Now that my Instead fabric collection is shipping to stores, I thought I’d take a little time to share more with you about my Arlo quilt pattern. This project was hard to keep under wraps at the time, because I was so delighted at each stage to see it come together.
I’d been wanting to play around with the classic hexagon for awhile, and this project is the result of that.
I always say this, but it’s so true–my favorite patterns are the ones where you can do a million things with them. Rather than having a design that only works in a few ways, I love it when a design lends itself to changes in fabric, color, block orientation, and/or the quilting. It’s always amazing and exciting to me when you can totally change up the look, although this gets me into trouble because I end up making multiple versions of many of my projects. I can’t help it!
Arlo is definitely a design that can take on some different looks. In this first version, I used all of my newest Instead fabrics and the coordinating solids. The coordinating solids are a super-textured mix of Essex linen, yarn-dyed linen and even a metallic linen. I thought this rich mix of texture compliments the dark palette of the collection in a really good way.
The pattern works well with fat quarters, which is what I used here. First, I organized my stack of fabrics in to a pleasing order. I knew I wanted some color organization to this project, and to start it off with some clarity would help me achieve those results. Then I cut the shapes from each of the fabrics and stacked them up. (PS, I discovered that this shoe bin from Target holds the cut shapes nicely!)
After everything was cut, I started sewing the shapes together by pulling from the stack. Again, I knew that working this way would help me achieve some of the color order that I wanted. I also knew that once I had my hexagons sewn together it would be easy at that stage to nail down the layout.
The layout was SO much fun! (Does anyone else look forward to laying out the blocks for the first time? I think it’s such a treat.) I used all of the different block options but oriented them to slant in a similar way across the quilt. I think that the repetition of the colors through different shapes plays in an interesting way across the quilt.
After getting a layout that worked for me, I finished sewing the top together, and then I used big stitch hand quilting to finish it off. I like how the texture of the quilting threads and of the hand quilting give it a really nice feel.
I like seeing the colors of the threads pop, and I like the contrast in the fabrics. The printed pieces from the collection next to the textured linens keep it interesting. I always think about how the quilt will lay on your lap, and this one especially gives you many different things to notice and see each time you settle in with it.
This pattern can be sewn together in several ways depending on your preference. For this one, I chose to machine piece the top and then to hand quilt it. You could also hand piece the blocks OR English paper piece (EPP) them as well. Instructions for each option are outlined in the pattern, and there’s a printable EPP page so you can work from your preferred template papers.
All templates for the blocks are included in the pattern, but I also have 2 acrylic template sets to offer as well. One set includes a 1/4″ seam allowance and the other set includes a 3/8″ seam allowance. Choose your preference based on what you’re most comfortable with. Since I was machine sewing mine, I used the 1/4″ seam allowance, but maybe you like hand piecing and you’re comfortable with 3/8″–you can use that too.
Each template is made from sturdy acrylic and features printed lines and drilled holes so you can cut and mark from them at the same time. (Stay tuned for another post that I have planned on how I like to use the templates.)
There we have it–my new Arlo Quilt pattern.
I’ve mentioned the possibility of doing an Arlo Quilt Along, but I’m curious–what do you think? I was hoping I’d be able to squeeze it in this August/September, but I’m going to have to push it back a little farther. Would you be game? What would you like to see during this quilt along? Leave any feedback in a comment below or in an email to me – info(at)carolynfriedlander(dot)com. I always appreciate hearing from you!
Pattern: Arlo Quilt Pattern
Acrylic Template(s): 1/4″ Seam Allowance Set, 3/8″ Seam Allowance Set
Fabrics: Instead and Instead coordinating solids (Note: I’ve been seeing many stores receiving these fabrics recently. If you’re looking for some options, I find google to be the easiest way to do that. Here’s a google search that I did. I hope that’s helpful!)
This is a gorgeous quilt–love the colors moving through it–especially the top 1/3rd…hugs, Julierose
Thank you Julierose!
I’d love to do a quilt along. I’ve started cutting my fabrics already, but I’m moving VERY slowly with that at the moment!
