Happy Friday, everyone! Remember this quilt I made for my grandson, Alex? You asked for the tutorial and here it is. Actually, I will show you how to make the block and give you all the measurements you need to make a larger quilt.
I started with the pattern No Bake Jolly Bar by Fat Quarter Shop. It is free and you can download it by clicking here. Here is the one I made with this pattern in December for the Fat Quarter Shop blog hop:
I love this quilt – the pattern is simple and beautiful. For this quilt I used Daysail by Moda, and the leftover blocks I turned into Alex’s quilt. Here is the tutorial for the block which I am calling No Bake Jolly Bar Shuffle:
Start with your favorite Jolly Bar by Fat Quarter Shop. For this tutorial I am using Fresh Air by American Jane for Moda Fabrics. Stitch 2 pieces together lengthwise with a 1/4″ seam. Press seam towards dark fabric.
Stitch the bottom and the top only of a 9-1/2″ by 10″ square of solid, contrasting fabric, RST, onto the fabrics you just pressed.
Cut this block in half, right down the middle (notice on photo above – cut in between the stitched lines, not through them).
You will get two blocks from each set of 2 rectangles and a solid square. Now, prepare to ‘shuffle’:
Trim 1-1/2″ from each side of the block.
Trim 1-1/2″ from top and bottom of the block.
This is what you will end up with.
Shuffle bottom and top strips as shown (as I grab the top strip, I turn it around so prints aren’t aligned with the top prints anymore).
Now, do the same with side strips so prints align at the bottom.
Stitch top and bottom strips to center of block. Press seams.
Pin side strips to center of block as shown above. See how it looks on the back? My pins catch all the seams so they won’t move when I stitch over them.
Stitch the side strips, trim ends and press open. Let seams fall where they may.
This is the finished block. I love it! Remember, you will chain piece the blocks so they come together pretty fast. Now, for the materials for the quilt:
Quilt measures 67″ by 83″
2 Jolly Bars
(or sixty-four 5″ x 10″ rectangles)
2-1/2 yards solid, contrasting fabric
1/2 yards border fabric (cut 2″ x WOF strips)
5-1/4 yards backing
5/8 yards binding
The original blocks measure 9-1/2″ x 9-1/2″. When you are done shuffling them, they will measure 8-1/2″ x 8-1/2″. Two Jolly Bars will give you 80 blocks which you will assemble in rows: 8 blocks in each row, 10 rows exactly. Nothing left over! I did add a 1-1/2″ border to my quilt and the yardage for that is mentioned above. I think this should do it.
Now, for the giveaway – Fat Quarter Shop is offering 2 Jolly Bars for a lucky quilter:
The Vintage Picnic line by Moda is gorgeous and it will look so nice with this pattern, don’t you think? All you need to do is leave a comment telling me if you dream of changing patterns, or if you prefer using them as they come. Make sure I have a way to contact you (if you are a no-reply blogger, leave your emails as “soandso at myemail dot com” so you don’t get spammed). For an extra chance to win, leave another comment letting me know how you follow this blog. I will announce the winner next Wednesday, March 9.
I hope this makes your day fun. Mine is looking brighter now (it is cloudy outside and the photographs reflect it, but the colorful fabrics always cheer me up…).
Linking to Crazy Mom Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict. See ya,
A lot of the time I make things up as I go along. If I like the look of a particular pattern I will follow it as given.
Pauline
perry94022 at hotmail dot com
What a neat block!! I don't dream of changing patterns, however if I do something wrong I often say "oh well!" and leave it as is.
I follow Pieced Brain by newsletter, Bloglovin' and Pinterest.
Pauline
perry94022 at hotmail dot com
I always follow directions the 1st time. If I make it again I might change it up. I give it one good shot following directions 1st.
I follow on bloglovin
I generally make patterns mine by changing them up a bit.
I follow you via email. thanks for the tutorial!
I'm a fairly new quilter so I stick to the blocks as written. Maybe in the future I'll get more adventurous! Many thanks for the tutorial!
emyerly(at)outlook(dot)com
I follow your blog through email.
