Building Blocks: Working with Templates and Notions

Various Missouri Star Quilt Co exclusive quilting templates.
A variety of Missouri Star exclusive templates and notions.

You’ve gathered your supplies, you’ve studied your basic skills, and you’ve even put together your first quilt block, but what comes next? Using templates and notions to create one-of-a-kind quilting designs is even more simple than you may have imagined. In fact, if you’re using a ruler to line up your cuts, then you’re already experience in the process! The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a template as “something that establishes or serves as a pattern”, so that handy ruler you’ve been using is the first step in mastering the template process!

The most familiar template for all of us is the trusty 5″ x 15″ ruler. This simple straight line device is used in quilting to cut an even and straight line, but they come in a variety of different sizes! If you’re sewing a big project, consider using a bigger ruler. Many quilting rulers are designed exclusively to feature one inch blocks in a transparent plastic so you will always be certain that you’re cutting and measuring precisely.

Various templates and notions for quilting.
An assortment of templates and notions displayed upon a gridded mat for quilting.

This is just the beginning of the world of templates and notions! Consider the Dresden Plate block for example, it’s a time-honored traditional quilt block that demonstrates expertise in crafting and has long been a staple of the quilt world:

“The popular name for this quilt, Dresden Plate, reflects the romance of the Victorian Era with its love of elaborate decoration on household items and décor. Dresden, Germany was a center of 19th century romanticism movement in art, one that included the fine decoration of porcelain. The plates were embellished with elaborate design using flowers, fruits and foliage. The beautiful plates would surely have been admired by women of the early 20th century.”

http://www.patternsfromhistory.com/colonial_revival/dresden-plate.htm

Thanks to new quilting innovations however, the Dresden Plate has never been easier to create with a template. Using the Missouri Star Large Dresden Plate Template for 10″ Squares, Jenny demonstrates how to create this gorgeous vintage block in her Dresden Blooms quilt tutorial.

The Dresden Blooms quilt created with the Missouri Star Large Dresden Plate Template for 10″ Squares.

The fun doesn’t stop at just dresdens! Templates and notions are designed to make your quilting career easy and approachable. Whether you’re quilting with curves or using a notion to push out the corners of your project, take some time to research the available options to streamline the process. There is no limit to the ingenuity being utilized within the crafting world, so the next time you’re dreaming up some inspiration for your next project, consider challenging yourself to improve your skills by adding a new element to your quilting with a template.

Look at Things Through a New Light – 5 Quilt Ideas with Dark Background Fabric

Look at Things Through a New Light with these 5 Darker Quilt Ideas from the Missouri Star Quilt Co!

Quilts are an incredible thing. Whether they’re hanging on the wall or tucked safely upon a bed, they add an artistic flair to the room. Clean, colorful quilts with plenty of white space can brighten up the room, but sometimes a darker touch can really add a comfortable and cozy ambiance.

Quilts that utilize bold color choices complimented by black and dark space aren’t just for the Fall season! These beautiful quilts draw attention and focus to the complimenting colors, creating a wonderful effect that makes the designs pop. Check out these five darker quilts and find some inspiration to break from traditional choices and make a bold statement!

Here Comes The Sun Quilt

The Here Comes the Sun Quilt from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Watch the free quilt tutorial today.

Warm yourself with the Here Comes the Sun Quilt! This fabulous Dresden plate quilt creates rising or setting suns among dark backgrounds. To make this even easier, Missouri Star created the Large Dresden Plate Template for 10″ Squares so that this quilt can be created by any level of quilter! Grab yourself some Layer Cakes (10″ Squares) and quilt until the sun rises!

Watch the Quilt Tutorial >

Get the Large Dresden Plate Template >

Rising Star Quilt

The Rising Star Quilt from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Watch the free quilt tutorial today.

Can’t decided between Layer Cakes or Jelly Rolls? Don’t want to go too bold when muted backgrounds still compliment the focus colors? The Rising Star Quilt is the best of both worlds! Pick up both precut fabrics and create a lovely star pattern using more prominent colors against a muted grey background for a quilt that both pops and still feels traditional and conservative.

Watch the Quilt Tutorial >

Get the Quilt Supplies >

Town Square Quilt

The Town Square Quilt from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Watch the free quilt tutorial today.

Not a fan of Layer Cakes? How about a simple, beginner’s Jelly Roll Quilt! The Town Square Quilt uses Jelly Rolls (2.5″ Strips) pieced together with a black background to make a beautiful quilt that is full of traditional elements coupled with modern flair. We LOVE Jenny’s choice of colors on this project and there is no doubt that the Town Square Quilt would change the dynamic of any room it’s found in!

Watch the Quilt Tutorial >

Get the Quilt Supplies >

Disappearing Hourglass Crazy Eight Quilt

The Disappearing Hourglass Crazy Eight Quilt from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Watch the free quilt tutorial today.

Create an optical illusion with this take on the Disappearing Hourglass Quilt that we like to call the Disappearing Hourglass Crazy Eight Quilt! By piecing together Layer Cakes (10″ Squares) you’ll be able to create a stunning effect hidden within the beauty of this design. Look closely and maybe you’ll see the hidden hourglass design in this amazing quilt!

Watch the Quilt Tutorial >

Get the Quilt Supplies >

Sashed Tumbler Quilt

The Sashed Tumbler Quilt from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Watch the free quilt tutorial today.

Grab the Missouri Star Small Tumbler Template and three Charm Packs (5″ Squares) and you’re ready to create an easy Sashed Tumbler Quilt! There’s no limit to the incredible color combinations you can create with this pattern and think how gorgeous those colors will be with a dark background fabric! Highlight your favorite Charm Packs or create a themed quilt with this simple quilt tutorial!

Watch the Quilt Tutorial >

Get the Small Tumbler Template >

Tell us, what’s your favorite quilt pattern using dark background colors?

New Friday Tutorial: The Butterfly Blossom Quilt

MSQC New Tutorial on the Blog!

Make a Butterfly Blossom Quilt with Jenny Doan of MSQC!

There’s something so fantastic about the lifecycle of a butterfly. He starts his journey as an inconsequential little caterpillar with a huge appetite. After weeks of glorious gluttony, he takes one massive, cozy nap. And then? He wakes up magnificently elegant and graceful! Why doesn’t that work for me? Just once in my life I’d love to binge all day on a quart of rocky road, take an epic nap on the sofa, and wake up as glorious as a butterfly!

For now, I’ll settle for the super-easy Butterfly Blossom Quilt. This quilt is incredibly beautiful, and it’s a breeze to make!

Make a Butterfly Blossom Quilt with Jenny Doan of MSQC!

This sweet pattern is made with 2 charm packs and the MSQC Periwinkle Template. Isn’t it so cute?

Make a Butterfly Blossom Quilt with Jenny Doan of MSQC!

Click on the button below to watch the tutorial with Jenny and learn how to make your own Butterfly Blossom Quilt!

Make a Butterfly Blossom Quilt with Jenny Doan of MSQC!

Make a Butterfly Blossom Quilt with Jenny Doan of MSQC!