Quilt panels can be both the best and the most challenging part of quilting. Although these pre-printed fabric parts feature designs that can be added to a quilt top with minimal piecing, they still require careful planning to work effectively. It doesn't matter whether you're employing them in scrappy block quilts, foundation paper-piecing units, or pre-cut layouts like charm packs and layer cakes; the knowledge of the panels' intricacies is vital for a neat and professional finish.
What Is a Quilt Panel?
A quilt panel is a pre-printed piece of fabric that typically features a single design, scene, or block layout. Examples include:
- Floral or animal scenes are intended as a centerpiece.
- Holiday or seasonal panels for themed quilts
- Small repeating block panels for sampler quilts
Panels can reduce time and make the visual more attractive, but they still need to be mindful of their dimensions, positioning, and harmony with the adjacent fabric to achieve a neat, professional outcome.
The Problem of Inconsistent Manufacturer Sizes
Quilters frequently encounter size differences among panels from different manufacturers. Even those panels labeled "standard" can vary slightly in dimension—width or length at most. Such a lack of uniformity in panel size can create difficulties when working with pattern instructions that are based on specific panel dimensions.
The following problems are the result of inconsistent panel sizes:
- Borders that are not properly aligned
- Blocks that are too small or too large for the panel being cut
- Finished quilts that do not correspond to the design layout intended
Without precise measurements, a panel that appears to be "ideal" when taken from the fabric roll can alter the entire quilt's proportions.
How Incorrect Panel Size Affects Pattern Instructions
Using a panel without measuring first can complicate the quilt-making process:
- Border placement becomes tricky – standard patterns may call for specific border widths that won’t fit a slightly larger or smaller panel.
- Piecing accuracy suffers – blocks intended to surround the panel may not align, especially in foundation paper piecing units or scrappy block layouts.
- Overall quilt dimensions change – affecting yardage requirements for additional fabrics like pre-cuts, charm packs, or layer cakes.
Taking the time to measure ensures that the panel integrates seamlessly into your quilt pattern
Tips for Working with Panels
To ensure panel quilting is successful, take a close look at the professional tips mentioned:
- Take Accurate Measurements: Always start by measuring your panel accurately before cutting off the blocks or borders. Width and height need to be noted for precision.
- Alter the Width of Borders: If the panel is a bit larger or smaller than the pattern recommends, tweak the border widths so the quilt retains its proportions.
- Design Block Layouts: Make sure that whatever you are working with, either scrappy blocks, pre-cut squares, or foundation paper piecing units, can fit nicely around the panel.
- Have Ready-made Binding Strips: For panels with several borders, binding that has already been pressed makes it easier to cut the edges and reduces bulk at the corners.
Every panel treated with accurate measurement and good planning will result in no borders being misaligned nor layouts distorted, giving the quilters no frustration at all.
Conclusion
Quilt panels are a double-edged sword, being both sources of inspiration and obstacles. They come with unique designs and are a great way to save time, but working with them requires precise measuring, adjusting borders, and carefully fitting them to the adjacent blocks to achieve a professional look. Panel sizes can vary by producer; thus, one must be very careful during preparation to ensure the pattern remains accurate, especially in scrappy block quilts, pre-cut layouts, and foundation paper piecing units.
Fabrics by the Creek offers an amazing range of quilt panels, pre-cuts, and high-quality fabrics for your upcoming panel-based project, ensuring your quilt is both stunning and accurate.