Tumbling

In order to make one, Helen, you really only need a template for the diamond. The diamond is the same for each position. It is a 60° and

But, if you do really need a pattern, I can't help I'm afraid - I usually draw my own! . In message , hmharris writes

Gillian > Anybody know where there is a free easy pattern for tumbling blocks? > Thanks.

There are many ways to achieve the tumbling blocks, Helen and you'll want to try this and that to see what works best for you. Do take the time to look at the quilts made by others over at quilters cache. I've seen tumbling blocks quilts at shows that were quite hypnotizing and some that were ho-hum. Certainly, choosing good light, medium and dark is important but I suspect that considering cool and warm contrasts is part of their success too. I'm thinking about it for one day. Polly

Everything you need is at the following website. Be sure to go to her gallery of tumbling block quilts.

I bought her book, diamond template and instructional DVD. They were great. My first tumbling block projects did not copy any of her designs. I just made various size individual tumbling blocks and tumbling block groupings and played around on the design wall until I got the look I wanted. I especially liked the "floating" look when the blocks were put on a very dark background. I machine appliqued the blocks using mono on the top and black in the bobbin to match the quilt back.

Jerry in North Alabama

There seem to be lots of methods - strip piecing, paper piecing etc. I do them English Paper Piecing using templates to cut freezer paper to size and then press it on the wrong side of the fabric, cut out eyeballing a 1/4"ish seam allowance, turn and bast the edges in, and then slip stitch the pieces together.

A good hand project.

I've done them and appliqued them to a background fabric to make a 14" block for a sampler quilt.

That's a really nice arrangement, Gillian. . In message , Gothikka writes

Marcia has a paper pieced pattern that doesn't require set in seams. You could probably draw templates if you didn't want to paper piece.

Fantastic!! I wondered how I could do that pattern, but I'm not into those chevrons or Y-seams yet. But I sure have been perfecting my paper-piecing techniques lately.

Thanks!

Thank you all for all of your help. I haven't decided whether to try the paper piecing or buy one of the pattern books.