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Sampler Quilts

Sampler quilts are very popular, not just because they are fun and rewarding to do but because they offer the opportunity to learn new techniques and build skills. A sampler quilt is made up of different blocks, set together in a pleasing design, usually with the addition of sashing and borders. The blocks can be a mixture of anything you like, pieced and appliqué. Many teachers use sampler quilts as a way of teaching quiltmaking skills because so many fundamental techniques can be included (see Further Reading).

Sampler quilts allow the development of many skills, such as quilt design, fabric selection and colour choices. They can be true scrap quilts, where fabrics are selected from your stash, or planned carefully around a particular colour scheme. They can be an eclectic mixture of blocks or focus on a specific theme, such as curved or appliqué blocks.

Choosing Block Sizes

Some thought needs to be given to the finished block sizes in a sampler quilt, so all the blocks balance visually with each other – see illustrated examples shown below. The use of sashing often solves size problems, allowing blocks to be framed with sashing and so brought up to the same sizes. If sashing is to be used, consider this early in the design, so the chosen fabric links well with the fabrics in the blocks.

The size of the blocks will not only dictate the finished size of the quilt but also how many blocks can be used. For example, if you want to make a single bed-sized quilt, say, 50in x 80in (127cm x 203cm), and you choose to make 12in (30.5cm) square blocks, there will be space to allow approximately three blocks wide x five blocks long, once sashing, borders and binding are added. You might then want to reduce the block size to allow the inclusion of more blocks in the quilt. See Useful Information for more information on standard quilt sizes.

This sampler quilt by Mary Harrowell, made during a Lynne Edwards’ sampler quilt course, displays a wealth of techniques in a beautifully coloured and balanced design. It features twenty different blocks, including pieced and appliqué. The blocks are framed with sashing and setting stones and then with two borders.

Deciding on Fabrics and Colours

Audition lots of fabrics for a sampler quilt as some of the best results are obtained by mixing prints in different scales and themes with tone-on-tone and plain fabrics. You need to end up with a final choice that gives you sufficient scope to create some interesting and varied effects but not so many that the design is a mishmash. See also Materials and Working with Fabrics for further advice on choosing fabrics and colours.

(left) A simple grid design is often the easiest sampler quilt setting and displays all the different blocks well. A Flying Geese border makes a striking addition.

(right) An ‘on point’ setting looks so attractive and works well with appliqué blocks balanced with areas of quilting.

Selecting a Sampler Quilt Design

A sampler quilt can be anything you choose and making one is a great opportunity to be creative in your design. The patchwork blocks selected can be favourites you’ve made before or new ones you’d like to try. You could choose just rectilinear blocks, curved blocks or appliqué blocks – or a combination of all types.

Layouts for sampler quilts are as varied as the blocks. A first attempt at this type of quilt could have the blocks arranged in a simple grid pattern, allowing you to concentrate on the blocks, with perhaps some simple sashing and a final border. Setting the blocks on point can create a dynamic-looking quilt, while a medallion-style setting can also work well. Some design suggestions are illustrated here and see also Patchwork Settings for ideas.

(left) The blocks used in a sampler quilt can be whatever you choose – perhaps a mixture of rectilinear, curved and appliqué, or all based on curves and circles as shown here. Wide horizontal sashing gives opportunities for quilting.

(right) Sampler quilts based on a medallion arrangement can look very striking and allow for the addition of decorative sashing and borders.