• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Pieced Brain

All about quilting, knitting, crochet, embroidery, free tutorials, quilting and crafting book reviews.

  • Start Here
  • Design a Quilt
  • Featured
  • Patterns
    • Patterns
    • Pattern Updates
    • Free Patterns
  • Tutorials
  • Programs & Workshops
  • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Tutorial and Giveaway

By Denise Russell

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,

Share This:

Share
Pin31
Post
Print

Filed Under: quilting, Uncategorized

Get free quilt patterns and tutorials, as well as blocks and quilts designed exclusively for subscribers.

Find out what is trending in the quilting world and learn new techniques to take your quilting to the next level!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pauline Perry says

    at

    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

  2. CaroleM says

    at

    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.

  3. Pauline Perry says

    at

    I follow Pieced Brain by newsletter, Bloglovin' and Pinterest.
    Pauline
    perry94022 at hotmail dot com

  4. Stephanie says

    at

    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.

  5. Stephanie says

    at

    I follow on bloglovin

  6. Sally says

    at

    I generally make patterns mine by changing them up a bit.

  7. Sally says

    at

    I follow you via email. thanks for the tutorial!

  8. ELNM says

    at

    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

  9. Sandy says

    at

    I follow your blog through email.

  10. ELNM says

    at

    I follow you by email. Thanks for the inspiration!

    emyerly(at)outlook(dot)com

  11. Kristine says

    at

    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.

  12. Kristine says

    at

    I get your emails and follow on bloglovin

  13. Sandy says

    at

    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.

  14. Nancy says

    at

    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)

  15. Veronika says

    at

    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!

  16. Veronika says

    at

    I follow on email

  17. Andrea York says

    at

    I'm a beginner so I don't change patterns! I use them as is!

  18. Michele T says

    at

    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

  19. Michele T says

    at

    I follow you via email, bloglovin and google+

  20. Steph says

    at

    I like to change things up on patterns and on recipes. Great tutorial!

  21. Rosa says

    at

    I love to follow the patterns,print them and use my fabrics but sometimes I change the setting.

  22. KaHolly says

    at

    I often change up patterns a wee bit! Love what you did with this one and thanks for the tutorial! Looks fun and easy!

  23. KaHolly says

    at

    I follow you via email notification!

  24. Rosa says

    at

    Fabulous tutorial and great block.I follow you via email.Thanks

  25. Cecilia says

    at

    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.

  26. Cecilia says

    at

    I follow via email.

  27. MoeWest says

    at

    I generally follow patterns as given. I often change the colour scheme and sometimes the size.

  28. Quilting Tangent says

    at

    Change patterns. 24Tangent at gmail dot com

  29. Quilting Tangent says

    at

    Following on Bloglovin'. 24Tangent at gmail dot com

  30. MoeWest says

    at

    I follow you with bloglovin. Thanks for the giveaway.

  31. Nancy M. says

    at

    I am not experienced enough yet to change patterns around but one day. Thanks for the giveaway.

  32. Nancy M. says

    at

    I follow blog on email.

  33. Nanbon44 says

    at

    I follow with Bloglovin

  34. Nanbon44 says

    at

    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..

  35. Lisa says

    at

    I'm such a rule follower, I tend to follow the pattern!

  36. Lisa says

    at

    I follow your blog through email! Thanks for the tutorial, I really like this!

  37. Martina says

    at

    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

  38. Martina says

    at

    I follow your blog via bloglovin'

  39. Deb says

    at

    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.

  40. Deb says

    at

    I follow via email.

  41. sandyandcosmo says

    at

    I like to change things up.

  42. sandyandcosmo says

    at

    I follow through bloglovin.

  43. barbara woods says

    at

    i mess with patterns all the time

  44. barbara woods says

    at

    follow on gfc bnewtjwatgmailddotcom

  45. The Slow Quilter says

    at

    I follow you by e-mail and bloglovin. Never what to miss you.

  46. The Slow Quilter says

    at

    OH, yes I love to change up patters, and you different fabrics.

  47. Karen says

    at

    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.

  48. Joy says

    at

    You're very clever and this method is quick and easy. Thanks!

  49. Joy says

    at

    I follow via email.

  50. Patty D from NC says

    at

    Fun looking block. I always like to mix up a pattern and make it my own.

  51. Patty D from NC says

    at

    I follow your blog

  52. Gill says

    at

    I usually follow the pattern first time around then change it up next time!

