Polygon Quilts
Class Description
PRECUT FRIENDLY! Uses 5” Charm Packs.
Polygon Quilts are unique and super easy to make. Let loose and learn how to play between improvisation and structure. Machine/hand applique charming polygons and create dynamic layout. Nine idea options in pattern booklet. Specific measurements for two projects. Try out variety of layouts! Images on p. 4, 10, 11, 15-18.
Skill level required is strong beginner. No fussy measuring for polygons, yet accurate layout and final placement on ground is important.
Skills learned and/or enhanced:
• Half Square Triangles- quick and efficient construction. p 6-7
• Combining solids, prints and wovens in one project. p 6
• Practice going back and forth between structure and improv quilting. p 7-9
• Continuous chain piecing.
• Three techniques to create polygons: Glue, hand sew, hot iron.
• Measured and spaced chalk marking for polygon layout on background
• Relationship of positive and negative space: learn to see both!
• Color and value study in repeated pattern making.
• Creativity- explore a variety of layout options in back of book.
- By the end of class, Student will create a stack of 105+ split color polygons and have layout on background fabric.
- Most enjoyable aspect of class is using simple precut charm packs to create wonky, playful, polygons where no two are alike. Have fun folding shapes, playing with color, value, texture. Jennifer’s patterns are about sheer enjoyment and getting awesome results in a relaxed manner.
Class Length
Class can work a variety of ways:
• Two day weekend 10am-4pm that is intensive and most likely students leave with much of the top (43x43) done and possibly quilted.
• One day 10am-4pm would get all the HST sewn, polygons made and the beginning of a layout. This layout is an important part of understanding pattern, so be sure to leave the last hour of class focused on layout options and exploration even if all polygons are not finished. Other option for one day is make a pillow or table runner using same technique.
• Series of classes will work. Just 2-3 would do. Gives time to ponder and come up with variety of sizes of polygons (mini charms for example) and layouts. 3 hours per class is minimum meeting time.
Class Supply List
• Polygon Pattern Stash Books by Jennifer Sampou
• 3 Packs of precut Charm Squares- 40-42 each per pack. Vary color and value.
• 45”x45” piece of solid or woven for background if making 43”x43” quilt. See pattern booklet to determine which project you would like to make.
• 5 glue sticks or needle/ thread if prefer to hand sew polygons. Hot iron works too.
• Spray starch
• Sewing tools one usually takes to any class: pins, machine, extra needles, cutting mat, fabric chalk/pencil, rotary cutter, scissors, small iron and mini board, design board if not provided in class, misty fuse for setting polygons on background. Rulers, painters tape, mono poly thread, gray piecing thread.
• Smart phone to take pictures of your layout. Helps with design/layout.
Don’t Have at HOME? I bet it’s IN THE SHOP!!
• Anyone who machine appliques, should have a spool of MONO POLY. It’s invisible thread perfect for machine applique work. I love the results. Make sure to have little white net that slips over spool to keep from unraveling.
• Treat yourself to new fabrics! THREE packs of CHARM SQUARES make entire quilt! Grab some new Jennifer Sampou prints, exciting solids, or Jennifer’s wovens to spiff up your selection.
• Glue stick cumbersome/sticky? Try Aleens slim tip fabric glue. No mess, accurate placement and tips can be changed out.
Classroom Preparation
At least 4’x4’ Design boards for all. Ironing stations. Bright light. Room to spread out.
Class Agenda
Follow Pattern Booklet step by step. After determining which project you would adapt instruction to if not doing 43’x43’ cover quilt
Teacher
•Talk about color, value and texture in beginning of class by showcasing a variety of charm packs and don’t rely on just one line. Mix it up!
• making HST for this quilt is not fussy work. Keep it flowing by getting students sewing and not stressing about perfect accuracy. It all gets folded wonky anyway.
•Demonstrate how to make Polygons with hot iron, glue and hand sewing early in class.
• Demonstrate variety of applique techniques.
• Demonstrate marking technique for placement of polygons.
• Encourage sharing of charm squares. Scrappy and lots of variety give wonderful results. Since every HST made yields two, students can swap~
To see more examples of all of Jennifer’s patterns and her students, Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jennifersampou, #PolygonPlayQuilts, #Jennifersampou #PolygonPlay, #PolygonQuilts. Also, sign up for newsletter at jennifersampou.com. Robert Kaufman supplies wholesale fabrics, C&T Publishing prints all of Jennifer’s patterns and products.
