Alaska

Visiting Alaska is at the top of my bucket list. I hope to have a chance to go to this beautiful state soon!

I love Alaska so much, that I even dedicated one of my designs to this magical place. I am so excited to share some tips on how to create this gorgeous quilt.

I am going to make my blocks using our pre-cut kit. These kits are available on our website and include marking templates and fabric for the quilt top. You’ll also need the Alaska Pattern, it is available as a printed pattern or downloadable PDF. If you are cutting your own fabric, please follow the directions on the first page of your pattern. I recommend cutting strips first, then cut your individual pieces using an acrylic template. Our acrylic templates are extremely useful for not only for cutting, but also

for marking your sewing points that ensure a nice flat block.

Select and arrange your pieces for block one. With this block, we will learn the basic assembly for all of your future blocks.

Place piece D on top of piece C. Then place your template to mark the sewing and pinning points using a Sew Line pencil. I usually do this to the first few pieces to help give me an idea of where to position my pieces.

Pin and sew. I am using Aurifil thread 2310 wt 50.

Push the seam allowance towards the darker fabric.

Place piece C over the previously sewn unit. Then position your template to mark where to pin.

Sew and press in one direction.

Place the units we just made, right sides together. Again, mark your pinning points.

Pin, sew, and then trim all of the bunny ears in the center.

Push the seam allowance in the same direction as your previous seams. If you do this the seams

will lock between blocks when they are put into rows.

Place two halves together and start sewing from the center. Make sure your seams are nesting nicely together.

Finish sewing and trim all the threads.

Open the center, forcing the seam to lay down in the same direction as the previous seams.

Press your block from the back.

Press from the front, using a pressing cloth or an old handkerchief. I do this so that I will not shine the edges in the center of the block. Finish by squaring up your block. You will be making a total of

four blocks like this. I recommend using chain sewing. This will help you get really good in positioning your pieces.

Now we are ready for Block Two. This one is a little bit more difficult. Do not fear, we got this! Start by selecting and arranging all of your pieces and follow your pattern.

Begin by sewing the corners of piece D to piece C. You will repeat the steps that you did with Block 1. Take your pieces, put them right sides together, mark, pin, sew, and press.

Next up – side units. Take piece B and place it on the top of piece A, with the right sides together.

Use your templates to mark the points.

Pin it.

Notice how careful I am on the first few pieces to make sure that the pin goes through the points of both A and B fabrics.

Those few first pieces give me an exact idea of how to place my pieces. Eventually, I will not need to mark them anymore.

Sew and press.

Place your second B, on top of the unit. Mark your points and pin.

Sew and press.

Repeat these steps to make all four sections.

Place the side unit on the top of the corner unit.

Mark and sew.

Trim the bunny ears.

Remember to keep pushing your seam allowance in the same direction.

Place two halves together.

Start sewing from the center to the outside of the block. Flip the block and finish sewing the other side from the center to the outside.

Press from the back and remember to push all seam allowances in the same direction.

Then press from the front and trim to get the blocks ready for your quilt. You will proceed like this with the rest of your blocks. You will make four of each and one for the center. Your steps will repeat over and over. I guarantee that after the first few blocks you will start to become a professional

at placing your pieces together!

You will have a beautiful quilt in no time! If you love quilting with me, be sure to visit our YouTube channel, we’ll have our Alaska video posted there soon.

One common question I receive is, “How can I make this quilt bigger?” There are two ways: 1. You can add additional borders to the quilt top. 2. You could make more blocks and add them around the center of the quilt. In the example quilt shown above, I used the additional block option. For the sides, I used Block 2 recipe of color placement. For my corners, I adjusted the colors to frame my quilt.

Speaking of colors, look how gorgeous our new Evergreen and Braveheart collections are.

It feels like Christmas in July!

We have a new kit – “Alaskan Holiday“, that could be the perfect gift for yourself or someone special!

It’s never too early to start your Holiday Shopping.

Happy Quilting! Edyta

If you would like to download a PDF version of this Alaska Blog – click here!