Learn how easy freezer paper piecing is in this post about how to make Aurora BOM quilt. And wouldn’t this be a spectacular quilt on a bed, wall or table? Bonus times two!
How to make Aurora
PREPPING
I usually don’t pre-wash my fabrics before cutting. However, you can press and starch them for better results (less stretching) when piecing triangles. I don’t use starch at this stage but other quilters do. Give yourself some time to press before cutting. My go-to is Best Press (lavender scent) to exert some control over pesky bias edges.
Notions and Materials
- Templates: Quilters Template Plastic for templates
- Foundations: Freezer paper from a roll or sheets cut to size. LINKS HERE
- Add a Quarter ruler and rotary cutter/self-healing mat
- Pencil and ruler
- Small wool pressing mat or ironing mat
- Small iron if you have one
Cutting out the templates
What are templates and how are they used? Cutting templates are used for cutting the correct shapes on the right side of the fabric. They save you time and frustration. Most importantly, they help you make accurate blocks.
When you piece with foundations, you must have enough fabric to cover the foundations plus the seam allowance. You know, BEFORE you discover your fabric won’t cover the foundation paper. THAT dreaded gap between the fabric and the foundation. Learn everything you need to know about templates and on how to use them on my blog post.
PRINTING THE FOUNDATIONS
Modern Triangle Batches
Like all of my modern triangle quilts, we make batches every month. Plan on about four hours per month to complete a batch. Aurora is made from combinations of 8 different triangle blocks.
Sooooo, my patterns require foundation piecing, and I use a freezer paper piecing method that a friend taught me years ago. I can design any weird triangle and sew it up with this technique. How cool is that?
No more ripping tiny papers for hours and my results are just as accurate. Inside the block of the month program, I teach everyone how to use the technique through videos and live demos on every modern triangle quilt. Lots of converts to this method!
Here’s my freezer paper piecing guide for a how-to reference and a blog post plus video tutorial on how to do it. Tip: The biggest takeaway is making sure the one-inch block on the templates and foundations measures to exactly one inch.
Setting up for Sewing
I set up a combination pressing, sewing, and cutting station for freezer paper piecing. Using a smaller pressing mat and cutting board, and a small iron keeps everything close at hand and easy to set aside.
Pressing…
Sewing…
Trimming…
Batching the blocks
Each month we make a batch of blocks, anywhere from 8 to 24 blocks. Making a test block each month is the best way to learn about a block’s construction before you use the good stuff!
Month 1 – Block #4
Month 2 – Block #21
Are you wondering why I have large hunks of fabric around the foundation? Sometimes, I cut my fabrics way larger than the template so that I have enough fabric to join seams. It comes down to how comfortable you are with your seam width and wasting some fabric.
Lesson learned: When in doubt or a new freezer paper piecer, cut your fabric shapes with the templates a little larger (maybe not THAT large – below!) You can always cut it off to the exact measurements after sewing.
Month 3 – Block #9
A little extra attention here
Month 4 – Block #23
I added curves to Aurora to shake things up. We made the blocks slightly larger so we could trim them down to size. Curved piecing can go awry so a little extra help goes a long way.
Use a freezer paper trimming template to keep the template locked down. I adhered it to the right side of the block, matching the ends of the curves to the template. You can make your own trimming template with or without seam allowances. Just be sure to use the correct ruler when trimming!
Press, press…no sliding irons!
Then trimmed the excess using an Add a Quarter ruler to preserve the seam allowance.
The alternate Month 4 block is a fun addition that adds punch with contrast. Looks super fancy with a black and white side with a quarter circle but easy to make.
I cut the white and gray block in “half” by adding a quarter inch seam allowance.
I measure a quarter inch from the center point and cut away the other half, which becomes a scrap.
Then it’s ready to sew onto to a black triangle. Could maybe be just me, quilt nerd, but these are so fun to make.
Onto the next month…
Back to our regular piecing
Month 5 – Block #8
I like to add more advanced blocks as the BOM moves along. This block uses smaller pieces and the seams don’t nest in one direction.
Lesson learned: Pin along the center seam to make sure the seams line up before I sew. Notice the uneven seam allowance width between the two sides below?
Another lesson: It’s tempting to match the edges up, however, I won’t so I keep the block size consistent with the others. The foundation helps you see the mismatch before mayhem happens. Thank you, foundation.
Month 6 – Block #16
Many of my triangle blocks are halfsies and joined at the center.
Lesson learned: The edges may stretch a bit – see where the seams are 1/16 difference off? Luckily, this block is very forgiving and it doesn’t make a wit of difference when assembling the quilt.
Month 7 – Block #3
Month 8 – Block #5
Everyone loves making this cutie.
Month 9 – Block #20
This block is all about paying attention to fabric placement. Two sets of eight stripey triangles with one set starting in one color (white) and the other starting in the other (black).
Lesson learned: Make a full batch of eight before starting the second batch. Pay extra attention to the right side with prints when cutting them out!
Assembly Time!
Once you have all your batches complete, you FINALLY get to sew them together. And watch the magic happen!
But first, I have an announcement:
THERE ARE NO Y-SEAMS! Seriously.
Aurora is made up of nothing but HSTs. All straight stitching.
A few assembly lessons learned:
- Make a test block, especially with the background triangles to check the size.
- If possible, place your blocks on a design wall and check the orientation of the blocks often. We follow an orientation map to check ourselves.
- Lay the two right triangles with the long edges facing each other and check for seams and points that need to match. Pin as needed.
- Proactively get out the ripper!
The blocks below are wrong. Rip time.
Batching the Assembly
The first step is sewing Month 1 blocks together into squares.
Lessons Learned
Here’s a quick recap of tips and lessons learned from making this quilt:
- Set up your sewing, trimming and pressing areas with just the essentials: cutting mat, rotary cutter, small rulers (Add a Quarter and a 12 x 6 inch), small wool pressing mat, small iron and prepped foundations and templates.
- When in doubt – you’re a new freezer paper piecer or making a test block, cut your fabric shapes with the templates a little larger that indicated. You can always cut it off to the exact measurements after sewing.
- Make a test block, always.
- If possible, place your blocks on a design wall and check the orientation of the blocks often.
- Go slowly at first and know that you’ll need rip some seams.
- Lay the two right triangles with the long edges facing each other and check for seams and points that need to match. Pin as needed.
- When joining the triangles, pin the pieces together along the long edges and check where the seams or points need to match.
- Uneven seam allowances are best left uneven. Sew along the quarter inch seam allowance even if one side is more narrow. It usually works out in the end!
In the next Aurora BOM post, I’m sharing how the quilt top is completed and a fantastic honor roll of Aurora BOM finishes by our Make Modern Triangles members.
xo Rebecca
