Bold Bow - new pillow cover block quilt pattern

 Hello, everyone!

I'm so glad to launch a new quilt block pattern I just finished to write!

I named it Bold Bow. It's obvious why, I think. 

So, a few words about it.

Bold Bow - One Block Pillow Cover Quilt Pattern  is a flexible and practical quilt pattern for intermediate quilters.

Finished Size:

• Unfinished block before quilting: 17"
• Finished pillow cover: 16"

Overview of the Pattern

This quilt pattern offers an elegant and simple approach to creating a one-block pillow cover with mitred corners. While at first glance, it may appear similar to other patterns with a central square, this design introduces a unique and efficient method of piecing the central square without fragmenting special prints or pieced blocks. The result? A seamless, polished look with minimal effort.

The Bold Bow pattern provides a step-by-step guide, ensuring a smooth sewing experience with clear instructions (and more than 40 images) and valuable tips. Even quilters who have struggled with achieving perfect piecing before will find success with this design.

The main steps of the pattern are:

1. Preparing the materials
2. Preparing the block units
3. Assembling the block
4. Finishing the pillow cover front
5. Preparing the pillow cover back
6. Assembling the pillow cover
7. Finishing the pillow cover
8. Layout variation ideas (plus suggestion for making a quilt from 16 smaller blocks - quilt math included).

Why Choose This Pattern?

• Innovative Piecing Method: Unlike traditional designs that use QSTs or appliqué, this pattern offers a fresh approach that preserves the design continuity of feature prints or pieced blocks used in the central square.
• Intermediate-Friendly: Ideal for those with experience handling bias-cut pieces.
• Quick & Efficient: The block can be completed in under two hours, making it an excellent choice for quilters looking for a rewarding project without extensive time commitment.
• Fabric Versatility: Works well with a variety of fabrics, including:
• Quilting cotton
• Thin denim
• Cotton duck
• Lightweight home decor fabric
• Canvas

·   Fat quarter friendly

• Great for Solid and Print Fabrics: Whether you prefer vibrant prints or classic solids, this pattern enhances the beauty of any fabric combination.

Fabric Requirements

• Fabric 1: 12 ½" x 12 ½"
• Fabric 2: 12 ½" x 12 ½"
• Fabric 3 (stripe units fabrics): a piece of about 5" x 42" or 10" x 21"
• Fabric 4 (stripe units fabrics): a piece of about 5" x 42" or 10" x 21"

Perfect for Quilters Who Want:

 A simple yet stylish one-block design.
 A reliable step-by-step guide with clear instructions.
 A time-efficient project with striking results.
 A chance to highlight special prints or intricate pieced blocks.

With Bold Bow, your pillow cover will come together effortlessly, allowing you to enjoy the creative process without unnecessary complexity. Whether you're making a single pillow, a set with layout variations, or a bed quilt, this pattern is designed to be both enjoyable and practical for quilters of all styles.

The Bold Bow quilt pattern is available now. Don’t wait – start your pillow cover quilt today!

Thank you for joining me in celebrating the launch of this special pattern!

Buy Bold Bow pillow cover block quilt pattern. Just 

It takes you to my Etsy Shop.

Have only beautiful sewing days, my dears!

1st of March - Welcome Mărțișor!

 Mărțișor is a traditional Romanian celebration on March 1st, marking the arrival of spring. It involves giving small red-and-white braided cords, often attached to charms, as symbols of good luck, health, and prosperity. People, especially women and children, wear these Mărțișor tokens throughout March as a sign of renewal and happiness. The tradition is also popular in Moldova and parts of Bulgaria.

My Mărțișor for you, my dear followers and customers, is this drawing of mine. Feel free to use it for your projects or as a postcard to send to someone you love.

If you need help for your sewing projects, you are welcome here, too.

Have a beautiful spring, my dears!

Tutorial -- Love Thoughts - Valentine's Quilt Pillow cover (revised pattern)

10 years ago, at this time, I posted on the blog a pattern dedicated to Valentine's Day. 

I revised it and I share the new version of it with you today.

Overview

To sew this block, we use the Sew & Flip method.

Materials

Fabric Options

Quilting cotton, thin denim.

- Solid colors and non-directional prints work best.

- Wash and press the fabric. Starching cotton quilting fabric and thin fabrics helps achieve accurate edge of the pillow cover.

Cutting

- fabric A (accent fabric) - (1) 6" x 9½" and (1) 6” x 15”

        - fabric B (background) - (6) 6"; (1) 9½" squares

                                               -  (2) 1½” x 15”; (2) 1½” x 17” (border). 

Assemble the block

Place the 6” x 15” piece of the accent fabric right side up. Align over its right edge one 6” square of the background fabric wrong side up. Draw a diagonal line onto the background 6” square from the up left corner to the down right corner (see the dashed line). Stitch on the diagonal marking.  Follow the marked line as accurately as you can, in order to get a neat finished piece. Trim the corner off 1/4” away from the stitched line.

Flip the triangle open and press seam allowance toward A fabric rectangle. Align over the triangle of B fabric, another 6” square wrong side up. Mark a diagonal line from the down left corner to the up right corner. 

Stitch on the diagonal marking. Trim the corner off ¼” away from the marked line. Flip the triangle open and press the seam allowance toward the corner triangle. 

Repeat for the second unit.

Sew together the 6” x 9½” unit and 9½” B fabric square with ¼” seam allowance. Place them like in the next images. Press the seam allowances toward the B fabric square.  

Sew together this unit with the first unit with ¼” seam allowance. Press the seams toward the latter. Press. The block should measure about 14¾” - 15”, depending on the accuracy of how you sewed. Add the border pieces. Now, the unfinished block should measure 17".  

Quilting

One of the most beautiful ways to finish a patchwork project is by quilting it. 

Layer:

- at the bottom - 19" x 19" backing fabric, right side down

- in the middle - the 19" x 19" piece of batting

- on top - the block, right side up.

Baste the layers together and enjoy quilting your preferred design. I used a temporary glue spray for basting.

Finishing

Wash the quilt with cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent. 

Lay the quilt flat to dry, smoothing it gently. After drying, press it on the back side, only if needed.

While it dries, prepare the pillow back.

Trim the quilt to 16½”. 

Sew the quilt (which is the front of the pillow)  with the back together.

You're done!

Your Valentine pillow cover is complete. 

As Valentine's Day is a holiday when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts, don’t stop. Sew this pattern in pairs of pillows.

I hope you'll enjoy making these cuties as much as I do.

If you need other patterns for quick and easy modern quilts or bags, 

It takes you to my Etsy Shop.

All orders made during February 2025 will receive as bonus the quilt pattern Love Thoughts in PDF format.

Have a beautiful sewing day, my friends!

Thank you for your support!