Quilting has always been a part of my life, intertwined with the threads of my past and the fabric of my experiences. I vividly remember the first time I was captivated by the beauty of vintage quilts. It was at a small antique shop where I stumbled upon a 1930s reproduction quilt, its vibrant colors and intricate patterns calling out to me. This quilt, now known as “Big On Tradition,” inspired me to delve deeper into the art of quilting and to recreate this timeless piece with my own hands.
Quilting, for me, is more than just a craft; it is a journey through history, a connection to the past, and a way to bring beauty and warmth into the present. Today, I want to share with you the process of creating the “Big On Tradition” quilt. This project is a delightful blend of tradition and creativity, and I hope it will inspire you as much as it inspired me.
Big On Tradition: Creating Hexagons
What makes the “Big On Tradition” quilt truly unique is the clever use of trapezoid shapes to form hexagons. At first glance, the quilt’s surface appears to be covered with intricate hexagons, but the secret lies in the simpler, four-sided trapezoid pattern. This technique not only simplifies the piecing process but also adds a layer of intrigue to the quilt’s design. By carefully matching the trapezoid pieces, you can create the illusion of hexagons, making the “Big On Tradition” quilt both visually stunning and deceptively simple to construct.
Exploring the 1930s Reproduction Prints
The “Big On Tradition” quilt is a beautiful homage to the vibrant prints of the 1930s. These reproduction prints bring a nostalgic charm to the quilt, evoking memories of a bygone era. The use of assorted blue, yellow, red, and white prints adds a lively and cheerful feel to the quilt, making it a perfect addition to any home. Each print is carefully chosen to complement the others, creating a harmonious and balanced design in the “Big On Tradition” quilt.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Materials
To create your own “Big On Tradition” quilt, you’ll need the following materials:
- Assorted blue prints (blocks): 1-1/4 yards total
- Assorted yellow prints (blocks): 3/4 yard total
- Assorted red prints (blocks): 3/4 yard total
- Assorted white prints (blocks): 1/4 yard total
- White tone-on-tone (inner border): 1/2 yard
- Red print (binding, outer border): 1-5/8 yards
- Backing fabric: 3-2/3 yards
- Batting: 66×81″
- Finished quilt size: 59-1/2×74-1/2″
Quantities are for 44/45″-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. Measurements include 1/4″ seam allowances. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.
Preparing for the Project: Tips and Considerations
Before you begin, ensure you have all your materials ready and your fabric pieces cut accurately. The key to achieving the desired hexagon effect in the “Big On Tradition” quilt lies in precise cutting and careful alignment of the trapezoid pieces. Take your time to lay out the pieces and visualize the hexagons forming as you arrange the trapezoids. This step will help you avoid mistakes and ensure a smooth assembly process. Additionally, pressing your seams in the correct direction will make joining the rows easier and give your quilt a polished look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cutting the Fabrics
- From assorted blue prints, cut:
- 55 matching sets of two trapezoids
- 4 single trapezoids
- From assorted yellow prints, cut:
- 30 matching sets of two trapezoids
- 1 single trapezoid
- From assorted red prints, cut:
- 35 matching sets of two trapezoids
- 4 single trapezoids
- From assorted white prints, cut:
- 7 matching sets of two trapezoids
- 1 single trapezoid
- From white tone-on-tone, cut:
- 8 strips measuring 2×42″ for the inner border
- From red print, cut:
- 8 strips measuring 4-1/2×42″ for the outer border
- 7 strips measuring 2-1/2×42″ for the binding
Assembling the Quilt Center
- Lay out the assorted blue, yellow, red, and white print trapezoid pieces in 24 rows. Match the fabrics in neighboring rows to create the hexagon effect, an essential feature of the “Big On Tradition” quilt.
- To join a horizontal row of trapezoids, start at one end. Layer two trapezoids with short raw edges aligned and ends offset by 1/4″; sew and press the seam.
- Add the next trapezoid in the row to the pieced pair of trapezoids in the same manner. Continue adding trapezoids until all pieces in the row are sewn together.
- Join pieces in the remaining rows similarly, pressing seams in one direction and alternating the direction with each row.
- Join the rows to make the quilt center. Press seams in one direction. Trim the quilt center to 48-1/2×63-1/2″, including seam allowances.
Adding the Borders
- Cut and piece white tone-on-tone 2×42″ strips to make:
- 2 strips measuring 2×81″ for the inner border
- 2 strips measuring 2×66″ for the inner border
- Cut and piece red print 4-1/2×42″ strips to make:
- 2 strips measuring 4-1/2×81″ for the outer border
- 2 strips measuring 4-1/2×66″ for the outer border
- Aligning the long edges, join a short inner border strip and a short outer border strip to make a short border unit. Press the seam toward the outer border strip. Repeat to make a second short border unit.
- Repeat Step 3 with long inner border strips and long outer border strips to make two long border units total.
- Aligning midpoints, sew short border units to the short edges of the quilt center, beginning and ending seams 1/4″ from quilt center corners. Repeat to add long border units to remaining edges, mitering the corners to complete the quilt top. Press all seams toward border units.
Finishing the Quilt
- Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing; baste.
- Quilt as desired.
- Bind with red print binding strips to complete your “Big On Tradition” quilt.
Additional Tips
- When cutting your trapezoid pieces, use a rotary cutter and a clear ruler to ensure precise cuts. This accuracy is crucial for the “Big On Tradition” quilt.
- Lay out all your pieces before sewing to get a clear vision of the final design and to ensure the colors are balanced.
- Press seams carefully and consistently to keep your quilt blocks flat and your joins neat.
- Consider using a walking foot when quilting to help manage the layers and prevent shifting.
Creating the “Big On Tradition” quilt is a rewarding journey that combines traditional techniques with a creative twist. As you piece together the trapezoids and watch the hexagons form, you’ll appreciate the ingenuity and beauty of this design. This quilt not only honors the past but also brings a timeless elegance to your home. I hope you enjoy making the “Big On Tradition” quilt as much as I did and that it becomes a cherished piece in your collection.
