In the spring, I featured this red herringbone quilt in the Spring Blogger's Quilt Festival. YOu can read more about it here.
I was asked for a tutorial and I promised I would work on one after my busy summer... so here it is...my very first tutorial! I first made this quilt in a class at a LQS which is now closed. The tutorial is written (and fabric requirements figured) for 5 bands like the flannel version at the end of the post. I added a 6th band to the red herringbone above to increase its size.
Be aware that this tutorial is picture heavy because I am a visual learner :D
Be aware that this tutorial is picture heavy because I am a visual learner :D
Tutorial for Herringbone quilt
finished size approx. 50” x 56”
All seams are scant 1/4”
Fabrics:
- Between 6 - 12 different fabrics, fat quarters in pairs of at least 2 of each fabric or 1/4 yard cuts, totaling 3 yards.
- 1/4 yard for end triangles - could be a fabric from group A or a coordinating fabric.
- 3/8 yard for small squares to coordinate or contrast with fabric from group A.
Organize:
Determine how your fabrics transitions from one to another. Arrange them in desired order.
Note: From each 1/4 yd cut (0r pair of fat quarters) you will get 10 pairs, enough for 2 herringbone strips across the quilt. Therefore your order of fabrics will repeat once along the length of the quilt.
Cutting:
Group A: If you have 1/4 yd cuts, cut each piece in half as if cutting into fat quarters (9” x 20”).
Group B: ~Cut 5 - 8 1/2" squares*
Group A: If you have 1/4 yd cuts, cut each piece in half as if cutting into fat quarters (9” x 20”).
~Cut each in half diagonally to make 10
triangles
~Cut 5 of these triangles in half to make
10 smaller triangles.
You should have 5 large triangles remaining.
*NOTE: if you can’t get 5 - 8 1/2” squares from your WOF, cut the last
2 squares 8” but use the 8 1/2” squares for the 3rd step above - see diagram
Group C: ~Cut into 6 - 2” X WOF
~ cut each into 2 - 2 x 20” strips
Sew and Subcut:
~For each pair of 9” x 20” fabric, sew a 2” strip from Group C onto one of
~For each pair of 9” x 20” fabric, sew a 2” strip from Group C onto one of
the pieces matching the 20” sides. Press seam toward C strip.
~Subcut both pieces into 2” strips. You will have 10 - 2” x 9” pieces and
10 - 2” x 10.5” pieces.
~Pair one strip of each ~you will have 10 sets.
~Arrange into 5 piles in the order that you want them to go together - See Organize.
Sewing:
You will be using one of your piles of strips, one large triangle and 2 small triangles.
~With the large triangle arranged with its point facing up, sew the strip without the small square to the left side of triangle
- see picture. Press seam toward triangle.
~Sew matching strip with small square to the right side of the triangle, matching seams carefully ~see picture. Press seam toward strip.
~Continue in this pattern in the order you arranged your fabrics until
you have used all your sets.
~Add a small triangle to each each side ~ left first, then right.
Picture for illustration only. You should have 24 rows.
You have finished the first band of the herringbone.
~Lay your band out flat on your cutting mat. Using your ruler and rotary cutter, measure 5 1/4” from the center of the small diamond to each side and trim.
Picture for illustration only.
Follow the directions for each of 5 bands making sure you keep your fabrics in the same order.
Once all 5 bands are sewn and trimmed, sew bands together, matching seams carefully.
Quilting:
Sandwich, quilt and bind as desired.
If there are any questions or something is unclear, please let me know and I will try to clarify. I have made this quilt in flannel and in homespun cotton with lam′e triangles and squares. Both with beautiful results. If you make this quilt, I would love to see it! Thanks!
Edit: Click here for a PDF link to my tutorial.
