Experience the Charm of 1930s Prints with Big On Tradition

Big On Tradition

When I first discovered quilting, I was captivated by the timeless patterns and intricate designs passed down through generations. One such pattern that continues to inspire me is the hexagon. The “Big On Tradition” quilt brings this classic shape to life in a way that is both modern and nostalgic. Using 1930s reproduction prints, this quilt creates the illusion of hexagons through the clever use of trapezoid pieces. Each piece of fabric tells a story, connecting us to the rich history of quilting.

Growing up, I always admired the quilts that adorned my home, each one a testament to the skill and creativity of its maker. The “Big On Tradition” quilt evokes those memories, combining the beauty of traditional designs with the efficiency of modern techniques. It’s a project that honors the past while celebrating the present, perfect for quilters who appreciate the art’s heritage.

Embracing Hexagons with a Twist

Illusions and Simplicity

The “Big On Tradition” quilt may appear complex at first glance, with hexagons seemingly floating across its surface. However, this striking effect is achieved using a simple four-sided trapezoid pattern. By carefully matching and piecing these trapezoids, the hexagons magically emerge, creating a stunning visual impact. This project not only offers a delightful challenge but also a rewarding sense of accomplishment as the hexagons take shape.

This quilt’s design is a testament to the ingenuity of quilting techniques. The use of trapezoids simplifies the construction process while maintaining the intricate appearance of hexagons. It’s a wonderful project for quilters looking to expand their skills and create a piece that stands out.

Materials and Preparations

Gathering Your Supplies

For the “Big On Tradition” quilt, you’ll need the following materials:

  • Assorted blue prints: 1-1/4 yards total (blocks)
  • Assorted yellow prints: 3/4 yard total (blocks)
  • Assorted red prints: 3/4 yard total (blocks)
  • Assorted white prints: 1/4 yard total (blocks)
  • White tone-on-tone: 1/2 yard (inner border)
  • Red print: 1-5/8 yards (binding, outer border)
  • Backing fabric: 3-2/3 yards
  • Batting: 66×81″
  • Finished quilt size: 59-1/2×74-1/2″

Ensure all fabrics have a usable width of 44/45″. Measurements include 1/4″ seam allowances, and sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Full Pattern: Click Here

Cutting the Fabrics: Preparing Your Pieces

To start, cut the fabric pieces in the following order:

  1. From assorted blue prints, cut:
    • 55 matching sets of two trapezoids.
    • Four additional trapezoids.
  2. From assorted yellow prints, cut:
    • 30 matching sets of two trapezoids.
    • One additional trapezoid.
  3. From assorted red prints, cut:
    • 35 matching sets of two trapezoids.
    • Four additional trapezoids.
  4. From assorted white prints, cut:
    • Seven matching sets of two trapezoids.
    • One additional trapezoid.
  5. From white tone-on-tone, cut:
    • Eight 2×42″ strips for the inner border.
  6. From red print, cut:
    • Eight 4-1/2×42″ strips for the outer border.
    • Seven 2-1/2×42″ binding strips.

Accurate cutting is crucial to ensure your pieces fit together perfectly and the hexagon illusion is achieved. Taking the time to organize your pieces will make the assembly process smoother.

Preparing for the Quilt: Tips and Considerations

Before diving into the assembly, consider these essential tips:

  1. Pre-wash Your Fabrics: This helps to preshrink the fabrics and prevent color bleeding.
  2. Press Fabrics Before Cutting: Ironing your fabrics ensures they lay flat, allowing for more precise cutting.
  3. Use Quality Tools: A sharp rotary cutter, a reliable cutting mat, and a clear ruler are indispensable for accurate cuts.
  4. Consistent Seam Allowance: Maintaining a consistent 1/4″ seam allowance is key to ensuring all pieces fit together seamlessly.
  5. Organize Your Pieces: Keep your cut pieces sorted and labeled. This organization will streamline the assembly process.

Crafting the Big On Tradition Quilt

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Assemble Quilt Center:
    • Referring to the photo, lay out the assorted blue, yellow, red, and white trapezoid pieces in 24 rows. Match fabrics in neighboring rows to make hexagons appear.
    • 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 (refer to Diagram 1).
    • Add the next trapezoid in the row to the pieced pair of trapezoids in the same manner (refer to Diagram 2). Continue adding trapezoids until all pieces in the row are sewn together.
    • Join pieces in the remaining rows in the same manner, pressing seams in one direction and alternating 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 (refer to Diagram 3).
  2. Add Borders:
    • Cut and piece white tone-on-tone 2×42″ strips to make:
      • Two 2×81″ inner border strips.
      • Two 2×66″ inner border strips.
    • Cut and piece red print 4-1/2×42″ strips to make:
      • Two 4-1/2×81″ outer border strips.
      • Two 4-1/2×66″ outer border strips.
    • Aligning 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 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 the border units.
  3. Finish Quilt:
    • Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing; baste. Quilt as desired.
    • Bind with the red print binding strips.

Additional Tips

  • Chain Piecing: This technique allows you to sew multiple pieces in a continuous chain without cutting the thread, saving time and ensuring consistency.
  • Press Seams Carefully: Pressing seams as you go helps to keep the quilt top flat and reduces bulk at seam intersections.
  • Stay Flexible: Don’t hesitate to adjust your layout or design if something doesn’t look right. Trust your artistic intuition.

The “Big On Tradition” quilt is more than just a quilting project; it’s a piece of history brought to life through modern techniques. Each trapezoid you sew brings the hexagon pattern into focus, creating a quilt that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. As you work on this project, you’ll not only enhance your quilting skills but also create a beautiful throw that honors the tradition of quilting. Happy quilting!

 

Alice
Alice

Alice is the talented writer behind the inspiring blog Quilter's Journey. With a deep passion for quilting and a natural storytelling ability, Alice transforms each post into a captivating journey through the world of quilts. Her love for the craft began in childhood, watching her grandmother create beautiful fabric pieces. Today, Alice shares her knowledge and enthusiasm with a global audience, offering detailed tutorials, practical tips, and inspiring stories about quilting. With an engaging writing style and meticulous attention to detail, Alice helps both beginners and experienced quilters improve their skills and find new inspirations. Through Quilter's Journey, she continues to celebrate the art and tradition of quilting, connecting a community of quilt lovers worldwide.

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