Quilt-As-You-Go is way more versatile than you might think! Here’s how to quilt a Scottish Thistle block. Get this and other quilting and sewing tutorials.
I knew it would probably happen — I got behind on my monthly QAYG blocks. It was to be expected. There’s not a lot of sewing going on when you have two infants to care for!
Today I’m sharing the block I made for May, which was inspired by my friend Rebecca’s trip to Scotland. I was just getting around to finishing it when the babies came on May 20, and I was never able to blog it. Maybe I’ll be able to come up with some retroactive blocks for June, July, and August, and September — and then I’ll be caught up! A girl can dream, right?
This block is made using the same technique I use for all my QAYG blocks. Click on the links below, especially the Seaside Boardwalk tutorial, for all the information on how to make these blocks.
IMPORTANT: I always get asked how to combine these blocks. There are a lot of tutorials online for connecting QAYG blocks. I haven’t personally used any of them, but I am sure you can find one that works! I always turn these blocks into pillows or bags — anything with a lining so the ugly back isn’t visible.
Here is the order for placing each of the pieces:
First, start with the center of the thistle, quilted right-side-up, to the batting and backing fabric:
Then add the two darkest gray pieces to the left and top of the first piece:
Then the next two pieces of the thistle:
To make the thistle’s ends pointy, add two gray pieces, placed along the diagonal of the purple pieces:
Continue to add layers to the thistle in this manner — first the two purple perpendicular pieces, then the two gray diagonal pieces.
Once you reach the end of your thistle, add green pieces for the leaves and gray pieces to make the leaves pointy. (Do thistles have leaves? Whatever. The poky bits at the bottom.).
Trim it up, and you’re ready to go!
- Learn Quilt-As-You-Go: Easy Big Stripes Panel
- Bloomin’ Quilt-As-You-Go Tutorial
- Seaside Boardwalk Quilt-As-You-Go Tutorial
- Scattered Geese Quilt-As-You-Go Tutorial
- Go Fly a Kite Quilt-As-You-Go Tutorial
- Step It Up Quilt-As-You-Go Tutorial
- Bear Mountain Quilt-As-You-Go Tutorial
- Scottish Thistle QAYG Block
- North West Quilt-As-You-Go Block Tutorial
Instructions
- Here is the order for placing each of the pieces:First, start with the center of the thistle, quilted right-side-up, to the batting and backing fabric:
- Then add the two darkest gray pieces to the left and top of the first piece:
- Then the next two pieces of the thistle:
- To make the thistle's ends pointy, add two gray pieces, placed along the diagonal of the purple pieces:
- Continue to add layers to the thistle in this manner — first the two purple perpendicular pieces, then the two gray diagonal pieces.
- Once you reach the end of your thistle, add green pieces for the leaves and gray pieces to make the leaves pointy. (Do thistles have leaves? Whatever. The poky bits at the bottom.).
- Trim it up, and you're ready to go!
Comments & Reviews
Linda Nicholson says
Hi I’m a new quilter. I love the qayg method. And I love love love your Scottish thistle block.
But I can’t seem to find a lost of sizes for the pieces of fabric. Please can you send it to me or just tell me where to find it. Thank you so much
Linda
Crystal Summers says
Hi Linda,
Using this method, there are no exact sizes. Cori’s first square was about 2″ x 2″, if that helps! It’s definitely a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of quilting.
Hope this helps!
Crystal, HLMS Community Manager
Kaylee says
Was that 2×2 a finished size? 3×3 unfinished?
Amy Motroni says
Hi Keely,
We haven’t found a way to connect the blocks in a pleasing way. So we usually use the technique to make pillows and bags — things with a lining.
Happy Crafting!
Amy, HLMS Support
Keely says
I am in love with your blocks! Is there a picture of a completed quilt using them?
Thanks for your page!
Christie says
How are you joining the blocks?
Lisa M says
What is the total size of the block?
Cori George says
Because this is quilt as you go, the size varies — it depends on the size of your fabric strips!
Bonnie L Thiem says
I have moused on some of the “More Quilts As-you-Go Tutorials” and I keep getting the message that it’s no longer available or something to that affect. What gives?
Cori George says
Hi Bonnie — I think I got it working! Let me know if you still have problems. Thanks!
Sharon Litchfield says
How do you sew the individual blocks together for a complete quilt?
Patricia Lessell says
I absolutely love this tutorial. The block is just so gorgeous and I love QAYG too, though I don’t do it very often. This is just so great thank you so very much.
Cori George says
Thank you Patricia! Happy sewing!
Kristine says
I’m confused.
Are some of the edges raw or do you fold them over? Specifically, I ‘m referring to the triangle pieces. What am I missing?
Cori George says
Hi Kristine — check out this post for the details on QAYG. You should not have any raw edges — you sew the pieces right side down and then fold them over and quilt them. Hope this link helps! http://heyletsmakestuff.com/2013/01/29/bloomin-quilt-as-you-go-panel-tutorial/
Sheryl says
Hi,
Love your site, have a question, for some reason I can not find the cutting measurements for the Scottish Thistle, can you email the how long and wide the fabrics are suppose to be to make it .
Thank you
Cori George says
Hi Sheryl — using this method, there are no exact sizes. I believe my first square was 2″ x 2″, if that helps! It’s definitely a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of quilting :)
Amy Motroni says
Hi Christie,
I don’t know how to join the blocks, but there are some suggestions in the comments above.
Hope that helps!
Amy, HLMS Reader Support