I follow you by email. Thanks for the inspiration!
emyerly(at)outlook(dot)com
So fun! I'm much too cowardly to change them as I fear making a bunch of useless pieces so I stick to the patterns.
I get your emails and follow on bloglovin
I usually follow a pattern as printed, but sometimes I take a couple of blocks I like and make a quilt from them, like the snowball block along with a large print block. Get some cute stars that way. Thanks for the giveaway.
I don't think I've ever made a pattern as given. I'm always coming up with my own take on it. (Watch, I'll think about this for a minute after I click publish and I'll remember a quilt or two that I used the pattern exactly. Ha!) Thanks for offering the fabric and for the tutorial.
–Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)
I usually use patterns as they come, and then play with color differences to make it a bit different. Maybe someday I will be able to think more outside the box and change up patterns completely!
I follow on email
I'm a beginner so I don't change patterns! I use them as is!
It's only purely by accident if I change any patterns… because I do try to follow them as best as I can; otherwise, I fear that I'll run out of fabric and gosh-darn it I'm forced to shop for more!! lol
I follow you via email, bloglovin and google+
I like to change things up on patterns and on recipes. Great tutorial!
I love to follow the patterns,print them and use my fabrics but sometimes I change the setting.
I often change up patterns a wee bit! Love what you did with this one and thanks for the tutorial! Looks fun and easy!
I follow you via email notification!
Fabulous tutorial and great block.I follow you via email.Thanks
I usually follow a pattern, but sometimes I will change thing around. I love your take on this blog. Thanks for sharing and for tge giveaway.
I follow via email.
I generally follow patterns as given. I often change the colour scheme and sometimes the size.
Change patterns. 24Tangent at gmail dot com
Following on Bloglovin'. 24Tangent at gmail dot com
I follow you with bloglovin. Thanks for the giveaway.
I am not experienced enough yet to change patterns around but one day. Thanks for the giveaway.
I follow blog on email.
I follow with Bloglovin
I love the change you did, I pretty much follow patterns, but many times there are that oops moment when you realize that you did something not like the pattern but you go with it anyway and a masterpiece is born..
I'm such a rule follower, I tend to follow the pattern!
I follow your blog through email! Thanks for the tutorial, I really like this!
I often change patterns, just to my gusto. But i also like just to follow the rues! Your quilt turned out wonderful! Love it!
Hugs Martina
I follow your blog via bloglovin'
I'm a follow the pattern type of person, but I love what you've done with this pattern. I'd love to try those Vintage Picnic fabrics.
I follow via email.
I like to change things up.
I follow through bloglovin.
i mess with patterns all the time
follow on gfc bnewtjwatgmailddotcom
I follow you by e-mail and bloglovin. Never what to miss you.
OH, yes I love to change up patters, and you different fabrics.
I often put my own spin on a pattern. Sometimes it is just changing the fabric used,but other times I will add or take away blocks or sashing to make it my own.
You're very clever and this method is quick and easy. Thanks!
I follow via email.
Fun looking block. I always like to mix up a pattern and make it my own.
I follow your blog
I usually follow the pattern first time around then change it up next time!
by email
I never can seem happy with a pattern I always get side tracked
Email follower!
I sometimes use a pattern as written, but most of the time I make some modifications to make it my own. And I nearly always use more than the number of fabrics called for, so I can make it look scrappy.
I follow by GFC and email.
HAPPY TO FOLLOW YOU VIA BLOG LOVIN !
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HELLO,I do both,I really like to change patterns around;also love a new pattern I've never thought of!Thanks to you +FQS for a nice giveaway! [email protected]
I change them up a bit sometimes, but not always. I really like your "twist". It has a bento box feel.
I follow via Feedly and your newsletter =) Thanks!
I follow the pattern and then twist it usually
I follow via email
I usually get inspired by patterns, then change them up a bit. This is a super cute block; thanks for sharing!
I follow you via email updates.
Most of my changes are the result of misreading the pattern. Sometimes it's a good thing.
Love it! I am currently working on my own version of the original No Bake Jolly Bar quilt using Prairie but I subbed out some of my own stash just to break things up a bit. Not on this pattern but certainly others, I do what I can to eliminate extra seams and foundation piece other things. Quilting software helps with changing up the designs. THX for the giveaway opportunity.
