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| The photo above © Missouri Star Quilt Company |
Quilting is a rewarding and creative hobby that allows you to transform fabric into beautiful, functional art. If you’re looking for a unique and visually stunning quilt pattern, the Puzzle Box Quilt is an excellent choice. This design, made using fat quarters, creates a woven effect that’s both modern and timeless. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making your own Puzzle Box Quilt, from selecting fabrics to assembling the blocks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, this tutorial will help you create a stunning quilt perfect for a lap-sized project or even larger if desired.
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather the following materials:
- 8 Fat Quarters: These will serve as the main fabrics for your quilt blocks. For this project, we used a collaboration between Kaffe Fassett and Morris & Co., featuring bold, vibrant prints.
- Background Fabric: Choose a solid or subtle print for contrast. We used a rich navy blue.
- Rotary Cutter, Ruler, and Cutting Mat: Essential for precise fabric cutting.
- Sewing Machine: For piecing the quilt blocks together.
- Iron and Ironing Board: To press seams and ensure flat, crisp blocks.
- Thread: A neutral color that complements your fabrics.
- Quilting Tools: Scissors, pins, and a seam ripper (just in case!).
Step 1: Preparing Your Fabrics
Cutting the Fat Quarters
The Puzzle Box Quilt uses eight fat quarters, divided into two groups: Fabric A and Fabric B. Each block requires one Fabric A and one Fabric B. Here’s how to prepare your fabrics:
- Press Your Fabrics: Start by ironing your fat quarters to remove wrinkles. This ensures accurate cutting and smooth sewing.
- Cutting Fabric A:
- Cut four 4-inch strips from each Fabric A fat quarter.
- Subcut these strips into 4-inch squares. You should get four squares per strip, totaling eight squares per Fabric A.
- From the remaining fabric, cut two 4x11-inch rectangles. Set aside any scraps for future projects.
- Cutting Fabric B:
- Cut five 4-inch strips from each Fabric B fat quarter.
- Subcut these strips into 4-inch squares (four per strip) and 4x11-inch rectangles.
- Additionally, cut two 4x7.5-inch rectangles from the last two strips.
Cutting the Background Fabric
The background fabric provides structure and contrast. Cut the following:
- 4-inch squares.
- 4x7.5-inch rectangles.
Step 2: Assembling the Quilt Blocks
Creating the Center of the Block
The center of each block creates the woven effect that makes the Puzzle Box Quilt so unique. Here’s how to assemble it:
- Sew the Middle Unit:
- Take one 4-inch background square and two Fabric A squares.
- Sew one Fabric A square to each side of the background square.
- Press the seams toward the background fabric to reduce bulk.
- Add the Rectangles:
- Sew a 4x7.5-inch background rectangle to a 4-inch Fabric A square.
- Repeat this step to create two units.
- Combine the Units:
- Sew the middle unit to the two side units, ensuring the seams nest together for a flat finish.
- Press the seams carefully.
Building the Side Units
The side units frame the center of the block and add depth to the design:
- Fabric A Side Units:
- Sew a 4-inch Fabric A square to each side of a 4-inch background square.
- Attach this unit to a 4x11-inch Fabric A rectangle.
- Repeat to create two units.
- Fabric B Side Units:
- Follow the same steps as above, using Fabric B squares and rectangles.
- You’ll end up with two Fabric A units and two Fabric B units per block.
Adding the Corner Units
The corner units complete the block and add a pop of color:
- Sew the Corners:
- Sew a 4-inch background square to a 4-inch Fabric B square.
- Attach this unit to a 4x7.5-inch background rectangle.
- Repeat to create four corner units per block.
Step 3: Assembling the Quilt Top
Once all your block components are ready, it’s time to assemble the quilt top:
- Lay Out the Block:
- Arrange the center unit, side units, and corner units to form the block.
- Ensure the prints alternate to create the woven effect.
- Sew the Block:
- Sew the units together like a nine-patch block, starting with the top row, then the middle, and finally the bottom row.
- Press the seams carefully to maintain a flat surface.
- Repeat for All Blocks:
- Continue assembling blocks until you have enough for your desired quilt size.
Step 4: Adding Sashing and Borders
To give your quilt a polished look, add sashing and borders:
- Sashing:
- Cut 2.5-inch strips of background fabric.
- Sew these strips between the blocks to create a grid effect.
- Borders:
- Add a 2.5-inch border around the entire quilt top using the background fabric.
Step 5: Quilting and Finishing
- Quilting:
- Layer your quilt top, batting, and backing fabric.
- Quilt as desired. For this project, we used straight-line quilting with a walking foot.
- Binding:
- Cut 2.5-inch strips of fabric for the binding.
- Attach the binding to the quilt, mitering the corners for a clean finish.
Final Thoughts
The Puzzle Box Quilt is a versatile and visually striking project that’s perfect for showcasing your favorite fabrics. With its woven design and bold prints, this quilt is sure to become a cherished piece in your home. Plus, the pattern is easily customizable—use more fat quarters to create a larger quilt or experiment with different color palettes.
We hope this step-by-step guide inspires you to create your own Puzzle Box Quilt. Don’t forget to share your finished projects with us, and happy quilting!
Pro Tip
If you’re new to quilting, take your time with the cutting and piecing to ensure accuracy. And if you’re an experienced quilter, challenge yourself by adding extra blocks or experimenting with different layouts.
