It’s the final chance to win a copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Vol. 6 AND a mug! I sure hope you’ve had as much fun on Quiltmaker’s Blog Tour as we have . . . we love reading all your comments and we love seeing what all the designers have to say as well.
On sale now at local quilt shops or newsstands. Also available at QuiltAndSewShop.com.
Before I get to my block, let me respond to some of your comments, especially from the Day 4 post where Diane asked what you want to see in upcoming issues of Quiltmaker. It was fun to see what you want and know that we’ve already got a lot of that planned for 2013! It’s almost like we read your minds 
or you read our minds or…well, we’re thinking a lot of things alike!
- Lots of you said you want to see more applique. Quiltmaker is declaring 2013 our Year of Applique! Starting in the Jan/Feb ’13 issue we’ll be showing a different applique technique with how-to photos in each issue. I would also invite you to revisit Sue Garman’s needleturn applique project Fleur-de-Lis Flourish in QM’s July/Aug ’12 issue.
- Some of you asked for a Bonnie Hunter mystery. It’s in the works and launches in March/April ’13. It’s a four-part series that concludes in Sept/Oct ’13. (Special subscription offers are still good if you want to make sure you get every issue!)
- Lots of you asked for small quilts and miniatures. We have a collection of seasonal wall quilts planned with Margie Ullery (she calls them “Skinnies”) that also runs March/April ’13 through Sept/Oct ’13. Each pattern is complete in each issue and each wall quilt can hang on its own or you can combine them into one quilt at the end. We’ll think about more miniatures.
- More modern/more traditional Hmm . . . yes, we’re working hard to balance these two styles. You can see it in the blocks presented in 100 Blocks Vol. 6 and I think you’ll see a good balance in upcoming Quiltmaker issues.
- More quilts for boys/men. This is another area that we strive to balance, especially in our color options. If a feature is particularly feminine, we’ll make the color option more masculine.
- More baby quilts. In 2013 we’ve added a Big Block Baby Quilt in each issue where we will enlarge a block from that issue and give you yardage and instructions for a crib-size quilt.
- More foundation quilts. We include at least one foundation pieced pattern in each issue. Sometimes more. Watch for a focus on foundations in July/Aug ’13.
Your comments are very helpful as we plan for future issues. In fact, two years ago it was this kind of question that gave us the idea for the Scrap Squad who create scrappy versions of a QM pattern that we post online. If you’re interested in joining the Scrap Squad, be sure to watch for a recruitment announcement in the next few weeks. And please “like” us on Facebook so you don’t miss out.
Now back to my block in Volume 6 . . .
Shortcut block #570 by June Dudley. Appears in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol. 6.
Sometimes I just want an easy block that I can turn into a quick quilt. And that’s where Shortcut comes into play. I knew I’d have fun with these yummy teal and purple batiks from Lunn Studios for Robert Kaufman.
Let’s see how Shortcut works in a couple of settings. Because of the diagonal nature of this block, it works great in traditional Log Cabin settings:
setting #1: blocks set 4x4 and rotated to form diamonds "Sunshine and Shadows"
setting #2: blocks set 4x4 and rotated to form diagonal rows "Fields and Furrows"
setting #3: blocks set 4x4 form diamonds inside diamonds "Barn Raising"
setting #4: blocks set 6x6 with 2" sashes
I like Shortcut in setting #4 where it looks like the blocks are set on point, but they’re not—easy blocks, simple setting, a fun sash with quarter-square triangles at some of the intersections for a bit of interest.
Leave a comment by midnight MST Sunday 11/18 and tell me your favorite quiltmaking shortcut. One more lucky person will win a copy of the issue AND a 100 Blocks mug! And the winner is….. Comment #23 ritainalaska! Congratulations! Thank you to everyone who participated!
I’m too new to have any shortcuts! But I love yours, and I have a ruler tip: to keep your rulers from sliding when you cut, place small snips (1/8″) of anti-skid tape, the sort used on stairways that is sandpapery, on the back of your ruler. Works very well!
I really don’t have any shortcut tips as I am in the process of learning and haven’t been quilting that long. Your block is beautiful I love the colors in the batiks.
My favorite shortcut is taking the time to read instructions all the way through. To the end. It takes a few minutes, but can save hours of unsewing. I love the teal and purple combination; it’s one of my favorites.
