Row by Row Sampler ’24

Block of the Month Variation – Row by Row Sampler

Let’s get ready for another Block of the Month! This year, we will focus on creating a Row by Row Sampler. What exactly is a Row by Row Sampler, you may ask? It’s a quilt comprising separate rows of blocks or patterns, with each row featuring a distinct style of block. The blocks can be made in the same colors across the row or with various fabrics, as in a scrap quilt. Sashings can be used to separate the rows and highlight each block.

Scrappy Row By Row Sampler

This pattern is written utilizing scrap fabrics, creating a row-by-row scrap quilt. But, if you want to purchase fabrics, there is basically a background fabric, a dark fabric, and scrappy colors. I used six different colors in my first Row by Row quilt. My second test quilt utilized all scraps for the scrappy colors, a single background, and dark fabric. My goal was to utilize fabrics I already had. Within the scrappy fabrics, I kept to about six colorways but used a variety of fabrics within those colors.

Even though I used a light background, it doesn’t mean you need to go light with yours. I played with using a black fabric for both the background and the dark, and the results were stunning (see the graphic above). You could also use a light background and a black fabric for the dark (see the graphic to the right). So many options, so little time.

I don’t often create a pattern more than once, but this pattern was calling my name a second time. It was also essential to double-check my math for the fabric amounts.

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My Fabrics

I’ve shared a photo above of the fabric I used, although the scrappy fabrics encompassed a more extensive variety than shown. There was a room in mind when I created this quilt, so the fabrics leaned in a specific direction. Ultimately, it took some careful consideration when picking the fabrics because I wanted it to read as a scrap quilt, not a planned one. However, that still sounds like it was planned! At least the results look scrappy.

Fat quarters would work well for the scrappy colors if you would rather not go completely scrappy. This will give you a bit of control over the fabrics and colors you use each month. Decide how many colors you want across the 12 blocks in each row.

If you want six different colors, you will make two in each colorway. If you think of only four colors, you will make three of each. Maybe you want each block to be different, so have your scrap basket handy, and keep pulling different fabrics. This block of the month could be a challenge for those who want to make an actual scrap quilt. I will share my results each month. There will be rows where I mix my colors across the whole row, and in other months, I stick with color families.

Another option that is a whole different take on a scrap quilt is to make each row its own color. For example, the first row could be green. The fabrics chosen would be a variety of greens. The next row could be blues, etc. If you really want to challenge yourself, you could make one corner the darkest fabrics, working diagonally up to the lightest fabrics.

How Does the Row by Row Sampler Quilt Work?

Each month, starting January 2024, I will post the directions for a row of blocks. The blocks are 6 1/2″ square, and there are 12 blocks in a row. The row-by-row sampler is a variation of a traditional block of the month.

There will be months that you are working with some small pieces, but if you take your time, I know you will be successful. Just a reminder, the small pieces tend to skew easier than the larger ones. It will be helpful to use a pressing mat with guidelines when pressing.

The cutting instructions will be given at the beginning of each month. I will also do a post showing my row that month. I will encourage you to use zip-bags to put your fabrics in as you are creating the blocks. There will be leftover strips from the steps that can be used for later rows.

If I can’t complete my row in one sitting, I add the pieces to a baggie and put a sticky note in the bag, reminding myself what it is and where I am in the process. I stopped writing on the outside of the bags because I reuse them.

Block of the Month Fabric Requirements

I am working on the fabric requirements. The quilt is 84″ x 96″, so I want to give you the most accurate amounts possible. Because I went completely scrappy, I am double and triple-checking for those who don’t want it to be so scrappy.

Once I have the second test pattern done, I will share it with you. In the meantime, this picture to the left is the first Row by Row Sampler I did for this pattern. Every month, you will see my completed row in the new fabrics.

UPDATE – Fabric Requirements

• Background – 4 yards
• Scrappy Colors – 4 yards
• Dark – 3 1/2 yards

Fabric requirements are based on 40″ wide fabrics. You will need to adjust your fabric amounts if your fabrics are narrower or wider than that. I double-checked my measurements with the Electric Quilt Program. If you are purchasing fabric for this quilt, I would bump up the measurements slightly.

How to Get Started

For the scrappy fabrics, I wanted six different color families. I gathered more than six different fabrics for each color family. Some were fat quarters, and some were just scraps. If I had to add up the fabric amounts, I might have gathered close to a yard each – way more than I needed, but since I am pulling from my stash, I am not worried about the amount.

Decide how many scrappy colors you want to use and divide the yardage by that number. There are 12 blocks in each row – you could find 12 different colors or fabrics. That would mean about 1/3 yard per color, although I would bump it to 1/2 yard just to be sure I had enough for every block. You could also pull from your scraps for each and every block.

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Directions for each month can be found below once that post goes live. A post will often provide tips and hints as well as insight for that month’s block. The post will share the link to the pattern, which brings you back to this page.

• December

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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.

You may be interested in these posts on Scrappy Quilts and Quilting UFOs.

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, or feedback!

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