I usually follow a pattern,but I like to have complete creative control over the fabric choices -so no kits!
I follow Pieced Brain by email.
Looks like a fun change up. I do like to make some changes to s pattern just so it doesn't look like everyone else's.
I follow you by email.
I almost never completely follow a pattern. Most often I used them as a starting place–oh I like the width of that sashing or whatever it is. Your quilt is fantastic. I like your spin!
I do both. Sometimes I follow the directions, other times I wing it depending on how I feel that day. I really like your quilt.
ramona_murray(at)comcast(dot)net
I usually follow the pattern, but sometimes I will mix things up a bit!
I follow you by email.
I do change some patterns, but I follow them at least once. I like the way you changed this one, very clever! irinadejuanATgmailDOTcom
I follow by email. Thanks for the chance!
Love this block! Sometimes I change them…but never on purpose! 🙂 I usually keep to the patterns.
I follow by email
I like to follow the pattern directions, but rarely do it in the same colors.
I follow by email.
I also follow on Pinterest.
I like to follow the pattern directions, but rarely do it in the same colors.
I usually follow the pattern exactly. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Sandy N
explabgirl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bloglovin follower
Sandy N
explabgirl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi. I don't have many quilts under my belt, so I prefer to follow the pattern. Maybe I'll be adventurous a bit later:).
Sharon
[email protected]
You are so clever! I follow patterns to the letter and rarely change them up. The math always messes me up. 😉
I follow you via e-mail and always enjoy seeing what you are up to in the sewing room.
I follow the pattern. Someday I hope to be adventurous enough change things up 🙂 Thanks for the great tutorial and giveaway!
I follow via email
I don't typically change a pattern much. I love the process of choosing fabrics so that is where I put most of my creative efforts. The different precuts are nice because they have combos that I don't typically gravitate towards. Bmichelbrink at shaw dot ca
I'm not brave enough to change up a pattern, especially cutting sewn blocks not knowing what I will get.
I have been following your blog with GFC.
I don't think I would be able to change up a pieced pattern other than to add a an extra row of blocks or borders to make it bigger. But applique is a different story – I often take liberties and change up the appliqued block to make it more my own.
I follow your blog with Bloglovin.
I usually follow patterns as they come. This looks like a great pattern!
I like to stick close to the pattern, i'm afraid that if I divert it'll turn into a mess!
I've been following you on GFC for quite awhile ")
Yes! I change patterns! I also follow them closely too, but often like to do as you did, and put another spin on them! Too much fun.
I follow you by email, which is how I found out about this. 🙂 And it's bookmarked, and I'm going to add you to bloglovin' if you aren't there so I can save this tute there too…good for scraps methinks as well. Thank you Denise!
I follow with Bloglovin'
I follow recipes and I follow patterns! It's hard to break out of that comfort zone but when I do I am usually pleased with myself!
Love your Quilt!!! I always use a Pattern..I am not that creative, to go off on my own thinking ….giggle… Thanks for the Tutorial…and for chance to win this Beautiful Give-a-way too! 🙂
I am already a Follower..thru Email, Bloglovin & Pinterest too 🙂
Sweet quilt…I pretty much follow patterns.
I follow via email.
I'm always changing the pattern – usually if I can make it in less steps. Love your version. Thanks for the change – I get an email when you post.
Thank you Denise!
Love your "disappearing" version of the No Bake Jolly Bar pattern. I occasionally change patterns, usually to make it simpler. Thanks.
I'm a follower of your blog via email. Thanks again.
I usually follow the pattern I do sometimes change a border
Because I haven't made many quilts I tend to stay with the pattern for experience but I often change fabric pieces to compliment my fabric. If a patten calls for all the same color I will make it more scrappy. Your pattern is nice and one I will use. Thank you very much. jlblvn at gmail dot com
Because I haven't made many quilts I tend to stay with the pattern for experience but I often change fabric pieces to compliment my fabric. If a patten calls for all the same color I will make it more scrappy. Your pattern is nice and one I will use. Thank you very much. jlblvn at gmail dot com
Such cute fabric. Thanks for you tutorial!
