 |
| The photo above © Tina Nitz |
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore every step of crafting the Sparrows Quilt, from selecting and prepping fabrics to organizing materials and mastering key piecing techniques. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or actionable advice to start your own quilt, you’ll find it all here. Let’s dive in!
First, I’ll showcase the blocks I’ve completed. Then, for those eager to sew their own Sparrows Quilt, I’ll break down my fabric prep, organizational strategies, and piecing tips. These methods have streamlined my workflow, ensuring this quilt will be ready well before spring blossoms. Let’s get started!
Picture these sweet sparrows perched against a denim backdrop—their bold colors leap off the fabric, creating a striking contrast. With half the blocks done, I’m on pace to finish this quilt ahead of spring. Next, let’s dive into the foundation of this project: fabric selection and preparation.
Fabric Preparation and Organization: Building the Base
A quilt’s success begins with careful planning, and the Sparrows Quilt is no exception. Here’s how I’ve set up my materials for a smooth, stress-free experience.
Picking the Perfect Fabrics
For this quilt, I’ve curated a harmonious blend of solids and prints:
- Background: Riley Blake’s Confetti Cottons in denim—a deep, versatile blue that anchors the design.
- Tails and Beaks: Confetti Cottons in pumpkin, a cozy orange that ties all 24 sparrows together.
- Arrows (Half-Square Triangles): Confetti Cottons in peaches and cream. Grab a half yard to craft those cute arrows.
- Binding: A salmon weave from the With a Flourish bundle, complementing the scrappy vibe.
- Backing: Denim main yardage from With a Flourish, adorned with scattered florals. It’s staying packed for now—backing comes later!
- Eyes: A tiny sixteenth-yard cut of midnight blue (nearly black) from my stash, ideal for the sparrows’ expressive gazes.
The heart of this quilt lies in the With a Flourish fat quarter bundle. These prints bring the scrappy magic, setting my version apart from the original pattern’s four-color palette. I’ve opted for eight unique fat quarters to keep things fresh and varied.
Choosing Fat Quarters for Sparrow Bodies
Deciding which fat quarters to use for the bird bodies was a creative puzzle. The Sparrows Quilt pattern (by Pen and Paper Patterns) includes cutting guides on page three, which I used as a starting point. My aim? Strong contrast against the denim background while maintaining a cohesive look.
I was initially drawn to the bundle’s blue prints—they’re stunning—but feared they’d fade into the background. After testing them, I leaned toward prints with white or coral bases for better visibility. I also favored smaller patterns to preserve detail in the bird shapes. Here’s my final lineup of eight fat quarters:
- A white-backed print for bold contrast.
- A coral print to pop against the pumpkin tails.
- A pumpkin-based print with delicate designs for variety.
- Additional prints featuring vivid colors and fine florals.
This scrappy twist means each sparrow boasts three distinct fabrics, unlike the pattern’s simpler combos. It’s a bit more to juggle, but the result is a quilt brimming with character.
Ironing and Cutting the Fabric
Prepping fat quarters can be tricky with their stubborn folds, but I’ve honed a reliable technique:
Supplies Needed
- A wool mat
- A spray bottle with tap water
- Best Press (a starch substitute)
Method
- Steam the fabric on a wool mat with water to banish creases—the mat helps erase faint lines.
- Apply Best Press, let it sink in, and iron again. This stiffens the fabric, making it easier to cut and sew accurately.
Hot Tip
Score a big bottle of Best Press with a 50% off Joann’s coupon. I’m partial to the linen scent—crisp and understated—but the peach option is lovely too.
After ironing, I cut the background fabric into strips per the pattern, reserving enough for sashing and borders. The fat quarters were then subcut into pieces for the bird bodies, heads, and other components. I assembled 24 sets of three fabrics—enough for every sparrow—balancing colors for a dynamic mix.
Expert Piecing Techniques: Assembling the Sparrows
With fabrics prepped, it’s time to sew! The Sparrows Quilt features 24 birds—12 left-facing and 12 right-facing—with a few seams that demand precision. Here are my top techniques for flawless piecing.
Technique 1: Sew One Direction First
To stay organized, I suggest sewing all left-facing birds before switching to the right-facing ones (or vice versa). This keeps pieces from getting jumbled, especially with a scrappy approach. I marked left-facing units in orange and right-facing ones in red on my pattern, checking off each section as I went. For paper patterns, use sticky notes to mask off the parts you’re not working on yet.
Technique 2: Perfecting Half-Square Triangles (HSTs)
The pattern’s eight-at-a-time HST method creates the arrows pointing at the sparrows. Here’s how to ace them:
- Mark: Trace diagonal lines (or an X) on the lighter fabric with a pencil.
- Sew: Stitch a quarter-inch from each line (four seams total). Chain piece for efficiency—sew one side, flip, and repeat.
- Cut: Use a rotating mat to keep pieces steady. Slice along the lines, then cut each triangle’s center twice for eight HSTs.
- Press: Open gently with steam and a clapper (or jar lids) for flat, crisp results.
- Trim: Size down accurately—the oversized squares offer plenty of leeway.
Technique 3: Plan Your Layout
Before stitching, I arranged my sparrow sets on a design wall in rows of four. This let me:
- Prevent matching heads and bases between neighbors.
- Spread colors (like midnight blue) evenly.
- Alternate left- and right-facing rows.
Snap a photo of your setup—it’s a handy reference if anything shifts!
Technique 4: Precision Seams to Master
Three seams need extra focus for a polished finish:
- Beak-to-Head: Position the beak’s top line a quarter-inch from the head’s point. Proper cutting ensures seamless alignment.
- Top-to-Bottom Units: Press seams open, then overlay the top diagonal onto the bottom one. Pin near the edges to secure a straight line.
- Tail-to-Body: Nest the body’s diagonal with the tail’s, then align and pin the arrow points. Sew slowly to hit the mark.
These steps guarantee crisp points and flowing lines—essential for a standout quilt.
Technique 5: Pre-Make Uniform Units
Units like beaks, tail feathers, and partial arrows are identical across all birds. Chain piece these early to speed up assembly. With them prepped, I can whip up a sparrow block in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy evenings or weekend sewing spurts.
The Meaning Behind Sparrows: A Touch of Inspiration
Why Sparrows? A viewer’s comment sparked my curiosity about this quilt’s timing. Research revealed sparrows symbolize creativity, peace, freedom, and resilience—thriving on scraps, much like quilters do. They also herald good luck, making this a fitting New Year’s endeavor. Whether you’re drawn to their symbolism or their adorable charm, this quilt carries a special vibe.
If you’re quilting your own Sparrows Quilt, I hope these insights simplify your process and boost your confidence. Even if you’re just here for the ride, thanks for joining me. Happy quilting, and see you soon!
Watch the Full Video Tutorial: Part 1 - Part 2
