Pattern Description:
The Cutting Corners Quilt by Jordan Fabrics transforms striated batik fabrics into textured, flowing designs using a slice-and-resew method.
Bold directional lines become soft movement across the quilt, making it ideal for showcasing batiks. The pattern is free to download and adaptable for small throws or large bed quilts.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Fabric (Original): 1¾ yards striated batik (24 blocks, 4×6 layout)
- Fabric (Expanded): 5 yards striated batik (80 blocks, 8×10 layout; 72”×90”)
- Cutting Tools: AccuQuilt 10” square die (or rotary cutter, mat, ruler)
- Quilting Finish: Leaf edge-to-edge design
Instructions for Making the Cutting Corners Quilt Pattern:
Step 1: Downloading and Reviewing the Pattern
Before beginning, download the free Cutting Corners Quilt Pattern from the Jordan Fabrics website.
Reading through the instructions will give you an overview of the slice-and-resew technique, as well as the block assembly process.
The pattern is designed to be flexible. You may choose the smaller version (ideal for throws and lap quilts) or scale up to a bed-size quilt by increasing the number of blocks.
This flexibility makes it suitable for both beginners seeking a manageable project and experienced quilters looking to experiment with larger layouts.
Step 2: Selecting Fabrics
The Cutting Corners Quilt is especially effective with striation batik fabrics, fabrics featuring bold, directional lines.
While many quilters shy away from these prints, the slicing technique in this pattern turns potential difficulties into strengths.
For the quilt highlighted in this guide, the fabric chosen was Contours batik in the Hazelnut Latte colorway. The warm, earthy tones create a natural glow reminiscent of Rainbow Eucalyptus trees in Kauai.
- Fabric Yardage
- Original Quilt (Lap Size): 1¾ yards, set 4 blocks wide by 6 blocks high (24 blocks).
- Expanded Quilt (Bed Size): 5 yards, set 8 blocks wide by 10 blocks high (80 blocks).
Step 3: Cutting Fabric Squares
Cutting begins by preparing 10-inch fabric squares. An AccuQuilt cutting system with a 10” square die works best for efficiency and accuracy, especially when cutting dozens of squares. However, a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat will also work.
- From 1¾ yards, cut 24 squares for the smaller quilt.
- From 5 yards, cut 80 squares for the larger quilt.
Each square will serve as the foundation for one quilt block.
Step 4: The Slicing and Resewing Technique
The hallmark of the Cutting Corners pattern is the slicing and resewing process, which breaks up the linear striations in the fabric.
- Process Overview
- Slice the square. Following the guidelines in the pattern, cut each 10-inch square into segments.
- Shuffle the pieces. Mix and swap segments between different squares to create variety.
- Resew the pieces. Stitch the segments back together into a reconstructed 10-inch square.
By disrupting the original directional lines, the fabric’s boldness is softened, creating texture instead of chaos. No two blocks will look exactly alike, which adds depth and movement to the quilt.
Step 5: Planning the Layout
Once all blocks are complete, it’s time to design the quilt top. This stage is crucial because the arrangement of blocks influences the quilt’s overall flow and balance.
- Layout Options
- Small Quilt: 4 blocks wide × 6 blocks high = 24 blocks.
- Large Quilt: 8 blocks wide × 10 blocks high = 80 blocks.
Arrange the blocks on a design wall, floor, or large flat surface. Move them around until the quilt feels balanced.
Toni, the quilter who expanded this pattern, arranged her blocks so that lighter tones flowed diagonally from corner to corner, creating a subtle streak of movement.
Tip: Take photos of different layouts to compare and choose the most appealing option.
Step 6: Piecing the Quilt Top
After finalizing the layout:
- Sew blocks into rows. Join blocks side by side to complete each row.
- Assemble rows into the quilt top. Sew rows together one at a time.
- Press seams carefully. Pressing after each step ensures smooth, flat joins and prevents bulk at intersections.
By the end of this step, you will have a completed quilt top ready for finishing.
Step 7: Quilting
Quilting brings texture and a unifying element to your project. The quilting design can either highlight or soften the movement created by the blocks.
For her quilt, Toni chose a leaf edge-to-edge design that echoed the eucalyptus trees that inspired her fabric choice. The leaf motif complemented the striated batik’s natural feel while adding elegance and flow.
Other quilting options include:
- Swirls or waves for movement.
- Geometric lines for contrast.
- Custom free-motion quilting for added artistry.
Choose a thread color that blends with the dominant tones of your quilt for a cohesive look.
Step 8: Binding and Finishing
The final stage is binding the quilt edges. Select a fabric that frames the quilt and complements the main fabric.
- A darker binding adds definition and a border-like effect.
- A lighter binding creates a more open, airy finish.
Attach the binding by machine or hand, depending on your preference. Once bound, give the quilt a final press and admire your finished piece.
Tips for Success
- Trust the process. The slice-and-resew technique may feel counterintuitive, but it’s designed to harness the boldness of striated fabrics.
- Experiment with layouts. Small changes in block placement can dramatically affect the quilt’s visual flow.
- Scale flexibly. Whether making a small throw or a large bed quilt, simply adjust the number of blocks.
- Take your time. Precision in cutting, sewing, and pressing pays off in the final result.
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