Thanks Leah, that has made tumbling block quilts look so easy, but then you always make everything look easy. I will add this to my list of things to do as I love the tumbling block quilts but think they look so difficult. Thanks to your tutorial they don't look difficult anymore.
Love the tip about using camera on phone with mono setting to help determine tonal values! I even used it today constructing a strip set from dark to light.
That's great! Sometimes the color can trick our eyes. By taking the color out, you just see the value. I tried the color removing glasses first and honestly they gave me a bad read. The Mono setting on my iphone was best and showed the clearest separation of values.
Thank you for this wonderful lesson on making the tumbling block quilt. As a lefty myself, I felt right at home with your cutting demonstration. I'm planning to make mine a scrappy quilt, so your techniques for keeping organized were also very helpful.
I really love Kona fabrics too! My dear hubby overpaid off a card by $500.00 so told me to go ahead and buy more fabric with it! It took me no time to make a collection of solids! I so love my hubby...he’s great at picking out fabrics as well! 😉💞🇺🇸
I have always been intimidated by the tumbling blocks design (and the Jaybird Quilts rulers, for that matter!). Leah, you are so particular about everything: cutting, pinning, piecing, straight of grain, colour, pressing... all things that are so important for precise piecing. I like the "mini" you made, it would turn into an awesome pillow. When I am ready to tackle a larger project and want to sign up for an online class, I will definitely be starting with yours. Thanks for your wonderful tutorial videos, they are SO helpful and inspiring! ~Diana from Toronto
Thank you so much for this sweet comment! I'm so happy to know I've helped you understand how to make this pretty style of quilt. It's really not that hard and so much fun!
I am thrilled you did this pattern. Last year I took a class that made this pattern using accuquilt GO half hexagon and triangle dies. Being “spatially challenged” myself there wasn’t sufficient time to absorb some of the concepts with layout and piecing yet construction was by rows as well. Your tutorial filled in the gaps of understanding and has given excellent guidance about what to watch for & why. You have an awesome way of relaying technical information. Thank you so much. I am excited to revisit that project...and try yours.
Thank you for the great quilt tutorial and the great pattern. I just bought some rhombus templates and I'm going to use your tutorial for video references.
HI Leah are you still quilting I've just found you and I like this quilt I've never made a quilt before and I always said I try the tumbling blocks one to start with, is there an alternative ruler to the one you recommend I'm in the Uk and it's going to take nearly a month to get here
Muy bonitos trabajos, me gustaría aprender hacerlos, el primer inconveniente es no conseguir las reglas, cortador y lo demás que se pudiera necesitar, también el problema para mí es no saber el idioma. Le felicito por sus hermosos trabajos.
There's lots of ways to quilt this pattern. You could follow the piecing or ignore it completely. I recommend shooting a pic of the quilt and then printing out copies and playing with different ideas until you find one you like.
Leah you are such a great teacher. I mostly dress make but do occasionally do patchwork but some of the rulers I have are very intimidating and unless I see them being used I've no idea cutting using them! I have got the super side kick and the hexies and more I think it's called and they are much easier to fathom out. I have the quilt kit for these rulers but until I get a little more confident it'll stay in my cupboard. I think I'll try this tumbling blocks to make my daughter some monochrome cushion covers. Would you just use black white and a mid gray to get the best results?
That's great to hear Bev! I think you'll have a ball with all of the rulers. Yes, I do think black works great as the dark. It's just easier to have all the same color for at least one of the diamond shapes. For the other colors, try to pick a light and a medium. You can create patterns or you can do all one color, that looks cool too!
Hi Leah. If I make a large tumbling block bed quilt with bigger blocks (using a 5 inch rhombus template) how would you suggest I section quilt it? I don’t want to all over quilt.
My best advice is to draw a diagram of the quilt or take a picture of it and print it out. Then play with drawing over the surface. Pick different designs in different areas until you achieve the look you like. I would test on a small scrap to make sure your thread colors don't conflict with the 3D effect.
I would like to make a baby size quilt...since your free pattern is a 16x16 how would I make a larger size? Also, can you use a patterned/printed fabric such as moons or stars or animal prints to get the tumbling block look?
The simplest option would be to use the same ruler I used in this video and increase the size of the diamond / triangle I cut. As for using a patterned fabric, yes, you can use a print, but it must still overall READ as a solid and it must have a clear color value darker or lighter in comparison to the other fabrics. Otherwise you'll end up with a scrappy quilt - not a tumbling block effect.
Hello Leah. Do I understand this correctly? When sewing these pieces together... 1. You attach all the pieces from left to right in rows, sewing the horizontal rows first. 2. Then sew the vertical strips together?
I actually sewed my example in vertical rows. Check 22:10 - the pieces are arranged, then pieced together into vertical strips, then the vertical strips are sewn together.
Yeah, but how do you end up with a straight edge at the end, instead of a jagged edge? That's not mentioned on her blog, either. I guess just cut off the ragged end straight across?
