2024 October Monthly Color Challenge Block

 October felt like the perfect month for this month's fishy color inspiration.

Our challenge this month is inspired by tropical fish. Such beauty lays under the water, it's hard not to be inspired.

Photo Credit: Color Meanings

This month our color is black and we look to the Wrought Iron Butterfly Fish.

From Color Meanings: You might hear the name of this fish and immediately think it’s a dull gray in color. But the wrought iron butterflyfish has a brilliant, almost mirror-like sheen. The fish can use their coloring as an advantage when feeding; they sometimes pack together very closely to form a “wrought iron ball.” Their unique coloring commands a high price in the aquarium hobby world; a single wrought iron butterflyfish can sell for almost $3,000.

I'm using Benartex's "Burlap" fabric line. While there may not be a "sheen" to it like our inspiration, the texture definitely adds to the beauty of our block.

Our featured blogger this month is:

Becca of Sugar Sand Quilts

Find her on Instagram

 

Ready for the  block? It's a fun block, but definitely requires a little more attention when piecing it together. Take your time to make sure you are using the right color/units when putting this block together.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook group (make sure to answer the questions so I know you are a real person 😉) where you will get a lot of support and questions answered! If you aren't on Facebook you can also follow Patterns By Jen on Instagram. Use #2024MonthlyColorChallenge when sharing so I can be sure to see your block.

I hope my feed is swimming in black this month!

Ready to get the pattern? Go to Payhip and download it now! The block is free for the month of October! Each set of instructions includes a "How To" video.

It's too late to receive the January through October block instructions or the layout through email, but you can still sign up to have the November and December Monthly Color Challenge blocks sent directly to your inbox. Sign up HERE.

 

Let's make something Extraordinary!

 

Did you get my 5 Free Tips for Accurate Piecing yet? I would love to send it to you, sign up HERE!

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Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Find paper and digital patterns in my Etsy shop.

 

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring

 

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Quilting Mistakes

Quilting can be an incredibly rewarding journey, but let’s be real—it can also have its fair share of “Oops!” moments.

If you’ve ever cut a piece too small, or your quilt top just won’t lay flat no matter how much you press it, know that you’re not alone. Every quilter, from newbie to seasoned pro, runs into a few snags along the way. The good news? Most mistakes are easily fixable with a little know-how and some patience.

 1. Inaccurate Cutting

The Oops: Misaligned cuts can throw your whole quilt design out of whack, making pieces that don’t fit together.

The Fix: Grab a sharp rotary cutter and a trusty ruler. Double-check those measurements before you cut, and make sure your cutting surface is steady. Applying even pressure along the ruler will save you a lot of hassle later.

2. Wobbly Seams

The Oops: If your seams aren’t even, your blocks can end up mismatched and/or not square.

The Fix: Stick with a consistent seam allowance—usually ¼ inch. A quarter-inch presser foot can be a lifesaver, or you can mark your needle plate for guidance. Don’t forget to press those seams flat, whether open or to the side, to keep everything nice and smooth.

3. Incorrect Fabric Selection

The Oops: Fabrics that clash or don’t have enough contrast can take away from the quilt’s overall impact.

The Fix: Take some time to plan your color scheme in advance. Lay out your fabric choices and see how they look together. If you’re feeling stuck, a color wheel or quilting apps can help you play with different combinations before committing. I love taking a picture of my fabric choices and then changing it to a black and white photo. This accurately shows the light, medium and dark fabrics and helps you choose the right one.

4. Skipping the Pressing

The Oops: Skipping the pressing step can lead to bulky seams and blocks that just won’t match up.

The Fix: Always press your fabric before cutting, and press after every seam. Use a hot iron, but go gently—you want to press, not iron. Sliding the iron back and forth can stretch your fabric out of shape. I use starch and a dry iron both to press before cuts and as I stitch.

5. Mismatched Points

The Oops: Points of triangles (or other shapes) that don’t align can make your quilt look a little less polished.

The Fix: Pin precisely where the points should meet, and slow down as you approach those intersections. If needed, adjust your seam ever so slightly to make sure everything lines up perfectly.

6. Backing Fabric Too Small

The Oops: Running out of backing fabric before the quilt is done? That can definitely throw off your finishing.

The Fix: Make sure your backing fabric is at least 4-6 inches larger than your quilt top on all sides. You’ll need that extra room for the quilting process, especially if you’re using a long-arm machine.

7. Quilt Top Not Laying Flat

The Oops: If your quilt top is wavy or doesn’t lay flat, it can cause problems down the line.

The Fix: Make sure your blocks are pieced and pressed accurately. Double-check your measurements frequently to avoid any distortion, and handle the quilt top gently when assembling to keep everything in place.