I feel "compelled" to change or add some element in a pattern to make it mine. Your new use of the jolly bars is clever and produced a lovely quilt. Kudos.
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I follow your blog via Bloglovin.
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I'm fairly picky about quilt designs, so when I see one that I love, I use it as it's given. I like to change up the colors though to make it unique. duchick at gmail dot com
I follow you by email and also on Bloglovin.! duchick at gmail dot com
I do both, sometimes I change the pattern to fit the fabric I have say 5 in squares not 6in. I might turn it on point for more interest.
Most often, I follow a pattern as written. However, I have substituted a four patch or added a star instead of a square to add a twist.
I follow your blog using Bloglovin'. Thanks for inspiration posts. Thanks for a chance in the giveaway.
I like to follow a pattern as written, but usually as I make it I think of other ways I can change it up to make it my own!
[email protected]
I subscribe to your blog via email!
I like to change patterns!
I follow via email.
I'm always changing the pattern I work with. I wanna be a quilt to be truely mine and what better way than to change the pattern;-)
I follow you via email.
I have always followed patterns as-is, but recently had that aha moment that I want to change some of them and even so some blocks! Love your changes here!
I use patterns as they come. That way I know what the finished quilt will look like. Thanks!
Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.
I follow you on Bloglovin. Thanks!
Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.
I often change patterns, but not usually on purpose!
I often change patterns, it really depends what I want to achieve. I tend to see patterns as helpful guides and suggestions rather than something set in stone. Thank you for a great tutorial. x
I follow with Bloglovin'. x
I usually use a pattern the way it is, and if I like it enough, I might change it the 2nd time. I love your jolly bar shuffle! Very clever!
I follow your blog via email. Thanks!
I follow your blog via email, although I have been waaaaay behind lately. hoping to get caught up and picked a great place to start
Like both quilts, but have to say Alex's is my favorite. I usually follow a pattern as written, but may sneak in my own idea if I can. If I like the pattern enough to make it again, I make it my way with the pattern's help behind it.
That is a fabulous spin on the pattern. I am always imagining how to change up a pattern, but rarely do. Your colors are truly great.
I am one of your followers.
I like to use patterns as they are – more because it saves me time !
I follow and get your newsletter!
I might use a pattern as it is but usually I end up changing it.
I follow via Bloglovin. I'm going to be putting this pattern together later today as I need a cute baby quilt for my niece and this is it.
I will change the pattern most of the time…but usually just for the color choice.
Cheri
fabricandmemories(at)yahoo(dot)com
I follow you via email.
Cheri
fabricandmemories(at)yahoo(dot)com
I usually make patterns up by changing them a little
I change patterns all the time, unless I just end up making my own. Have yet to find a pattern where I did not see something I needed to change.
I follow on bloglovin.
i like patterns as they come, unless they are wrong 🙂 Blog is lifeaspostedtwo.blogspot.com
I prefer using the patterns as they come. – [email protected]
I follow you on Bloglovin
I'm not confident enough yet to change patterns.
I am one of your followers.
I actually do both — it depends on what I am making at the time and on the pattern.
I love how you changed the pattern. I like to change it up or at least explore fabric placement to see the different effects I can get
I usually follow a pattern, but may change due to the fabric on hand (New Year's resolution was not to buy any fabric!) abh10066 at aol.com
I follow on pintrest. Thank you.
abh10066 at aol.com
I follow your blog by email x
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com
As a newbie I follow the pattern to the letter !
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com
It really depends. I like to follow tutorials, as I am not the most creative. However, I usually tweak it a little here and there.
I follow you via email.
Sometimes I change the patterns I use and sometimes I follow them very closely. Thanks for the great tutorial.
lin.web.28 at gmail dot com
I follow you by email.
lin.web.28 at gmail dot com
I really should follow patterns as written- since it would be so much easier, but I tend to just make things up as I go or design my own. Thanks- I love how this block looks complicated, but your tutorial is so clear it makes it looks simple!
I follow you via email (I subscribe with crjandsbj (at)netzero(dot)com). Thanks!!
