Tumbler Block Quilt Patterns: Free Blog Post for Beginners with Step-by-Step Instructions

Tumbler Block Quilt Patterns: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Are you interested in making a tumbler block quilt but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about tumbler block quilt patterns – from picking a design to putting the finished quilt together. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of this classic quilt block and be ready to start your own project.

Understanding the Tumbler Block

The tumbler block gets its name from its resemblance to the old spinning containers called tumblers. It’s made up of four triangular pieces that come together in the middle to form a square block. The simplicity of this block makes it a great choice for beginners.

From my experience helping many new quilters over the years, the tumbler block is a nice introduction to working with triangles. It allows you to practice skills like cutting triangles accurately and piecing small pieces together cleanly. At the same time, the finished block doesn’t require precise 1/4″ seam allowances like some other blocks.

Choosing a Tumbler Block Pattern

There are countless tumbler block patterns available in books and online. Here are a few things to consider when choosing one:

1. Skill level: Look for patterns rated as beginner-friendly that use simple layouts and color schemes. Avoid advanced patterns with tiny triangles or complicated piecing until you have some experience.
2. Block size: Tumbler blocks typically measure 4″, 6″, or 8″ finished. Bigger blocks make the overall quilt design lower-density.
3. Color palette: Consider your fabric stash and pick a pattern using colors you have on hand. Monochromatic or low-volume schemes are most forgiving for beginners.

Browse pattern books at your local library or fabric store to find one that suits your skill level and tastes.

Getting the Fabrics Together

Once you’ve selected a pattern, it’s time to choose fabrics. The standard approach is to pick a light solid or tone-on-tone for the background fabric and two or three coordinating prints for the triangles.

When shopping, look for cotton quilting fabrics with a tight plain weave for their durability. Also feel the fabric – you want something with a bit of stiffness to make piecing and Sewing curves and points a cinch later on. Broadcloth, muslin, and quilters’ cotton in the midweight range work great.

Aim to buy 1/4 to 1/3 yard more fabric than called for in the pattern to allow for mistakes. Having extra on hand will save you hassle down the road. Rotary cutting and sewing practice pieces from scrap fabrics also helps get comfortable with the materials.

So in summary – choose your pattern, select your fabrics wisely based on the guidelines, and do some practice cuts. You’ll be ready to start piecing confidently!

Cutting and Piecing the Triangles

Now for the fun part – turning those fabrics into tumbler blocks! Most patterns will provide triangle cutting templates or diagrams…

Here’s a step-by-step process I’ve used basically every time:

1. Place template on wrong side of fabric and draw lines with a friction/water soluble pen or pencil to mark cutting lines. This prevents the fabric from shifting while you cut.
2. Carefully cut along the lines with good sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to make four matching triangles from each fabric.
3. Sort triangles into piles by fabric and block placement as shown in the pattern diagrams. This keeps everything organized.
4. With right sides together, match two same-fabric triangles at a 90-degree corner and sew with a 1/4″ seam, backstitching at the start and end.
5. Press seam allowance to one side using an iron and starch if desired. Repeat with remaining triangle pairs.

Assemble four pieced triangle units into a square tumbler block following the pattern layout. Just sew triangles together at their seams to complete each block. Repeat to make all the blocks called for in the pattern. The result is the beginnings of a beautiful tumbler block quilt!

Once you have the hang of piecing triangles, it gets faster and more fun. Kind of like riding a bicycle – the skills really stick with you. From this point onward, the rest of constructing the quilt top is pretty straightforward.

Assembling the Quilt Top

Now comes the immensely satisfying part of putting all your pieced blocks together into the finished design. Most patterns provide a block layout diagram to follow.

Begin by laying out the blocks in rows on a large flat surface as shown. Take your time at this stage to ensure blocks are correctly oriented. Once satisfied with the arrangement, you can start sewing.

Use either the diagonally or straight set method to join blocks into horizontal rows. Then sew the rows together vertically to complete the quilt top. Press seams open or to the side as you go for a smooth, cohesive look.

Step back when done and admire your handiwork! Don’t you feel amazingly proud and accomplished? All those hours of piecing magical came together. You’ve now honed skills that will serve you well for future quilting adventures.

Completing the Quilt

With the top pieced, it’s time to prepare the backing, batting, and binding so the quilt can be finished. Here are the remaining basics steps:

1. Cut backing fabric at least 4″ bigger all around than the quilt top and remove wrinkles with heat and steam.
2. Layer quilt top, batting, and backing smooth side down. Use pins or safety pins to hold in place.
3. Quilt as desired using your choice of free-motion, straight lines, or customized quilting patterns.
4. Bind edges with 21⁄2″ bias binding secured with machine stitching and hidden hand stitches on the back.
5. Consider adding a quilting label with your name and date somewhere inconspicuous before cuddling up under your wonderful new creation!

With any luck, someone you love will treasure this handmade tumbler quilt for many years to come as a reminder of your burgeoning sewing talents.

Inspirations and Variations

Don’t let one tumbler quilt be the end of your explorations with this delightful block. It lends itself to countless colorful layouts and designs beyond beginner patterns.

Browse Pinterest or Instagram for examples of tumbler quilts used in medallion, pineapple, or other quilt styles. Or consider arranging irregularly shaped tumbler blocks in a scrappy mosaic. You can also play with scale by making mini tumbler blocks or jumbo ones.

The possibilities are endless! I hope this guide has inspired and equipped you to start your own journey making these classic and creative tumbler quilts. Have fun and happy piecing!

Tumbler Quilt Block Pattern Comparison

FAQ

1. What size squares do I cut for a tumbler block quilt pattern?

   Most tumbler block quilt patterns call for 2 1/2-inch squares. This allows room for seams so the blocks finish to 2 inches. But you can use different sizes like 3 inches for a larger look.

2. How many different fabrics do I need?

   It relies on the pattern, but usually 4 to 8 fabrics is enough. Any more and the blocks may turn out too busy. On the other hand, too few and they may look plain. Most folks say 6 different fabrics makes good variety.

3. In what order do I sew the squares together?

   The pattern will show the piecing direction. Normally you’ll add four squares at a time in rows. Some patterns have you piece horizontal rows first, while others say to build vertical columns initially. If confused, look at photos of the done blocks for clues on where to start piecing.

4. How big will my quilt top be?

   That depends on how many blocks you make and how you put them together. Generally each block uses 9 squares, so for a crib size quilt you’d need around 40-50 blocks. A queen may call for 100 blocks or more. Measure your bed and add a few inches to decide block amounts.

5. When should I add the cornerstones?

   Most fans of tumbler blocks put the solitary square cornerstones on last, after sewing all the 9-square blocks. This lets you match up fabrics easier as you piece. However, some designs say to include the corners as you build the blocks. Do what flows best for your style.

6. Is machine or hand piecing better for tumors blocks?

   Honestly, use what method works for you. Many folks find machine piecing fast and accurate for big quilts. But delicate hand piecing allows close fabric matches if your machine stresses fabrics. Sometimes a mix of both is best – machine the long seams and hand sew intricate parts. In the end, as long as the squares fit together like jigsaw pieces, you’ve succeeded either way!

   

7. What’s a good tumbler block pattern for beginners?

   Look for patterns with large color areas instead of fussy prints. Check if instructions are detailed step-by-step too. Also search for the term “rustic” which often means simpler. The Log Cabin variation uses strip-piecing which basics can do. And traditional checkerboard designs basically just add squares in rows. So those could be good starter options before jumping to complex patterns.