Need tips on designing a sampler quilt
 

I would like to make some sampler quilts, and I am looking for hints and tips on how to create a good design. For example, how best to use color and fabric to unify, how best to lay out the blocks to highlight each one, etc. I am not a fan of just throwing a bunch of blocks together for a scrappy, random look. I am sure there is a science to the design, and would be interested in learning from experienced quilters/designers. Thanks in advance for any suggestions/help.

Not sure I can answer your questions as I’ve not done this but I would think a limited color palette spread around the blocks would be one thing. Pick a Focus fabric and work off of that. I don’t think every block needs to use all the colors but any color should be used in three or more blocks and the Focus should be in every block.
Then pick block patterns in a similar way. At least 3 with similar lines, in a very broad way— stars, angles (like wrenches), curves, stripes. Quilter’s Cache would be a good resource for the block patterns.
Just what I would do. Certainly not the only way.

I agree with bjchad, quilter's cache has over 1600 blocks all free. I have downloaded a pattern called The Confetti Quilt, sixe 64x82 designed by Diana Lacy, c2006, Rainbow Fabrics. Or use a nine patch set on point with a neutral colored background. I showed my cousin that one for she had never done a quilt before and its quick and easy to do. . Or use a disappearing nine patch just to make it a little different. Good luck and be sure to show us the quilt when you finish.

What is your purpose in designing a sampler quilt? I believe that is the first thing you must decide. Is it to learn all the techniques related to the various quilt block patterns. Will it be only patchwork or appliqué or a mixture of techniques. Reproduction or more contemporary , etc., there were many books printed in the 1970' and 80 about sampler quilts. They were basic, while the newer one' s are more detailed.

Tamara, you might want to look into a block of the month/week program. There are a lot of new (free) ones that are starting up this month and the QB has a forum you can check out https://www.quiltingboard.com/blocks-month-week-f9/

If you want to go this route here are a few links you can check out:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f...r-t293711.html
http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/quil...-of-the-month/
http://www.piecingthepastquilts.com/

There are soooo many sampler quilts out there, some free designs. Even if you want to design your own, do a google image search on "sampler quilt" and make notes on the elements you like and dislike. There are many different types of sampler quilts.

just grabbing a few images at random ....


Some sampler quilts have various blocks that have similarities in design and/or color - each block is the same size with or without sashing, some set straight and some on point. Sometimes there is one large center block with smaller blocks surrounding. [ATTACH=CONFIG]586779[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]586780[/ATTACH]



Other sampler quilts have a mish-mash of block types and sizes (including long rectangular blocks). These sampler quilts *typically* share the same background fabric to give the illusion the blocks are all floating on the same background and the blocks typically have color/fabric in common throughout. For example ... a dozen shades of blues with white on a white background.

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And then there are sampler quilts that have a common theme ....

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Lastly ... there is the mother-of-all sampler quilts ... the Jane Stickle quilt, aka "Dear Jane". You can buy this pattern, along with the software to help you design and make the quilt.

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So ... what kind of sampler quilt did you have in mind??

I have looked at many sampler quilts. I have a hard time limiting my color palette, but may have to do so to get the look I want. I also see that perhaps I need to narrow my block selection down to blocks with similarities. So next problem is the layout. I want to highlight each block, separating them in some way from one another, so that each block can be appreciated on it's own. Maybe a white background with no sashing (or white sashing to give more space between the blocks?) The discussion is great, and gives me things to think about. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts, comments, suggestions and ideas.

From what you describe, I think the 1st and 2nd pictures are more what you are aiming for, yes??

I would start by deciding ... do you want a straight set or on point?
Sashing?

You don't necessarily have to stick to one color palette, but perhaps a group of *like* colors ... for example, all primary colors, all pastels, etc.

Also, I personally like a "balanced" sampler quilt. So choose (for example) star blocks for corners and the center with other blocks filling in the balance.

Sometimes it helps to go shopping for fabric, find a focus fabric (something you will use in all of the blocks, not as a background, but part of the block), then choose other colors within that fabric in solids or tonals to balance it out, and a complimentary background and sashing if desired.