Your block is beautiful and so simple. I love how it can make so many different looking quilts. My best tip is an oldie but goodie – measure twice, cut once.
I have learned to double check “my eye” by taking a picture with my phone/digital camera. For some reason, things look totally different. I check my fabric selections this way (many times, things get swapped out and this process repeats a few times), I also check my layout this way (anyone ever have a block that was flipped the wrong way? grrrr). Thanks for a fun block! It’s always refreshing to see something “easy” that doesn’t look it when it’s put together.
After I have made one sample block, I like to construct all my units and then put my blocks together. Chain stitching saves me time.
I love your layout #1, the Sunshine and shadows – that really appeals to me. My favorite shortcut – when cutting a lot of fabric in the same dimensions, mark the back of your ruler with some sort of tape – whether it be painters tape, or strips you can buy that are made for doing this. When you start getting tired (whether you know it or not) it will save you from cutting fabric in the wrong dimensions.
I like to fingerpress seams or use my wooden roller. Saves me from hopping back and forth to the ironing board. I only use the iron to press once blocks are fully constructed.
It’s always so much fun!
A real time saver. I am sad that the block hop is over
I agree, I love layout #4. This is a perfect block for a retreat. I don’t know if it is a shortcut or not, but I have found it is a good idea to go to the pattern’s author’s website to see if any corrections have been printed since the pattern came out. This will save alot of frustration and fabric. Also, do a sample block first. It’s putzy, but then again, much better then cutting out the whole quilt with fabric you may have had a long time in your stash and can no longer get.
always cut and piece 1 block before cutting rest, helps make sure your completely happy with color/fabric selection. your block is cool really like setting 1 and 3
I don’t really have any shortcuts. Even my “designing” is all done via graph paper. I do have Electric Quilt and am going to start using that soon.
Love your block – each setting looks so different. My shortcut: lay several layers of fat quarters down & cut them at the same time. Thanks for the last chance to win.
I don’t really have any shortcuts. Always keep your rotary cutter sharp.
It’s not mine really, it’s Bonnie Hunter’s, the leaders and enders concept where you sew scraps together at the end of a row of what you’re working on.
I chain stitch as much as possible. I think it’s a great timesaver.
My shortcut tip is that I use So Fine or Bottom Line threads in my bobbin as they are finer threads and lasts forever. I also pre-wind a few bobbins so that I don’t have to stop to wind new bobbins in the middle of a project.
I’m always looking for shortcuts!
I like to chain piece wherever possible!
A shortcut that I use all the time is chain piecing. It is awkward if I don’t do it. I also like to lay out all of the blocks for a quilt on the design wall so I can grab two rows to piece together. Thanks for the chance.
My shortcut is pressing fabrics right side together before cutting triangles so they are ready to sew. Starch helps with those bias edges, too.
I too enjoy an easy block. It makes for instant gratification when constructing a quilt. My quiltmaking shortcut is thinking of ways to strip piece whenever the pattern calls for a template. I’m much more for speedy strip piecing then making one block at a time
I love your block. Setting 4 looks anything but easy once pieced together, great for impressing with a simple quilt! I love to chain piece whenever possible, and put my blocks together assembly line style. It makes it seem faster when I’m doing four blocks at once instead of one at a time. Thanks for all the blog fun these past two weeks. I’m looking forward to Volume 7′s blog tour already!
Love your layouts…and the two colors for your block..my shortcut is to cut out several quilt projects at one time…label and organize pieces and put in small zip lock bags…put all in a larger zip lock with thread, bobbin,pattern , etc. I have these ready for “retreats”.Projects ready in adnce makes packing much easier and I get more accomplished.
read pattern through; press and starch fabric; layer when cutting; chain piece! love the batik block … and #3 setting.
When paper piecing, to quickly remove paper and not have such mess of tiny scraps of paper, I use painters tape or masking tape or removeable double sided tape to remove the paper. Just press tape on the paper and pull. Bingo… most of the paper gone & stuck to tape. Any bits of paper left, repeat again. I just finished quilting a king quilt using tissue paper with quilt design on it instead of marking the quilting pattern. For removing tissue paper I used the tape method. What a time saver! Hope this helps all paper piecers!
