Panel Perfect - Cutting Different Types of Panels for the Perfect 3-Yard Panel Quilt!
Panel Perfect - Cutting Different Types of Panels for the Perfect 3-Yard Panel Quilt!
There are so many amazing panels out there in the shops! From large 1-yard panels to assorted block panels filled with gorgeous, dynamic images, there are endless possibilities for creating beautiful quilts. Of course, we had to include them in our 3-Yard Quilt books!
Panel Perfect 3-Yard Quilts has been a super popular book since its debut last year. It was so popular we decided to do a follow-up panel book.
We just launched Panel Pizazz 3-Yard Quilts . The book offers eight new designs for panels or running yardage. Included are patterns to accommodate 6", 7", 8", and 10" panel blocks, plus full-yard panels. Six of the patterns also include Twin and Queen/King enlargement instructions.
You have plenty of patterns to choose from between these two books, plus an assortment of single panel projects we offer here at Fabric Cafe!
But Is My Panel "Crooked"?
You have a panel you love, but sometimes it looks like the fabric was printed crooked. It's not!
When manufacturers prepare the fabric for the shops, it is taken from large rolls, sometimes hundreds of yards, and put onto a specialized machine to "double and roll" onto bolts. Basically, the fabric is folded in half and then rolled onto a bolt. During that process, the fabric can stretch a bit and may look slightly "wonky."
See the "Double & Roll" process here .
So, how do you ensure your panel is straight and ready to use in your quilt project?
We're here to show you our favorite techniques before you start your project, helping you avoid frustration and making sure your panel is ready for cutting!
Working With a 1-Yard Block Panel
Step 1: Separate the Panel Blocks
Starting with a 1-yard block panel, lay the fabric out onto your cutting surface with selvedges on the left and right.
Measure the space between the panel blocks to determine the amount of fabric between each block. Cut one vertical row of blocks off in the center of that measurement. This will leave a border of fabric on either side of the block.
Step 2: Trim the Selvage Edge
Next, trim the selvedge side of the block panels, leaving enough fabric to provide an adequate seam allowance.
TIP 1: Save Those Borders
>Panels with decorative borders may not be used in your current project but are a great addition to your stash for future fun projects!
Step 3: Separate the Remaining Blocks
Now, rotate your cut blocks and measure between the blocks to determine the size.
Note: A lot of panel blocks have different width and height measurements. Again, find the center of the space between the blocks and cut through the middle. This will leave you with individual panel blocks ready for the next step.
Step 4: Separate the Remaining Blocks
You'll need a few items for the next part:
Square ruler - Masking tape - Spray bottle filled with water
Take one panel block and line it up with the lines of your cutting mat.
Using your square ruler, find an edge of the panel that is straight. Line that edge up with the grid on your cutting mat. Use a small piece of masking tape to hold the fabric in place so you know you are working from one straight edge.
Now, assess the other sides of the block to see how far they may be out of square.
Gently spritz the block with water so it is damp. The water helps the fibers of the fabrics relax so you can reshape the block.
Gently smooth the fabric with your hands and ease it toward the area that is out of square. Recheck the block with your square ruler.
Once you have it square, tape the other edges down and let the fabric dry completely.
TIP 2: Use the shiny side of your ruler to make it easier to slide it around the fabric after you've spritzed with water. It will be less likely to grip the fabric during this stage where you are trying to keep it in place.
Note: You can speed up the process with a dry iron. Press the iron up and down; do not slide it across the fabric. Important: if you choose to iron, be sure to use an appropriate surface and not the cutting mat, as it may melt.
Step 5: Trim Your Block(s)
Once the fabric is dry, you can trim the block to the exact size you need.
Start with the straight edge and line the edge of the block up with the edge of your ruler. Make sure you are centering the panel block and measuring it out evenly.
Start with the sides, then measure the top and bottom. This will help ensure you have the most even border around your panel image.
That's it!
Repeat this process with your remaining panel blocks. You'll be confident that your blocks are square and even before you begin piecing your quilt.
What About a Full-Yard Panel?
This same basic method works with a full-yard panel, with just a few adjustments. The biggest consideration is simply the amount of fabric you have to handle!
Step 1: Check Your Pattern
First, check your pattern to see how big the panel needs to be before you do a "fat trim."
"Fat trim" is our term for trimming down the fabric to a size that is larger than your final measurement but easier to handle and square.
Measure the width and height of your finished panel size, then determine where you can make the fat trim.
If the panel has a border, you can use that border as a guide for your cut. If there is no border, you can use the selvedge as your starting point.
Step 2: Square the Panel
Once you have completed your fat trim, get out your biggest ruler. We use a 16" square.
Start checking the fabric to see if it is square.
Line up one straight side of the panel with the cutting mat grid and anchor it with masking tape, as explained above.
Spritz the fabric with water. Flip your ruler and remeasure, then gently pull and ease the fabric until it aligns with the side of the ruler.
Feel free to adjust the masking tape and reposition it as you shift the fabric to square.
Keep going back and forth, continually checking your main edge and grid lines. Work your way around all four edges, taping each side once it is straight.
Let the fabric dry completely before removing the tape and doing your final trim.
Step 3: Make the Final Cut
Go back to your pattern to determine the exact size the panel needs to be cut.
Using a tape measure or long ruler, measure the center panel to ensure you have the correct finished size and an even border around the image.
Measure the height from top to bottom, then check the width from side to side.
TIP 3: Measure twice, or three times, then cut. Especially with panels, it's good to get into the habit of measuring and remeasuring. Take your time and center your ruler carefully to be sure you get exactly the size you need.
Remember: There Is More Than One Way!
Keep in mind, this is our preference for making sure our blocks are perfectly square before we begin.
There is no hard-and-fast rule that you must follow this process. You can certainly trim your panel blocks with your square ruler and move on to your project.
This is simply an extra precaution we like to take to avoid any slight appearance of the block being askew once it is sewn into the quilt.
Like any project, there are lots of different ways to get to the same end result.
Do what you love, have fun, and make something beautiful!
