I read a lot of blogs and visit a lot of websites that are quilting related. I have taught a few quilt making classes at a local shop and a quilt guild. One of the things I notice is that people don't know how to draft a quilting block. It is probably because of the advent of strip piecing back in the 1970's or early 1980's. Strip piecing is a fine method for some patterns, but it is not the beginning and end of every quilt pattern. If people would just take the time to learn the basics of pattern drafting, it would save them no end of trouble in the long run. The basic concept is so simple and people just don't want to get it. I will never understand why. So, here goes:
A quilt block is designed on a grid system. You know - like graph paper. In fact all you have to do is buy a pad of graph paper that has four squares x four squares that equal one inch and you are ready to go. It is as simple as that. In the above picture, a piece of graph paper is depicted. A one inch square has been drawn on the graph paper, so a four by four grid is encompassed. Since the graph paper is composed of 1/4" squares, to add a seam allowance around the block, another line as been drawn all around the square. If you wanted a one inch square in your finished block, you would actually cut a 1 1/2" square - 1" + 1/4" + 1/4" = 1 1/2". It is as simple as that. This is the basic method of drawing any quilt block.
A quilt block is designed on a grid system. You know - like graph paper. In fact all you have to do is buy a pad of graph paper that has four squares x four squares that equal one inch and you are ready to go. It is as simple as that. In the above picture, a piece of graph paper is depicted. A one inch square has been drawn on the graph paper, so a four by four grid is encompassed. Since the graph paper is composed of 1/4" squares, to add a seam allowance around the block, another line as been drawn all around the square. If you wanted a one inch square in your finished block, you would actually cut a 1 1/2" square - 1" + 1/4" + 1/4" = 1 1/2". It is as simple as that. This is the basic method of drawing any quilt block.
There are software programs on the market for drawing blocks. I have Quilt Pro and EQ and like them both and use one or the other depending on the task at hand. However, they are the most helpful for people who understand the basic concept behind drafting a block. I was shocked to buy a pattern by someone who will go un-named here, but suffice to say that these patterns are everywhere and the blocks had been drawn in a software program. The pattern was full of errors and some of the blocks were difficult to sew although they were easy to draw in the program. Just because you can draw it doesn't mean it is a good design. This is where an understanding of the basics is necessary.
Start at the beginning and master every step along the way and it will serve you well.
