Fresh Novelty Prints

Have you seen the rolled quarters in summery tropical prints over at Walmart?

We’re just sharing a little inspiration today for a quick summery quilt. Our 97-cent fat quarters are a great way for you to be a quilt designer!

Fresh prints need a fresh design.  Fat quarters are four-patch friendly – you can cut about 80 2″ squares or 12 5″ squares from a fat quarter!  Take it a step further and use your four-patch for a circle quilt.  What a fun and whimsical way to show off these prints.

Many modern quilts use simple squares and circles to show color and prints. When the scale and colors play so well together, it’s easy to create a design you’ll love. For the circles, an embroidery hoop makes a great open template.

Cut a full circle to highlight larger prints, like the pink flamingo.   Add a contrasting strip for an impromptu pop of color. It’s also a great way to use a too-small piece of your favorite print.

Audition some solid fabrics for a background. Don’t limit yourself to white. If you like yellow or pink, use it!   Layout your four-patch squares or circles in neat rows or scatter them with plenty of background showing.

The final design step is to add quilting texture to your design. Fill in your circles with free-motion circles or perfect your stippling.  Four-patch calls for your walking foot to practice lines or waves. Use a new marking tool or thread.  Try something new or what you’re already good at.   We’re supplying you with sweet tropical fabric designs and inspiration for a summery quilt.  Now you’re the designer, make something wonderful this summer!