I love the spool block. It’s the quilt that a quilter makes for herself. ๐
This easy quilt block tutorial includes cutting instructions for the 18” block (like I made) and a 12” block.
In each block, I used three fabrics: one light value fabric, one medium value fabric, and one dark value fabric. A couple of the ‘dark value’ fabrics weren’t very dark, but it’s all relative within the block.
Cutting instructions for an 18” block:
With the light value fabric, cut 2 squares 5 3/8” and 2 rectangles 5” x 9 1/2”
With the dark value fabric, cut 2 squares 5 3/8” and 2 rectangles 5” x 9 1/2”
With the medium value fabric, cut 1 square 9 1/2”
Cutting instructions for a 12” block:
With the light value fabric, cut 2 squares 3 7/8” and 2 rectangles 3 1/2” x 6 1/2”
With the dark value fabric, cut 2 squares 3 7/8” and 2 rectangles 3 1/2” x 6 1/2”
With the medium value fabric, cut 1 square 6 1/2”
1. Use your 2 light value squares and 2 dark value squares to make 4 half square triangles. There is a great method for this that I showed in detail in the Friendship Star Block Tutorial.
2. Arrange the 4 half square triangles and the other pieces in a 9-patch grid as shown.
3. Sew each row together and press. Then join the rows.
Make 4 to form the Spinning Spools. I especially like the little pinwheel that appears in the center when you put them together this way.
If you like this easy quilt block tutorial, you can find more in my Pinterest Board here.
Sew an organizer covered with pockets that you can hang in your closet! This easy sewing project is great for organizing sewing and craft supplies, fashion accessories, bathroom necessities, gift wrappings, and more. There are pockets on both sides plus a big interior pocket so every bit of space is used. Iโll show you easy step by step instructions for sewing this organizer and putting it to use in your home. Get sew organized today.
Are you sewing a Closet Organizer with me? I hope so! This is Part 2 of our free sewing tutorial for an amazing organizer with a coat hanger inside so you can hang it anywhere.
If you are getting started, make sure you start at Part 1 of the free pattern.
Be a basketmaker! Sure, you can sew, but did you know that you can make amazing baskets too using your sewing machine, some fabric and the same materials that you use for your other projects?
Have you fallen in love with Quilt as You Go yet? It’s a fun technique for quilts, of course, but I’m having lots of fun using it for pouches and tote bags too.
I’m so excited to share with you the pattern for our first mini quilt of 2018… Flora! This beautiful little quilt was designed by the very talented Lauren of Molly & Mama…
At my daughter Chloeโs high school (can you believe my baby started high school???), the lunch lines are so long that she has been skipping lunch! Sheโs always starving by the time she gets home because she doesnโt want to carry a big lunch bag as well as her heavy backpack – poor girl!
Looking for free table runner patterns? I gathered up all my favorites in one place – here are free quilt patterns for table runners for fall, winter, spring and summer!
I am so in love with the beautiful look of simple patchwork quilts with lots of squares. This is the perfect way to use up fabric scraps like I did, or you can make a beautifully coordinated quilt with pre-cut 2 1/2โโ square fabric pieces that come in mini-charm packs.
Iโm also in love with the process. If you feel like quilt making is your escape from the world and sitting down to sew for a few hours makes your troubles fade awayโฆ this is the quilt for you!
Sew an easy beautiful apron with this free sewing pattern that only uses one yard of fabric! Whether you are sewing for yourself or for a friend, an apron always comes in handy and makes a great gift. This blog post includes a link to a free template that I digitized for you.
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. ๐
Caroline Fairbanks is an author and publisher who is passionate about the world of sewing and quilting. You can find her work in books, sewing patterns, magazines, and articles all over the web. She founded and publishes her ideas on the popular sewing website SewCanShe.com.