Hi everyone! And welcome to my stop on the Cloud9 New Block Blog Hop tour of 2016!! Today I get to share the free Medallion Squared Quilt Block!
After having such a great time participating in my first blog hop – the 2016 New Quilters Blog Hop – I jumped at the chance to participate in the second hop organized by the lovely Yvonne from Quilting Jet Girl, Cheryl from Meadow Mist Designs and Stephanie from Late Night Quilter!
I really do love how thoughtful and caring our community is and this project is a great example of that. Each participant committed to designing a new quilt block pattern featuring Cloud9 Fabric’s Cirrus Solids that would be sewn together into quilts to be donated to a charity. We get to challenge our design skills and play with gorgeous fabric, a charity benefits from handmade quilts and you get lots of free quilt block patterns!! This is a win-win-win, and I just love when that happens!
I’m super excited to share my quilt block tutorial with you all! And please don’t be mad at me if you don’t like foundation paper piecing (FPP)! I promise it comes together really quickly and helps you get super sharp points!
I’ll walk you through this for ultimate success!
Sign up here to download the free Medallion Squared quilt block pattern.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.
Top 9 Tips to Read Before You Start Foundation Paper Piecing
Foundation Paper Piecing can take a minute to wrap your head around, so I’ve pulled together a list of my top 9 tips for you to read before you dive into foundation paper piecing for the first time.
- Make sure you are printing the Medallion Squared template as is. You shouldn’t have to mess with your printer settings, just print as she is without scaling anything.
- I’ve heard a lightbox is a highly practical tool for paper piecing, but I don’t have one, so I usually hold my pattern up to a light or window (depending on the time of day!) when laying out my fabric pieces. Update: I recently got this lightbox and it makes this step super easy, especially if you’re working at night!
- Remember, you are attaching the fabric on the wrong side of the template, but you are sewing on the right side of the template. The pictures below will help!
- Cut your pieces on the larger size. There is nothing worse than getting halfway through your pattern piece only to realize one of your fabrics isn’t large enough to cover the entire area plus the seam allowance. Don’t forget about the seam allowance!! I’ve been quite generous with the cutting dimensions to give you ample wiggle room.
- A glue stick comes in handy for holding that first piece of fabric in place if you find it’s slipping around on you.
- A piece of card stock or, in my case, a magazine subscription insert works like a charm to get crisp paper folds.
- Drop your stitch length to 1.5, this will make tearing off the paper easier once the block is done.
- Backstitch at the start and end of each line. This will help prevent any seams from opening when you tear off the paper. But it makes seam ripping really tough if you make a mistake, so your call on this one!
- Make sure your fabric is laying flat on the underside of the paper when you start stitching. Nothing worse than flipping your paper over and seeing a fold in your fabric.
Materials and Notions You’ll Need to Make the Free Medallion Squared Quilt Block
Materials you will need for this project include:
- 4 copies of each of the Medallion Squared paper piecing templates (sign up here to download the free quilt pattern)
- 4 Cloud9 Cirrus Solids fat quarters in the colours: Iris, Lilac, Shadow, and Sky
- Glue stick (optional, but recommended)
- Pins
- Rotary cutter & cutting mat
- Sewing machine and thread, I used Aurifil 50wt in White
- Cardstock (optional, but recommended)
- Ruler
- Iron
You can find all of my most loved notions here.
Foundation Paper Piecing Tutorial Featuring the Free Medallion Squared Quilt Block
OK, here we go with the fun stuff!
Step 1
The first step in foundation paper piecing is to print out the templates. Remember my tip to ensure you don’t change the zoom factor, it should be at the correct size without having to fuss with anything. You will need four copies of each template.
Next is to prepare your fabric.
I always start by squaring up my fabric and then cutting strips. I find I waste less fabric and it sets me up for dealing with scraps later on. Refer to these tutorials if you need some more tips on how to press and how to cut your fabric.