8. Puckering

The Oops: Fabric puckers while you’re quilting, creating an uneven look.

The Fix: Basting is your best friend! Thoroughly baste your quilt layers before quilting, whether you’re pinning, spraying, or hand-basting. A walking foot can help evenly feed the layers through your machine, and sewing slowly and steadily will prevent any puckering.

9. Running Out of Fabric

The Oops: There’s nothing worse than running out of fabric mid-project!

The Fix: Always buy a little extra, especially for key pieces. Keep your fabric organized and labeled, so you know what you’ve got on hand. If you do run short, consider adding a similar fabric as an accent or border to bring it all together.

10. Improper Binding

The Oops: Binding that’s too tight, too loose, or uneven can take away from the overall look of your quilt.

The Fix: Measure your quilt carefully before cutting the binding strips. Attach the binding with even stitching, and take special care at the corners to create clean, mitered edges.

11. Overstretching the Fabric

The Oops: Stretching fabric while cutting or sewing can cause distortion, leading to wonky blocks.

The Fix: Be gentle! Use starch if you need to stabilize the fabric, and always cut with the fabric lying flat on a stable surface. Watch out for bias edges—they’re especially prone to stretching.

12. Inconsistent Quilting Density

The Oops: Quilting that’s too dense in some spots and too sparse in others can make the quilt feel unbalanced.

The Fix: Plan your quilting design ahead of time, aiming for consistency across the quilt. Practice on a small piece to get a feel for the spacing, and adjust as needed before starting on your main quilt.

Petit Hibou

Avoiding these common mistakes can help you create a quilt that you’ll be proud of. Each project will become smoother and more enjoyable as you gain experience. So, embrace the process, learn from each hiccup, and, most importantly, happy quilting!

Go make something extraordinary.

Did you get my 5 Free Tips for Accurate Piecing yet? I would love to send it to you, sign up HERE!

New to Patterns By Jen?

 

Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Find paper and digital patterns in my Etsy shop.

 

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring

 

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

2024 September Monthly Color Challenge Block

 Brown is a tough color, people tend to either love it or hate it. I love it in the fall, because to me it means crunchy leaves, sweatshirts and football.

Our challenge this month is inspired by tropical fish. Such beauty lays under the water, it's hard not to be inspired.

Photo Credit: The Spruce Pets

This month our color is brown and inspired by the Kuhli Loach. I chose this fish because of it's awesome patterning.

From The Spruce Pets: They may look like a more advanced fish, but the Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii) is a great tropical fish species for beginning aquarists. This eel-like fish has an elongated body with small fins. Their bodies are dark brown and yellow striped, and they do well as single fish or in a group. The Kuhli Loach is a bottom feeder and is most active at dawn and dusk, so do not expect them to be very active during the day, and provide good hiding spots for them during this time.

The Kuhli Loach is a peaceful, community fish that will do well on many commercial tropical fish diets. They prefer slightly more acidic water, but this will not significantly limit their potential tank mates. If you have other bottom-dwelling fish, such as cory catfish, be sure there is plenty of space for everyone to forage freely.

I'm using Benartex's "Burlap" fabric line. I love the texture of the fabric, sooo much, and their browns are no exception.

Our featured blogger this month is:

Malgorzata of Pola Quilting

Find her on Instagram

Ready for the  block? This should be an easier block to put together so the rest of the month is yours to play.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook group (make sure to answer the questions so I know you are a real person 😉) where you will get a lot of support and questions answered! If you aren't on Facebook you can also follow Patterns By Jen on Instagram. Use #2024MonthlyColorChallenge when sharing so I can be sure to see your block.

I hope my feed is swimming in brown this month!

Ready to get the pattern? Go to Payhip and download it now! The block is free for the month of September! Each set of instructions includes a "How To" video.

It's too late to receive the January through September block instructions or the layout through email, but you can still sign up to have the October - December Monthly Color Challenge blocks sent directly to your inbox. Sign up HERE.

 

Let's make something Extraordinary!

 

Did you get my 5 Free Tips for Accurate Piecing yet? I would love to send it to you, sign up HERE!

New to Patterns By Jen?

 

Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

Newsletter sign up

 

2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Find paper and digital patterns in my Etsy shop.

 

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring

 

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Guide to Pre-Cuts

If you’ve spent any time wandering through your local quilt shop (or let’s be honest, scrolling online fabric stores), you’ve probably seen those enticing bundles of fabric neatly tied up with a ribbon or stacked like colorful pancakes. They’re called pre-cuts, and they can be a quilter’s best friend—especially if you’re just starting out. But what exactly are pre-cuts, and how do you use them? Let’s dive in!

 

What Are Pre-Cuts?

