Mystery Quilt 2023: Step 2
Gather 16 different scrappy fabrics for this scrap quilt mystery. If you have more than 16 fabrics, you can randomly pick them out. You may want to be a bit more controlled if you have less. It is so exciting when a Mystery Quilt project starts and combines it with scrappy fabrics, and the results are lovely!
Creating Rows
Put them in rows of 4. You are essentially creating a 16-patch block in Step 2. Fuss with the fabrics if you need to, but this is meant to be an easy quilt. Ultimately, when you step back, you will see the scrappy results.
Make one block to start with. See how you feel about the way it turned out. It will give you a good idea of how you want to put your blocks together.
It took me about 6 minutes to create a block. I started out picking out 16 different fabrics. I sewed the squares into rows and then sewed the rows together. Press the seam allowance to the side, alternating sides with each row. I created six blocks with this method.
Creating 2-Patches
Another option would be to pull squares out of a bag and start sewing 2-patches. Once you have all the 2-patches sewn, you would sew them into 4-patches. You are ultimately sewing four 4-patches into the 16-patch blocks.
I created seven blocks this way, and for me, it was too stressful to ensure the same colors didn’t touch. So, back to the original method. There are so many creative ways you can do this block. It should be relaxing!
Mystery Quilt Step 2: Complete!
Whichever method you choose for creating your 16-Patch, square them to 6 ½”. Remember, when pressing, not to skew or stretch your blocks. It happens easily when using small squares.
The step took me a few hours in the morning to create the queen size. I love the way the blocks look.
All the different colors and textures seem to work with smaller blocks. This, to me, is what a scrappy quilt represents. It is reminiscent of the quilt my grandma made for me.
I used 400 squares, and my box of scrappy squares didn’t look like I even made a dent.
So, that leaves me with plenty of fabrics for designing more scrap quilts! The possibilities are endless.
Mystery Quilt 2023 STEP 2 Directions
Head over to the Mystery Quilt 2023 page for the link to Step Two directions. With the steps broken down into quick and easy parts, I will post each Friday. I will share all the instructions as a link on the main page and my results for each step.
I would love to see what you are working on this month. Feel free to comment below or share on my Facebook page.
Until next time.
There is a focus on finishing up projects throughout 2023. You may be interested in these posts on Unfinished Projects and Quilting UFOs. You can still join. Send me a message, and I’ll give you some ideas about what to do.
For updates, please take a minute to join my Facebook page, Quilting With Tamara. You can also reach me through my Contact page or email: quiltingwithtamara@gmail.com if you have questions, suggestions, and feedback!