My favorite shortcut is the No-Waste Flying Geese method. I hate waste and I haven’t yet had a chance to use some of the waste triangles I had before I found this method.
I love being able to turn out 4 units at once, too!
This has been so much fun, and I sure would like a mug and a copy! Thanks!
I love layout #1. My tip, as a newbie, I need to remember to measure twice, cut once. I am just finishing up my second quilt top and I’ve learned that keeping more than one bobbin ready with thread is very helpful, also.
My favorite shortcut is where you take two 5 inch charm squares, put them right sides together, and then sew a 1/4 inch seam on two opposite sides. Then cut the block in half parallel to the sewed seam. You have blocks that are ready to be made into a four patch. You can chain piece these as well. Eleanor Burns has some really great tips!
I love the look of half square triangles so being able to sew a few straight lines on two large squares right sides together & then makes cuts to give 8 identical blocks is a wonderful shortcut.
I chain piece wherever possible.
Thanks for the chance to win the magazine and mug. I usually miss out on this magazine as it is hard to find locally… or maybe it sells out quickly. :-/
GORGEOUS! I was going to make a couple bags with the purple & blue batiks I bought in Hawaii, but this is simply stunning! Good thing the fabric wasn’t cut yet!
I look forward to seeing all the blocks in one volume …. a nice companion for travel!
One of my favorite quilting shortcut is making 4 flying geese at once using one big square and 4 smaller squares! Fast and wastefree! Your block is great! I’m thinking it would be fun to do and great for beginners.
I like Quiltmaker and look forward to the special 100 blocks volume 6.
My favorite shortcut is the way to make half square triangles – so nice! Thanks for this opportunity to win!
I keep a silicone spatula handy near my longarm quilting machine. When I ‘have’ to use a seam ripper and take out any questionable stitching, wiping the silicone spatula over the loose cut threads really helps pulll them up and out. It also seems that the red silicone spatula works better than any other color.
Love all the 100 Block Mags! They are so unique and you know you will find more than one that will be a favorite
The Mug is soooo way cool , I hope I win one 
I will proudly display it at the LQS for all to drool over!! fingers crossed on this one.
Chain piecing has to be my all time shortcut as it saves thread and time.
Love your block and thanks for the chance to win. This really isn’t a short cut, but I read all the instructions and make sure I understand it before starting a project. Because if I get half way through and get all messed up I just want to toss it all in the waste basket. LOL
I like taking any standard blocks and setting them on point to make a larger quilt.
I like Bonnie Hunter’s technique for cutting half square triangles using the Easy Angle ruler. It’s much easier (to me) than cutting squares, drawing lines, sewing, and cutting the squares apart. It’s my go-to technique for half squares.
I always make one complete block when I start a new quilt pattern. I then can see if I am going to have an issue with constructing it or if there is a problem with it. Also serves as a reminder when I am sewing a lot of the same blocks to keep the orientation correst.
Shortcuts – Does that include having ‘stash’, so that I do not have to run to the store
and get something to match because it is one of those ‘last minute gifts’. I also do
chain piecing when ever possible. It it is just faster. Thanks for a chance to win.
Always make a test block when using a new pattern. Doesn’t sound like a short cut but can save a lot of grief in the long run.
My favorite shortcut is strip piecing. I have been known to adapt patterns simply so I can do more strip piecing, because it really does speed things up that much.
I love the block you are sharing today, it’s really stunning especially done in batiks. And the teal/purple color combo is my daughter’s elementary school colors… so perhaps I will have to make a quilt in these colors for their big raffle fundraiser at the end of the year. Thank you for all the inspiration!
Love these blocks! I like making log cabin looking quilts.
One short cut I like is using double sided sticky tape when piecing to match the seams. Make sure it is below the 1/4″ seam line (don’t want to sew through it, as it will be hard to get out) and remember to remove it before pressing. Keeps the fabrics from shifting when sewing the seam.
Chain piecing is probably my main shortcut. I also, use spray starch when I am making small quilts. The fabric pieces are much easier to work with & they blocks come out nice & crisp when I use starch.
My favorite shortcut it to chain piece.
I guess my favorite ‘shortcut’ is to press all fabric for a project before I begin to cut – My pet peeve is ‘wrinkles’ ha ha ha – thanks – love all the combos for this block!
