Finding the best moda quilt patterns layer cakes appear amazing in is definitely usually the initial thing I do whenever I get my hands on the new fabric bundle. There is just something about all those 10-inch squares which makes you feel such as half the work is already finished you. If you've ever stared in a beautiful stack associated with fabric and experienced too intimidated to cut into it, a person aren't alone. That's the beauty of using pre-cuts from the brand such as Moda; the shades already match, the particular scale of the particular prints is well balanced, and you don't have to invest three days hunched over a cutting sparring floor before you even touch your sewing machine.
Why Layer Cakes Are a Total Game Player
In case you aren't familiar with the lingo, a "Layer Cake" is fundamentally Moda's way associated with saying a bundle associated with 42 squares that will measure 10 ins by 10 ins. Most other businesses call them 10-inch stackers, but Moda really stuck the landing with the particular bakery-themed names. I actually love them since they give a person a little flavor of every solitary print in a fabric collection.
When you buy yardage, you're usually devoted to a few big parts. But with the layer cake, a person get the florals, the stripes, the particular ditsy prints, plus the bolds all-in-one go. It's like a curated cheat code for a scrappy-looking quilt that actually looks professional. Plus, let's be actual: cutting big 10-inch squares perfectly rectangular is harder when compared to the way it looks in the event that you're carrying it out through yardage. Whenever they come pre-cut, that manufacturer edge can be your best friend.
Basic Moda Quilt Patterns Layer Cakes Like
The nearly all straightforward way to use these is usually to just sew them together within a grid. But when you want something that looks a little more "designer, " there are some first choice layouts that in no way fail.
The Classic Disappearing Nine-Patch
This particular is probably the most popular method to use a layer cake. You take nine of your squares, sew them in to a huge 3x3 block, and then—here could be the frightening but fun part—you slice that block right down the center vertically and flat. Once you move the pieces and sew them back again together, you possess a complex-looking design that didn't in fact require any tiny, fiddly piecing. It's a fantastic method to showcase the variety in a Moda bundle with no it looking like a basic checkerboard.
Half-Square Triangle (HST) Magic
You can obtain two large half-square triangles from two layer cake pieces by sewing about the perimeter plus cutting on the particular diagonals, or just doing the standard "draw a range and sew the quarter-inch away" technique. Since the squares really are a chunky 10 inches, your finished HSTs are nevertheless big enough to produce a high-impact quilt rapidly. If you make use of a high-contrast Moda collection—maybe something along with deep navies and bright creams—the geometric look of big triangles is spectacular.
The "Slice and Spin"
Another favorite is definitely just taking your own stack and reducing a single strip away one side associated with every square—say, a 2. 5-inch remove. You then sew that strip back onto a different side of the different square. This creates this modern, offset look that will breaks up the grid. It's a little bit chaotic in the best way possible.
Dealing With These Pinked Edges
One thing that trips people upward when they first start looking for moda quilt patterns layer cakes can manage could be the zigzag "pinked" edges. Moda cuts their fabrics this way to keep them from fraying within the package, which is great, but this can make your seam allowance feel a little wonky.
My rule of thumb? The points of the zigzags are the actual edge of the particular fabric. If you line-up your pressure foot with the external points, you'll usually stay pretty constant. Some people prefer in order to trim the pinked edges off, but honestly, life is as well short for that. In case you trim all of them, you're losing almost half an inches of fabric, which can screw up your own pattern's math. Simply embrace the fuzz and keep your seam allowance stable.
Choosing the Right Moda Selection
The design you choose actually depends on the "vibe" from the material. Moda has some popular designers, and they just about all have different strong points.
- Bonnie & Camille: Their stuff is usually shiny, cheery, and really traditional-modern. Simple patchwork or star patterns work beautifully here since the colors do the heavy lifting.
- Fig Tree & Company: In the event that you like the vintage, soft, "creamy" aesthetic, these choices are perfect. They will look great within patterns that involve more white space or "low volume" backgrounds.
- French General: These are usually deep yellows, linens, and doldrums. They look incredible much more structured, sophisticated patterns like the framed square or a simple gemstone layout.
The way to Stretch One Layer Cake Into a Bed-Sized Quilt
A single layer cake usually makes a decent-sized lap quilt (around 50" x 60" depending on your own borders). But what if you want a queen-sized quilt? You don't necessarily have to purchase two cakes.
The secret is adding a choosing solid fabric. Moda's "Bella Solids" are designed to match their print collections properly. By using a solid fabric regarding sashing (those pieces of fabric between the blocks) or by alternating your own 10-inch print squares with 10-inch strong squares, you may easily double the size of your quilt top. Not really only does this particular save money, it also gives the eye a spot to rest. Sometimes a quilt made only of prints may feel a little bit busy.
Tips for Achievement with Pre-cut Squares
Since you aren't doing the primary cutting, a person have to end up being a bit even more careful with your current sewing. Below are a few items I've learned the particular hard way:
- Don't pre-wash your layer dessert. I understand, I know—some individuals are team "always pre-wash. " But when you throw forty two ten-inch squares in to a washer, you're heading to end up with the tangled ball associated with threads and slightly smaller, distorted pieces. Just sew it up and clean the finished quilt with a few "color catchers" to prevent bleeding.
- Starch will be your best friend. If the fabric feels a bit floppy, give the squares an excellent press along with some spray starch before you begin sewing. It makes the fabric firmer and much easier to guide through the particular machine accurately.
- Check your own 1/4 inch seam. Considering that these squares are usually exactly 10 ins, if your seam allowance is even a tiny bit too big, your pads won't fall into line later. Do a check with two discarded pieces to make sure you're hitting that "scant" quarter-inch.
Wrapping Things Up
All in all, the best point about looking for moda quilt patterns layer cakes is the fact that there's no wrong method to do it. Whether you're a beginner who simply really wants to sew pieces together or a seasoned pro searching for a quick weekend task, these pre-cuts take those stress out of the process.
There's the reason these packages are so popular within the quilting world. They're accessible, they're gorgeous, and they will let you obtain straight to the part we most actually enjoy: the particular sewing. So, the next time a person see a Moda layer cake that speaks to you, grab it. You'll figure out the pattern later—and honestly, with squares this very, it's hard in order to mess it up. Content sewing!