Create stunning 3-D quilt projects!
From 3-D Magic! Simple Blocks, Striking Quilts by Marci Baker and Sara Nephew
This book has many possibilities for teaching formats. Based on 13 different 3-D blocks, pieced with individual shapes (only 4 different shapes needed) or strip-pieced, an infinite number of designs can be made. Seven projects are offered with specific instructions of yardage, blocks to make, and placement for the blocks. Here are some options for class structure.
Project Quilt (Use Title of Project)
Choose one of the seven different projects, shown on pages 48-49. For the class description, use the beginning of the description, insert the specialized sentence, and finish with the ending. These are intended to be 6-hour classes in one 6-hour, two 3-hour, or three 2-hour sessions. Change the description where needed to indicate the amount of progress possible in class with these multiple sessions.
Projects included in the book:
|
Arches |
Bubble Up |
Cliff |
Cubicle |
|
My Cloud |
Sugar Cube |
Transitions |
Class Description
Have you ever wanted to make a quilt with a 3-D look but thought it would be too difficult? Now you can make one with ease. In this class we will breeze through fabric selection by working through samples of value charts and using a gray scale. Once selected, the fabric will be cut into the necessary shapes of triangles, triangle halves, diamonds, and flat pyramids.
Specialized:
***For Arches, Cubicle, or Sugar Cube: Perfect for the confident beginner with only one block repeated throughout the quilt, you will have several blocks pieced by the end of class. Complete the project at home by continuing the process.
***For Bubble Up or Cliff: This quilt design is great for intermediate quilters. Focusing on the pairing of two different blocks you will have a few of each kind by the end of class. Also, you can expect to have a plan for making more blocks to complete the design. Using the design pages in the back of the book, you can personalize the block placement.
***For My Cloud: From confident beginner to advanced quilters, My Cloud is fun for everyone because the focus is on playing with and learning about value. And the piecing is simple. A flannel board for designing is beneficial.
***For Transitions: For intermediate to advanced quilters, with strip-piecing techniques, these blocks come together quickly. The variety of fabrics, sizes, and blocks, make organization of the project important. Using the design pages in the back and a swatch card will be helpful. Your efforts will culminate in this stunning quilt.
All of the piecing is done without Y-seams or inset seams so the sewing is straightforward. With all of this put together in one book and the class to get you going, you will be making that quilt you have always wanted sooner than you thought. By the way, the guys really like the 3-D designs - they just get it!
Class Supply List
List the yardage required for the specific project being made. It can be a variety of fabrics for each value or one for each value. Sometimes, more variety gives more pleasing results because one wrong choice has less chance of sticking out.
Other items are the usual: sewing machine, rotary cutter, mat, scissors, needles, thread.
Specialty items:
- Clearview Triangle ruler, either 8’’, 10’’, 12’’, or Super 60. If a different brand is considered, know that the measurements may not match. Templates are given in the back to determine any variance.
- Corner Cut 60 2in1 Sewing Tool to use for trimming ears from pieces.
- Sewing Edge to place a scant 1/4’’ guide on the machine, using Corner Cut 60 for placement. This helps keep a consistent seam, keeps fabrics aligned well before the foot, points match because seam allowances can vary, and seams don’t narrow at the end because feed dogs are fully engaged. See videos at QuiltwithMarciBaker.com for use of these tools.
Items used when working with bias. Personally, I recommend a piece of flannel on the ironing board. It holds the fabric in place after setting the seam and lets the iron do the work for a clean, crisp press. I use steam in my iron and move my iron sideways even on bias because of the flannel. See the video on pressing at QuiltwithMarciBaker.com
Classroom Preparation
Because value is such an important part of these projects, if possible, meet the students to when they are selecting/purchasing their fabrics. Or have the shop put a variety of groupings together for them to choose from. The usual setup of tables, with a separate cutting and ironing stations is ideal. If space is limited, have the student leave their machine on the floor. After cutting shapes, then they can set up their machine and begin sewing.
Class Agenda
- Discuss value using Value Chart pages 14-15 and Grayscale page 16 as examples.
- Demonstrate cutting shapes required for the blocks, pages 76-77. Templates 78-83.
- Triangle
- Triangle Half
- Diamond
- Flat Pyramid (Half of a Hexagon)
- Step through how to read the charts, lay out of the pieces, pressing, and sewing for specific blocks.
- Step through strip-piecing technique if incorporated in project.
- If desired, note the design pages, pages 84-87. This could be provided in the supply list so the students can download and print prior to class if they want to use them.
- Present tips given on pages 17-18 as instructions are given and the students work through the steps. Be sure to show the half blocks come together in the center so that when rows/ columns are sewn together, their points match. This step is most often done at home.
- Show how to finish edges using the triangle halves.
Message from Marci Baker:
"Have the students send photos of their completed project to marci@quiltmb.com. Sara and I enjoy seeing what we have inspired! If you have any questions about the class structure or supply list, you are welcome to email me. I hope you enjoy sharing these techniques with your students as much as Sara and I enjoy sharing our designs and techniques." —Marci