Pre-cuts are bundles of fabric that are already cut into specific sizes, making them super convenient for quilters who want to skip the measuring and cutting stage. These pre-cut pieces come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own quirky name, and they’re perfect for giving your quilt that cohesive, curated look without the hassle of picking out multiple fabrics.

Wild Blossoms

Here’s a quick rundown of the most common pre-cuts you’ll encounter:

• Charm Packs: These little bundles usually contain 42 squares of fabric, each 5” x 5”. They’re a great starting point for simple patchwork quilts.
• Layer Cakes: No frosting here, but a lot of fabric! Layer Cakes are collections of 10” x 10” squares, often used for larger blocks or to cut into smaller pieces for more intricate designs.
• Jelly Rolls: Strips of fabric measuring 2.5” x the width of the fabric (usually around 42”). Jelly Rolls are perfect for strip quilts, log cabins, or any pattern that calls for strips.
• Fat Quarters: These are 18” x 22” cuts of fabric, giving you a bit more versatility for cutting different shapes and sizes. Fat Quarter bundles often come in coordinated collections, making it easier to mix and match.
• Mini Charm Packs: Think of these as baby Charm Packs, with 2.5” x 2.5” squares. They’re adorable and perfect for tiny projects or to add some variety to larger ones.
• Honey Buns: Similar to Jelly Rolls, but with 1.5” strips instead of 2.5”. Great for finer details or smaller-scale projects.
• Layer Cake Samplers: These are like a charm pack but larger, with 12” x 12” squares. They give you a bit more room to play with larger-scale patterns.

Why Pre-Cuts Are Perfect for Beginners

One of the biggest hurdles for new quilters is the cutting process. Let’s face it—measuring and cutting fabric can be intimidating when you’re just getting started. Pre-cuts take out that guesswork and let you jump straight to the fun part: piecing and sewing. They also make it easier to coordinate colors and patterns because they often come in collections designed to work together. So, no more stressing over whether that green fabric clashes with the purple one—you’re all set!

Plus, pre-cuts save time. With everything already cut and ready to go, you can get right to the creative part of quilting. Whether you’re tackling your first quilt or just need a quick project between bigger ones, pre-cuts are your best friend.

Pinwheel Pivot

How to Choose the Right Pre-Cut for Your Project

Choosing the right pre-cut depends on what you want to make. Here’s a quick guide:

• Charm Packs: Ideal for smaller quilts, baby quilts, or simple patchwork designs. Great for practicing your piecing skills.
• Layer Cakes: Perfect for larger quilts or projects where you want to show off a fabric’s design. These work well for patterns that require bigger blocks.
• Jelly Rolls: Awesome for strip quilts, log cabins, or anything that involves sewing strips together. They’re also great for adding borders or sashing.
• Fat Quarters: The most versatile option, fat quarters give you enough fabric to cut a variety of shapes, making them perfect for complex designs or when you need a bit more flexibility.
• Mini Charm Packs: These are fun for smaller projects like table runners, mug rugs, or as accents in larger quilts.
• Honey Buns: Best for detailed work or when you want to create a more intricate design without cutting everything yourself.

Turning Wheels

Tips for Working with Pre-Cuts

1. Starch Your Fabric: Pre-cuts can be a bit wobbly around the edges, so give them a light spray with starch to keep them stable.
2. Mind the Pinked Edges: Some pre-cuts come with pinked edges to prevent fraying. When sewing, measure from the outer tips of the pinking to maintain your seam allowance.
3. Be Mindful of Your Layout: Because pre-cuts are already coordinated, it’s easy to get caught up in the sewing and forget about your layout. Take a moment to lay out your pieces before sewing to make sure you’re happy with the arrangement.
4. Keep Them Organized: Pre-cuts can sometimes be slippery little devils, so keep them stacked neatly or in a project bin to avoid losing pieces.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match: Just because a pre-cut bundle comes as a set doesn’t mean you have to use it all in one project. Mix and match with other pre-cuts or fabrics from your stash to create something uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts

Pre-cuts are like the fast pass at the quilting amusement park—they get you to the fun part quicker and with less hassle. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into quilting or looking for a quick and easy project, pre-cuts offer a convenient and creative solution. So, grab a bundle (or two, or three), and let your creativity take the lead. Before you know it, you’ll be turning those pre-cut pieces into a quilt that’s uniquely yours—one stitch at a time.

Softly Circled

Go make something extraordinary.

Did you get my 5 Free Tips for Accurate Piecing yet? I would love to send it to you, sign up HERE!

New to Patterns By Jen?

 

Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Find paper and digital patterns in my Etsy shop.

 

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring

 

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Quilting Jargon

 The world of quilting has many terms and acronyms specific to its rich history and unique techniques.

