I’ve always been drawn to the quiet, intricate patterns that emerge when you combine low-volume prints with vibrant colors. It’s like watching a patchwork sunrise unfold on fabric. The “Vivid Grid” quilt embodies this feeling perfectly, balancing a gentle background with eye-catching, colorful blocks that truly pop. Inspired by Sharon McConnell’s design, this quilt is a great project for any quilter looking to experiment with color contrast in a grid layout.
Working on this quilt reminded me of my love for organizing bold colors within soft tones. It’s a therapeutic process—assembling pieces that seem simple on their own but become lively and complex when arranged together. Today, I’ll guide you through the steps to create your own Vivid Grid quilt, blending muted fabrics with a vivid color palette for a truly eye-catching effect.
A Play of Subtlety and Boldness: Crafting the Vivid Grid Quilt
The beauty of the Vivid Grid quilt lies in its ability to blend subtle and bright tones, creating a harmonious design that is both soothing and vibrant. The background features low-volume fabrics in light colors, setting the stage for the rich pops of navy, aqua, pink, and other bold hues. Each block is a mini masterpiece of contrast, combining light and dark fabrics to draw the eye across the quilt.
Precision in Color and Pattern: Selecting and Cutting Fabrics
Before we dive into assembling the quilt, let’s discuss fabric selection and preparation. Sharon McConnell’s design relies on a meticulous balance of light and bright prints. The low-volume background provides a calm canvas, while the assorted bright fabrics bring energy to each block. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this quilt:
Materials Needed
- Light Prints: 23 precut 2½” x 42″ strips (or a total of 2 yards), assorted low-volume prints for the background blocks
- Bright Prints: 28 precut 2½” x 42″ strips (or a total of 2â…› yards), assorted bold prints in colors such as navy, aqua, pink, red, green, yellow, and purple
- Binding: ½ yard of cream tone-on-tone fabric
- Backing Fabric: 3â…“ yards
- Batting: 59″ x 69″ piece
Cutting Instructions
- From the light prints, cut:
- 120 rectangles, each measuring 2½” x 4½”
- 120 squares, each measuring 2½” x 2½”
- From the bright prints, cut:
- 120 rectangles, each measuring 2½” x 4½” (30 sets of 4 matching rectangles)
- 150 squares, each measuring 2½” x 2½” (30 sets of 5 similar-color squares)
- From the cream tone-on-tone fabric, cut:
- 6 strips, each measuring 2½” x 42″ for binding.
Getting Ready to Quilt: Tips for a Smooth Start
As we begin, keep in mind that the Vivid Grid quilt is as much about alignment as it is about color. To ensure that your blocks align perfectly, use a consistent ¼” seam allowance throughout. Press your seams in the direction indicated for each step to create a crisp and professional-looking quilt top. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step assembly process.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Vivid Grid Quilt
Step 1: Create the Quilt Blocks
- Gather Materials for Each Block: For one block, select four light print rectangles (2½” x 4½”), four light print squares (2½” x 2½”), one set of five bright print squares (2½”), and one set of four matching bright print rectangles (2½” x 4½”).
- Assemble Corner Units:
- Sew a light print 2½” square to a bright print 2½” square to form a pair.
- Attach a light print rectangle (2½” x 4½”) to the left side of the square pair, forming a corner unit that measures 4½” square. Repeat to make four corner units.
- Layout and Assembly:
- Arrange the four corner units, four bright print rectangles, and the remaining bright print square as shown in the Quilt Assembly Diagram, creating three rows.
- Sew together the pieces in each row, then join the rows to complete the block. Each finished block should measure 10½” square, including seam allowances.
- Repeat for All Blocks: Follow these steps to make a total of 30 blocks.
Step 2: Assemble the Quilt Top
- Layout the Blocks: Arrange the blocks in six horizontal rows of five, rotating each block 90° to create an interlocking pattern.
- Join Blocks:
- Sew the blocks together to complete each row. Press the seams in one direction for each row, alternating the direction with each row for smooth assembly.
- Sew the rows together to complete the quilt top, pressing the seams in one direction.
Step 3: Finish the Quilt
- Layer and Baste: Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric. Baste the layers together to keep everything secure.
- Quilt as Desired: For this design, consider quilting circles of different sizes across the quilt top to add texture and movement. Alternatively, you can choose any quilting pattern you prefer.
- Bind the Quilt: Finish the quilt with the cream tone-on-tone binding strips to create a polished edge.
Additional Tips for Success
- Choosing the Right Prints: Aim for a good balance of light and bright prints, using contrasting colors to make each block pop. This balance gives the Vivid Grid its dynamic, lively look.
- Pressing with Precision: Pressing seams carefully in alternating directions helps your blocks nest neatly, creating a cleaner final look and making the quilting process easier.
- Experiment with Quilting Designs: The circles suggested for quilting add a playful feel, but you can try straight lines, free-motion quilting, or echo quilting to make the pattern your own.
Completing the Vivid Grid quilt is a rewarding journey, blending quiet tones and bold colors in a way that showcases the unique beauty and artistry of the Vivid Grid design. This quilt allows you to work with contrast and balance, bringing the Vivid Grid quilt pattern to life in each block. As you finish your Vivid Grid quilt, take a moment to appreciate each vibrant block and how it interacts with its neighbors to form a cohesive, dynamic design.
The Vivid Grid quilt is not only a testament to your skill but also a beautiful piece of art that’s ready to brighten any room. Enjoy the warmth and charm of your Vivid Grid quilt creation, knowing that each stitch and color choice contributed to this incredible masterpiece. The Vivid Grid quilt will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to your collection or a heartfelt gift for someone special.