For cohesive fabric choices, I would consider purchasing a FQ bundle and pair it with yardage of a neutral background fabric. THe bundle will all be from a specific line of fabric so will all coordinate.

Good luck with designing your own pattern. I am not good at that part of quilting. I can search for sampler quilts and copy what others have done, even though I might not like every block in the quilt. Nancy Zieman had a pretty Sampler last year. Hers is done in reds and whites. This quilt would be pretty in any single tone color. I prefer blues or reds. http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/quil...-of-the-month/ And the good news is that it is free and a large 15 inch block.

Sue, I am drooling over your photos! I've hardly met a sampler I didn't love.

I started a scrappy sampler by using the scraps from each quilt I make. I have no color theme except they are all on black background and are different sizes 12 1/2, 9 1/2, 6 1/2. I just make one new block at the end of every quilt. I have no idea how many I have or what I'm doing with them but it's fun. Probably end up with more than one quilt and will likely appliqué mine.

Sue...OMGosh....your work is stunning. Love them all but absolutely LOVE patriotic quilt. Awesome.

Here's what I did with one of mine. I like the separation of blocks, too.

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Kristie, that is really cute! Are those from the splendid sampler from Pat Slone?

I really like the shadow box setting for your sampler quilt Kristie. The quilt is beautiful. I also really like Teen's idea of using scraps from each quilt she finishes to make a block. I may be brave and buy a bunch of fabric from a fabric story or family as Paper Princess suggests. I tried that once, and was very unhappy with how the quilt came out. But it was one of my very early quilts, so I hope I have learned to design and/or use the fabric better.

Yup, those are the ones I didn't think would wash well! It was a fun sampler.

I am doing that sampler at the moment kitsie! It is my introduction to machine sewing/ongoing long project for the year. It is all in pinks and greys and I am planning to do shadow box setting as well I think

[ATTACH=CONFIG]586846[/ATTACH]On point sampler with sashing. This was in my pictures section but I did not make it. [ATTACH=CONFIG]586847[/ATTACH]This is the one I made. How different it looks with colored framing triangles.

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Wow! What a feast for the eyes!

Wow, all the pictures posted are lovely! Now I feel the urge to make another sampler quilt. :D

Enjoy! I actually made nearly all the blocks and the ones in this picture are the ones I knew I wouldn't be washing!! So the other blocks were sent to my Canadian cousin for her group to make into quilts for the needy.

My first quilt class (1976-7) had us make a block each week, increasing in difficulty and using a variety of skills. My original group of fabrics was too large and I ended up setting aside all the blocks with a couple of fabrics that didn't look right with the rest. Finished quilt has 20 blocks, 8 fabrics in the blocks, including a light and a dark solid, with sashing between blocks.
I would recommend 8 or fewer fabrics, making sure any combination of them looks good together. I like your idea of having the sashing match the background of the blocks, but not all pieced blocks have a "background".
(Six blocks that got pulled out ended up in a quilted jacket.)

I did a sampler black and white with yellow. I took each finished block squared it off nicely, then did a square in a square with each block. I used the background white and a gray for that process and set them on point. Came out nice

Here's a great book: https://www.amazon.com/Anniversary-S.../dp/1617454559 It has several different layouts for 10 blocks up to 40 blocks. There are different sashings, applique borders or centerpieces, on-point or straight. I'm using it for inspiration for the sampler I'm making.

I never met a sampler that I didn't like. But for a worrisome designer, I would suggest you follow quiltedsunshine's advise and follow a pattern. Go to amazon.com and search "sampler quilt patterns" and 30 pages of a wide selection of patterns shows up. Pick one that appeals to you, select similar fabrics and/or buy a fat qtr bundle of a collection that you love and jump in. Doing it will prove to yourself that a mish mash of fabrics, patterns, and layouts really does come together nicely and the only mistake you can make is over thinking it. Another cautious approach is to join a BOW with a group making a sampler, and audition fabrics with friends one block at a time getting their feedback, input, and recommendations. Best of luck, we are pulling for you!

Also, look into quilt in a day, Eleanor burns......many of her books/videos on YouTube are sampler type layout.