I hope you are enjoying watching or sewing-along with our Ikat Quilt Sew Along! If you’re just joining us, hop over to the master sew-along page where you can find links to all of the relevant posts.

I’ve made some good progress on my Ikat quilt, finishing off the first row of my twin-sized version and working now on the second. Since I do have a design wall, I’ve left my block map in place for now, but it’s coming down soon to make room for other things. Glad it’ll still keep me organized!

When I’m starting on a new block, I always begin by arranging all of the pieces in Ikat formation. It’s like building a puzzle, actually! Elora is learning to recognize the patterns of this patchwork, so she can help me set out the pieces. She places fabrics in mirror image to my own, which must be a good brain exercise. Ah, yes, patchwork is good for everyone!

Most of my fabrics are vaguely directional, like the Annabelle Plaid print above. I don’t mind that the plaid print is running in two different directions throughout the block. It adds a bit of helter-skelter that I enjoy. Look closely at the finished blocks in the first image of this post and you’ll see the same - I haven’t bothered to maintain directionality.

However, sometimes it is nice to be able to maintain directionality, as I’ve done with the Larimar Sea print below. Here all of my triangles are neatly facing in the same direction. This can easily be done when cutting from the fat quarters suggested by the pattern. Let me show you how!

Directional Cutting Tips

Reference the Ikat Quilt pattern for the full cutting recipe. This tutorial will help you cut the Ikat Diamond B fabric pieces, while maintaining directionality.

1. Begin with a fat quarter, 22” x 18”. Cut a 2” horizontal strip and segment as your 2 longest horizontal pieces. Cut a 3.5” horizontal strip and segment as (4) 3.5” squares.

2. Cut three vertical 2” strips.

3. Segment the vertical strips into your (2) longest and (2) medium length vertical pieces.

4. Cut another horizontal 2” strip (which is not as long this time as before). Segment the horizontal strip into your (2) medium length horizontal pieces.

Cut all remaining 2” squares from any leftover fabric pieces.

See, not so hard! Once cut, these blocks sew together in a methodical and straightforward way. I’ve found them a relaxing diversion during spare moments while my in-laws visited this August.

Ok, if you’re sewing an Ikat quilt, don’t forget to share your progress photos on Instagram with #ikatquilt. Doing so enters you to win our quilt-along giveaway, sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop. Fat Quarter Shop has a huge assortment of 90” wide cuddle fabrics. This project is your chance to win 2 yards of any extra wide cuddle yardage in stock at Fat Quarter Shop. Yay! Winner to be selected on September 20th.

Happy sewing!