What is it? Quilting construction is all about fabric cut in geometric shapes and applied in a specific order to present our preselected pattern. Squares, rectangles, triangles and curves. They are all important and can be applied in any combination to mimic our creative vision. Using these basic shapes we can create an endless array of quilt designs. Some are fairly simple and are easy to assemble. Some are more complex and difficult to assemble. And some are just crazy. Those would be the designs that include curves. We need to be truly motivated if we want to do curves. So, how do we do that, how do we make quilt blocks with curves or circles? Old school requires joining opposing curves cut from a template. That’s not only labor intensive but requires a great deal of skill and persistence to make sure all the seams lie flat and that both the edges and the seams line up evenly on adjoining blocks. Don’t forget about seam allowances, they have to be perfect too. It’s an intimidating prospect, the making quilt blocks with curves. Many of us would rather just do squares and triangles. But there is help and it makes all of this a breeze instead of a nightmare. Clover’s Carefree Curves Quilting Templates. Now we can form perfect circles and curves without all of the hassle of cutting and stitching opposing curved seams. Using these templates along with fusible interfacing we can easily do any number of quilt block designs with curves and circles and without all of the frustration. All of those projects that you always wanted to do but thought impossible are now possible.
What does it do? Carefree Curves is a set of three templates that enables you to form the following shapes effortlessly so you can spend most of your time just being creative.
The Circle block template allows you to make full, half or quarter square circle blocs in three sizes. 11″ circle on a 14″ finished block, 8 1/2″ circle on a 12″ finished block and a 6″ circle on a 8″ finished block. With your perfect blocks you are now free to organize them into any number of patterns from Mohawk Trail to Fools Puzzle to Drunkard’s Path to Mill Wheel or anything that satisfies your creative craving.
The Hearts and Gizzards template allows you to make 8″, 10″, 12″, 14″ and 16″ finished blocks in the distinctive half-heart shaped pattern. Combine them in any order or orientation to form Hearts and Gizzards, Blooming Hearts, Ferris Wheel or something of your own. You can even mix and match sizes.
The Wagon Wheel and Fan template enables you to form Wagon Wheel finished blocks in 16″, 18″, 20″, 22″ and 24″ sizes and Fan finished blocks in 8″, 9″, 10″, 11″ and 12″ sizes. From there it is easy to form Wagon Wheel, Ferris Wheel, Lady’s Fan patterns or any other traditional or contemporary quilt design or maybe even something of your own.
How do I share it? The Carefree Curves template set is the perfect foundation for several shop classes. Select a few of the most appealing traditional quilt designs that each template supports and ask your favorite teachers to present them in the classroom. Some cool samples of each will generate a lot of interest and fill the classes. When all three classes are complete your students will have new found confidence and enthusiasm in their ability to create any number of quilt designs with curves or circles. A quick demo at the quilt guild will open a whole new world of curves and circles for those folks too.