I just love trying something new all the time such as quilts, ruler etc.
The most important shortcut for me is cutting the entire quilt out, marking each part of the block, and placing in zip-lock bags until I am ready to start sewing.
I always love to look at something new. My short cut is-all those cardboard templates we use. Put a little tack it over and over on the back and they will stay still and move to cut again.
I love the 100 Blocks Magazines!!
My tip is..I iron a large piece of freezer paper to the ironing board. It covers up any dark places and I can draw lines on it for reference. Then just replace as needed.
I wanna win this! Thanks for the giveaway.
My favorite shortcut is to use ‘thangles’ and chain piece them. It also helps with accuracy. Another one is to make sure that I read completely through the pattern before beginning. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I am presently making a 20″ pillow sample quilt top “Swooping Eagle” as a shortcut for 10 year Grandson in order to allow him to have input in the larger quilt. This also allows me to “practice” sewing the diamonds. Since this project is considerably smaller, I have made a graph paper square and cut paper diamonds in the colors of the fabric to insure an interpretation of the eagle on the smaller scale will be a good match. I may then submit the “paper quilt” to a local hospital who will raffle as a fund raiser and then frame and post to add to their displayed quilt collection.
“Thank you for sharing your block and choice of fabrics as well as offering an opportunity to win a copy and the “so special” mug!” Mary Arline
I use tiny sandpaper pieces, placed in each corner, on my square ruler to keep it from shifting as I cut.(You can buy the sticky-backed pre-cut disc)
Chain sewing does makes sewing seem to go faster.
Love the batik fabrics and block design!
Chain piecing is my favorite technique!
My favorite shortcut comes to in the binding…I had a difficult time trying to cut the binding using the triangle method so I came up with my own quick method…..(1) Measure the four sides…(2) add them together…(3) add 16 inches…So if a quilt measures 88 inches the math would be 88 x 4 = 352 + 16 = binding needed 368 inches… Quick, and usually you end up with a few inches left over at the end…Hope this works for you too….
I love to strip piece and it really does save time…I also love to read the entire directions for a quilt before I start that way there are no surprises…I love the magazine and it is on my christmas list. I would love to win it!!
WoW… Thanks to Darlene for the binding quick tip…makes it sound simple enough.
I like to assemble blocks “assembly line” style making all the same units at the same time and then putting them together into the blocks. It feels like I get so much done more quickly that way.
I love using Bonnie Hunter’s “Leaders and Enders” system! This way I’m actually working on 2 quilts at once! – Love the progress that I make! Every time I sew I’ve got my “leader” already in my machine (which helps out with loose threads or threads getting caught in my machine) – and once I finish with a group of piecing blocks I “end” with another “ender” – It is amazing how fast my secondary blocks come together!
Everyone should completely clean their sewing room at least once a year….it”s amazing how many items and fabric you find, that you just forgot you had:)
My favorite shortcut is the “four-at-a-time” Flying Geese technique. I don’t know the official name, but that is what I call it! You start with one big square for the geese part, and four smaller squares for the backgrounds. No triangles and no bias edges to handle!
Pingback: 100 Blocks Vol. 6: Shortcut | Quilty Pleasures Blog | How To Quilt
I make a checkoff list of all the parts so I know exactly where I am on quilt!
Lately I have been “kitting”as many of my fabrics as I can along with the pattern or idea if it is a method quilt. It saves a lot of time figuring out what I had in mind for a particular fabric. My quick “go to” quilt type is Mary’s strippie quilt which I kit quite often. I have been a subscriber to “Quiltmaker” for a very long time and never tire of the ideas, methods and new techniques I see. Thank you.
I like chain piecing!
I don’t know any shortcuts other than what I have learned from others. I am still a beginner and always looking to learn more. I like the #4 version, although I would also want to practice on one block first.
I think the best shortcut is one that my husband says, “Measure twice, cut once.” Sure saves time and frustration. I have to add, make sure that you are using the correct side of your ruler and not the one that has the 1/2 inch addition…sure makes a difference as to the size of the block…and correctness.
I use chain piecing all the time, a real time saver! Thanks for the chance to win!
I try to do things in “chunks” – do all the same thing in one step for ALL your blocks, then press them all, then go to the next step for all. It means less starting and stopping and changing gears, and less getting up and down.
