Wonky Curves Tutorial

How to make Wonky Curved Blocks (16")

I'm going for a fairly over sized block, but the method works for any size block you would like to make. 

 

• Cut a variety fabrics of fabrics 20" square.
 

•  Stack the fabrics together, right sides up and clip one corner (through all the layers).
• This is a really helpful step, as it helps you keep the proper orientation of the block. 



• With your marker of choice, draw a wonky curve on the top fabric.
• If you want a perfect curve just use a curved ruler or plate....whatever works for you.



 

• Cut through all layers along the marked line, using either scissors or a rotary cutter. I have a tendency to use my scissors because I have a pair of Gingher Scissors that can easily cut through ten or more layers of fabric, plus I probably have a little more control using scissors.

•  Once you have cut through all the layers you can shuffle the pieces around until they are pleasing to you. This is much the same as the "Stack the Deck" way of doing things by Karla Alexander. The difference here is we cut, shuffle and sew and then keep repeating that sequence of steps, rather than making all the cuts and then sewing. It's so much easier to keep track of the pieces this way.

 

• It's my preference to sew with the convex part of the block or the belly on top and the concave on the bottom (right sides of the fabric together. 

 Trust me, this is much easier than it looks. These wonky over sized blocks are a wonderful if you are new to sewing curves. The blocks get squared up at the end so if things aren't perfectly lined up at the beginning or end of the seam....NO WORRIES.

• Line up the fabric as I have and take a few stitches using a quarter of an inch or slightly smaller seam allowance.
• Lift your presser foot, leaving the needle down, if needed to line up your edges.

•  Lift your top fabric as you sew with your left hand and use your right hand to guide the bottom fabric.
•  Leanne at She Can Quilt put together a wonderful little VIDEO on piecing curves. I highly recommend popping over and viewing it.....so helpful!!

• Here is a picture of the back of the block all sewn together.
• You can now continue doing the rest of the blocks this way, chain piecing as you go. I often work on just a few blocks at a time, as I'm usually improvising as I go. 

• Press the seams toward the convex block (the belly).  

• Stack all the blocks together again, right sides up, lining up the clipped corners.
• Draw another curve. 

•  As you can see the blocks start to distort as you continue making cuts and sewing seams....no worries, just line up those clipped corners. 

 



• Cut along the line.
• Shuffle the pieces





 

•  Sew the seams in the same manner.
 

 

• Regarding the pressing of the seams...there is no really wrong or right way, but when my seams are close together I find it easiest to press the seams in the same direction. 

 

 

• Just keep repeating the above steps until you have as many curves in the block as you desire.
• At that point I press using plenty of steam and spray starch to flatten the block out.
• Then square up to desired size.

Recap:

1. Square up several pieces of fabric.
2. Stack fabric right sides up.
3. Clip one corner through all the layers.
4. Draw a curve.
5. Cut the curve.
6. Piece the curve.
7. Press the block.
8. Re-stack the blocks lining up the clipped corners.
9. Repeat until you have all the all the curved piecing you desire.
10. Press the blocks with starch and steam.
11. Square the blocks to size.

 

 

As you can see from my sample quilt here......I have worked just a few blocks at a time rather than stacking up all the fabrics at once. This gives each block a little more individuality. I hope this method opens up lots possibilities for you. If anything wasn't clear just let me know.