you find a print you love at one of these stores! Just be aware, the fabric from these stores is a little thinner and stiffer. I’ve purchased plenty of fabric from Hobby Lobby, and I’ve never had a problem though.

The most common batting types are 100% cotton, 80/20 cotton/polyester blend, and wool. My personal favorite is Warm N Natural 100% cotton. You could also use something a little unconventional like flannel. When choosing your batting, take into consideration what you plan to use the quilt for and the weather where you live. If you live somewhere really cold, using a wool batting might be worth the investment (as it’s more expensive) because it will be warmer. If you intend on making the quilt for a baby, 100% cotton might be a better option because it washes easier than wool. Talking about how batting effects the quilt could also be a separate blog post, so I’ll stop here. Haha!

NOW WHAT?

Download your checklist, pick a pattern, and head to your local quilt shop or craft store to stock up on the essential tools for making a quilt!

Experienced quilters, is there anything else you would add? What tools do you consider essential for making a quilt?

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer to learn more. Thank you for supporting Running Stitch Quilts!

If you remember this post from a long time ago, I shared lots of pictures from the first few weeks of the Sienna Burst QAL I was participating in. Well, the QAL ended weeeeeeks ago (months?), but I never finished my quilt. I was keeping up with the quilt-a-long schedule until the last week. I can't remember what came up, but I put my Sienna Burst blocks on the back burner while I worked on something else. And you know how it goes... the next thing, and the next thing, and the next thing kept coming up and I never finished my Sienna Burst quilt.

Publishing Snowflakes in July and Summer Garden this summer cleared a lot of the projects off my plate, so I was able to get Sienna Burst off the shelf and work on it again. Typically, I like to use my weekends for personal project quilting, and I do my "work quilting" during the week. I have to schedule my personal projects because I would just work all the time if I didn't.

I FINALLY finished my quilt top, and I LOVE it. I'm working on improving my quilt photos, so I took a bunch to share with you!

This is my favorite block :)

Isn't it beautiful?!

Next up, basting and quilting. That's on the agenda for this upcoming weekend.

:)

This year, I've been putting a huge focus on developing my own patterns. I wasn't planning on doing any commissioned quilt at all. But, when my college roommate said she was pregnant with a little girl, I immediately started looking at fabric options and cleared my schedule to make a baby quilt.

My friend wanted a specific quilt, the Sea Glass Baby Quilt by Talk of the Town.They are doing the nursery in a "Woodland Fairies" theme with mostly purples and some green. Kanvas Studios had the most PERFECT fabrics. It was such a challenge to narrow them down to four (well five if you include the backing).

I chose Dance of the Dragonfly Dancing Waves Plum, Enchanted Garden Floral Lilac, Enchanted Blossoms Orchid, and Pansy Noir Lilacfor the front, and Pansy Noir Mini Flutter Lilacfor the backing.

This pattern is entirely appliqué. I was really excited to try out the Silhouette Cameo my husband gave for Christmas to cut out the 94 petals needed for the quilt. But, I somehow broke the Cameo when I was updating the firmware. So I had to cut out the shapes by hand.

I typically prefer a blanket stitch on appliqué, but the one exception is on a baby quilt. On baby quilts, I use a satin stitch to attach the appliqué to the quilt. Baby quilts need to be durable and withstand lots of machine washing. I'm sure a blanket stitch would hold up just fine, but its a personal preference I guess.

I forgot to take a picture of the backing, so this is the best I have, but I just love it. It was probably my favorite part of this whole quilt. Pictures just don't do it justice. The gold butterflies are metallic and it adds a beautiful movement to the backing.

For the actual quilting, I outlined each appliqué petal and then outlined petals in the white space. I love the effect of the outlined petals in the white space. I'm still undecided on if it was worth the 94 thread breaks requiring me to bury those threads, but it sure does look nice.

Quilt Stats:

• Size: 40" x 40"
• Technique: Applique
• Thread: Aurifil threads in 3 shades of purple and white
• Batting: Warm n White
• Binding: Kona Purple

I hope you enjoyed reading about this one! :)

I am so excited to introduce you to my newest quilt pattern, Snowflakes in July. I started sketching this out in January, and putting it together and writing the pattern in February. (Side note - how is it already the end of May?!) Sharing this quilt with the world has been a long time coming, that's for sure.

The Details

It's a large throw size that finishes at 66"x71". Perfect for cuddling under on the couch while watching a movie, and spreading out on the ground for a picnic while watching fireworks.