Here are the pieces you will need to cut for each colour of fabric:
- Colour 1 – Lilac
- A1 – cut 4 rectangles 4” x 5”
- A2 – cut 4 squares 3” x 3”
- B1 – cut 4 squares 5” x 5”
- Colour 2 – Iris
- A2 – cut 4 squares 3” x 3”
- Borders – cut 2 rectangles 10” x 1 ¾”
- Borders – cut 2 rectangles 12 ½” x 1 ¾”
- Colour 3 – Shadow
- A4 – cut 4 rectangles 4” x 8 ½”
- Colour 4 – Sky
- B2 – cut 4 rectangles 4” x 5”
Note – I’ve made the pieces a little larger to give you extra wiggle room for placement. If you have more experience with paper piecing, then by all means go free form and cut your pieces to the sizes that suit you best.
Step 2
With your fabric all cut out, let’s get sewing!
Start by gluing all of your #1 pieces in place. This helps keep the fabric in place while you move on to section 2. Since there are 2 templates repeated 4 times, it’s best to attach everything in sequential order. So, all 2’s get done on all the separate paper piecing patterns. Then I move on to 3 and so on. In this case, template B only has B1 and B2, so it’s done before you know it! But it’s a good habit to get into if you are working with more complex paper piecing patterns (I’m looking at you Blue Dragon!).
Starting with template A, find A1. Place a dab of glue in the center of the triangle. Repeat this step for all A1s and the same for all B templates. Make sure that your fabric covers the entire area, including a ¼” seam allowance.
Step 3
Flip the paper over, and line up your cardstock along the line joining A1 to A2. Fold the paper template back exactly along that line, using the cardstock to get a nice crisp line.
Step 4
Line up your ruler, leaving a ¼” seam allowance of fabric beyond the folded line, and trim the excess fabric.
Step 5
Line up A2 fabric with your newly cut A1 fabric, ensuring your A2 shape is fully covered by the fabric. Pin in place.
Step 6
Using a 1.5 stitch length, sew along the line between A1 and A2. Repeat on the remaining 3 A templates.
Use the same technique as above for template B.
Step 7
Once stitched in place, set your seams and press the fabric towards A2.
Step 8
Now for A3. Fold the paper back along the line between A2 and A3. Trim excess fabric leaving a ¼” seam allowance. Line up A3 fabric and pin in place. Stitch along the line between A2 and A3. Set your seam and iron back. Repeat again for A4.
Step 9
Once all your fabric has been sewn into place, we need to trim the templates down. Make sure you are trimming along the dotted lines and not the solid line. This ensures you have a ¼” seam allowance when we piece the templates together.
Amazing how clean and crisp the pieces look once trimmed up!
Step 10
Now to join the pieces together. Whew, you’re almost there!!
I like to line up my pieces to ensure I am attaching them correctly. Then flip it over and line up the edges. Stitch in place sewing along the solid line.
Step 11
Set your seams and iron your seams open.
Tip – pressing your seams open will help reduce bulk once all of your pieces are joined together.
Step 12
At this point, you have 4 segments and your block is starting to take shape!
Join two quarters together, again sewing along the solid line. Set your seams and iron open.
Now join the two halves together. A quick tip here is to line up your center seams first. This will help ensure your pieces line up as perfectly as possible.
Note – I sometimes sew down the solid line, flip the pieces over and sew again down the same solid line on the opposite side. This is helpful if anything shifted slightly. Definitely not necessary, but I found I got better points when I used this method. Set your seams one final time and press your seam open. Flip your block over and top iron to ensure everything is nice and smooth.
Leave the paper in place for the time being.
Step 13
Now for the borders!
Attach the 10” x 1 ¾” borders to two opposite sides. Set your seams and iron back towards the border fabric.
Attach the remaining 12 ½” x 1 ¾” borders to the remaining sides, set your seams, and press back toward the border fabric. Give it a good pressing from the top and voìla! Your block is done!
Well, almost.
Step 14
Now’s the time to flip your Medallion Squared block over and start tearing away the paper.
Take your time and don’t be too rough. You don’t want to bust any seams open! Give your block one final all-over pressing and you are officially done!
There – that wasn’t so hard!
If this was your first-time paper piecing, I promise it gets easier every time. Before you know it, foundation paper piecing will be second nature and a really fun technique to have in your quilting repertoire.
If this was your first-time paper piecing, I promise it gets easier every time. Before you know it, foundation paper piecing will be second nature and a really fun technique to have in your quilting repertoire.
Design Ideas Featuring the Free Medallion Squared Quilt Block
You can achieve a couple of different looks with the Medallion Squared quilt block just by adding or omitting the borders.
