Winter Diamonds
Here’s a diamond-shaped Log Cabin pattern to try.
Try this diamond Log Cabin quilt.
MATERIALS
• 1/4 yard each 15 bright batiks • 41/ 3 yards medium gray batik • Backing to size • Batting to size* • Thread • Template material • 60- degree ruler (optional) • Basic sewing tools and supplies
*Warm & Natural batting from The Warm Company used to make sample.
CUTTING
Prepare a template for A using pattern given.
From 15 bright batiks:
• Cut 1 (21/2" by fabric width) strip from 8 fabrics. Cut 1 A piece from each strip using the prepared template. Trim the remainder of each strip to 11/2" wide. • Cut 2 additional 11/2" by fabric width strips from the same 8 fabrics to total 3 strips each. • Cut 3 (11/2" by fabric width) strips from
each of the remaining 7 fabrics.
From medium gray batik:
• Cut 2 (21/2" by fabric width) strips. Cut 15 A pieces from strips using the prepared template. Trim the remainder of the second strip to 11/2" wide for G. • Cut 27 (11/2" by fabric width) G strips. • Cut 2 (51/ 8" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 4 (51/ 8" x 177/ 8" B rect
angles. Trim to size as per instructions. • Cut 3 (83/4" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 8 (83/4" x 101/ 8") C rectangles. Trim to size as per instructions. • Cut 1 (51/4" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 2 (51/4" x 91/ 8")
D rectangles. Trim as per instructions. • Cut 6 (61/2" by fabric width) E/F strips. • Cut 7 (21/4" by fabric width) binding strips.
COMPLETING THE BLOCKS
1. To complete one Bright Winter Diamond block, select one gray A piece, one G strip and one each two different 11/2"-wide bright strips. 2. Place the gray A piece right sides together on one bright strip and stitch as shown in Figure 1.
4. Place the stitched unit right sides together on top of the same bright strip with the seam of the first piece toward the back of the machine; stitch to add the second piece as shown in Figure 3. 5. Repeat step 3 as shown in Figure 4.
6. Continue in the same manner until the center has one round of the same bright pieces around it as shown in Figure 5. Note: The pieces are numbered for stitching order in the figure drawing.
7. Using the G strip, add another round of pieces to the center unit as shown in Figure 6.
8. Using the second bright strip, add the final round of pieces to the center unit to complete one Bright Winter Diamond block referring to Figure 7.
9. Repeat steps 1–8 to complete a total of 15 Bright Winter Diamond blocks.
10. Repeat steps 1–8 with a bright A center and G strips in rounds 1 and 3, and a bright strip in round 2 to complete eight Gray Winter Diamond blocks as shown in Figure 8.
PREPARING THE TRIANGLES
Fold each B rectangle in half and crease to mark the center on one 177/8" side.
Using a rotary ruler, cutter and mat, cut from one bottom corner to the top center crease as shown in Figure 9.
3. Repeat step 2 on the opposite end of the rectangle to create a B triangle referring to Figure 10. 4. Repeat with remaining B rectangles to make four B triangles.
5. Repeat steps 1–4 with C rectangles to make eight C triangles referring to Figure 11.
6. Cut one D rectangle from the bottom left to the top right to make two D triangles as shown in Figure 12. Cut the second D rectangle from the bottom right to the top left to make two DR triangles, again referring to Figure 12.
COMPLETING THE QUILT
Refer to the Assembly Diagram for construction steps.
1. Arrange and join the pieced blocks in diagonal rows with B, C and D triangles; press.
2. Join the rows and add DR to opposite corners to complete the pieced center; press.
3. Join the E/F strips on the short ends to make one long strip; press. Subcut strip into two each 61/2" x 481/8" E strips and 61/2" x 583/4" F strips.
4. Sew E strips to opposite long sides and F strips to the top and bottom of the pieced center to complete the quilt top; press.
5. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Quilting Basics on page 102. 6. Quilt as desired. 7. Bind edges referring to Quilting Basics on page 102 to finish.
“This quilt is based on Log Cabin– style blocks that start in the center with a diamond. The blocks are identical in construction, but there are two different color versions. This quilt lends itself to fast assembly-line sewing. It also includes a very wide border for a modern floating effect.” —Holly Daniels