My version is made from Moda Grunge fabric in Red, Regatta Blue, and Essence Ivory. I love the texture and depth the Grunge line gives while still just using a solid fabric. The pattern includes fabric requirements and cutting instructions for both yardage (to make a solid version like the one pictured) and fat quarters (to make a scrappy version that I think will look really fun)!

For the backing fabric, I chose Vintage Picnic in Navy Gingham by Bonnie and Camille. I'm a sucker for a good gingham fabric, and I think it goes nicely with my "picnic under the fireworks" feeling I had when designing this quilt.

I quilted organic wavy lines going horizontally across the quilt. I didn't measure, but I aimed to keep them and inch(ish) apart. It's gives the quilt a lovely drape while still adding some texture and interest to the surface.

This quilt pattern is suitable for a beginner quilter, but I'll take that a step further and say it would be better for a confident beginner. While it is not particularly complex pattern, some of the pieces are small and can be more a challenge to work with. But, if you are on the fence, I would say GO FOR IT! That many flying geese will be a good skill builder either way! I've written a more in depth tutorial on the Flying Geese method I use in this pattern. There is also a free PDF handout you can print off and refer to as needed. You can find all that here.

The Process

Sometimes, I have a vision for a quilt and when I try to put it on paper it just doesn't work. It takes ten versions before I find the one that works. This one, however, I saw clearly in my head before I started and when I put it on paper and did the math, it came together perfectly. If only it was that easy every time!

My husband was sitting next to me on the couch when I finished the first digital sketch. I showed it to him and asked what he would name the pattern. He said it reminded him of snowflakes. Perhaps he had snowflakes on the brain since it was January at the time. Haha. It sort of evolved into Snowflakes in July from there.

The Quilt

Now that all that is out of the way, I'm leaving you with lots of fun pictures. If you want to make your own Snowflakes in July, you can grab the pattern HERE!

Click Here to go the the Flying Geese tutorial.

Click Here to download the No Waste Flying Geese Reference Sheet.

Purchase The Pattern

I have three patterns set to release soon (I know I've been saying that forever, but bear with me, I promise it's happening!). All three patterns feature the flying geese quilt block prominently, so I wanted to give you a more in depth tutorial. I also created a handy reference chart for myself so I wouldn't have to keep looking up the block sizes, and you can download it for free here!

The Flying Geese block is a fantastic one to have in your toolbox. It is a basic and versatile. It can stand alone, or can be found in other blocks like the Sawtooth Star or the Dutchman Puzzle block. Basically, you need this one.

The Basics

It is twice as wide as it is long and is generally made with two contrasting colors for the main body and the points (or the goose and sky parts, if you will) to get the best effect. The best thing about the easy dimensions of the flying geese block is that it can be made in any size. The handy reference sheet has a chart with some common sizes, and also the simple math so you can calculate your own.

The Method

This is my favorite way to make Flying Geese blocks. There are a couple other ways to do it, but I always come back to this one. The No Waste Method makes four Flying Geese at a time with no extra fabric that has to be thrown away (hence the "No Waste" name).

So lets get to it. You will need [1] large square and [4] smaller squares. This handy, dandy download has common sizes for you to reference. Also needed: a rotary cutter, a marking device (I like Frixon pens, they ink comes off with the press of an iron), and pins if you use them (I do).

Step 1: Place [2] of your smaller squares on opposite corners of [1] larger square right sides together. There will be some overlap of the smaller squares. Pin into place, and draw a line down the center as shown.

Step 2: Sew 1/4" seam on either side of the drawn line. I moved my needle one notch to the right to make my seam juuuuuust a little smaller. I have found that my accuracy improved when I started to use the scant 1/4"seam.

Step 3: Use your rotary cutter, and cut on your down the middle on your drawn line. You should now have [2] units that look like this.

Step 4: Press seams towards the smaller triangles. Repeat [2] times

Step 5: Take your remaining [2] smaller triangles. Place one smaller square, right side down, on the corner of each unit. Draw a line down the center.

Step 6: Sew 1/4" seam on either side of the drawn lines. The 1/4" seam should line up with where the yellow triangles overlap. See picture for example.

Step 7: Using your rotary cutter, cut each unit on the drawn line. This should give you [4] units.

Step 8: Press seams towards smaller triangles.

