From the very beginning of my quilting journey, I’ve been drawn to the mesmerizing simplicity of quilts made from just one shape. Whether it’s squares, diamonds, triangles, or hexagons, the beauty of these quilts lies in their straightforward elegance and endless possibilities. Among these, the Scrappy Bargello has a special place in my heart. It’s a design that transforms the humble square into a vibrant, dynamic pattern, making it an excellent project for using up fabric scraps.
Unleashing Creativity with the Scrappy Bargello
The Scrappy Bargello is not only a feast for the eyes but also a perfect way to dive into your scrap stash and bring new life to those leftover pieces of fabric. This quilt, with its seemingly random yet harmoniously flowing design, showcases how disparate scraps can come together to create something truly stunning. It’s a testament to the essence of quilting – turning bits and pieces into a work of art.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Materials and Preparation
Embracing the Scrappy Magic
The beauty of the Scrappy Bargello lies in its ability to blend an array of fabrics into a cohesive and visually striking pattern. This quilt is particularly effective in using up even the oddest and most unloved scraps, proving that every piece of fabric has potential.
Materials Needed
To create a lap-sized Scrappy Bargello quilt, you will need:
- 128 fabric strips measuring 2.5″ x 16″
- These can be cut from fat quarters or scraps you have on hand.
- Sewing machine and standard sewing supplies
- Rotary cutter and cutting mat
- Iron and ironing board
- Thread that blends well with your fabric colors
- Quilting ruler
Preparing Your Materials
- Cutting the Strips: Begin by cutting your fabric into 128 strips, each measuring 2.5″ x 16″. You can use a mix of colors and patterns – the more variety, the better!
- Sorting and Organizing: Sort your strips into groups that you find visually pleasing. While the placement can be random, having a rough color scheme in mind can help create a more harmonious quilt.
Getting Ready to Sew
Set up your sewing area with all your strips laid out and your sewing machine ready to go. Ensure your iron is heated and your rotary cutter is sharp. With everything in place, you are now prepared to start your Scrappy Bargello quilt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Assembling the First Panel
- Sewing the Strips Together:
- Stitch 32 strips together lengthwise to create one long panel. Align the edges as best as you can, and focus on keeping one edge even.
- Once sewn, press the seams to one side.
- Creating the Tube:
- Fold the panel in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the short edge to form a tube.
- Cutting the Sections:
- Lay the tube flat and trim one edge to ensure it’s straight.
- Cut the tube into six 2.5″ sections.
Step 2: Manipulating the Panels
- Unpicking the Seams:
- Decide which square will be the top left corner of your first panel.
- Carefully unpick the seam above this square to open up the strip.
- Creating the “Uphill” Panel:
- For each subsequent strip, unpick the seam one square lower than the previous strip, creating an “uphill” effect.
- Joining the Strips:
- Sew the strips together, aligning the seams carefully. Press well after joining.
Step 3: Assembling the Quilt
- Creating Additional Panels:
- Repeat the process to create three more panels. Two will be “uphill” panels, and two will be “downhill” panels.
- For the “downhill” panels, unpick the seams one square higher than the previous strip.
- Joining the Panels:
- Arrange the panels in alternating uphill and downhill patterns.
- Sew the panels together, aligning seams carefully. Press well after joining.
Additional Tips
- Handling Unwieldy Tubes: If the tube becomes difficult to handle, leave the last seam undone initially. Fold and align the panel before cutting into sections.
- Scrap Variety: Embrace the randomness of your scraps. The more variety, the more visually interesting your quilt will be.
- Pressing: Pressing is crucial in keeping your seams flat and your panels aligned.
Creating the Scrappy Bargello quilt is not only a fantastic way to use up your fabric scraps but also a rewarding experience that results in a beautiful, dynamic quilt. Each step, from piecing the strips to arranging the panels, contributes to the overall charm and uniqueness of the quilt. Reflect on your journey and appreciate the vibrant tapestry you’ve created from what once seemed like disparate odds and ends. This quilt stands as a testament to the beauty that can emerge from creativity and resourcefulness.
