Free Tumbling Blocks Quilt Pattern – Learn How to Make a Tumbling Blocks Quilt Design with this Easy Free Pattern

Everything You Need to Know About Free Tumbling Blocks Quilt Patterns

If you’ve searched for “free tumbling blocks quilt pattern”, you’re likely looking to start your next quilting project using one of the most versatile and visually appealing block patterns: the tumbling blocks style. In this article, I’ll cover all the basics of tumbling blocks quilts and provide recommendations for free patterns so you can get started without spending a dime.

What Are Tumbling Blocks?

Tumbling blocks, sometimes called tumbleweed blocks, feature small triangular or trapezoid pieces that are sewn together in a random or “tumbling” arrangement. This gives the finished quilt top a casual, carefree appearance with no set orientation or order to the blocks. From a distance, tumbling blocks resemble spinning pinwheels or bouncing balls, hence the name.

While they may look complex, tumbling blocks are quite easy to construct. Each block is made up of just a few small triangular pieces. The fun part is how you arrange those pieces – you can experiment with different configurations to create one-of-a-kind blocks. There’s no right or wrong way to do it!

Choosing Fabrics for Tumbling Blocks

When selecting fabrics for a tumbling blocks quilt, solids or tone-on-tone prints usually work best since these allow the triangular shapes to really stand out. Larger scale prints can overwhelm the blocks. Scraps also make great tumbling block fabric since the small pieces are forgiving of odd sizes and shapes leftover from other projects.

For a scrappy yet cohesive look, choose fabrics in a color family – for example, all shades of blue or a rainbow of tones. You can also opt for a monochromatic scheme using just one color in different values or weaves. Contrasting fabrics for sashings and borders help frame the blocks nicely.

Free Tumbling Blocks Quilt Patterns

With so many possible arrangements for each block, tumbling blocks lends itself well to improvisational piecing. But if you’re new to the technique or want step-by-step instructions, here are some excellent free patterns to get you started:

1. Wonky Tumbling Blocks Quilt – From the blog Complete With Quilting, this scrappy pattern uses just 2.5″ blocks and results in a cozy 50×60″ lap quilt. Clear instructions make it a breeze.
2. Tumbling Kaleidoscope Quilt – Break out your smallest scraps for this beautiful pinwheel design from Suzy Quilts. The pattern offers two block variations to choose from.
3. Mini Hexie Tumbling Blocks Quilt – Looking for a quicker project? Try Martha’s Mini Quilt patterns for this cute wall hanging featuring tiny 1.5″ blocks.

Once you’ve gotten the hang of basic tumbling blocks, you can start designing your own patterns too! Simply cut triangles or trapezoids in varied sizes from your scrapbag and start piecing together intriguing arrangements.

Construction Tips for Tumbling Block Quilts

While tumbling blocks seem random, taking some time with accurate cutting and pressing as you build the blocks will result in a quilt top that lies flat without ripples or puckers. Here are a few tips:

1. Use a clear acrylic ruler and rotary cutter to cut perfectly angular triangles and trapezoids. Slightly fuzzy cuts will be obvious.
2. Press seams towards the darker fabric as you piece each block to reduce bulk in the middle.
3. Pay close attention to orientation as you sew – triangles at opposing angles won’t line up!
4. Hand-baste blocks if necessary to prevent shifting as you assemble rows and quilt top.

With a bit of care upfront, your tumbling blocks will flow together smoothly for a beautifully organic finished look.

Extensions for Tumbling Blocks Quilts

While tumbling blocks alone make a stunning quilt, there are lots of ways to expand the design too. Try these variations:

1. Add sashing strips between blocks or in a honeycomb pattern for more definition.
2. Make a double-sized version with two smaller blocks sewn together to form one larger block.
3. Incorporate additional triangle or star blocks within a tumbling blocks layout.
4. Piece the blocks in diagonal rows for a diamond quilt pattern instead of straight lines.

You could also frame the blocks with an interesting border print or combine tumbling blocks with other improvisational blocks like barn raisings.

In conclusion, tumbling blocks quilts allow you to showcase fabrics in a spontaneous, eye-catching way while still achieving beautiful results. With some careful preparation and tried-and-true techniques, even beginning quilters can create stunning visual impact using only simple triangles and scrap fabrics. I hope this overview has provided helpful answers to your questions and shed light on how to craft your own stunning tumbling blocks quilt for free! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Key Details of Free Tumbling Blocks Quilt Pattern

FAQ

1. What are the basic steps to free tumbling blocks quilt pattern?

   Basically, the key steps include: cutting fabric into blocks and sashing strips, arranging the pieces on a design wall or tabletop until pleased with the layout, then sewing them together into rows and finally joining the rows. However, each pattern may have slight variations so it’s best to follow the specific instructions.

2. How many different block sizes or shapes can I use?

   Sort of depends on your creativity! Most patterns stick to one or two block shapes for consistency, but you could mix it up a bit if you want. A few different shapes could add some visual interest to the design. At the same time, too many varieties might make it look jumbled. Perhaps start with a main block and toss in one other for some variety.

3. Can I use prints or solids for the blocks?

   Absolutely, you can use pretty much any fabric you like – prints, solids, mixes of both. In fact, one of the amazing things about quilts is how you can showcase your unique fabric collection. Whether you choose loud prints or more subtle tones is up to your personal taste. The blocks might pop more with bold prints, or solids could provide a calming background. It’s totally up to you!

4. Will my quilt have straight or diagonal lines?

   A free tumbling blocks pattern can result in either straight or diagonal lines depending on how you arrange the pieces. Straight lines might give it a more structured look, while diagonal lines could make it feel more fun and playful. When laying out the blocks, try different configurations to see which feels best to you. At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong – go with what speaks to you!

   

5. Should I add sashing or just sew the blocks together?

   It’s truly up to your preference. Sashing, which is strips of fabric sewn between the blocks, can help the pieces “pop” more but also makes the overall design a bit smaller. On the other hand, sewing the blocks together without extra strips between results in a larger pattern but the blocks may blend together more. Perhaps try a sample of both to see what you think looks better? In the end, it’s your quilt so do whatever feels right!

6. Around how big will my finished quilt be?

   The size will depend on a few factors, like the size of your fabric pieces and how many you use. As a rough estimate, you can expect a finished quilt to be around 2-4 inches smaller than the total perimeter of your layout. Does that help give you a ballpark figure? If you want a quilt of a specific size, you might have to adjust the block sizes or add/remove some. It’s kind of an inexact science but that’s part of the fun!

7. Anything else I should know before starting?

   My gosh, there’s always so much to learn, but I think the main thing is to not stress too much about perfection. These freeform quilts are meant to be relaxed and scrappy. As long as you follow the general guidance, I’m sure it will turn out great. Try different things, have fun with the fabrics, and don’t be afraid to improvise if you want to tweak the pattern. The beauty is that there’s no wrong way to do it! Just go for it and see where your creativity takes you. You’ll be amazed at what you can create!