Here's how I calculate fabric for weird cuts like this: I take a piece of scrap fabric and cut the correct width of the piece from selvage (40 inches across). Then I cut that strip down into the shape and count how many I can get. Then I just multiply. If I need 50 shapes, and I can get 10 per strip, then I know I need 5 strips. If the strips are 6 inches wide, then I need 30 inches, or 1 yard of fabric.
Thanks so much for the quick reply. I made one tumbling block baby quilt without the y-seam and it turned out beautiful but it took patience and a long time. When I came across you RUclips video I was so happy. I purchased your free-motion quilting class from Craftsy several years ago. I give you all the credit for my free-motion quilting - which is my favorite part of doing a quilt.
Yep, I always starch and press before cutting. I use Niagara spray starch. You can find a video on how I prepare fabrics here: freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2018/01/log-cabin-quilt-prepare-fabric-and-cut.html
I am laying out my tumbling block. Your suggestion on piecing is going yo be so helpful.
Next on my list😊
Have fun!
You showed it really well to make the tumbling blocks thank you!
Thanks for the video. It took the fear out of tumbling blocks.I can finally get started !
Yay! I'm so happy to hear this!
Thanks Leah, that has made tumbling block quilts look so easy, but then you always make everything look easy. I will add this to my list of things to do as I love the tumbling block quilts but think they look so difficult. Thanks to your tutorial they don't look difficult anymore.
LOL! I can make free motion quilting pretty complicated when I want to! I'm so glad this video made Tumbling Blocks a bit less scary.
Love the tip about using camera on phone with mono setting to help determine tonal values! I even used it today constructing a strip set from dark to light.
That's great! Sometimes the color can trick our eyes. By taking the color out, you just see the value. I tried the color removing glasses first and honestly they gave me a bad read. The Mono setting on my iphone was best and showed the clearest separation of values.
Total patience for this. Art for a wall. Love it.
Thank you Darlene! It was lots of fun!
Thank you for this wonderful lesson on making the tumbling block quilt. As a lefty myself, I felt right at home with your cutting demonstration. I'm planning to make mine a scrappy quilt, so your techniques for keeping organized were also very helpful.
That's great! I'm so glad you enjoyed this tutorial!
I really love Kona fabrics too! My dear hubby overpaid off a card by $500.00 so told me to go ahead and buy more fabric with it! It took me no time to make a collection of solids! I so love my hubby...he’s great at picking out fabrics as well! 😉💞🇺🇸
Yay! Congratulations to you!
I have always been intimidated by the tumbling blocks design (and the Jaybird Quilts rulers, for that matter!). Leah, you are so particular about everything: cutting, pinning, piecing, straight of grain, colour, pressing... all things that are so important for precise piecing. I like the "mini" you made, it would turn into an awesome pillow. When I am ready to tackle a larger project and want to sign up for an online class, I will definitely be starting with yours. Thanks for your wonderful tutorial videos, they are SO helpful and inspiring! ~Diana from Toronto
Thank you so much for this sweet comment! I'm so happy to know I've helped you understand how to make this pretty style of quilt. It's really not that hard and so much fun!
I love ,love ,love, Lovvvee this quilt
Aw! Thank you Andrea!
Saw the video! Wonderful 🥰👏🏻🎊💝. Thank you 🙏🇳🇱🙋🏻
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing
Another great tutorial, Leah! I am excited to see what you do with the Quilty Box contents, always fresh and creative!
I'm so glad you enjoy these videos!
I am thrilled you did this pattern. Last year I took a class that made this pattern using accuquilt GO half hexagon and triangle dies. Being “spatially challenged” myself there wasn’t sufficient time to absorb some of the concepts with layout and piecing yet construction was by rows as well. Your tutorial filled in the gaps of understanding and has given excellent guidance about what to watch for & why. You have an awesome way of relaying technical information. Thank you so much. I am excited to revisit that project...and try yours.
That is so sweet! I'm happy to hear this video helped you understand how to piece a Tumbling Blocks quilt like this. It's so much faster and easier!
I’ve always been curious about this design. Thank you for showing it to us. I learned a lot!
That's great Teresa! I'm so glad you liked it!
Very pretty and precise! Great job Leah!
Thank you Deborah!
Excellent! Very interesting and some great ideas.
Awesome! I'm so happy you enjoyed this tutorial!
Leah, thank you for this tutorial. I want to try the tumbling block.
You're very welcome!
Thanks. I bought that ruler and hadn’t used it. Now I know how!
That's great Cindy! I'm so happy to hear that!
Thank you for the great quilt tutorial and the great pattern. I just bought some rhombus templates and I'm going to use your tutorial for video references.
That's great! I hope it helps!
Great idea, I think if you split the darkest diamond into triangles would make the triangles look more like diamonds.
Exactly! Enjoy!
Wow! Love your quilt design💕
Thank you!!! It's so much fun!