My current favorite shortcut is one I’ve used on “postage stamp” quilts – laying out the squares onto fusible interfacing. It has greatly helped me get the blocks even.
(I also like chain piecing.)
I really like your block and how different the various layouts look!
I need some new blocks to check out to use my stash of butterfly fabrics.
My shortcut is to use Elmer’s washable school glue instead of pins to hold the binding and quilt together while I sew on the binding. It washes right out, and as a bonus, I don’t get poked.
I love to chain piece–it saves so much time on sewing, plus fewer threads to cut off. I even chain pieces together when I am sewing garments.
My favorite shortcut is to audition my sashing fabrics or my border colors by taking a digital photo. This reads the best selection better than my own eye.
I like your block. Very different looks with the same block very nice.
Chain piecing is the bomb! I don’t think anything else can compare to time savings,
I save small pieces, 1.5″ and then I sew Postage Stamps Quilts. Really easy and quick and you can chainsew so many you like
Gun, Sweden
I don’t have quilting-specific software, so I’ve been using MS Visio to plan quilts. Not perfect, by any means, but better than nothing.
I’ve learned that I can save myself loads of time and much less picking out seams if I take the time to read all the way through the instructions for a project before I start. It also helps to underline the measurements for cutting the fabric and also any unusual steps that are part of the instructions.
I’ve been doing chain peicing, but I need help to go faster!
Chain stitching and rotary cutting are where it’s at!
I like layout #4 also, My fave short cut is pre-cuts!! Charms, Layer Cakes, Jelly Rolls, and Honeybuns!! But I always Measure twice, three times before I cut anything!!!
Sorry the block party is over it has been fun, thanks for all the info and hard work in putting the book, and blocks together!! And thanks for all the giveaways!!
Jan G.
I love all 4 versions! I always read the entire pattern and like to use Thangles for my triangle squares. Keep up the good work!!
Love the block and the colors used. Also love the setting on #4. I always fill several bobbins and read the instructions all the way through before I start cutting and sewing. I also like to do strip piecing. And marking the line I am using on the ruler is really helpful.
My favorite short cut is chain piecing, love to minelessly sew fabric at a continual speed, before setting my blocks together!!
Chain piecing!
Neat block, a good way to use scraps too. I dont have any real short cuts, although I do like the no waste method of flying geese blocks, may take longer to sew but I cant stand throwing out little bits…
Thanks for the chance!
My favorite shortcut is to reuse a small piece of fabric at the beginning and end of my machine stitching – it catches all the threads so you don’t have to keep cutting and cleaning up loose threads (it’s like chain stitching).
My favorite short cut is the piece of fabric I use at the beginning and end of my piecing so that my machine doesn’t eat the points of triangles. I also like chaining pieces rather than sewing them one at a time.
My shortcut is to read ALL the instructions. Looking forward to the 2013 issues on applique.
Carol L
The blocks are outstanding! anxious to see the book.
My favorite is Eleanor Burn’s flying geese method. Using her rulers.
My best quilting tip (not really a shortcut) is make sure that you have really, really good light!
One of the best things I did when I (recently) started quilting was to find and watch tutorials online where I learned strip piecing, chain piecing, how to make hst’s, as well as a lot of other useful “shortcuts”. I love the block showcased today; it looks like it’s perfect for a new quilter!
If I’m using a pattern that’s new to me I always make a block or two before planning or cutting a whole quilt. If I find I don’t enjoy making the block or don’t like the way it looks then I save myself the trouble of making a lot of them. It’s better to work on things that are enjoyable.
I’m a newbie, so I don’t know much, but I know that pre-cuts are already some of my fave things.
My favorite shortcut is using leader and ender blocks to make a second quilt in no time at all.
My two favorite shortcuts are 1. Put those little sandpaper-like gripping circles on all my rulers (and squares and triangles and hexes…), and 2. Measure twice, cut once! I even find myself using my finger to point in each square and count it out loud.