  53. SIMPLESEW says

    at

    by email

  54. SIMPLESEW says

    at

    I never can seem happy with a pattern I always get side tracked

  55. Gill says

    at

    Email follower!

  56. Lisa Marie says

    at

    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.

  57. Lisa Marie says

    at

    I follow by GFC and email.

  58. Anonymous says

    at

    HAPPY TO FOLLOW YOU VIA BLOG LOVIN !
    [email protected]

  59. Anonymous says

    at

    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]

  60. HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n says

    at

    I change them up a bit sometimes, but not always. I really like your "twist". It has a bento box feel.

  61. HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n says

    at

    I follow via Feedly and your newsletter =) Thanks!

  62. Pippa Parsons says

    at

    I follow the pattern and then twist it usually

  63. Pippa Parsons says

    at

    I follow via email

  64. Louise says

    at

    I usually get inspired by patterns, then change them up a bit. This is a super cute block; thanks for sharing!

  65. Louise says

    at

    I follow you via email updates.

  66. Sandra says

    at

    Most of my changes are the result of misreading the pattern. Sometimes it's a good thing.

  67. Linda J says

    at

    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.

  68. lalaluu says

    at

    I usually follow a pattern,but I like to have complete creative control over the fabric choices -so no kits!

  69. lalaluu says

    at

    I follow Pieced Brain by email.

  70. Karen in Breezy Point says

    at

    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.

  71. Karen in Breezy Point says

    at

    I follow you by email.

  72. Chiska says

    at

    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!

  73. Ramona says

    at

    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

  74. Darlington Delights says

    at

    I usually follow the pattern, but sometimes I will mix things up a bit!

  75. Darlington Delights says

    at

    I follow you by email.

  76. Irina says

    at

    I do change some patterns, but I follow them at least once. I like the way you changed this one, very clever! irinadejuanATgmailDOTcom

  77. Irina says

    at

    I follow by email. Thanks for the chance!

  78. usagypsy says

    at

    Love this block! Sometimes I change them…but never on purpose! 🙂 I usually keep to the patterns.

  79. usagypsy says

    at

    I follow by email

  80. Betty says

    at

    I like to follow the pattern directions, but rarely do it in the same colors.

  81. Betty says

    at

    I follow by email.

    • Betty says

      at

      I also follow on Pinterest.

  82. Betty says

    at

    I like to follow the pattern directions, but rarely do it in the same colors.

  83. Anonymous says

    at

    I usually follow the pattern exactly. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
    Sandy N
    explabgirl(at)yahoo(dot)com

  84. Anonymous says

    at

    Bloglovin follower
    Sandy N
    explabgirl(at)yahoo(dot)com

  85. Anonymous says

    at

    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]

  86. Crafty Tokyo Mama says

    at

    You are so clever! I follow patterns to the letter and rarely change them up. The math always messes me up. 😉

  87. Crafty Tokyo Mama says

    at

    I follow you via e-mail and always enjoy seeing what you are up to in the sewing room.

  88. Dawn says

    at

    I follow the pattern. Someday I hope to be adventurous enough change things up 🙂 Thanks for the great tutorial and giveaway!

  89. Dawn says

    at

    I follow via email

  90. Brandy says

    at

    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

  91. Vicki H says

    at

    I'm not brave enough to change up a pattern, especially cutting sewn blocks not knowing what I will get.

  92. Vicki H says

    at

    I have been following your blog with GFC.

  93. annmarie says

    at

    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.

  94. annmarie says

    at

    I follow your blog with Bloglovin.

  95. Just Quilt It says

    at

    I usually follow patterns as they come. This looks like a great pattern!

  96. sew.darn.quilt says

    at

    I like to stick close to the pattern, i'm afraid that if I divert it'll turn into a mess!

  97. sew.darn.quilt says

    at

    I've been following you on GFC for quite awhile ")

  98. Sandra Walker says

    at

    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.

  99. Sandra Walker says

    at

    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!

  100. BeachQuilter says

    at

    I follow with Bloglovin'

  101. BeachQuilter says

    at

    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!

  102. OhioLori says

    at

    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! 🙂

  103. OhioLori says

    at

    I am already a Follower..thru Email, Bloglovin & Pinterest too 🙂

  104. Deb says

    at

    Sweet quilt…I pretty much follow patterns.

  105. Deb says

    at

    I follow via email.

  106. Angie in SoCal says

    at

    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.

  107. Susan says

    at

    Thank you Denise!

