Is there a certain pattern or block pattern to follow on crazy quilts? Or are there certain guidelines to follow? Thanks in advance for any input.

I've seen patterns/templates and I've also seen them done free form. Did a little crazy quilting myself and I just made it up as I went along. I got a book that had stitches and other ideas. It can be a true art form and a real expression of yourself. Have fun!

I tried just adding pieces, and had a four sided piece to start. After doing this, I felt maybe my starting piece should have been different. Then I read you should start with a 5 sided piece. I would also go around in a clockwise direction. I didn"t do that, and there were some problems.

I think the beauty of crazy quilts is that you don't need any of that! I mean, I guess you could use a pattern or something, but the point of it, to me, is to just go with the flow and do whatever you feel like doing!

There are lots of ways to start a crazy block. Place starting piece in a corner and work out to the edges. Use a 5 sided piece and work like a log cabin design. Make two piles of large pieces and sew one from each pile to create a 2piece unit then cut apart make two more piles and sew creating a 4piece unit etc. Collage style just layer pieces to cover a base square and turn under raw edges or there are paper pieced patterns available too. Mooosegirl

There are patterns available. First quilt I ever made was a pattern. Now mine are free flow. I go where ever I feel like. You can start in the corner but I never have. Sometimes I start with a 4-sided piece and sometimes with 5. Depends on my mood. Just think--no seams to match!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your idea! I need to remember when I start a crazy quilt with fabrics from grandma, mom and sisters.

I used different sides to my blocks - all were purposefully made wonky: triangles, 4 sided, 5 sided, and 6 sided. I loved the variety the different sided beginnings made in the overall effect. I did foundation piecing so I didn't overgrow the block too much. And I did go in only one direction around the first piece and subsequent pieces.

It was fun and a great way to use of scraps.

ali

I'm new to crazy quilting and there are lots of tutorials on how to make the blocks. I kind of read them all the made up my own. One of the things that I love about crazy quilting is that there don't seem to be any rules and so my perfectionism is not a hindrance to me anymore. Google crazy quilt block instructions, read a few then google images for crazy quilts for some ideas and inspiration and the go to town. (I will get round to posting some pictures soon)

Currently working on purple/marron crazy patch from men's ties and making progress. Moosegirl