QNM Articles & Patterns

Fireworks

 Assembly

Step 1

You need the following amounts of bright prints for the various blocks. For each block: 42" x 1 3/4" (or fat eighth); each 2-block unit: 42" x 2 3/4" (or fat eighth); 3-block unit: 42" x 4 1/2" (or fat eighth); 4-block unit: 42" x 5 1/2" (or fat quarter). You also need 7/8 yard of one print for the 20 blocks that are placed around the center of the quilt. Wash and press fabrics.

If you are using silk, we suggest that you use a muslin or nonwoven interfacing for the foundations rather than paper. The fabric foundations remain part of the blocks, and you won't have to remove any paper. In addition, the fabric foundations will give body to the silk. Use a light table and mark the lines with a pencil or permanent pen on squares of muslin or interfacing, or photocopy or trace the full-size pattern onto paper 144 times.

Step 2

Use paper-foundation piecing methods to make the following: 4 blocks, 8 2-block units, 12 3-block units, and 17 4-block units. In addition, make 20 blocks in 1 colorway. Keep the blocks separate.

Step 3

Referring to the quilt assembly diagram, position the units in 12 horizontal rows, being careful to keep the units made from the same fabrics together to form the design. Join the units in rows; then join the rows.

Step 4

Sew the border strips to each side, mitering the corners and trimming the excess seam allowances.

Step 5

Mark 12 motifs in each border and 1 in each corner, matching dots.

Step 6

Layer the quilt lining, batting, and top. Baste. Refer to the quilt assembly diagram. Quilt curved lines around the center of the quilt, and diagonal lines radiating from the curved lines to the edges of the border. Quilt the border as marked. Bind the quilt to finish.