Medallion Squared Quilt Block – No Borders
Medallion Squared Quilt Block – With Borders
I would love to see your finished Medallion Squared block! Tag me on Instagram @shannonfraserdesigns and use #medallionsquaredquilt so I can see your creation!!
Cloud9 New Block Blog Hop Participants
There are lots of talented quilters participating in this blog hop, including:
Day 1
Hosted by Yvonne from @Quilting Jetgirl
Abigail @Cut & Alter
Janice @Color, Creating, and Quilting!
Lorinda @Laurel, Poppy, and Pine
Melva @Melva Loves Scraps
Renee @Quilts of a Feather
Kathryn @Upitis Quilts
Kim @Leland Ave Studios
Amanda @this mom quilts
Holly @Lighthouse Lane Designs
Irene @Patchwork and Pastry
Jennifer @Dizzy Quilter
Karen @Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Anne @Said With Love
Suzy @Adventurous Applique and Quilting
Sharla @Thistle Thicket Studio
Kathleen @Smiles From Kate
Amanda @Gypsy Moon Quilt Co.
Sarah @Sarah Goer Quilts
Chelsea @Patch the Giraffe
Jinger @Trials of a Newbie Quilter
Anja @Anja Quilts
Daisy @Ants to Sugar
Day 2
Hosted by Cheryl from @Meadow Mist Designs
Miranda @I Have Purple Hair
Jennifer @The Inquiring Quilter
Sarah @123 Quilt
Leanne @Devoted Quilter
Jen @Patterns By Jen
Jennifer @RV Quilting
Amanda @Quiltologie
Sharon @Yellow Cat Quilt Designs
Jen @A Dream and A Stitch
Jen @Faith and Fabric
Carole @Carole Lyles Shaw
Stephanie @Quilt’n Party
Susan @Sevenoaks Street Quilts
Katrin @Now What Puppilalla
Amista @Hilltop Custom Designs
Nicole @Handwrought Quilts
Marla @Penny Lane Quilts
Silvia @A Stranger View
Sarah @Smiles Too Loudly
Carrie @the zen quilter
Mary @Quilting is in My Blood
Velda @GRANNYcanQUILT
Day 3
Hosted by Stephanie from @Late Night Quilter
Kathy @Kathys Kwilts and More
Paige @Quilted Blooms
Mary @Strip Quilts Pass it On
Allison @Woodberry Way
Seven @The Concerned Craft
Olusola @Alice Samuel’s Quilt Co.
Ann @Brown Paws Quilting
Jodie @Persimmon + Pear
Vicki @Orchid Owl Quilts
Kitty @Night Quilter
Francine @Mocha Wild Child
Shelley @The Carpenter’s Daughter who Quilts
Jayne @Twiggy and Opal
Geraldine @Living Water Quilter
Shannon @Shannon Fraser Designs (that’s me!)
Lisa @Sunlight In Winter Quilts
Jessica @Quilty Habit
Cassandra @The (not so) Dramatic Life
Deanna @Stitches Quilting
Denise @Craft Traditions
This was such an amazing project! I won’t lie, I had several moments of pulling my hair out to design my first foundation paper-piecing pattern, but I’m super happy I persevered and figured it out!! My designing skills grew by leaps and bounds on this one!
Get your free pattern!
Don’t forget to sign up for the free Medallion Squared quilt block pattern
A special thank you to Yvonne, Cheryl, and Stephanie for organizing this fun hop! And to Cloud9 Fabrics for generously donating the fabrics we used. It was my first time playing with Cloud9 Fabrics and I loved how soft their line is. I’ve got my eye on several more colours to add to my stash!
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you love this block as much as I do. I’ve actually got my eye on creating a larger project using this block, so stay tuned for that!
For more FPP inspiration, see the following blog posts:
Happy quilting! Oh, and if you get stuck, don’t be shy to reach out to me. I’m always happy to talk about all things quilty!!
xo
Shannon
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Very, very nice. Thanks for showing the mockup of a quilt with the blocks. I just cannot visualize these things. I know that sounds weird for someone who was a math major. I have to really, really work at turning objects in my head. I took a gifted education class when working on my masters (no I wasn't a teacher) and we took an IQ test for fun. When it came to questions dealing with what an object would look like when it was rotated, I just panicked because I know how difficult it is for me just with flat objects. I felt my heart start to race; I knew my blood pressure was rising; I started to breathe harder; I was starting to have a mild panic attack. All over a silly test for fun. It is just not my forte at all. I'm glad we have computers will abilities to do that for us now. Now, for the kicker, I was a computer programmer – but I didn't do the kind of programming to do that kind of stuff. I just started following you on Bloglovin' and am anxiously awaiting your next post.