Yay! Great!
I’m planning an EPP version and probably with Christmas fabric. Don’t have a Christmas quilt so thought it would be fun. Think the fabric choices and rows needs some planning. I love the effect of your one. Love to do a quilt-along.
OOh, that sounds fun! Thanks for input! 🙂
I would be interested in a quilt along! Since I can never seem to keep up with these, if I start now maybe I can finish whenever it happens. Thanks also for the explanation about the templates. I wasn’t sure which size to order, but now that I understand the quilt can be machine pieced, I went for the 1/4″ version.
Excellent! I’m glad that was helpful!
I was Interested to see how you’d constructed this. I’d assumed you’d strip pieced then cut the hexagons from the strips , Could that be an alternative ?
There could be a variation to do that, but to get the full assortment and variation, this was not pieced that way. 🙂
I’d love to do a quilt along, though mine may be a pillow size-I love the Arlo quilt!
Yes! The pillow size would be perfect. It actually works really nicely with a charm pack. 🙂
I usually love to put my own spin on a quilt with fabric/color/texture selection but this is perfect! I just ordered the fat quarter bundle of the collection and the coordinating fabrics.
Thanks so much, Mindy! 🙂
I would appreciate a quilt along. I have been planning to make the Arlo quilt for an autumn quilt project. So quilt along would be perfect! I will gather the supplies now and start cutting…
Yes!! I’m so glad to hear that! I think that’ll be perfect to start collecting supplies and cutting your pieces.
I’m curious about th 3/8 seam allowance template verses the 1/4, why would someone use a 3/8 seam allowance? Thanks
Great question! I just posted more information on this in a new post on the blog. I hope that helps!
I love both this pattern as well as the darker moodier palette. I just realized we ordered a new dark blue leather sofa and a lot of this palette would be amazing as a couch quilt. I’m terrible at QALs (I’m still part way through Eads) but I do love the idea of one, haha.
Ooooh! That sounds like a lovely idea to have this on your couch!
My marking pens are too short to go through the template to mark fabric. What pens/markers do you recommend? I need something with a longer tip.
Hi Kate–great question! I just posted a new blog post which includes the marking tools I used for this project.
Really Awesome Strategy to have this on your couch! keep it up…
I love a challenge and the Arlo quilt will be just that. How did you approach the piece cutting? This baffles me the most. Do you take each fabric and pair it with another and then cut a determined number of each type of hexagon. Arlo is gorgeous and can’t wait to see what other folks do with it. Thanks again for a great product.
Thanks, Judy! That’s a great question about the colors. I’m making a note to do a blog post about it soon. 🙂
This quilt is amazing! I’m usually good at fabric coordination but it’s “mind boggling” how you decided to piece this quilt together! Stunning!
Most of my sewing has been apparel or home goods…. I’d be up for a quilt along!
I would love a quilt along too. Please wait until after the holidays though. I would like it if you included ideas for various color combinations; even using some of your earlier lines. Love the quilt and it would make a great throw pillow too.
Thanks! Yes, it would be a great pillow.
I’ve been thinking about making a quilt for my son since I was pregnant (over 2 years ago!) but could never find a pattern I absolutely loved or that I thought could “grow” with him as he went from toddler, to teenager, to adult. This is grown up, fun, and the colors are amazing (of course I’ll be using your fabrics). I can’t wait to start! What thread did you use for your hand quilting? It looks like the color varies?
Aww, I’m so glad this quilt and fabrics strike a chord with you! I love this idea. 🙂 As for the threads, yes, I changed it up as I was quilting and used several colors in a variety of thicknesses. I used 12wt Aurifil Cotton, 12wt and 16wt Presencia Perle Cotton, and 12wt Wonderfil Spagetti. All are great to work with.
I can’t believe I am just now discovering this quilt. I am a huge fan of your fabrics, and this is now on my to make list. I plan to machine piece it. Does this pattern involve y seams?
I am currently thinking to use this pattern for a temperature quilt. Your fabric choice is always so nice.
Oh, I love that idea, Lisa!!