CraftU Review

How to Resize Quilt Block Patterns
with Debra Finan

Reviewed By: Tricia Patterson,
Managing Editor, Quiltmaker, McCall’s Quilting and Quick Quilts

Created by Lori Baker, Acquisitions Editor for McCall’s Quilting, Quick Quilts and Quiltmaker

I’ve learned a lot since I began working with the Quilting group at F+W Media. I’ve been quilting for a number of years, so didn’t realize how much I’d learn just from working with the quilters here, applying a proven process for calculating yardages and using a writing style for the technical instructions for other quilters based on proven techniques. We receive images of quilt designs or quilts from our designers. One of the first questions we ask is how was the quilt constructed, which includes identifying the block patches and techniques used. For me, it’s become automatic, (after the “Wow, that quilt is awesome!” response), to think about the approach used to make it.

Created by Lori Baker.

You’re probably wondering by now what this has to do with resizing blocks. Well, the short story is that my interest was originally peaked when I saw the notice about “How to Resize Quilt Block Patterns” listed as one of the CraftU courses in my eMail because I wanted to resize traditional blocks to make the BIG BLOCK quilts that are popular now. I figured this class would give me some ideas and techniques–and it did.

Created by Lori Baker.

I was really surprised, and quite pleased honestly, to find that Debra Finan, (who has worked for Fons & Porter and has insider experience and knowledge with pattern writing), describes a process for deconstructing a quilt or quilt design. She explains how to look at a quilt design from an overall perspective and then dives into the details of the block(s) used in the quilt, identifying the construction techniques and the sizing of patches to make it. Once all these things are known, a quilter can use the information to determine patch sizes for resizing to a smaller or larger block.

Created by Lori Baker.

I consider CraftU’s How to Resize Quilt Block Patterns one of those bonus courses. You take it for one reason and it gives you a lot of extra tips and techniques you didn’t even know you wanted. The course is an on demand webinar that you can access by clicking HERE. It’s advertised to tell you how to look at quilt blocks in a new way, which it certainly does. The course also promises to give you skills that you will use throughout your quilting life. I believe it!

You may have noticed that I’ve sprinkled some block examples throughout this blog, and perhaps wondered their association with this particular blog. These blocks were created by Lori Baker, our Acquisitions Editor (which means she is the primary person receiving quilt designs for us to consider for publication). She also writes patterns for McCall’s Quilting and Quick Quilts. Plus, she is an extraordinary designer and quilter. So, here is my challenge: Take a close look at the blocks (zoom in if needed) to see if you can deconstruct them to figure out how they were made. Give the block any finished size you want. If you want some tips I invite you to take the Debra Finan’s class!

Created by Lori Baker.

 Happy Quilting!