I’m so happy the mock-up was helpful, Suze! And visualizing quilt layouts is no easy task, so don’t feel alone in that! What would we do without computers in this case, right?! I am busy working on a new design and will be sharing that later this month, so stay tuned!
This is so beautiful! Great work and a thorough tutorial. Your tips are much appreciated! I bet this block would have a really cool and unique effect without a border, too.
Thank you, Jessica! Yes, the effect is awesome without borders and I’m hoping to give it a try once I have a break in my schedule. Stay tuned
Very cute block. Especially love the mock-up quilt idea without the sashing.
Isn’t the no border option great?! I love how it when a secondary design pops up during the layout 🙂
What a great block – looks like a lot of fun to make, and I love the outward movement – love it!
That makes me so happy to hear! Hope you give it a go 🙂
Oh, I love how it looks in the repeat! I'm not good at getting those pointy paper pieced centers just right, but this looks like it would be fun to try anyway!
Definitely give it a go, Jodie! When it comes time to assemble the two halves, just make sure you line up the center first and pin in place before aligning the ends. Let me know how it goes and send me a picture, I would love to see which fabrics you use!
This is a wonderful block-love the color combinations-very nice! Thank you, Susan
Thank you, Susan! So happy you like it. Do let me know if you give it a go!
This is a great block! I really love the quilt layout without borders. The secondary patterns are really fun 🙂
I’m so happy you like the block, Leanne! Don’t you just love a great secondary pattern?! It’s like double the fun 😉
I really love how the block comes together in a quilt top without any borders. And thank you so much for the pre-cut sizes for the paper piecing, that helps me out immensely when I tackle a PP project. Your design is great and I love that this is such a win-win-win project, too. Thanks for joining the hop!
Aren’t those the best, Yvonne! I love it when everyone wins! Me too, I love how it tiles together without borders. I’m hoping to tackle it once I have a break in my schedule 😉 So thrilled everyone is loving that I shared the cutting instructions, I’m surprised more paper piecing patterns don’t include those instructions.
I really like this one! Your tutorial was really clear and easy to follow. Great job!
Oh that’s awesome to hear, Sarah! I really tried to make it as clear as possible – especially for anyone who hasn’t tackled paper piecing before! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
What a beautiful block you have created and I love the fact that it is paper pieced. GREAT job!
So sweet of you, Jennifer! And thank you for saying you love that it’s paper pieced – it’s one of those techniques you either love or hate 😉
Such a creative block. You did a great job designing.
Thank you, Anja! It was such a fun project that really challenged me on so many levels. Super thrilled we had this chance to participate!
I really like your block, especially the way the units look when they are tiled together without borders. My paper piecing experience is limited, so I appreciate your great photos and excellent instructions. Giving the sizes to precut the fabrics is a big help, too.
Yay, I’m so happy you found it helpful Marla! I was initially concerned about the length of my post, but wanted it to be as detailed as possible for anyone trying paper piecing for the first time. And the tiled version without borders is definitely my fave too! Great minds think alike 😉
Drop dead gorgeous! Congratulations. What else is there to say? =) Where can I order a completed quilt top please?
Ok you totally made my day with your comment! Super sweet of you!
xoxo
I am learning paper piecing and this block is so beautiful. crystalbluern dot net
Keep at it, Debra! Paper piecing gets easier and easier every time you tackle a project! Do let me know if you give it a try 🙂
Cool block and great paper piecing instructions. Really love the quilt layout without the borders. Nice job!
Thanks Ann! I’m so happy I decided to include the layout without borders as that seems to be resonating the most with everyone!
I was in love as soon as I saw this on Instagram this morning. This is such a great looking block, cant wait to try it! Awesome job on the tutorial 🙂
Yay! I can’t wait to see your block! Do tag me on Instagram so I can see what fabrics you choose 🙂
I love this block. It's so pretty. You did a really nice tutorial with great photos!
I’m thrilled to hear that! Thank you!
