The Quilt Finish: Show Off pattern is a delightful design by the talented Becky Tillman Petersen, a name beloved in the quilting community. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about this charming quilt, from imaginative color palettes to practical tips for success, ensuring your next project is as enjoyable to make as it is beautiful to behold. Get ready to dive into the world of fabric and thread and create a masterpiece that truly “shows off” your skills!
All About the Quilt Finish: Show Off Pattern
The “Quilt Finish: Show Off” pattern, often simply referred to as “Show Off,” is a wonderfully versatile design that captures the essence of classic quilting with a modern touch. It features large, prominent square blocks separated by sashing strips that are themselves pieced with smaller squares, creating a captivating lattice effect. The beauty of this pattern lies in its simplicity and the opportunity it provides to showcase your favorite fabrics.
Looking at the quilt in the image, you can appreciate how the large blocks allow intricate fabric prints to shine, while the connecting sashing, often in a contrasting or neutral color, adds visual interest and structure. The pattern is surprisingly easy to construct, making it an excellent choice for quilters of all skill levels, including adventurous beginners looking to expand their techniques beyond basic squares. The original pattern uses 9.5″ x 9.5″ plain fabric squares for the main blocks and strip piecing for the sashing and nine-patch cornerstones. This design allows for a stunning display of fabric variety, from solids to plaids and prints, as seen in the example quilt with its rich autumnal tones. It’s perfect for using up larger cuts from your stash or highlighting a fabric collection you adore.
Creative Color Palette Suggestions
While the image showcases a beautiful fall-themed quilt, the “Quilt Finish: Show Off” pattern is incredibly adaptable. Let’s explore some festive Christmas-themed palettes to inspire your next project!
Classic Christmas Charm
Imagine a cozy Christmas morning with this palette. Use deep cranberry red, rich forest green, and sparkling gold for your main blocks. For the sashing, a creamy off-white or a subtle light grey would provide elegant contrast, letting the vibrant holiday colors pop. Add a touch of whimsy with a few accent blocks in a festive burgundy plaid or a silver shimmer.
Winter Wonderland
This palette evokes the serene beauty of a snowy landscape. Start with icy light blue, crisp snow white, and delicate silver grey. Introduce soft lavender or a touch of powder blue for depth. The sashing could be a pure white, creating an ethereal, frosty feel, perfect for a modern holiday aesthetic.
Rustic Farmhouse Christmas
For a warm and inviting feel, combine natural textures and earthy tones. Think warm cinnamon brown, muted olive green, and a comforting burnt orange (softened for Christmas). Integrate fabrics with subtle patterns like tan gingham or terracotta plaids. A neutral linen beige for the sashing will tie everything together, giving it that charming, handmade country appeal.
Important Tip: When working with patterned fabrics, especially for the larger blocks in the “Show Off” pattern, consider fussy cutting to highlight specific motifs you love. This can add an extra layer of personalization and charm to your finished quilt!
Fabric Requirements Guide for Quilt Finish: Show Off
Planning your fabric needs is crucial for a smooth quilting journey. This table provides estimated fabric requirements for common quilt sizes for the “Quilt Finish: Show Off” pattern, assuming standard 42-44 inch wide quilting cotton and a design similar to the example image (large blocks with sashing). Always check your specific pattern instructions for precise measurements.
| Quilt Size | Main Blocks (Assorted) | Sashing & Cornerstones | Binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crib (40″x50″) | 1.5 yards | 1 yard | 0.5 yard | 3 yards |
| Throw (50″x60″) | 2.5 yards | 1.5 yards | 0.75 yard | 3.5 yards |
| Twin (63″x87″) | 4-5 yards | 2.5 yards | 0.75-1 yard | 5.5 yards |
| Queen (90″x95″) | 8-9 yards | 3.5 yards | 1-1.25 yards | 8-9 yards |
| King (108″x108″) | 10-12 yards | 4.5 yards | 1.25-1.5 yards | 10-11 yards |
Important Tip: Always buy a little extra fabric than you think you’ll need, especially for backing and binding, to account for trimming, squaring up, or any small mistakes.
Where to Buy Fabrics
Finding the perfect fabrics is part of the joy of quilting! Here are some fantastic online stores where you can discover beautiful prints and solids for your next “Quilt Finish: Show Off” project:
- Fat Quarter Shop – A highly popular online fabric store offering a vast selection of quilting fabrics, precuts, patterns, and kits from top designers.
- Keepsake Quilting – Known for its rich collection of high-quality cotton quilting fabrics, quilt kits, and notions, providing excellent resources for quilters.
- Stash Fabrics – Specializes in modern fabrics by the yard and precuts, perfect for contemporary quilt designs and a great source for fresh, unique prints.
Tips for Success with Your Quilt
Making a quilt, especially a beautiful “Show Off” quilt, should be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Press, Don’t Iron: When piecing your blocks and sashing, “press” your seams rather than “ironing” them. Pressing means lifting and placing the iron, which helps prevent fabric distortion.