  108. JoyceLM says

    at

    Love your "disappearing" version of the No Bake Jolly Bar pattern. I occasionally change patterns, usually to make it simpler. Thanks.

  109. JoyceLM says

    at

    I'm a follower of your blog via email. Thanks again.

  110. Dee says

    at

    I usually follow the pattern I do sometimes change a border

  111. Judy says

    at

    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

  112. Judy says

    at

    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

  113. Rilene says

    at

    Such cute fabric. Thanks for you tutorial!

  114. Havplenty says

    at

    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

  115. Havplenty says

    at

    I follow your blog via Bloglovin.

    tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

  116. Kathy E. says

    at

    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

  117. Kathy E. says

    at

    I follow you by email and also on Bloglovin.! duchick at gmail dot com

  118. GranChris says

    at

    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.

  119. Sorcha girl says

    at

    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.

  120. Sorcha girl says

    at

    I follow your blog using Bloglovin'. Thanks for inspiration posts. Thanks for a chance in the giveaway.

  121. anita says

    at

    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]

  122. anita says

    at

    I subscribe to your blog via email!

  123. Nancy says

    at

    I like to change patterns!

  124. Nancy says

    at

    I follow via email.

  125. Hildy says

    at

    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;-)

  126. Hildy says

    at

    I follow you via email.

  127. Swedish Scrapper says

    at

    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!

  128. Anonymous says

    at

    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.

  129. Anonymous says

    at

    I follow you on Bloglovin. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

  130. Beth says

    at

    I often change patterns, but not usually on purpose!

  131. Kay says

    at

    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

  132. Kay says

    at

    I follow with Bloglovin'. x

  133. Carol says

    at

    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!

  134. Carol says

    at

    I follow your blog via email. Thanks!

  135. Debby says

    at

    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

  136. Debby says

    at

    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.

  137. Needled Mom says

    at

    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.

  138. Needled Mom says

    at

    I am one of your followers.

  139. Lee says

    at

    I like to use patterns as they are – more because it saves me time !

  140. Lee says

    at

    I follow and get your newsletter!

  141. Crickets Corner says

    at

    I might use a pattern as it is but usually I end up changing it.

  142. Crickets Corner says

    at

    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.

  143. Cheri, the Quilting Nanny says

    at

    I will change the pattern most of the time…but usually just for the color choice.
    Cheri
    fabricandmemories(at)yahoo(dot)com

  144. Cheri, the Quilting Nanny says

    at

    I follow you via email.
    Cheri
    fabricandmemories(at)yahoo(dot)com

  145. hamudale says

    at

    I usually make patterns up by changing them a little

  146. Emily C says

    at

    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.

  147. Emily C says

    at

    I follow on bloglovin.

  148. margaret says

    at

    i like patterns as they come, unless they are wrong 🙂 Blog is lifeaspostedtwo.blogspot.com

  149. Darlene says

    at

    I prefer using the patterns as they come. – [email protected]

  150. Darlene says

    at

    I follow you on Bloglovin

  151. pippirose says

    at

    I'm not confident enough yet to change patterns.

  152. Nancy A: [email protected] says

    at

    I am one of your followers.

  153. Nancy A: [email protected] says

    at

    I actually do both — it depends on what I am making at the time and on the pattern.

  154. Peaches1003 says

    at

    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

  155. anne says

    at

    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

  156. anne says

    at

    I follow on pintrest. Thank you.
    abh10066 at aol.com

  157. Claire Sutherland says

    at

    I follow your blog by email x
    Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

  158. Claire Sutherland says

    at

    As a newbie I follow the pattern to the letter !
    Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

  159. Jessica says

    at

    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.

  160. Jessica says

    at

    I follow you via email.

  161. lindawwww says

    at

    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

  162. lindawwww says

    at

    I follow you by email.

    lin.web.28 at gmail dot com

  163. Sarah J says

    at

    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!

  164. Sarah J says

    at

    I follow you via email (I subscribe with crjandsbj (at)netzero(dot)com). Thanks!!

  165. Gene Black says

    at

    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.

  166. Anonymous says

    at

    Thanks for the tute. I always need to change things up!

    Mindingmomma at AOL dot com

  167. Deal.licious Real Food Debby says

    at

    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

  168. Deal.licious Real Food Debby says

    at

    I follow you on blog lovin.

    debbygrawn at yahoo dot com

  169. Dawn says

    at

    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

  170. Dawn says

    at

    I follow you via email. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com

  171. Anonymous says

    at

    I might change a pattern a little bit but usually follow it closely. I like your tutorial; thanks.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

  172. Anonymous says

    at

    Bloglovin follower: Nicole Sender
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

  173. Memaw says

    at

    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]

  174. Memaw says

    at

    I follow you via Bloglovin.