My favorite shortcut is to make rag quilts because they are ALL DONE when you sew the last stitch!!! Oh, how I would love to have the magazine and the mug-they are so neat. Found volume 1 hiding in my stack of old magazines and have enjoyed re-visiting those blocks!
wish i had one but i am learning
I love the short cutblock. I has so much potential for many applications. I can also see it used as a border. the color variations are unlimited. I hope I win the book and cup. I have all the other block books and I need it to complete my collection. I love making different blocks and then putting them in a sampler quilt. I gives me a chance to play with new material and different style blocks. If I really like a particular I will make a whole quilt with changing the fabric with each block such as using 1930′s feed sack prints or Cival War fabrics ect.
Chain piecing would have to be at the top of my list. I have lots of 2″ squares for leaders and enders … sew much better than trimming all those threads. The 2″ squares eventually become 10×10 blocks for a ‘one day’ scrappy quilt.
Chain stitching would be my shortcut tip of the moment.
I have 2 favorite quiltmaking techniques, one of course, is Leaders and Enders. The other technique is a shortcut for making 4 HSTs using 2 five inch squares. This was a scrapbuster for me, so I wasn’t making these HSTs for a specifically sized block pattern. Place the squares with right sides together and sew a quarter inch seam allowance around all 4 sides. Then cut the block on the diagonal twice, yielding 4 half square triangles!
I love pattern where I can sew strips together and cross cut instead of cutting a bunch of small square and then sewing them together. Also chain sew when ever possible. I like you block and the colors.
HI LOVE YOUR BLOCK!
YEP! IT’S CHAIN PIECING SUCH A SHORTCUT!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
This may not seem like a shortcut, but I press after every seam. Things fit together much better and I spend less time ripping out, which saves mucho time.
Pre-cuts work great to save time, especially if they are someone elses cast offs, in otherward snips and scraps that get chained stitched to make scrapy quilts. I love reusing.
My favorite shortcuts are: 1) reading all instrutions through before starting
2) chain piecing whenever possible. Thank you so much for the chance to win!!
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Chain piecing is my favourite! Love your block! Thanks for the chance!
I really don’t have a short cut as I am just learning, but I do love your block.
I guess my shortcut would be to preview colors and settings in EQ and then use the paper piecing option for the blocks.
My shortcut is to do as much chain piecing as possible. I love the purple and teal batiks.
I learned to do chain piecing when I sewed clothes years ago, and I like it even more as I work on quilt blocks. I also like the efficiency of using leaders and enders instead of scraps of fabric as I used to do. Then I just threw those away when they were full of thread, but now I am working on pieces for a bonus quilt at the beginning and ending of my stitching. Thank you to Bonnie Hunter for this technique.
My favorite shortcut is to cut 6 inch solids and prints that sort of go together, layout on the floor so looks like some type of pattern, then sew together. Quilting is minimal, outline grid of the squares. Binding (hopefully) is from another quilt, and backing is one or maybe two large pieces. If the color blocking is done well enough, here’s a fast pretty charity quilt. When working with a simpler patchwork design, sewing straight and matching seams does count.
I also save bonus pieces and strips together in baggies for each quilt I’ve made. I use Bonnie Hunter’s leaders/enders to sew these together as a column of color stacked coins. When working on my main project, I can sew, press, and trim these along with the main project. At some point I have enough columns ready to assemble into a stacked coins quilt.
When I put together a quilt, I lay out quilt blocks to my satisfaction and I pin a piece of paper with the number each block including position and what row. Then I collect up the blocks and cut them down to the right size. Then I put together each “Quilt as I go” block – the front, batting which includes 1 inch extra around, and the backing, another an extra 1 inch extra around from the batting. Each block has a different backing fabric so the reverse the side of the quilt becomes another stand alone quilt – two quilts in one! Yay! After filling in a few bobbins, I quilt the blocks and I use chain stitching as much as I can. I would love the win your book and mug – thank you for the chance.
After finishing cutting for a project I make 2″, 2 1/2″, 3″, etc. squares out of the leftover scraps, whatever size fits. I keep plastic bags marked with the sizes to collect the squares for future scrap quilts.
For me, I make my triangle blocks by sewing two squares together and making quarter marks, then sewing those and cutting down the middle, two blocks in one.
Debbie
It may not seem like a short cut, but pressing in between piecing so that I can nest the seams together without having to pin saves me time. I get perfectly matching seams and points, and no pinning!
I consider measuring twice a shortcut, saves aggravation in the long run….awolk at rogers dot com
Just goes to show you how a simple block can do so many things. I don’t have a tip, I sure appreciated some of the ones submitted.
