Crazy Quilt Crazy Puzzel

14 years ago

We have inherited a pile of crazy quilt blocks from a dear relative. The blocks were made with the old-fashioned method and all hand sewn. Each block has a backing. The issue we are having is that our dear aunt must not have owned a ruler. The blocks are beautiful but vary in size. We have sorted them out and have found about 20 squares that are almost equal in size. None of the blocks are square. IÂm looking for suggestions as how to cut the blocks down and square them up. IÂm thinking IÂll have to take out some of her stitching and tie it back off before I cut any block to square and/or size it.

All suggestions will be appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

grammyp
14 years ago
When I have blocks that are not the same size, I put a wide sash or border on 2 sides then trim all blocks till to the same size. When you sew them together add a border about the same size on the last 2 sides. the sashing will be close enough to the same size that the difference shouldn't be noticed. Then you can add a border if you want to.

beverly
teresa_nc7
14 years ago
If you trim the blocks to all the same size and sew them together or to a border as Beverly described, there is no reason to have to resew her stitches. The sewing the seams over the lines of hand stitching will secure them so they won't ravel. Further, hand or machine quilting the top will help secure her stitches even more.

Teresa
Related Discussions
Chistmas crazy quilt tree skirts
Q
Comments (5)
those are lovely. They remind me of crazy quilts. They wouldn't show under my tree where we pile all our presents but are lovely on a "show" tree. Good job. Thanks for the great idea.
...See More
My 'One Block' Crazy Quilt
Q
Comments (15)
What a fun way to use up all those lonely blocks. They are now part of one big happy crazy family:) I am now feeling guilty about buying so much new fabric when I have BINS full of scraps! I should really stay away from a fabric store for at least a year. Yup, taking breaks is a must! I found that doing stretching exercises is good for the back and neck muscles. TFS Julie
...See More
Crazy Quilts
Q
Comments (3)
Check out this site as well. There is loads of info about quilting and instructions on how to do it. There is also a forum with lots of info from quilters/sewers like us. Have you looked at the quilting forum on this site? Murphy Here is a link that might be useful: http://quilting.about.com/
...See More
Crazy patch quilt
Q
Comments (2)
I'm no expert (LOL) but I believe traditionally the pieces were all different shapes and sizes and pieced into squares and the fancy embroidery covered the seams. Donna
...See More
damascusannie
14 years ago
I agree with Teresa. Figure out the size of the smallest block and trim the rest to that size. Add sashing as needed to make the top the size you want.
Carol_from_ny
14 years ago
I wouldn't trim the blocks if I could find away around it. Crazy quilts weren't meant to be like other quilts where you could easily identify the individual blocks. They were suppose to be a maze a puzzle.
geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
14 years ago
I'm thinking like Carol. I don't remember authentic crazy quilts looking like they were made in blocks. IMO, it would take away from the presentation. Hope you can find a way to keep them the way they are as much as possible.

SharonG/FL
cindykg23
14 years ago
I agree with Carol & Sharon. If these were blocks from a neighbor with today's fabrics it would be OK to sash, trim, add, whatever. But with something old like these, I'd try not to add anything. If you need to, trim just slightly,otherwise fitting them together jigsaw-puzzle-style is half the fun of crazy quilts!

~Cindy
salijo
14 years ago
I agree with the last three posts that you should use the blocks "as is" if at all possible. Can you make "filler" blocks in the same method using similar fabrics? These extra blocks may be any size or shape needed to get the quilt evened out. Might take some math skills!
Salijo
jaceysgranny
14 years ago
I agree that they are supposed to be "crazy" and not blocks. The only thing you'll need to square up will be the edges. Did she use all different kinds of hand embroidery stitches? I'd love to see what you come up with.

Nancy
jaceysgranny
14 years ago
Here's a link to a good picture of what it's supposed to look similar to.

Here is a link that might be useful: