Look at you keeping pace with the Mouse Trap Block of the Month, and ready to dive into the third block of the quilt along. This month will have you piecing sharp angles in the Sticks quilt block!
You worked with angles in the Triangle Point quilt block, but Sticks will take those angles to new levels! Even though we’re just getting started, so far in the Mouse Trap skill builder you’ve already learned:
- How to piece quarter circles in the Rainbow block.
- How to piece half-rectangle triangles in the Triangle Point block.
It’s through exploring each of these quilting techniques that you’ll learn which you love the most, and level up your quilting skills in the process!
Today I’m covering:
- The story behind the Sticks quilt block
- Composition play to be had
- Quilting technique featured
- Materials required
- Top Tips
- Caution
- Monthly giveaway details
Let’s dive in!
The Mouse Trap BOM Quilt Pattern is available for instant download!
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.
Story Behind the Sticks Quilt Block
This was the twelfth design out of the 54 drawings I based the Mouse Trap quilt pattern on. The final layout doesn’t deviate from the original drawing. What you see is what I drew!
It’s such a simple streamlined design, but one that I was captivated by.
Composition Play
Lines, there’s something very appealing about them when you actively look at how they enhance a quilt design. It’s such a simple basic shape but can be manipulated to create so many new shapes. Even though the Sticks block is simple in design, I encourage you not to discount the opportunity it presents to you in your quilt composition play.
Case in point, you’ll notice that this modern quilt block features in every single quilt layout in the Mouse Trap Quilt pattern.
You might say I was a little obsessed with this little cutie – ha! There’s a good reason for that, as it gave me the chance to create movement without having too much detail and complexity. So, it’s a twofer – it allows some breathing room and helps direct the eye.
Now do you see it differently?!
Hopefully, you’re as excited as I am about the fun possibilities she offers you!
Quilting Technique Featured
If you didn’t catch just how much I love angles when I shared last month’s Triangle Points block, then this month you’ll see just how much I truly love them. To help you lean into piecing angles, I’ve included a set of templates so that you have a foundational guide to work from. If you prefer working with acrylic templates, you can find the full Mouse Trap ruler set here.
That said, I’m still going to challenge you on your piecing accuracy. This will mean you need to get comfortable with how you cut your fabric, how you place your pieces, how you handle your fabric, and how you press along the way.
Whew – that’s a lot to keep in mind while stitching up a quilt block.
Materials & Notions
Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand to stitch up the Sticks quilt block:
- Sticks quilt block pattern – part of the Mouse Trap Quilt Pattern
- Sticks Templates – part of the optional Mouse Trap Ruler Set
- Fabrics in colours:
- Piecing thread
- Sewing machine
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter with these blades
- Rotary cutter for paper templates
- Scissors for paper cutting
- Ruler – long
- Ruler – short
- Small scissors
- Pin cushion
- Pins
- Iron
- Wool pressing mat – Use code SHANNONFRASERBOM2025 to save 15% on your entire purchase at The Felt Store Canada or The Felt Store USA. One use per customer, offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Expires June 30, 2025.
- Spray bottle
To make the original pattern cover version you can find the exact kit featuring the same AGF Pure Solids in this quilt kit from Sew Curated.
Get the AGF Pure Solids dupes from Sew Curated for the colours I’ll be stitching my Mouse Trap quilt in 2025.
Top Tips
My top tip is to follow the tips in the Sticks quilt block pattern. The step graphics are detailed for a reason, I call out areas where things can go awry, so pay close attention to those 😊
Oh, and pins help!
Caution
If you’re working with printed fabric, you want to be extra mindful to reverse your templates. Directions matter here, and the only way to achieve that is through being present and double-checking your fabric and template layouts before you take that first cut!
March 2025 Mouse Trap BOM Giveaway
Since cutting accurately for the Sticks block is super important, I thought it would be fun to give you the chance to win a 60mm Midnight Edition Rotary Cutter and a set of 60mm Midnight Edition Rotary Blades from my friends at LDH Scissors. It’s what I’ve been using for my own Mouse Trap Quilt!
To enter the giveaway, you must:
- Be following @ldh_scissors and @shannonfraserdesigns on Instagram.
- Post a photo on Instagram of your Sticks block between March 15, 2025, and April 14, 2025, at 11:59 pm Eastern.
- Instagram account must be public.
- Tag @ldh_scissors and @shannonfraserdesigns
- Include the hashtags #MouseTrapBOM #MouseTrapQuilt
This month’s giveaway is open internationally
The winner is to be announced in the April 15, 2025, Mouse Trap BOM Newsletter!
Keep up the great work! The best thing about a block of the month is that there’s no pressure to rush through making your block. Take your time and enjoy the piecing! I look forward to seeing yours pop up on the ‘gram or in our Facebook group.
If you haven’t already, be sure to get your Mouse Trap BOM Quilt Pattern and sign up for the Mouse Trap BOM Newsletter so you don’t miss any of the quilt-along details 😊 For added help, take the optional Mouse Trap Course to see how each of the quilt blocks is made!
Happy stitching!
xo
Shannon
PS Don’t forget to share your Sticks quilt block on the ‘gram to be entered into the giveaway!
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