Scrap X Quilt -- Kisses kisses smooch and smack

Another month, another strip scrap quilt!  I really enjoyed the process on this one too - the X blocks are quite fun to make and they have a strong visual impact.  I'm itching to try another version with some of my favorite fabrics.  Bea is sad this is going to the Linus Connection tomorrow so I guess I'll have an excuse to make another "copy."

As I was making this I realized why I was so drawn to the pattern.  Pretty much the same, no?  Except the old quilt was hand pieced with crazy construction on the center of those x's and inset triangles. 

I pretty much used the method described in Strips & Strings by Evelyn Sloppy (her "Bunny Love" quilt) but obviously didn't use color coordinated strips and didn't mix in appliqued bunnies.  I made a few changes to the method, desribed below.  I also found this link for more of the same quilts - though this site uses a different construction method and recommends foundation piecing. 

Here's how I made it:

1.  Sew together a bunch of strips to make a unit that is at least 9.5 inches wide and 18 inches long. (I increased the dimensions a bit from her recommendations.) Press. 

2.  Cut that unit into four identical strips (yes, only 2 are pictured here) that are 4 inches wide.  Also, for each block you will need four 4.5 inch squares of background fabric cut in half diagonally to make 8 triangles.  (I think it would help if these were just a smidge bigger - see cutting, below)

3.  Sew the triangles to either side of the center strip, lining them both up in the middle.  Press them open and use a square see-through ruler to trim the entire piece to a 6.5 inch square as shown.  (The block with triangles added was supposed to be oversize but I found that the background squares were just the right size or a tiny bit smaller most of the time.  I'm not very good at that SCANT 1/4" seam thing I guess so that made the difference.  Anyway, you'll figure it out -- either sew that scant seam or cut the triangles a hair bigger -- or stretch that fabric when you piece :-)) 

4.  When you sew four of those together you'll have a block.  Obviously there is a bit of seam matching going on here if you want things to match up nice - so you do need to pin at the intersections.

I did different X variations on the quilt as you can see -- turning all the center strips the same direction, alternating 2 one direction, 2 the other, and even mixing strips from different scrap units.  I think I like the 2nd option the best myself but with this sorta quilt, it is all about the playing.

Comments

[Sarah Jayne]

The black really shows off the fabrics you used. Your quilt looks great.

[Jennifer]

That looks fantastic! I really like how the black sets off the scraps. For some reason I had Scrap-X confused with your tutorial for the fruit stripe quilt. The optical illusion of quilting never ceases to amaze me. Did you quilt the top or tie it?

[Lauri]

Oooo! This is gorgeous! I love the way the black sets off the colors. Very pretty! Oh! And thanks for the tute! I want to try it in a doll quilt size.

[samantha]

It's so gorgeous- and thanks for the tutorial!

[Vicki W]

That is a really striking quilt! The black is perfect for the background - it makes the other fabrics sparkle. I just don't think you can beat a scrap quilt for vibrancy.

[Sarah]

I love this! Thanks for your tips!

[laeroport]

Fun, fun quilt, Amy! I love it. And thanks for the explaination because it always is hard for me to get my head around piecing.

[M]

That is gorgeous. I have never been interested in quilting...but that makes me want to try it.

[Mika]

This is lovely!!! Thanks so much for the tutorial, I've added it to my "quilts to try" folder lol. I have some black Kona that needs using up anyway lol. Beautiful work!

[Siew]

Wow - that is fabulous. The black really makes it all "POP".

[Julie]

Oh Amy! This is a BEAUTIFUL quilt! I love it. I like that you've used a black back ground. Oh and the kitty is cute too!

[Mirre]

Looking at this quilt just makes me happy!

[Anina]

Lovely! And I love the black as accent. It really brings out those colors.

[Heather]

I adore your tutorials--I just finished a patchwork quilt for mt best friend's first baby and could not have done it without your excellent and easy to follow directions. This one is fantastic as well :) Thank you!

[Rachel]

Wow! I love this scrap quilt. I have so many scaps that need to be put to good use. I really think the solid fabric, pulls the scraps together. Pluse I think all quilts could use a little black fabric.

[Sarah Jackson]

that's gorgeous. I kep threatening to finally make a quilt. Yours is very inspiring.

[Melissa H]

Thanks for this inspiration and perfect timing as I need to put together a baby scrap quilt.

[kristin]

...........OOOOOOOOOOOH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH......... great work...beautiful!!!!!

[Becky]

I'm in awe... and where do you find the time? You're just churning these babies out! It's beautiful. :)

[Doris]

I love it! Now I know what to do with my grannie's old aprons!

[Jade]

Gorgeous quilt! Love the effect of the patterns against the dark block of colour. I wanna make one!

[jeanetta]

absolutely beautiful! i am so inspired to make one myself.

[soo]

Your quilts are always amazing! It's gorgeous!

[Anita]

Bravo! That's a fabulous quilt! I love scrappy. Evelyn Sloppy's book is the best isn't it?

[Kristin]

Sweet! How did you do the quilting?