HI Leah are you still quilting I've just found you and I like this quilt I've never made a quilt before and I always said I try the tumbling blocks one to start with, is there an alternative ruler to the one you recommend I'm in the Uk and it's going to take nearly a month to get here
Muy bonitos trabajos, me gustaría aprender hacerlos, el primer inconveniente es no conseguir las reglas, cortador y lo demás que se pudiera necesitar, también el problema para mí es no saber el idioma.
Le felicito por sus hermosos trabajos.
I have done a few with the Y seams but always wonder what top stitch "quilt" pattern looks good to sandwich the whole quilt. Any suggestions?
There's lots of ways to quilt this pattern. You could follow the piecing or ignore it completely. I recommend shooting a pic of the quilt and then printing out copies and playing with different ideas until you find one you like.
Leah you are such a great teacher. I mostly dress make but do occasionally do patchwork but some of the rulers I have are very intimidating and unless I see them being used I've no idea cutting using them! I have got the super side kick and the hexies and more I think it's called and they are much easier to fathom out. I have the quilt kit for these rulers but until I get a little more confident it'll stay in my cupboard. I think I'll try this tumbling blocks to make my daughter some monochrome cushion covers. Would you just use black white and a mid gray to get the best results?
That's great to hear Bev! I think you'll have a ball with all of the rulers. Yes, I do think black works great as the dark. It's just easier to have all the same color for at least one of the diamond shapes. For the other colors, try to pick a light and a medium. You can create patterns or you can do all one color, that looks cool too!
Hi Leah, I love your videos. I have a question about the quilty boxes there are three different ones, which one are you demonstrating from?
I'm using a Quilty Box Classic. It's a great box of gear!
Do they make the rhombus ruler bigger than the one you show? I'd want bigger cube blocks
Mine are really tiny. You can cut them quite large with the ruler I share in this video.
Hi Leah. If I make a large tumbling block bed quilt with bigger blocks (using a 5 inch rhombus template) how would you suggest I section quilt it? I don’t want to all over quilt.
My best advice is to draw a diagram of the quilt or take a picture of it and print it out. Then play with drawing over the surface. Pick different designs in different areas until you achieve the look you like. I would test on a small scrap to make sure your thread colors don't conflict with the 3D effect.
🥰
I would like to make a baby size quilt...since your free pattern is a 16x16 how would I make a larger size? Also, can you use a patterned/printed fabric such as moons or stars or animal prints to get the tumbling block look?
The simplest option would be to use the same ruler I used in this video and increase the size of the diamond / triangle I cut. As for using a patterned fabric, yes, you can use a print, but it must still overall READ as a solid and it must have a clear color value darker or lighter in comparison to the other fabrics. Otherwise you'll end up with a scrappy quilt - not a tumbling block effect.
Hello Leah.
Do I understand this correctly?
When sewing these pieces together...
1. You attach all the pieces from left to right in rows, sewing the horizontal rows first.
2. Then sew the vertical strips together?
I actually sewed my example in vertical rows. Check 22:10 - the pieces are arranged, then pieced together into vertical strips, then the vertical strips are sewn together.
Once I started, it began to make more sense. Thanks for the quick response.
Yeah, but how do you end up with a straight edge at the end, instead of a jagged edge? That's not mentioned on her blog, either. I guess just cut off the ragged end straight across?
You can cut a half diamond shape with the ruler to create the edges.
I'm having trouble with the ends. wish was on your video. can u tell me which line?
I'm sorry, I no longer have this template. I would experiment with a few different lines, cut scraps, piece, and see which works best.
How do I calculate the yardage needed for a crib size quilt using the tumbling block quilt - but not with the tiny pieces - a little larger - say 6"?
Here's how I calculate fabric for weird cuts like this: I take a piece of scrap fabric and cut the correct width of the piece from selvage (40 inches across). Then I cut that strip down into the shape and count how many I can get. Then I just multiply. If I need 50 shapes, and I can get 10 per strip, then I know I need 5 strips. If the strips are 6 inches wide, then I need 30 inches, or 1 yard of fabric.
Thanks so much for the quick reply. I made one tumbling block baby quilt without the y-seam and it turned out beautiful but it took patience and a long time. When I came across you RUclips video I was so happy. I purchased your free-motion quilting class from Craftsy several years ago. I give you all the credit for my free-motion quilting - which is my favorite part of doing a quilt.
Qbert is what it looks like
Exactly! It's an old geometric pattern. My book on quilt blocks from Jenny Beyer puts the original publication in the 1880s!
your quilt looks like its really stiff, did you starch your fabrics first or after you pieced?
if so,, which starch do you use?
Yep, I always starch and press before cutting. I use Niagara spray starch. You can find a video on how I prepare fabrics here: freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2018/01/log-cabin-quilt-prepare-fabric-and-cut.html
if its done in vertical colums it works better
That's exactly how I pieced it!
Marci Baker! 2009 strip pieced.
That is an idea...