I am too new, but I agree with an earlier post, double check everything so you don’t make costly mistakes. The sticky tape on the ruler sounds like a good idea too.
I prefer to wind 5 or 6 bobbins at a time so that I can keep sewing without having to stop to load a bobbin. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love your block and your color choices. Fabulous. My only short cut tip, is layer your fabric r/s together to cut and they are ready to be sewn together. I do this with triangles I have cut with my GO! Thanks for the last chance.
My fav shortcut is to not make any major mistakes so I have to frog it.
My favorite shortcut is to park my iron and ironing board way across the room. That way I don’t have to waste valuable quilting time going to the gym!!! Also, it helps to prevent blowing the breaker when I have my lamp, sewing machine and computer all plugged in together!! Learned that from experience!!
I use leaders/enders and chain piecing to save time.
Leaders & Enders, and chain piecing.
When I paper piece I glue or tape a small bit of the fabric in each section and keep it handy for a reference. I love shortcuts and since doing this I rarely sew the wrong piece to the section.
My quilting shortcut is to sew slower so I don’t have to unsew!
This saves me much frustration. I press all seams open
with Best Press. My blocks go together better and fit better.
Maybe not a shortcut, but works great!
Oh my Goodness. The possibilities with the shortcut block are endless. I can see it now. Sewing machine here I come.
Pay attention! That’s my “shortcut” advice. I tend to stray from the directions and end up in a mess of my own making. Sometimes this spurs my creativity as I try to find a way out, but truly — if I would just pay attention, it would be better.
leaders and enders, chain piecing, strip piecing….I am always piecing two or three quilts at the same time !!
I love to use “leaders and enders” as I chain piece. I have a bunch of scrap squares ready to sew together as I start or end my chaining. These all get sewn together into a scrap quilt later. Its like making 2 quilts at one time!
When cutting multiple strips from a single yardage, I fold the yardage bringing the 2 raw cut edges together. This allows me to cut 2 strips selvage to selvage at once (1 from each end of the yardage) instead of only 1 at a time.
To get going, (I don’t know if it’s a “short cut” or not, but I have to clean my work space for just the project at hand. Helps me focus….
The shortcut block batiks are beautiful.
Thank you for the chance to win.
It is wonderful to be able to get all these wonderful blocks in these “100 Block” magazines. I think I have them all, except for the last one. Would so much enjoy having a mug to enjoy my tea in while working on these blocks and quilts!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
My fave quiltmaking shortcut is the half square triangle trick to make lots of them at one time by layering 2 pieces right sides together drawing 2 diagonal lines and sewing on both sides of each one and then cutting apart. I’m totally in on all the ideas for 2013 you listed. I think one of the great ways your magazine shows the alternate side of a particular style quilt is by picturing the other colorways along with alternate settings. I’m super excited about a focus on foundation piecing (paper). I’d love to see a special issue dedicated to it with some super intense patterns to tackle.
This probably isn’t a shortcut but while at our church quilting group, I save all the strips of fabric that ‘some’ of the other ladies would throw away. When I have enough, I make the quilt squares known as the ‘strip blocks’. It’s amazing how quickly those strips of fabrics accumulate to make a quilt top. Happy Thanksgiving.
One of my favorite ‘shortcuts’ is to cut my leftover fabric into strips, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″, 2-1/2″, 5″ and separate them into light and dark bins by size. Since scrappy quilts are my favorites, I am ready to make log cabins, strip quilts, 4 patches, almost anything that uses strata first to construct! I’ve been doing this since the 90′s and it works very well for me. Bonnie Hunter’s website (quiltville.com) is the perfect place to get ideas for these and more size strips.
As a fairly new quilter, the only short cut I know I have used is chain stitching and this definitely saves time.
I keep fabric cuts in clear shoe box for my current project, so they don’t get lost
on my cutting table. Love your magazine- so much inspiration! Thanks!
My favorite shortcut is using freezer paper for as a reusable guide for quilting. I just love using and reusing freezer paper! You can iron together multiple layers to beef-up your templates, too. It is so versatile!
what a cool block and a really neat quilt it will make.
One shortcut I do is to stack my fabrics when I am going to cut them.