LAST STEP! Trim the dog ears and square up each unit. I square my units in a specific order every time. First, I measure 1/4" from the point and cut off the excess yellow fabric. Then, I flip the unit and trim as needed on the opposite side. But, it is usually really close to the correct height already, so not much more is needed there. Last, I make sure the unit is the correct width and not wonky. Then I trim the dog ears and any excess of the short edges. I didn't think to take pictures of that part, so I hope it makes sense.

WOOHOO! Just like that you will have FOUR flying geese ready to go! Quick and painless right?

Anything Else?

Yes! I have three tips for you:

1. Cut your squares ACCURATELY. Wonky squares or squares that are slightly too big (or small) can throw off your finished units by making the sky points slanted.
2. Sew with a scant 1/4" seam. A scant 1/4" seam is a thread or two smaller than 1/4". The idea is that it will account for the space the thread takes up when you press the seams open. To be honest, I sew with a regular 1/4" seam 99% of the time. This method is the 1% of the time I scoot my needle one position over. I found it helped my accuracy a lot.
3. Chain piece to get lots of these done at once! But, slow down so your corners don't get eaten by your feed dogs (especially in step 6).

Now What?

Download your reference guide. Pull some fabric from your stash. Start sewing!

I can't wait to see what you make!

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When I first started quilting, it was around the time my friends started having babies. Naturally, I started making baby quilts for my friends. Baby quilts are probably my favorite thing to make. They are small, so they come together quickly, and I know it will be loved and cherished by the recipient.

When my friend commissioned me to make a baby quilt for her soon to be born son last fall, I jumped at the opportunity. She was decorating his nursery in natural colors in a woodland theme. There is so much good woodland creatures fabric. I had the best time pulling together some options for her.

I'm just now getting around to sharing this quilt even though the little man made his entrance into the world in December. Enjoy!

Quilt Stats:

• Finished Size: 36" x 45"
• Blocks: combination of HRT (half-rectangle triangles) and rectangles that finished at 9"x6"
• Batting: Warm and Plush by Warm Company
• Binding: Kona Cottons in Navy

This post contains affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click them, but I may earn a small commission if you do. Thanks for supporting Running Stitch Quilts! 

Today, I'm sharing another commissioned quilt I made at the end of last year. My sweet friend from college asked me to make a baby quilt for her brand new nephew! She requested a vintage airplane theme, and left the rest up to me!

As soon as I saw Flight by Janet Clare for Moda, I knew it was the perfect fabric line for this project. It complements his nursery without being too matchy-matchy. I quilted horizontal, wavy lines to represent wind. I just love the overall effect.

Quilt Stats:

• Finished Size: 36" x 45"
• Blocks: 4.5" finished squares
• Applique: the airplane, banner, and name were appliquéd using a satin stitch
• Batting: Warm and Plush by Warm Company
• Binding: Kona Cotton in Navy
• Backing: Cozy Cotton Flannel Tan Small Dot

This post contains affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click them, but I may earn a small commission if you do. Thank you for supporting Running Stitch Quilts!

Picking up where I left off a month or so ago, I'm sharing the next baby quilt I made for a friend. I can't believe her sweet daughter is two years old already. It feels like just yesterday I was picking out the perfect purple fabrics for this baby quilt. The timing is perfect to share this quilt because I started a new project for her yesterday! This time, she has commissioned me to make a baby quilt for her sister. It means the world to me that she liked her quilt enough to want one for her future nephew.

Anyway! Back to the Purple Pinwheel Baby Quilt...

I wish I had better photos of this quilt because I really loved the fabrics in it. I think I took these photos with my cell phone in really harsh sunlight so the colors are kind of washed out. The photos really don't do it justice, but here you go!

After my first attempt at HST (half-square triangles) in the two tone herringbone quilt, I was itching to do more with them. HSTs are such a versatile block. They are easily one of my favorites...despite all the trimming involved! I use this method to make my HSTs. Once the HSTs are done, making them into pinwheels is a piece of cake!

The backing fabric was one of my favorite things about making this quilt. My friends husband is in the Marines, so I chose a subtle patriotic fabric for the back. It is a nice cream color with an eagle print in white. Again, I wish I had better photography back then so you could really see it.

I did straight line quilting 1/4" from each vertical and horizontal seam. Then I stitched in the ditch on the diagonal seams. I think it created a nice overall effect. I chose a darker purple for the binding which framed the quilt nicely.

Quilt Stats:

• 42 pinwheels that finish at 6" (comprised of 168 HSTs)
• Finished Size: 36" x 42"