Many are self explanatory, some are confusing. I've compiled a list that will hopefully be helpful for you. Be sure to bookmark the page or save it to your quilting Pinterest Board.

Appliqué: A technique where pieces of fabric are sewn onto a larger piece to create designs.

Batting: The layer of material (cotton, wool, or polyester) between the quilt top and backing that provides warmth and thickness.

Bias: The diagonal direction of the fabric, which has the most stretch.

Wild Blossoms

Binding: The fabric strip used to finish the edges of a quilt.

Block: A unit of a quilt, often square, that is repeated to form the quilt top.

Block Of The Month (BOM): A program that offers a new block each month with a finished quilt at the end.

Chain Piecing: A method of sewing blocks or pieces together without cutting the thread between each one.

Charm Pack: A collection of 5-inch fabric squares, often from the same fabric line.

Frayed Edges

Cornerstones: Small squares of fabric placed at the intersections of sashing strips.

Crosswise Grain: The direction of the fabric perpendicular to the selvage.

Design Wall: A vertical surface where quilt blocks can be arranged and rearranged before sewing.

English Paper Piecing (EPP): A hand-sewing technique where fabric is wrapped around paper shapes and sewn together.

Fat Quarter (FQ): A fabric piece that measures approximately 18" x 22", half of a half-yard of fabric.

Foundation Piecing: Sewing fabric pieces onto a paper or fabric foundation to create precise designs.

Pinwheel Pivot

Free Motion Quilting (FMQ): A technique of quilting where the quilter moves the fabric freely under the needle to create designs.

Fusible Web: A material that, when heated, bonds fabric layers together, often used in appliqué.

Grain: The direction of the fabric threads, either lengthwise or crosswise.

Half-Square Triangle (HST): A square made from two triangles, often used in quilt blocks.

Jelly Roll: A collection of 2.5-inch fabric strips, often from the same fabric line.

Layer Cake: A collection of 10-inch fabric squares, often from the same fabric line.

Loft: The thickness or fluffiness of batting.

Winter Trees

Long Arm Quilting (LAQ): The process of using a long arm quilting machine to quilt together a top, batting and backing.

Local Quilt Shop (LQS): A small, independently owned store that specializes in quilting supplies, fabrics, tools, and often offers quilting classes or workshops.

Paper Piecing (PP): A quilting technique in which fabric pieces are sewn onto a paper or fabric foundation following a specific pattern.

The Border Quilt

Patchwork: The process of sewing fabric pieces together to create a quilt top.

Piecing: Sewing together fabric pieces to form a quilt top.

Quarter Square Triangle (QST): A quilt block unit that is made by cutting a square of fabric diagonally twice to create four triangles.

Quilt Along (QAL): A group of quilters making the same quilt at the same time either virtually or in person.

Quilt As You Go (QAYG): A quilting technique where you quilt individual blocks or sections of a quilt one at a time, and then join these pre-quilted sections together to form the final quilt.

Quilt Sandwich: The three layers of a quilt—top, batting, and backing—before they are quilted together.

Diamond Run

Quilting: The process of sewing through the quilt sandwich to create the final quilt.

Raw Edge: The unfinished edge of fabric that can fray.

Right Sides Together (RST): Refers to the technique of placing two pieces of fabric with their "right" or "front" sides facing each other before sewing.

Rotary Cutter: A tool with a circular blade used to cut fabric.

Sashing: Strips of fabric sewn between blocks or rows of blocks in a quilt.

Seam Allowance (SA): The area of fabric between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line in a sewing or quilting project.

Selvage: The tightly woven edge of fabric that prevents it from fraying.

Stitch in the Ditch (SID): A quilting technique where the stitches are placed in the seams of the pieced quilt top.

Harlequin Court

Square In A Square (SIS): A quilt block, also known as an Economy Block, is a classic quilting block design where a smaller square is surrounded by four triangles, forming a larger square.

Unfinished Object (UFO): Refers to a quilt or quilting project that has been started but not yet completed.

Work In Progress (WIP): Refers to a project that is currently being worked on, even if it's not completed.

WOF (Width of Fabric): The measurement of the fabric from selvage to selvage, typically 42-44 inches.

Wrong Sides Together (WST): Refers to the side that is not intended to be seen on the finished quilt.

Pinwheel Pizzazz

So many words, so much to learn. Don't forget to bookmark this page so you can refer back to it in your quilting journey.

Did I miss anything important? Comment and let me know so I can add to it!

Go make something extraordinary.

Did you get my 5 Free Tips for Accurate Piecing yet? I would love to send it to you, sign up HERE!

New to Patterns By Jen?

 

Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

Newsletter sign up

 

2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Find paper and digital patterns in my Etsy shop.

 

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring

 

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.