Rotary cutting is my favorite shortcut.
My fav shortcut is chain piecing. Thanks
There are lots of great ideas on this post. I use some of them already. Chain stitching is one I would suggest. It saves alot of time clipping.
Chain piecing is probably my main shortcut. I love using Bonnie Hunter’s “Leaders and Enders” system! I’m working on 2 quilts at once using it. I also like her technique for cutting half square triangles using the Easy Angle ruler.
As for your “Shortcut”, I like setting #3 with the blocks set 4×4. “Barn Raising” has always been a favorite of mine for log cabin quilts and yours is really pretty!
I’d love to win a mug!
Absolutely lovely!
I like using the Easy Angle ruler to make HSTs as I don’t have to mark and if I’m very careful, I don’t even have to square them up!
Love your block and how you can transform a quilt design with a simple turn! My favorite shortcut is making HSTs using two strips of fabric and drawing a sewing grid on the wrong side. A few lines of stitching, some rotary cutting, and perfect HSTs!
My favorite shortcut tip is to Quilt As You Go. Thanks for the sweet giveaway!
I did not think of quilt as you go until I saw Terry’s post.. I love that method. When you’re done… on to the next project… no layering, binding or quilting.
Love the look of this block in batiks … and I just picked up some lights at Quilt Festival that would work well. My tip relates to washed fabric: Most of my stash is not washed, but when I do wash a piece, I tag it before putting it up by ironing a snippet of freezer paper on it. It’s a good use of those leftovers from freezer paper patterns and lifts off when you’re ready to use the fabric.
Taking two squares face to face sewing diagnally across them gives you two triangle squares along with chain sewing it can be a fast way to make triangles.
One thing I love is discovering new techniques. Some work for me as a shortcut or easier way and for others it can be complete opposite. I’ve been known to get a pattern I love and then adapt the techniques I like best and easiest. This is my shortcut I guess. I’ve been wanting one of these mugs with everyone else.
I like to prepare a bunch of pieces that need to be chain pieced on my sewing table, and when I have 10 min free, I just sit and chain piece those little guys. It really helps get things finished and I am happy to have spent a few minutes at the machine, versus none at all. Thank you!
I like to finger press seams! thank yoU!
over size cutting some pieces so I can just square up later… makes me more accurate
Short cut: Buy and sew a pre-cut kit.
I like to cut my pieces a little larger than the pattern requires. It allows me to trim the sewn units as I’m piecing the blocks so the blocks end up being all the same size. That saves frustration and helps avoid a wonky quilt when it’s time to sew all of the blocks together.
Use a flannel-covered piece of cardboard to organize pieced patches before combining them into blocks.
Chain-piecing is the best short cut and biggest time saver!
wish i had tip but am just beginning…very nice ideas from others
I like Strip piecing and chain sewing. I love your block. Thanks for the giveaway
I try to mimic fabric choices of a quilt I like the look of so that I can be sure I’ll like the way colors/design will turn out, rather than being disappointed after all the time and effort.
I have a few favorite tips, one is to use flower head pins to number rows, just write the number on with a sharpie pen, they can be used as usual when you don’t need them. Another is sewing strips together then cross cutting, and sewing squares around the four sides then cutting from corner to corner twice to get four half square triangles. The need for speed…..Love the book.
Chain piecing! and doing HST ala Amy Gibson of Stitchery Dickory Dock! (Sewing around all 4 sides of your squares, and cutting on the diagonal twice. Perfect every time, and huge time saver!)
I like two and four designs. Thank you for the giveaway.
I use my clover needle threader cutter to cut apart my chained pieces. It works just like the ones they sell. It always amazes me on how my possibilities there are with the same blocks. Very cool!
I like to fingerpress seams or use my wooden roller, I don’t really use my iron, until it’s already done
At the time it may seem a waste of time, but making sure you cut the proper angles for triangles, and squares square and not off “a little” helps immeasurably. Squaring up as you go along instead of trying to figure out where you are “off” when you are finished leads to a lot less hair pulling and UFO’s in the closet. Even marking the 1/4″ intersections on odd shaped pieces isn’t time wasted if you sew thing correctly the first time and everything matches up and lies flat.
A great short cut for removing “un-sewn” threads(those threads you have had to rip out!) is to use a lint roller!