Bible Sampler Quilt Update – 19 Blocks In!
I’m back with another update on my Bible Sampler Quilt! It’s been three weeks since I kicked off this project, and so far, I’ve finished 19 of the 96 blocks needed to make a queen size quilt.
I’m thinking I’ll probably make a few extra blocks and go for a king-size version, so there’s still a long way to go, but I’m loving the process so far!
This weekend, I’m heading to a quilt retreat and hoping to make good progress. I’ve also added a new tool to my foundation paper piecing kit: the Add-an-Eighth ruler by CM Designs. I was finding that the Add-a-Quarter ruler from the same company was leaving a bit too much seam allowance for these small 6″ blocks. The Add-an-Eighth is just right, it’s helping reduce bulk in the seams so everything lays nice and flat.
I’ve also started using a wooden seam roller instead of an iron to press as I go. It’s quick and keeps my paper pieces from getting too warped. I’m using a dab of glue to secure the first fabric piece in each unit too, it really helps keep things in place before stitching begins.
Each block takes about 1–2 hours to piece, but I truly look forward to this part of my day. Before starting a block, I take a moment to read the Bible verse from the book, then pick out the colors and fabrics I want to use.
I recently added a few more prints to bring in more variety. All of my fabrics are from Art Gallery Fabrics: Duval, Evolve, and Slow Summer by Suzy Quilts, with a few new additions coming in soon … A Year in Petals by Bonnie Christine and Heirloom by Sharon Holland. I’ll have bundles in the shop soon if you’d like to sew along!
A Few Tips for Foundation Paper Piecing Small Blocks
- Use an Add-An-Eighth ruler to trim off excess fabric, and give yourself a straight edge for placement of the next piece.
- Baste around each unit after it’s done. Sew between the solid line and the outer dashed line to help stabilize the piece for trimming and joining.
- Chain piece for efficiency! Instead of switching between steps, sew all the “piece 1 to piece 2” units in a batch. Then fold back the paper and trim all at once. Move on to “piece 3” for all units, and so on. It’s so much quicker, I just started doing this after making 19 blocks and wish I’d done it sooner!
Thanks so much for following along. This quilt is already becoming such a special project, one verse and one block at a time. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together, and I’ll be sure to share more after the retreat!
Until next time,
Happy stitching,
Jen
