I love this quilt layout but I know that a lot of you got to the point of chopping those twirling blocks in half and Just. Couldn’t. Do. It.
…and I get that! I’ve seen other beautiful layouts that will keep the flow, but allow all of your creatures to stay in one piece! Read on to see just how they did it! Alternatively, you could use these chopped blocks to create coordinating projects – waste not!
Alternative Layouts
I have already seen two alternative layouts, so I know that the urge is strong to not chop those blocks! Here are two really simple ways to update the blocks:
Check out this beauty by Kim Linder! She simply added more D and E strips around each small block, creating a 3.5″ frame around all four. Then she lined them up with the large blocks, stitched and created this stunning effect!
If you want to keep the same layout without any block-chopping, try what my friends over at Stitch Central did! They added background corner blocks to keep the rounded design!
Project Ideas
18″ Pillow
If you’re OK with chopping those blocks, but want to create a coordinating project with them, give one of these cute pillows a try! You can even make the pillow fronts and send them off with your quilt top to be longarmed with a matching pattern!
Create this simple 18″ pillow by adding a 1.5″ between two leftover half-blocks! Check out how to make a pocket back with this simple guide.
Pillowcase
There’s nothing quite like a matching pillowcase to put a project over the edge! I hacked my Perfect Pillowcase pattern to create the look:
Pattern Hack:
- Add (2) 1.5″ x 9″ strips to the short sides of your half-block. Press seams away from block.
- Stitch a 20.5″ x 18.5″ to one long side of your half-block to create the pillow front.
- If desired, quilt the pillow front at this point.
- Lay right sides together with a 20.5″ x 27″ backing fabric. Stitch together on two long sides and one short side using 1/4″ seam.
- Proceed to follow the instructions in the Perfect Pillowcase pattern, starting at Step C!
What did you do!?
I’d love to see your finished quilts, alternative layouts, and coordinating projects! Make sure to tag me on Instagram and show off your finish!
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