I do change patterns – sometimes on purpose and sometimes –well let's say "subconsciously." I have used lots of precuts, but never a Jolly Bar.
Thanks for the tute. I always need to change things up!
Mindingmomma at AOL dot com
I have never followed a patter completely. I am just getting started but so far, I have had to change the math on all the patterns that I have found to fit what I wanted to do. So I use the basic pattern, but just change sizes or small details. It is fun to work it all out to new numbers. 🙂 debbygrawn at yahoo dot com
I follow you on blog lovin.
debbygrawn at yahoo dot com
I am new to the quilting and sewing world so for now I use patterns as they are. Maybe I will feel more comfortable to change patterns as I gain experience. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow you via email. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com
I might change a pattern a little bit but usually follow it closely. I like your tutorial; thanks.
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Bloglovin follower: Nicole Sender
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
I usually follow the pattern the first time I make it but if I make it a second time I might change it. [email protected]
I follow you via Bloglovin.
I change patterns, in fact I have yet to make a quilt exactly as the pattern says.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com
I prefer using patterns as they come. I'm not good at dreaming up how things will look changed around. susan430 at cox dot net
I follow you via e-mail. susan430 at cox dot net
Hi Denise, that so cool and easy! Thank you for sharing the Jolly Bar tutorial . I prefer to use patterns as they come, but you know you once you get things pieced or start shuffling around, miracles happen and you're inspiration changes course.
schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com
Denise I'm a Bloglovin follower. Thank you , you're always so Sunny:)
schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow via email.
I accidentally changed a pattern around one time. Fortunately it turned out great!
An interesting change around. I often find a 'changed around' block where it shouldnt be and have to do a bit of unpicking!
That's a beautiful quilt – thanks for the directions. I do change patterns from time to time, or design my own. Sometimes I do follow a pattern, especially if it is complicated or particularly easy. It just depends on if I can think of anything I can do to improve it.
I follow you on bloglovin'
I love your version too! I think it's fun to place with stitched blocks to see what all kinds of patterns can be made.
I follow you on Bloglovin'.
I have a problem, I never follow patterns! And this is a great shuffle and a reason why it is so fun to change things up!
I follow with bloglovin, but actually caught this post by e-mail today.
That's a cute quilt block. I'm a fly by the moment sort of girl. Sometimes I want a pattern to stick by and sometimes I want to do my own thing.
I really do both it just depends on what is going on. Sometimes a pattern is very complicated and needs to be used as is.
I do both follow the directions of a quilt and also like to do my own thing. Great quilt by the way
I follow you on your blog
I prefer to follow patterns as they come most of the time, but sometimes, I like to play and change things up a bit.
I follow by email!
I always change a pattern at least a little bit to make it uniquely mine.
I follow you by email but I just saw where someone else was following on Bloglovin. I use bloglovin so I will probably switch over there. LOVE your blog!!
That is a great tutorial and pattern hack! I am in the camp that usually changes some aspect of the pattern, not always successfully, but I keep at it anyway.
I follow Pieced Brain via email.
Thanks for a great tutorial and I appreciate the wonderful photos as well. I don't have a problem changing a pattern if I prefer to do something different. I think our projects should be our own.
Thanks for a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
Im a follower via email.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow via email. Thanks.
I'm always changing something in a pattern. The size of the blocks, the color combinations, how it is put together, sometimes even the layout. Although some patterns are so precise they don't adjust well to alterations, I do follow those much more carefully. Thanks.
I follow a pattern as given. I follow Piece Brain by email
I like to use patterns as they are when I buy them. Thanks and God bless! ILuvTheEucharist (at) aol.com
I really like your shuffled block, great fun 🙂 I don't often change up a block for a quilt but that may explain why it takes quite a bit of time for me to pick a pattern for my precious stash!
I often make small changes to a pattern, maybe adding a different border. But not with this tutorial–the quilt is so pretty.
I follow you in Old Reader. Thanks!
I have never used a pattern and I'm constantly making changes along the way. [email protected]
This is a great tutorial-love your quilt! I am a beginner so I'm still just following patterns!amyork13atgmaildotcom
I follow on Bloglovin.