Medallion-a-long: Center Ideas

This year, instead of doing a block of the month, we'll be making a medallion quilt, with a new border every month! But you can't have borders until you have that center block. Here are some ideas and tips for getting started.

Important: You can use whatever type of block you want for the center, but it needs to finish at 16.5" for the rest of the pattern to work!

1. Dresden Plate

At the January meeting, Cath demonstrated how to use the Easy Dresden ruler to make this lovely circular block. It's easier than it looks!

Cath's Dresden Plate

Kelly's Dresden Plate

Sew Mama Sew has instructions for making a Dresden with a template--no special ruler needed. And it's already the right size!

And here are instructions for using the Easy Dresden tool that Cath showed us.

2.  Paper-pieced Compass Block

Current PMQG members should have received an e-mail with instructions for a variety of gorgeous paper-pieced Compass blocks designed by Quilting on the Square. Lisa made the Spinning Points block and showed it at the guild meeting.

Note that these patterns are for 12.5" blocks. You can either enlarge the pattern or add borders to make a 16.5" block.

3. Enlarge any paper-pieced block

You can use your printer settings to enlarge a paper-pieced block pattern. Just choose "print," then "page setup." Under "scale," put the appropriate amount. (If the pattern makes an 8" finished block, use 200%. A 12" finished block would need to be enlarged 150%.) Just make sure the printed pattern is the right size before you start piecing!

4. Add borders to any 12.5" block

That's right. You can make your favorite 12.5" block, throw a 2.5" border around it, and call it done.

5. Add your suggestions! 

Did you find a great pattern to use for your center block? Share a link using the blue button below!