Moda Modern Building Blocks Quilt Tips and Tricks
I finally finished this quilt top! I have a very strong love/hate relationship with this quilt top for many reasons. Before I started, I had already heard this quilt pattern wasn't the easiest to follow and that it was wasn't the easiest of quilts to make. This blog post is dedicated to my assessment of the quilt, the quilt pattern, and any tips and tricks for assembly. If you've made this quilt before and have things to add to my list, please comment below, and I'll get this post edited for future readers!
So here it goes…
Skill Level:
- Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Pattern:
- Each of the block patterns are shown with the finished block, semi-exploded diagram of the block to help show how the block is sewn together, and then cutting instructions.
Block Cutting Tips:
- The cutting instructions are such that you *shouldn't* need to trim the blocks if you have an accurate and consistent 1/4" scant seam. If you would like to trim blocks, make sure to add 1/8" to each of the squares that require a single diagonal cut.
- Square up all the flying geese and Half Square Triangles (HST) before assembling each block. Because I was lazy (at least I admit it), I used the exact cutting instructions thinking I could get away without squaring the block. Nope, I'm not that consistent with my seams, and it was very apparent on blocks with lots of seams.
- There is a google doc sheet that shows the full cutting instructions for the block from Liz Harbour. However, there are a few minor mistakes in the sheet from typos so be on the look out for those.
- Always cut the largest blocks first. If you don't, you may not have enough fabric left. If you bought the kit and cut the largest blocks first, you'll end up with a nice stack of Bella Solids to use as scraps in the end.
Sewing Tips:
- Instead of cutting all the HSTs apart before sewing them back together, look at which HSTs can be made with the method of sewing 1/4" on both sides of the diagonal line, then cutting the HST apart.
- For some of the blocks, the flying geese can be made with the no waste method. So there is no need to cut the different sized triangles in the cutting instructions. This is if there are 4 flying geese that are identical and have the same colors of corner triangles in the block.
- Nesting seams takes some extra planning ahead. Make sure to mark which directions the seams should go for easier assembly. If you do not want to think, press the seams open to avoid them being bulky.
Pattern Corrections:
- Block 7: This block is overall TOO small. If you sew it with the cutting instructions, your block will end up about 18" square, rather than 18" finished (18 1/2" square). You can fix this by cutting the E pieces 5 1/2" squares rather than 4 3/4" and the F pieces 5" squares rather than 4 3/8". After the block is finished, trim the block to size.
- Block 8: the A piece is too small. Piece A should be 4 3/4" rather than 4 5/8"
**There may be other corrections, but those were the ones that were obvious or really off that needed correcting!
Did I miss anything? Comment below! Thanks!
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Here are some of the assembly photos of the quilt. I really do love how this quilt turned out, and it's the largest quilt top that I've made finishing at 84"x96".
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So I didn't work on anything this week other than finishing up this quilt top. I also realized not having to post a Quilter's Planner block each week has give me validation that I can skip blocks for which I'm just not feeling it. Maybe I'll do this week's block, but we'll have to see!
6/20-6/27 Weekly Goal:
Available time for quilting:
Friday PM, Saturday AM, and Sunday afternoon
Projects I want to work on:
Quilter's Planner Block
BCBarnQuilt
Designing for PBQ
Goals for the Projects:
Quilters Planner Block: Complete this week's Block
BCBarnQuilt: Complete the quilt top/block
Designing for PBQ: Work on new block designs, making a design a day.
Your quilt is absolutely beautiful and I am not a fan of solids. This quilt looks complicated; almost like a Jen Kingwell design which I have a love/hate relationship. Very inspiring, almost makes me want to make one now but I really have a lot on my plate. Thanks for sharing and I’m sure your tips are going to be helpful.
You should definitely make one! There have been lots of variations of this quilt with different prints and they all look fabulous! 🙂
Oh boy, I can see why you have a love/hate with that quilt, but I sure like it and I like the bright, happy colors! Great tips for those working on it and hoping to make one too!
<3 I can't wait to see your creation too! Let me know if there is anything to add to the tips and tricks once you get yours done too 🙂
I love how the quilt finished up. Your tips and tricks should help anyone else who is working on this project. It was nice of you to type them up. –Andrea
Thanks Andrea! 🙂
Your hard work paid off, your quilt top is amazing! 😀
I can’t add tips as this pattern is still out of my league!
One day you will absolutely be able to make this quilt! <3 and thank you!
Awww thank you! and your welcome 😊
Your perseverance paid off and it is a beauty. Your hints for others who attempt it are great and very helpful to others who might persist. Hope you get a few other hints from folks who did it, always nice to hear others experience with the same pattern.
Thank you! 🙂
It is a total stunner! I’m amazed at your perseverance … I would have given up 🙂 But it is worth it, and wow, what a beauty! I can only imagine how fun it will be to quilt, too. Thank you for the detailed notes, that will be helpful for anybody makes it after you!
Thanks Liz! Sadly I really dislike quilting large quilts on my domestic machine, so I have a really awesome longarmer friend 🙂
Your quilt looks beautiful, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one with so many solids I’ve liked as well. Congrats on finishing it!
Thank you!!! 🙂
I started working on this last month and have found it super confusing so far. I already screwed up so badly that the finished size of my quilt will be much smaller than intended- which I guess isn’t the biggest deal. I have been trimming my blocks to 36×36 instead of 36.5×36.5. I have already completed the 4 largest blocks so I am not sure if I am going to redo those or just continue with what I have already done. If I redo them I will likely have to order more fabric. I wish the “directions” had been more clear from the get go. Though, I suppose my mistake was a rookie one and I should have known better.
oh boy! I completely agree with how this was a confusing pattern! One of the things you could do is add a border to the blocks you trimmed to increase the size so that the rest of the quilt will be aligned. Good luck!