Sewing

Framed Quilt Block Project

Framed Quilt Block Project - NoodleheadFramed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead Framed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead Framed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead Framed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead Framed Quilt Block Project - NoodleheadAs I began to think about what my studio space would look like, I had a vision of framing several large traditional quilt blocks and framing them for some wall decor. I’ve seen framed quilt blocks through the years (check out Suzy’s framed mini quilts here) and thought it would be an approachable and fun project while also packing a visual punch!

At my annual friends quilt retreat last summer (yes, 2018) I made almost all the quilt blocks. I’ll go into detail about each block below, but for now I wanted to share the details of the project in general. I first thought of a gallery wall of 9 blocks, so I set out to make nine 12″ blocks. I chose blocks that were visually appealing, plus some recognizable ones that I thought would be fun to share with non-quilters. I didn’t end up using them in a gallery like I had planned, but I really like how they look leaning on wall shelves. They’ll be easy to swap out and move around!

I used Ikea Ribba frames (the 19 3/4″ square ones) and had a piece of mat board cut to fit the opening of the existing mat. I wanted the blocks to sit on top of the mat and this allowed for the quilt block to not sink into the shadowbox type frame. So I just taped the piece of mat into the Ikea mat with clear shipping tape on the back side and then used double stick tape to mount each quilt block centered within the frame on the front of the mat. It went pretty smoothly! Before I framed each print I hand quilted them a little to add some texture and detail to each block. I tried to highlight the block design.

For fabrics I stuck with four main choices in my favorite black and white color scheme. I find that I almost always gravitate to black white and gray so I felt like it was a good choice for these framed blocks! I used Essex white, Essex black, Essex Yarn Dyed Homespun in Charcoal, Cirrus Solid in Shadow.

Framed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead

Ohio Star

Framed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead

Anvil and Nine Patch Variation

Framed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead

Jacob’s Ladder

Framed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead

Log Cabin

Framed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead

Friendship

Framed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead

Dutchman’s Puzzle

So now onto each block! I made 7 total blocks (five of which I have framed and hanging in my studio currently, the other two are going to get hung in bathroom or back room perhaps):

For each block I referenced Quilter’s Cache, which is a really great site for quilt blocks! A little hard to navigate, but it’s packed with everything you’d need! It was a fun way to explore traditional blocks and not have to commit to a whole quilt! It was kind of hard to not make plans for a whole log cabin quilt (I still might!) plus a scrappy Friendship quilt might be super fun, too. I’m keeping my options open. 🙂

Hope you find this helpful. I think this would be a really fun project to gift as well! Plus I love using them as a prop for photos, I think it really makes an impact!

Framed Quilt Block Project - Noodlehead

Couldn’t help but include Frida, our new pup. She loves the sun and coming to work with me.

 

29 thoughts on “Framed Quilt Block Project

  1. Krista says:

    These are beautiful, Anna! I love your new studio space so much.

  2. Megan says:

    These look fabulous, congratulations. Love the dog, dogs were made to lie in the sun weren’t they?

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Thank you! And yes, she loves being all warm and cuddly.

  3. Allison says:

    These are so beautiful and timeless! As is the pup! 😉

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Awe thanks Allison! 🙂

  4. Colleen C. Yarnell says:

    They look great! ten years ago when I set up my studio space in my spare room i found light green square metal frames at AC Moores. I went through my collection of vintage quilt blocks and framed them. They are still on my walls today and I take great inspiration from them. Ironically some are the exact or similar designs to what you have made.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Oh that’s so great Colleen!

  5. Ann S says:

    I’ve been waiting for this post since I saw your blocks in your studio tour post. One question, how do you finish your block edges? They looks so crisp and perfect for sitting on top of the mat. Beautifully done. Will definitely be a winter project at my house.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Hi Ann, Thanks! The edges are left raw after I trimmed each block to size.

      1. Ann says:

        Thanks for letting us know. Glad I wasn’t the only one who wondered how you got such beautiful edges. We can only hope ours will turn out as well! Lots of possibilities!!

  6. Judy Carter says:

    I love those framed blocks. I would like to have some in my sewing studio too. Have to make that a project for 2020. Thanks for the inspiration.

  7. helen says:

    Your idea is simply brilliant! Beautiful result!?
    Best wishes!

  8. Melissa Reilly says:

    How are the edges finished? LOVE them.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      I just left them raw after I trimmed them all to size.

  9. love. Love. LOVE these quilt blocks! thanx for the inspiration!

  10. Sally says:

    So beautiful and well done!

  11. Jeni says:

    These turned out so cool! They look perfect in your space!

  12. Jane says:

    These blocks look so great!
    I have the same questions as others here: how are the edges finished & is there a layer of batting behind them?

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Hi Jane! Sorry about not including that info. I left the edges raw. And I layered each quilt block over a layer of batting before I did a small amount of hand quilting.

  13. Monica Kostak says:

    Beautiful!…and i love the framed blocks and your room! I had 2 quilt blocks i had accidentally cut to 12″ that should of been 12 1/2″ from a quilt a long last year and had to redo–I saved these blocks…… After seeing this post, i found 2 square frames in the Dollar Tree that will work perfect for my 2 orphan–western blocks. My daddy is gonna love his wall art for Christmas and never know i had goofed and cut to size!!! Thanks Anna for the inspiration and idea.

  14. Leslie says:

    I love these ideas. Thank you for going to the extra trouble of posting this information for us. I also love your patterns and website. Blessings on your sweet head for a wonderful Thanksgiving and a lovely Christmas season.

  15. Sarah says:

    This is absolutely beautiful!

  16. stitchclinic says:

    The quilt blocks are great! I also like that they could be made in any color combo and hung in many different frame styles to suit and studio or home decor!

  17. Karen W Goldin says:

    For those concerned about raw edges, you could also add about 1/8″ to the outside dimensions of each block, and add a mat board that sits on top of the quilt block. Or if that is too complicated for some of the block designs, just layer the mat board as close to the raw edge as possible. If you are up for making your own frames, order sectional frame parts from a site like American Frame, and specify the “window” of the mat board to whatever size you need.

  18. Vickie Perrine says:

    Is Frida a basenji?

    1. Anna Graham says:

      She’s a Blue Heeler/Border Collie mix! At least that’s what we know from the Humane Society. 🙂

  19. Ellen Patton says:

    Wow. They’re amazing!!

  20. Boo says:

    I love these! Thanks so much for the details! I’m totally copying these!

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