  175. Jen Barnard says

    at

    I change patterns, in fact I have yet to make a quilt exactly as the pattern says.
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

  176. Susan L. says

    at

    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

  177. Susan L. says

    at

    I follow you via e-mail. susan430 at cox dot net

  178. Diane Beavers says

    at

    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

  179. Diane Beavers says

    at

    Denise I'm a Bloglovin follower. Thank you , you're always so Sunny:)

    schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com

  180. Dody says

    at

    I follow via email.

  181. Dody says

    at

    I accidentally changed a pattern around one time. Fortunately it turned out great!

  182. Tina Short says

    at

    An interesting change around. I often find a 'changed around' block where it shouldnt be and have to do a bit of unpicking!

  183. Shasta Matova says

    at

    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.

  184. Shasta Matova says

    at

    I follow you on bloglovin'

  185. ShirleyC says

    at

    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.

  186. ShirleyC says

    at

    I follow you on Bloglovin'.

  187. Mara says

    at

    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!

  188. Mara says

    at

    I follow with bloglovin, but actually caught this post by e-mail today.

  189. The Thompsons says

    at

    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.

  190. GranChris says

    at

    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.

  191. Rebecca says

    at

    I do both follow the directions of a quilt and also like to do my own thing. Great quilt by the way

  192. Rebecca says

    at

    I follow you on your blog

  193. Brenda says

    at

    I prefer to follow patterns as they come most of the time, but sometimes, I like to play and change things up a bit.

  194. Brenda says

    at

    I follow by email!

  195. Gloria Cotten says

    at

    I always change a pattern at least a little bit to make it uniquely mine.

  196. Gloria Cotten says

    at

    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!!

  197. janequiltsslowly says

    at

    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.

  198. janequiltsslowly says

    at

    I follow Pieced Brain via email.

  199. Jodi - usairdoll says

    at

    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

  200. Jodi - usairdoll says

    at

    Im a follower via email.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

  201. Mom C says

    at

    I follow via email. Thanks.

  202. Mom C says

    at

    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.

  203. Mary Ellen says

    at

    I follow a pattern as given. I follow Piece Brain by email

  204. Rose Santuci-Sofranko says

    at

    I like to use patterns as they are when I buy them. Thanks and God bless! ILuvTheEucharist (at) aol.com

  205. eleanor says

    at

    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!

  206. Kathleen C says

    at

    I often make small changes to a pattern, maybe adding a different border. But not with this tutorial–the quilt is so pretty.

  207. Kathleen C says

    at

    I follow you in Old Reader. Thanks!

  208. mangozz says

    at

    I have never used a pattern and I'm constantly making changes along the way. [email protected]

  209. Andrea York says

    at

    This is a great tutorial-love your quilt! I am a beginner so I'm still just following patterns!amyork13atgmaildotcom

  210. Andrea York says

    at

    I follow on Bloglovin.

Primary Sidebar

Denise Russell

Hello, I’m Denise and I love to design and make quilts. You can also find me knitting, crocheting, and making other crafts. Join me!
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Get free quilt patterns and tutorials, as well as blocks and quilts designed exclusively for subscribers.

Find out what is trending in the quilting world and learn new techniques to take your quilting to the next level!

My Patterns On ETSY!

Fantastic Sales! Click to Save!

Fat Quarter Shop Quilting Fabrics and Supplies
Lowest prices on the best yarn - guaranteed at knitpicks.com
Various Logos for Indygo Junction
300 X 250 banner

QuilterBlogs

Footer

Disclosure of Material Connection:

The links above and some of the links in my posts are affiliate links: if you click on the link and decide to purchase something, I may receive a commission. I often receive books from publishers so I can review them on my blog and, at times, I may receive products to use and write about my experience with them. Read my privacy policy.

Recent Posts

  • Scrappy quilt with stars
  • Flannel quilt for beginners
  • Black and White modern quilt
  • Free star quilt pattern
  • Free pattern for a panel quilt
  • Scrappy Quilt with Liberty of London

Search

Archives

Categories

Copyright © 2025 Pieced Brain Quilt Designs LLC. All rights reserved. · Designed by Wacky Jacqui's Designs