- Consistent Seam Allowance: A precise 1/4-inch seam allowance is the key to perfectly matching points and squares. Consider using a 1/4-inch foot on your sewing machine.
- Square Up Regularly: After piecing blocks and sections, take the time to square them up using a rotary cutter and a quilting ruler. This ensures all your components are the correct size before joining them.
- Audition Fabrics: Lay out your chosen fabrics for the main blocks and sashing on the floor or a design wall before you start cutting. This allows you to visualize the final look and make adjustments.
- Chain Piecing for Efficiency: For the numerous squares and strips in this pattern, chain piecing can save a lot of time and thread. Sew multiple pieces together continuously without cutting threads in between.
- Embrace the “Piano Key” Border: The “Show Off” pattern often features a “piano key” border, which adds another layer of texture and interest. Don’t shy away from this fun detail!
Inspiration: What to Create with this Pattern
The “Quilt Finish: Show Off” pattern is incredibly versatile. Beyond a traditional bed quilt, here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:
Imagine a vibrant throw quilt for your living room couch, showcasing a selection of your favorite prints. Its relatively large blocks make it ideal for featuring novelty fabrics or those with bigger designs that might get lost in smaller piecing. A “Show Off” throw would be a fantastic way to brighten up any space.
Consider scaling it down for a charming baby quilt! Using soft, pastel fabrics or playful prints, this pattern creates a comforting and visually stimulating blanket perfect for a nursery. It’s a thoughtful handmade gift that new parents will cherish.
For a quicker project, create a striking wall hanging. A smaller version of the “Quilt Finish: Show Off” can serve as a focal point in a room, allowing you to experiment with bold color combinations or themed fabrics, much like you might with a more intricate table runner design.
Watch the Tutorial in Action
Ready to see how this beautiful quilt comes together step-by-step? Becky Tillman Petersen has a wonderful tutorial that walks you through the process, offering valuable insights and tips. Click the button below to watch the full tutorial and bring your “Quilt Finish: Show Off” vision to life!
Watch the Complete Tutorial on YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What fabric is best for a Quilt Finish: Show Off pattern?
For the “Quilt Finish: Show Off” pattern, 100% quilting cotton is generally the best choice due to its ease of use, durability, and wide range of available colors and prints. The pattern’s design with larger squares makes it ideal for showcasing fabrics with interesting motifs or textures, so don’t be afraid to use your favorite prints.
How difficult is the Show Off quilt pattern for beginners?
The “Show Off” quilt pattern is considered very beginner-friendly. It primarily uses squares and strip piecing for the sashing, which are fundamental quilting techniques. If you can sew a straight line and maintain a consistent seam allowance, you’ll find this pattern accessible and rewarding. It’s a great stepping stone before tackling more complex designs like a Double Irish Chain quilt.
Can I use precuts like charm packs or layer cakes for this quilt?
Yes, you absolutely can! The main blocks are 9.5″ squares, which means 10″ layer cake squares would be perfect with just a small trim. Charm packs (5″ squares) could be used for the smaller squares in the sashing or pieced together to form larger blocks. Using precuts can save a lot of cutting time and make fabric selection easier, making it a fast and easy project. For more ideas using precuts, check out a Nine Patch Bento Box quilt.
What is the best thread for appliqué quilting with this pattern?
While the “Show Off” pattern itself is pieced rather than appliquéd, if you decided to add appliqué elements, a high-quality 50wt cotton thread is typically recommended. Brands like Aurifil or Superior Threads are popular for their strength and minimal lint, providing smooth stitching for both piecing and appliqué. For other appliqué techniques, explore resources like the Fast Fusible Daisy Quilt.
How can I customize the “Quilt Finish: Show Off” pattern?
There are many ways to customize the “Show Off” pattern! You can play with your fabric choices, creating themed quilts (like our Christmas ideas!), or opt for a scrappy look using various prints and solids. You can also experiment with different quilting motifs, add extra borders, or even incorporate embroidery or appliqué elements onto the large blocks to truly make it your own. Consider using it as a base for a playing the scales pattern or a Heroes Comfort Quilt variation.
About the Designer
Becky Tillman Petersen is the creative force behind Jo’s Country Junction, a beloved blog that has inspired countless quilters with its warm community spirit and delightful patterns. Becky’s passion for quilting shines through in her designs, which often blend traditional aesthetics with approachable techniques, making them perfect for quilters of all skill levels. She’s known for her ability to transform simple shapes into stunning quilts, encouraging everyone to enjoy the process of making.
Through her blog, Jo’s Country Junction, Becky shares her quilting adventures, tips, and free patterns, fostering a supportive environment where quilters can connect and grow. Her “Quilt Finish: Show Off” pattern is a testament to her philosophy that beautiful quilts don’t have to be complicated to be impactful. She truly enjoys sharing her love for fabric and stitching with others.
We hope this deep dive into the “Quilt Finish: Show Off” pattern has filled you with inspiration and confidence for your next quilting adventure. Whether you choose a festive Christmas palette or another delightful combination, this pattern promises a rewarding experience and a stunning finished quilt. Happy quilting, and don’t forget to show off your beautiful creation!