This modern quilt pattern for home decor looks complex, but it’s easy! Beginner blocks and contrasting colors combine for a stunning effect!
This is Candyboard, my latest quilt pattern available at my Etsy Store. It measures 64″ x 76″ with blocks that finish at 12″. I designed it for the Tonga Honeycomb batik collection by Timeless Treasures. You know how much I love batiks, right? If you would like to make it using the same collection, I know that Hancock’s of Paducah is selling the kits with all the fabrics and the pattern!
I used one single block with two colorways. The blocks are rotated, but block 1 always appears on the horizontal and block 2 on a vertical orientation. The different colorways and block placement contribute to the complex design. Except… the blocks are so easy to assemble! That’s why the skill level is Advanced Beginner. Read on.
If you look carefully at these diagrams, you will notice that the blocks are made with rectangles, squares, and half-square triangles. The center of the squares has a color that is different from the one chosen for the background edges.
Regardless of the fabric that you choose, contrast is the most important consideration when auditioning fabrics for Candyboard. Otherwise, the geometric beauty will be lost. Fabric placement is what adds perspective to the various components of each block.
The squares are stitched to rectangles using the stitch-and-flip method. The half-square triangles are made the old-fashioned way – two at a time. However, I vary the method I use for making half-square triangles depending on the project, the finished size of the units, and how many I need to make for a given quilt. When I have to make many units, I use the 8-at-a-time method (tutorial linked to the name of the method!).
That’s it for block pieces. Then, follow the diagrams to place them in the correct position in the block. I like to keep the units grouped for each block where they will end up to make it easier when the time comes to put them all together.
Of course, this Modern quilt pattern for home decor would look super cool with other prints! I say ‘home decor’ because I envision blocks turned into throw pillows, bench pillows, wall hangings… Can you see the possibilities? Another idea: using a monochromatic palette, such as variations of gray, brown, or blue.
For the block above, I saved the busier prints for the squares and, again, ensured high contrast between the dark and light fabrics. In fact, notice that even the print motifs contrast between geometric and floral. So, whether you choose prints or solids, batiks or regular cotton, I am sure you will be pleased with the results.
When selecting fabrics from your stash, pay attention to the scale of the prints. Look at the block shown above: I chose larger prints in more muted tones for the center, bigger prints for the squares where we could actually see their motifs and smaller prints for the rectangles. Stop to think what this block would have looked like if I had not carefully chosen the scale of the prints.
What I have not thought of doing is making each block with different color schemes as opposed to choosing two colorways. If you try it, send me a photograph!
Speaking of photographs, Sandra Merryman sent me a photo of her rendition of my Beach Holiday pattern. Check this out:
This is the original quilt, using the Coastal Christmas Collection by Northcott.
This is Sandra’s version! She made it as a wedding gift for her daughter. Wow!!! I love their fabric selection! You and your daughter rock, Sandra! Thank you for sending me the photograph.
Sandra used a pattern originally designed with Holiday prints to make a gorgeous monochromatic quilt. I am in love!!!
Finally, if you are wondering WHERE in the world I have been hiding, here is an update. I am designing quilts and writing patterns like there is no tomorrow! And last month, I made a detour and attended (that is a code word for ‘worked at’) Missouri Star Birthday Bash in Hamilton, MO. What a fantastic trip!
Misty, Natalie, and Jenny Doan were having a blast! The 7,000 people who passed through town that week were all wonderful, fun, and busy shopping. I did not have time to buy fabric!!! It looks like I need to return to Hamilton very soon to make up for that blunder.
On that dreamy note, I am signing off and wishing you a great rest of the week. I have news coming up, so stay tuned!
