Everything You Need to Know About Inner Cube Quilt Patterns
Whether you’re a beginner quilter or seasoned pro, inner cube quilt patterns can seem intimidating at first. But fear not – with the right guidance, you’ll be crafting cubed wonders in no time. In this article, I’ll cover all the basics and then some about this popular style.
What is an inner cube quilt pattern?
An inner cube quilt pattern features cube-shaped sections repeated within a larger block. Each cube is made up of smaller fabric squares and triangles pieced together. When assembled, the blocks create the illusion of 3D cubes from the front. Pretty slick, if you ask me!
Where did inner cube patterns come from?
The earliest known examples date back to the late 19th century. It’s believed Midwestern quilters developed these multi-dimensional designs to liven up otherwise plain quilt tops. From there, cube patterns spread across the country and evolved over time. Today, you’ll find countless modern variations online and in pattern books.
What kinds of fabrics work best?
For the cubes themselves, go with high-contrast fabrics that will really make the shapes pop. Think bold prints paired with solids. You can also play with tone-on-tone combinations for a more subtle look. As for the background, tone-on-tone or muted prints allow the cubes to take center stage. Cottons and quilting weight fabrics are most common, but you could kind of mix it up with some denim or flannel too.
Steps for constructing an inner cube block
- Cut fabric squares and triangles to the sizes listed in your pattern.
- Sew squares and triangles together per the pattern instructions to form cube shapes.
- Sew cubes together in rows based on the block layout.
- Sew rows together to complete the block.
The piecing can seem fiddly at first, but go slow and you’ll get the hang of it. Rotating the work and using 1/4″ seams helps everything line up cleanly. Press as you go for sharp, stable blocks.
Options for assembling the quilt top
Once you’ve made all the blocks, the sky’s the limit for how to put them together. Common choices include:
- Setting blocks in rows for a traditional “blocks-only” look.
- Arranging blocks in diagonal lines for a seasonal slant.
- Mixing cube blocks with plain blocks for visual interest.
- Doing curvy pieced borders to frame the cubed center.
You can also get real creative by doing wonky cuts, secondary designs framing each block, or unique sashing ideas. The options are endless, my friend!
Personalizing with borders, backings and more
Don’t forget to add your own flair with complementary borders. Fabric selection matters here – a tonal border blends in while brighter colors make a statement. And how about using a cool novelty print on the backing? That’s half the fun of a quilt, seeing the back side! Then finish it off with your favorite binding and quilting design.
Tips from experience
Over the years I’ve made more than a few cube quilts. A few lessons I’ve learned:
- Press seams as you go for sharp points on the cubes. It makes a huge difference!
- Mark seam intersections with a ppm to reinforce those tight spots as you piece.
- If blocks are wonky, don’t sweat it – nobody will notice once it’s quilted and on the bed.
- Thread issues are amplified by small piecing, so use superior 40wt thread for best results.
In the end, just take your time and have fun with it. Inner cube patterns unleash your inner geometric artist – so cut loose and get cubing!
Final thoughts
Well folks, I hope this mega guide has you feeling confident to dive into those cube-tastic patterns. Let me know if you have any other questions! Inner cube quilts are like a puzzle wrapped in fabric – challenging but oh so rewarding once complete. Give it a try – you might just find your new favorite style. Who knows, maybe we’ll see your cubed masterpiece online someday. Until then, happy quilting!
Inner Cube Quilt Pattern Facts
| Block Size | Difficulty Level | Best Fabrics |
|---|---|---|
| 9 inches | Beginner | Prints, solids |
| Uses a simple grid structure | Easy to lay out and piece blocks together | Looks complex but is straightforward to construct |
| Makes a dense, structured quilt top | Can use large scale fabrics effectively | Provides opportunity for creative color placement |
| Blocks assemble quickly | Easy to make repeat blocks without measuring | Can be made from stash fabrics easily |
FAQ
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What is an inner cube quilt pattern?
Basically, an inner cube quilt pattern is a style of quilt making where small fabric squares are arranged to form cubes inside larger squares. It kind of looks amazing from a distance once complete!
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How do you construct an inner cube quilt pattern?
To build an inner cube quilt pattern, you first cut a bunch of little square fabric pieces that will become the “cubes.” Then you carefully arrange them inside larger squares of fabric that form the overall pattern. It’s not too tricky, but requires a fair bit of patience to get those tiny squares perfectly lined up.
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What fabrics work best for an inner cube quilt?
Most quilters agree that high-contrast fabrics display the inner cube pattern in the most stunning way. Dark solids paired with bright prints really make those little cubes pop. Of course, feel free to use whatever scraps inspire you! As the old saying goes, “One quilter’s scrap is another’s treasure.”
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How big should the inner cubes be?
There’s no definitive answer here – it depends on personal preference. Inner cubes ranging anywhere from 1/2″ to 2″ squared are commonly used. However, getting them much smaller than 1/2″ seems kinda nuts, if you ask me! Bigger cubes allow for more impressive piecing but may not showcase the 3D cube illusion as nicely.
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What size is best for displaying an inner cube quilt?
Most quilt experts suggest an inner cube quilt works well in a wall hanging or lap-sized quilt from 40″x40″ up to 60″x80″. Any larger and the definition may get lost from a distance. Nevertheless, bigger sizes are possible for beds with exceptionally strong magnifying glasses!
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How long does an inner cube quilt take to make?
The time it takes can vary greatly depending on the size. A smaller wall hanging might be done in a couple weeks working casually. Whereas a king-sized quilt could demand months of persistent effort. As the old saying goes, “Good things come to those who sew.”