There are many different types of quilt blocks that can be used to construct a quilt. Some examples of different quilt block types include log cabin, medallion and stack & whack blocks.
Log cabin quilt blocks are one of the most popular and commonly used quilt blocks. This block begins with a center square that is surrounded by long, narrow strips or logs. Moving clockwise in an orderly fashion these long, narrow strips are sewn on around the center square. These strips often become darker as they move to the outer sides of the block. Some variation of this type of quilt block include courthouse steps and pineapple block.
Medallion is a large central block or patterned area on the top of portion of a quilt, which is defined in some way by space or a border. The center is commonly a large square on point.
Stack & whack is method of creating kaleidoscope style blocks using repeats in fabric. The method is often credited to Bethany Reynolds.
Quilts are often recognized and chosen as a project by the type of quilt block used to construct it. Here are just a few of these quilts:
-An album quilt is assembled from individual blocks that are designed for a different person . Album blocks are sometimes stitched into a quilt by a group for a public person and then later presented to that person. They can also be used to commemorate a special occasion or event. Previously, blocks were signed and dated by the maker. They were often signed in India ink or embroidery. Currently, special markers are available for signing and dating album blocks.
-Cathedral window quilts are created using a particular quilt block that uses fabric folding in a special way to reveal an inner window of fabric.
- A charm quilt is made up of block units of different types of fabrics that are all the same shape and size but different fabric. These pieces are often times small, most commonly 2" but they can be up to 5". These type of block units are common themes for fabric swaps.
- A memory quilt is a quilt made up of blocks to commemorate an occasion such as a wedding, retirement, or birthday. Signature blocks, direct printed photo blocks, theme blocks, etc. can be used to make up the individual quilt blocks.
- A quilt top that is constructed using blocks with a different design or style is know as a sampler quilt. This type of quilt gives a person that is just beginning to quilt experience in many different quilt block patterns and style. The sampler quilt is very popular among all quilters.
Fabric swaps are a great way for beginners to explore the different types of quilt blocks available and also a wonderful way to accumulate a variety of fabrics in just a little bit of time. There are many type of quilt block swaps. There are quilt block swaps for the beginner, the advanced and there are also other swap blocks for other items such as fabric postcards and quilt components. The majority of quilt block swaps generally consist of the same thing. Typically you buy one or two fabrics and cut them up into smaller pieces to swap. Your small pieces are exchanged with others for a wide variety of fabrics.
Be sure to always follow the swapping guidelines. Some block swaps may have different guidelines than others, so be sure to read them carefully before joining. Almost all guidelines include a deadline, fabric and/or color requirements and accuracy guidelines. You can also find challenges made by other participants to make a specific type of quilt.