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.

Beat the Learning Curve – 5 Quilt Projects with Curves

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

Adding curves into a quilting project has generally been considered a daunting task reserved only for the most skilled and experienced quilters. Curves don’t have to be a challenge anymore though! Jenny has stitched up some beautiful projects that include curves, but as always she has made them easy, approachable and fun!

Push your quilting skills a little farther and challenge yourself with some of these lovely projects, all of which feature curves that will make your quilt stand out from the rest. If this week’s Triple Play proves anything, it’s that curves don’t have to be impossible anymore. Don’t let the challenge overcome you though! Just remember, finished is better than perfect!

Easy Clamshell Quilt

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

Jump right in and let those curves shine with the Easy Clamshell Quilt! These fabulous design features nothing but curves, but is made incredibly simple by the Missouri Star Drunkard’s Path Circle Template Set. The layered clamshell effect created by this template is absolutely stunning and gives the finished quilt both depth and character.

With the layering of the 5″ squares for this project, you should select a fabric that has a wide array of colors. Combine that with the unique features of batik fabric and you’re going to have an outstanding, unique quilt. Consider Tonga Treats Batiks – Jump Minis by Timeless Treasures to give your Easy Clamshell Quilt the unique character it deserves!

Watch the Quilt Tutorial >

Get the Missouri Star Drunkard’s Path Circle Template Set >

Waves Quilt

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

The movement in this quilt is so pronounced, it’s almost as if you’re standing on the beach watching the waves crash against the shore! Break out your Missouri Star Drunkard’s Path Large Circle Template Set and get to work capturing the ocean!

With all the talk about waves, it’s almost impossible not to think of a nautical theme for this project. Give your Waves Quilt the full treatment with Deep Blue Sea 10″ Stackers by Jen Allyson for Riley Blake. These adorable squares feature nautical motifs, stars and sea creatures that will better assist you in capturing the vast waves of the oceans!

Watch the Quilting Tutorial >

Get the Sewing Supplies >

Old Mill Path Quilt

The Old Mill Path Quilt from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Watch the free quilt tutorial today.

We all love traditional, vintage quilts here at Missouri Star Quilt Co. The Old Mill Path Quilt is no exception either, as it draws it’s inspiration from an antique 1929 pattern by the name of The Mill Wheel! The curves in this project are just beautiful and are again made so simple by the inclusion of a template!

Keep this one traditional by using vintage fabrics including florals and flour sack designs. You won’t regret the classic, time-honored look created by this simple tip! If you’re needing just a little more inspiration, check out Hat Box Sundaes by Andover Fabrics. These delicate 10″ squares feature flowers, paisley and leaves on soft and rich backgrounds that will make you long for days long forgotten!

Watch the Quilt Tutorial >

Get the Quilting Supplies >

Cornered Drunkard’s Path Quilt

The Cornered Drunkard's Path Quilt from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Watch the free quilt tutorial today.

There’s so many curves in the Cornered Drunkard’s Path Quilt it’s unbelievable! The real twist is however, how easy this gorgeous quilt is to create! For this project, you’ll need the Easy Circle Cut Ruler for EZ Quilting as well as some basic applique skills, but have no fear, Jenny explains everything in her video tutorial so that anyone can create this masterpiece!

Solids play a big part in the wonder of this quilt. The contrast of the background fabric behind the highlighted color makes the design pop! If you haven’t had a chance to make a quilt this year featuring the Kona Color of the Year, now is the opportunity! The Kona Cotton 2020 Color of the Year Enchanted Ten Squares are the perfect choice of 10″ squares to make this quilt a real enchanted treasure!

Watch the Quilt Tutorial >

Get the Quilt Supplies >

Forget-Me-Not Quilt

The Forget-me-not Quilt from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Watch the free quilt tutorial today.

The Forget-Me-Not Quilt was designed to show support for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and is dedicated to Jenny’s sweet mother-in-law, Irene Doan, who lost her life to Alzheimer’s in 2020. This incredible quilt is not only a phenomenal dedication to the memory of a wonderful person, but an elegant design to promote awareness for a worthy cause.

We can’t think of any way to make this project better. Jenny gave this one her all and we think it’s just perfect as it is. Pick up the Missouri Star Petal Template and two packs of Wilminton Essentials Amethyst Royale 5 Karat Gems and you’ll be ready to stitch together one of the most beautiful projects Missouri Star has ever created.

Watch the Quilt Tutorial >

Get the Missouri Star Petal Template >

Find Out More About Alzheimer’s Awareness >

BONUS: Triple Play! Drunkard’s Path

Watch Triple Play! Drunkard's Path from Missouri Star Quilt Co featuring three unique designs inspired from the Drunkard's Path quilt block.

Join Jenny, Misty and Natalie in the latest Triple Play from Missouri Star Quilt Co as the trio each creates their own custom design based on the classic Drunkard’s Path block! These three patterns all include curves, but each is so uniquely different it’s incredible to know they’re all from the same inspiration!

Which is your favorite? Jenny’s Birds of Paradise featuring the Lancaster Charm Pack by Jo Morton for Moda Fabrics, Misty’s majestic Morning Glory quilt with the beautiful Royal Blue Single Scoops by Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts for Andover Fabric, or the incredibly vibrant River Path designed by Natalie featuring Colorpop Batiks Stamps by Kathy Engle for Island Batik! Whichever you choose to create, each one is filled with wonderful curves and will be a fabulous edition to your quilt collection!

Watch the Triple Play Tutorial >

Get the Quilting Supplies >

Tell us, which curved quilt project is your favorite and why?

Five Essentials for the Sewing Room

1. Efficient Space

When piecing together any project, you’re going to want a wide open space to ease the process of designing, piecing, and cutting. Allow yourself an area designated for a large enough cutting board for the type of projects you normally do. Buy a fabric wall or create your own for even more savvy space in your area.

2. Adequate Lighting

Sewing Lights

Create an area full of efficient lighting to see your project clearly from beginning to end. For extra help, pick up some lighting that has a magnifier attached to keep your color coordination sharp and reduce any other hard-to-see errors.

3. Nifty Notions

Fill your sewing area with handy tools that are only an arm’s reach away and ready to roll! Here are just a few things you won’t want to find yourself without once you start sewing!

Rulers & Templates of all sorts are great to have, but these three are exceptionally useful!

1) Medium Seam Marker
2) Binding Tool
3) Missouri Star 5″ X 15″ Ruler

4. Storage Solutions

Sewing Storage Solutions

You’re going to need a practical place to store all of the notions you have gathered. Explore our selection of storage essentials to help get you organized! Find a place to store anything from fabric and rulers to pins and needles!

5. A Creative Environment

To start any good project, one needs motivation. Create a space in which you find yourself surrounded in inspiration. Design it to your tastes. Make an area that you feel comfortable in, but also allows for your creativity to grow! Scroll through these patterns to discover a wall hanging you can add your own flare to and finish off a sewing room personalized to your own tastes!