Opinions please- Quilt pattern variations
 

I'm doing a picnic blanket for my brother's wedding gift. I have a block but can't decide what pattern so I'm asking for opinions. Whenever I asked non-quilting people they just say "Which ever one's easiest". SMH. It's the same block, rotated one way or another and I can't decide so let me know what you think please! P.S. I'm also taking suggestions for half-rectangle triangle methods. :thumbup:

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or

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The second one is a little easier on the eyes. Just with me, instead of doing blocks I would do rows. I would substitute a flying geese instead of two HST where possible and eliminate the center seam. The more seams you can eliminate, the less bulk you will have to deal with.

I prefer the first. Is this your own original design? It's a great pattern :)

i like the second one

I prefer the first, it draws the eye into the center. The other one my eye wants to wander to each of the four corners.

For the half rectangles .... you can do them just line regular HST's but you have to remember to offset the center line 1/4" from the center - opposite side of each corner.

IOW ... on the top of the rectangle mark a line 1/4" from the upper right corner. On the bottom of the rectangle mark a line 1/4" from the lower left corner. Use a ruler to match these marks and draw a line dissecting the rectangle on the diagonal. This is now your "center" line - like you would draw on an HST. Now mark your 1/4" sewing lines on each side of the center. Sew, then cut down the center line. Just like HST's you will have tabs on two corners to snip off.

There are also HRT templates you can buy, or make if you prefer a template method.

If that's one block and the block will be repeated, won't the finished quilt end up looking the same, except for the edges? Or is the pictured block representative of the finished quilt? If that one 'block' is the finished quilt, I prefer the first. Very nice pattern!

I Like Number One the best

I like number one as well. The focus seems to be the star area to me and the background the circle but then again I'm really fond of secondary circles.

I've have the same question as Neesie, is it going to be a large one block quilt? If so, the first orientation would be the best focus for me. If not, then it doesn't matter.

Love number 1!!!!

I like the first one best....there is more optical illusion than the second....that is a great pattern!

I was clear as mud, it seems. The pics I posted are quilt mock-up from EQ. There are 16 blocks here,all the same except for the rotation. :) I love the movement it creates. The pattern's not hard, it's just a block separated on a 1:2:3:4 ratio then each sub-block is bisected on the diagonal. I saw a similar pattern and tweaked/hacked it so there's that. Here's the block done in 10" to show the ratio easily. Mine will be 15" so dimensions are 1.5":3":4.5":6", then a 2" border all the way around the quilt, bringing it to 64" square.

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I like the first one, now that you posted this, it doesn't look so difficult anymore. Not that i'm brave enough to do all those triangles like you will. but it looks very nice. A lot of measurements for sure!

I really like the first one--it has such great movement!! Would love to see your finished quilt!!!

I like the first version. It's more dynamic. Great design!

Leslie

I made a similar one years ago....

I LOVE the first one.

Very nice WandaVA, I like the contrasting middle block a lot!

My eyes are blurry right now, but I still like the first one. Very interesting!!!

I like the first one best.

I vote for #1!

Another vote for the first one. The second one stops abruptly at the edges and feels limited by them. The first one gives the feeling that it just keeps expanding outward, growing...something that could/should be said about good marriages. Well done. It's a great design.

Number 1 would be my preference.

I too prefer the first one.

I like number 1

I like #2 the best.

Number one is more interesting - like that one better

I like both equally. Each has it's own merits.

I have to ask....why this pattern for a picnic quilt? By their very nature, picnic quilts need to be washed a lot and are subject to damage from roots, rocks, dogs, etc. This quilt is so pretty that I would want it to be an inside one that graced the home, but that's just me. If I were making a picnic quilt, I would probably buy a layer cake and just arrange the squares for a simplistic, easily cared for quilt.

Similar to "Storm at Sea". Love both layouts.

First one is my favorite!

I like the top one best. No reason, just do! Will wait to see the quilt when you're done!

A challenging pattern for sure, and my preferred arrangement would be determined by how I intended to quilt it.

When you say picnic blanket, are you envisioning a heavier material than standard quilting cotton? I'd have concerns about the narrow triangle points and bulk if I were considering a heavier weight.

re. the triangle in a rectangle construction aspect of your question -- what method(s) have you used thus far, and what approaches do yo like?

I was recently in a swap where one participant asked us to make paper pieced rectangle/triangles, which was not my favorite approach. I like using a tri-rec ruler-- I consider it a good investment for getting precise piecing. There are a couple of tutorials online that suggest using a printed guide, but most in the group had significant issues getting accurate final blocks.

So - my suggestion, as you have quite a variety of blocks in your design -- make one trial block and see how it goes and where you run into issues, then problem solve from there.

I like the one with the big diamond in the middle.

It's a picnic blanket because, knowing my brother, he'd otherwise stuff it into a closet as "heirloom" and I prefer my quilts to be used after I put that much work into them. I don't object to worn out quilts, I'd rather make them another. I am using cotton for the front and heaver cotton for the backing.
I've not done HRT's before but I have Tri-recs so I'll give that a go. I've done a few mock-ups and like the method of HRT's that makes two at once but I have to over cut pieces and then square them up and I really dislike squaring up. Beggars can't be choosers, I suppose.

Love the first layout!!! And like your reasoning on calling it a picnic quilt too. I definitely agree that quilts are made to be used.

I prefer the 2nd one also. I too think it is easier on the eyes. I reminds me f the pineapple block. What colors are you going to use? Be sure to share the finished quilt.

I love the first one.

Go with the first one. It's beautiful!

I like number one because it is more interesting visually. Of course much will depend on the final choice of fabric and the likes of the ones receiving the quilt. The more avant-garde would like #1 but the more traditional may like the second one better. Both are fine as presented and would be a good exercise in quilting and creating an illusion. :):)