The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Fresh New Look for Strip Pieced Quilts

Quilting is an art form that has been cherished for centuries. One particular quilting technique that has gained immense popularity is strip piecing. Strip piecing involves sewing together fabric strips to create beautiful quilt blocks. While strip pieced quilts have always been visually appealing, it's time to explore new techniques and design ideas to create a fresh and unique look. In this article, we will delve into various methods and inspirations to revamp your strip pieced quilts.

1. Color Play

A fantastic way to transform the look of your strip pieced quilts is through color play. Instead of sticking to a defined color palette, experiment with unexpected combinations. Mix bold and vibrant colors with muted tones to create a dynamic visual effect. Explore the use of gradient colors or play with contrasting shades. By taking risks with color, you can give your quilts a modern and visually appealing twist.

2. Unconventional Shapes

Traditionally, strip pieced quilts feature blocks with geometric shapes like squares and rectangles. However, you can break the mold by incorporating unconventional shapes into your designs. Consider adding curves, triangles, or even asymmetrical shapes to create a striking visual impact. By venturing out of the comfort zone, you'll be able to create exceptionally unique quilts that stand out.

Bargello: Quilts in Motion: A New Look for Strip-Pieced Quilts

by Ruth Ann Berry (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	31686 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	127 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

3. Mixed Media Approach

Another way to breathe new life into your strip pieced quilts is by adopting a mixed media approach. Incorporate other materials like lace, beads, or ribbons into your quilting project. This blend of different textures and materials will add depth and dimension to your quilts. Experiment with embroidery, applique, or even fabric painting to create a visually stunning masterpiece.

4. Play with Scale

Scale plays a vital role in creating an eye-catching design. Explore the possibility of playing with scale when designing your strip pieced quilts. Experiment with oversized blocks or miniature piecing to create a unique visual dynamic. By altering the scale of your quilt blocks, you can create a captivating look that breaks away from traditional quilting norms.

5. Modern Minimalism

Incorporating a touch of modern minimalism can give your strip pieced quilts a fresh and contemporary look. Embrace clean lines, solid colors, and negative space. Leave ample areas of unquilted space to let your meticulously pieced blocks shine. The simplicity and elegance of a modern minimalist design will make your quilts stand out among others.

6. Quilting as Art

Take your strip pieced quilts to the realm of art by exploring unconventional ways of quilting. Experiment with intricate free-motion quilting or explore the concept of thread painting. Use quilting as a means to add detailed elements and textures to your quilts, creating a masterpiece that not only looks visually stunning but also tells a story through the quilting stitches.

Strip pieced quilts are a classic form of quilting that can be transformed into unique and contemporary works of art. By embracing color, exploring unconventional shapes, adopting a mixed media approach, playing with scale, incorporating modern minimalism, and utilizing quilting as an artistic means, you can give your strip pieced quilts an exciting new look. So, let your creativity soar and embark on a journey to create visually captivating strip pieced quilts that reflect your personal style.

Bargello: Quilts in Motion: A New Look for Strip-Pieced Quilts

by Ruth Ann Berry (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	31686 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	127 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Create stunning quilts with flowing curves with this 8-project guide by a designer who offers a fresh take on bargello quilting techniques.
 
Here's Bargello like you've never seen it before: stunning quilts full of free-form twists, turns, and 3-D effects that look like pop-art paintings. The biggest surprise is how simple these quilts are to make! Designer Ruth Ann Berry shows you how to use easy, straight-line strip piecing to create the illusion of curves in motion.
 
This volume includes step-by-step instructions for 8 projects plus directions on how to create your own designs. Perfect for daily use quilts or wallhangings, Bargello piecing also provides a new way to slice up your stash―making novelty fabrics and even ugly fabrics look good.