So pretty and perfectly pieced.
Aw, thank you!
Great design and love all the setting and fabric combo.Fantastic tutorial,easy to follow!
I’m so happy to hear the tutorial was easy to follow, Rosa! I read and re-read it so many times to make sure it flowed and didn’t miss any steps! Thank you for stopping by 🙂
I love the geometry of this block – I will keep it in mind for a future project!
So happy you like it, Denise! I do have this thing for geometric shapes – they always seem to be eye catching 🙂
Love your block! I am still fairly new to paper piecing, but I might give this one a try. It is just lovely! Great job!
Yay!! That is so exciting to hear! Please send me a photo once you give it a go. And if you get stuck, don’t be shy to reach out and ask me any questions that pop up 🙂
another stunning paper pieced block! I really am going to have to try some paper piecing! And I love the secondary patterns produced when put together with no sashing…. great block!!
It can be a little daunting at first, but paper piecing gets easier and easier every time! Reach out if you have any questions, I’d be happy to help out 🙂
I absolutely adore this block! And paper pieced – my favourite!
I’m so thrilled you love my block and that you adore paper piecing!! Isn’t it fun! Well, minus the feeling I get of wasting fabric. But I now have a special box for my leftovers which I dig through for all my paper piecing projects! Do tag me if you give it a go, I would love to see the fabrics you choose.
Your block is quite lovely Shannon and the tutorial is so well done.
Thank you, Kate! That means a lot 🙂
Oh, my goodness, Shannon. This is exactly why you're one of my most favorites! This is gorgeous! I still haven't tried paper piecing, but this block is practically begging me to. Beautiful job! ❤️
You’re so sweet, Amanda! I’m so thrilled that you like my block. And you’ve got to show me your block when you make it! I would love to see what materials you use to pull it all together xoxo
It amazes me that with all the bloggers designing blocks, they are all very different. These Cloud 9 colors are gorgeous together and the individual blocks are awesome. Can't wait to see the finished quilt!
Thank you, Nellie! This was such a great project and I hope you have a chance to give the blocks a go!
This is a great design! I loved seeing the potential look of an entire quilt. I think my favorite is the one with no borders. Wonderfully done!
Such a lovely comment, Janice! Thank you! And isn’t the mock-up without borders so fun! I can’t wait for a break in my project list to give it a go!!
That is such a fun design! And great job with the tutorial!
Thanks, Izzy! So happy to hear you like my block and tutorial :)
🙌🙌🙌🙌Excellent one Shannon! The tutorial is so clear and seeing this block on Instagram didn't even prepare me for the amazing quilt layouts…so much movement it's exciting. Kudos to you 👏👏👏
You’re such a sweetheart, Sola! I’m so thrilled to hear you like the block. I hope you give it a try, and if you do, please send me a picture! I would love to see your take on it 😉
Wow! I love your design. This one I want to try. Well done tutorial too! Thanks
Thank you!! I love hearing that you want to give the block a try, Dena!! Totally makes my day!! Do send me a picture of your block, I would love to see what fabric you use 🙂
Oh Shannon this is just stunning!!! It's taken me a little while to work to the end of the list but I am very glad I did!! Just downloaded your wonderful pattern, thank you! It looks great with the border as in the block above but also looks fantastic in your mock up with no borders. Now I just need to find more hours in the day!!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Abigail! I’m beyond thrilled that you like my block! This was such a fun challenge and I love how my quilting community has expanded :) Yes – the struggle is real trying to find time to make all the fun blocks! Do tag me when you get a chance to give this block a go, I would love to see how you pull it all together. xoxo
I'm slowly making my way around to all the other new block bloggers. I love your block and especially love the secondary pattern that is created both with and without the block boarder. I enjoy FPP and would love to give this block a try! Cheers!
It took me some time before I got through everyone’s blog too, Amanda! Happy you made it and that you love the quilt layouts! I’m hoping to give the different layouts a go too – I just need to find a break in my schedule! Do send me a photo or tag me on Instagram (now that we’re connected) so I can see how you made out 🙂
Beautiful block! I especially love the secondary design it creates when it's made without borders. Lovely.
Thank you, Jennifer! Yes, that secondary design is so fun isn’t it!? Let me know if you give the block a try. I would love to see the fabrics you choose!!