Block 14: Cluster tucks – Textured quilt sampler

Close up

This block requires hand stitching.

Block type: log cabin

Block size: 11 inches

Colour scheme: reds and neutrals

Texture/fabric manipulation: cluster tucks

Quilt size: The finished quilt is 52 1/2 x 52 1/2.

Needs:

• 10 in x 6 in rectangle in white fabric for the textured centre square
• two 5 in x 3 1/2 in rectangles and two 11 in x 3 1/2 in rectangles for the border

Diagram

Mark the wrong side of the fabric using the diagram below. Place 4 dots at 1/4 inch intervals, then leave a 1/2 inch interval. Then mark another 4 dots at 1/4 inch intervals, and so on.

The distance between lines of dots is 1/4 inch as well.

Start by picking up the first stitch and backstitch on it again.

Now pick up the next 3 stitches.

Pull and gather all 4 stitches together.

Back stitch on the first stitch again.

Now proceed to do the same for the next 4 dots.

The thread will be dragged from one lot of dots to the next.

Right side close up.

Continue stitching along the grid for about 4 1/5 inches.

This is the reverse side of the tucks.

Trim the fabric to 5 inch squares.

You can iron the square to make the tucks stand up a bit.

Cut two 5 in x 3 1/2 in rectangles and two 11 in x 3 1/2 in rectangles for the border.

Put the block together.

Textured blocks tutorials

This is the 14th block in a series of 25 exploring texture in fabric.

Each block is made out of a centre 5 inch square featuring some fabric texture such as pin tucks, smocking, shirring and the like. Then a 3 1/2 wide border encloses each centre square.

The colour scheme is red and white/cream alternating reds and white/cream for the centre square and border.

Some of the textures show better on plain colours than on heavily patterned fabric.

See all Textured quilt sampler tutorials for this quilt.

Share your pictures

Are you making this quilt? Share your pictures on Flickr’s TeresaDownUnder group.