The Arrow Quilt
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After weeks of showing bits and pieces of this quilt via my social media channels, I can finally say that The Arrow Quilt is finished.
This quilt came about because my five year old grandson asked me to make him a quilt. He was very specific in that the quilt must have a red arrow. I started looking at different designs online and finally settled on this FREE design from Moda called Mixed Bag Which Way. Instead of using lots of colors I went with a black/white/red theme.
The Sewing Process
I had all of these fabrics in my stash except the red binding which I purchased locally. The red arrow fabrics are leftover scraps from my apron-making days. The black and white fabrics were from fat quarter purchases I made here and there.
The pattern calls for putting the top of the arrow together first. After this portion was finished I layed out all of my arrow point pieces. I wanted to be careful not to have the same fabrics end up next to each other. Plus, I wanted the fabrics with lighter backgrounds more evenly scattered.
Once these pieces were sewn together I had to trim them down into the arrow shape. See the pattern instructions on how this is done. It’s really a non-event.From there it was just a matter of attaching the rest of the pieces that surround the arrow. I decided to go with a color fade from white-ish all the way down to black-ish. In this photo you can see where I had to piece together the fat quarters in order to get the bands wide enough. Once it is quilted this imperfection hardly shows.
Wool Batting
For years I’ve heard quilters expound on the wonders of wool batting. I can’t say enough good things about this batting. Talk about a dream to work with. It has beautiful loft and it’s so lightweight. The weight was what I loved the most because it was easier to handle the machine quilting.
And it’s washable. I had all of these arrow markings on my quilt. Once it was completely finished I put the quilt in my front load washing machine and washed it in cold water on delicate. Then I dried it on gentle. I absolutely love the weight and feel of this finished quilt. It’s perfect for wrapping up a five-year old.
Simplified Pin Basting
Let’s be honest, here. Pin basting can be one of the biggest challenges to finishing a quilt. It usually requires a large area and some moving of furniture. Well, I know a better way and you’re going to love it. I’ve created a two-minute video that demonstrates a simplified way to baste your quilt.
The Quilting Process
For the quilting, I followed the the lines of the design and straight stitched using my walking foot. I drew on an arrow design for the arrow and then the rest was straight line stitching.
This is the second time I’ve quilted this type of design and I prefer regular straight stitching as opposed to the arrow design. Trying to line up the points made me almost lose my religion.
In this image you can better see the different directions that I quilted.While my quilt hanging method leaves a bit to be desired, you get the idea. Overall, the quilt is a hit with my grandson and he sleeps with it most nights.
In my book, that’s all that really matters.
I am working on 2 wedding quilts and a quilt for Christmas for my son so I definetly could use that batting.
I’ve always wanted to try wool batting but never have. If I won I would want the queen/2 crib combo. Nice quilt and thanks for the giveaway!
I have two large quilt tops that I just finished just waiting for something yummy to fill them!
My sister-in-law just passed away in June from pancreatic cancer, being diagnosed only 7 weeks previously. I was able to get some of her clothing and want to make a “commemorative” throw-type quilt for her husband who is still in the depths of his grief. Trying to have it finished for perhaps a Thanksgiving gift…
Beautiful quilt! I love that there was such a specific design “demand,” too.
I would make my first quilt! I am dreaming of large solid hexagons!
I will use it for the quilt I am working on for my granddaughter.
I have a girlfriend that only uses wool batting but I have never tried it. This year at our quilting group I am working on a quilt using Tula Pink fabric. This would be a great opportunity to be able to try out this batting..Thanks for a great opportunity to win this.
My grandson watches Stampy on utube and wants a quilt. Sure wish he wanted an arrow quilt! Your quilt is very nice. I like straight line quilting too and yours looks Wonderful! I hope he’s crazy about it!!
I would use this batting for a quilt I’m making my mom. It would be perfect!
If I win I have two quilts to make. A quilt for a baby who’s mother can not help her due to funds and I’m making a full size quilt for my granddaughter from a horse theme! Thank you for the chance.
I would love to see how the wool compares to what I’ve always used! Lodi
I’m planning some quilts for my grandson, son and 4 daughters. This will help me move it along!
I would use the batting in the log cabin quilt I am making my daughter. I love that batting, so would be great to use it in her quilt.
I usually make quilts to practice or learn a new technique then donate them. This time I think I will be a quilt for me! And my DH of course – he’s starting to hint it’s time I made a new quilt for our bed – and he’s never received a quilt …
I’ve been wanting to try quilting . This may be the be the opportunity and incentive I need.
I would love to win this batting. I too find it prohibitive to purchase, but would to work with it. I am almost ready to hand quilt a queen size quilt, and would love to see the look of it with wool batting. Thanks for the giveaway.
Well, I’ve been planning to do a wall quilt for my entry hall for quite some time now. I want something quite substantial and have not yet decided on the design. I am pulling together colors now and this would be just the thing to get me moving along! Have an especially blessed day!
Working on a quilt for my sister-in-law. Her 25 year old nephew committed suicide and it has almost broken her. Hoping this momento of him will bring her a small amount of comfort. Woild love to use a nice warm vomfy wool batting.
Love the quilt! The quilting on it is very cool; having the arrow design on the back makes it pop. I’ve got a couple fall like quilt tops that the wool batting would fit perfectly for finishing.
I love the arrow quilt.
I would use the batting for my one block wonder that is a gift for my daughter.
I would make a quilt for my youngest son
I have 5 grandchildren who would enjoy having quilts from Grandma and one of my sons has already sent me 2 boxes of his old t-shirts which I plan to make into a quilt. Geez, I’d better get busy.
I’ve been thinking about making my first quilt so this would be the perfect opportunity!
I have a quilt I started years ago that I have yet to finish (it’s for me so it always goes last to everyone else’s work) and I would love to try this batting! It sounds great.
I have been wanting to make a quilt for our master bedroom (it would be my first ). I figure, practice on us so that I get better for everyone else!
I plan to make a quilt for my daughter. She’s in her 2nd year of college and will be leaving the nest soon and I’d love for her to take a special part of home with her. She still loves to snuggle a blankie and this would be warm and snugglie. 🙂
There are a few wips to choose from, but the one I’ve been working on the longest is for my sister. She’s moved home to take care of our mother (surreptitiously so no pride is damaged) and mother hates to run the heat… preferring to just bake all winter instead.
My always chilly husband could use a new layer for sleeping under as well. Or maybe a special dad quilt for the glider…
The wool seems so wonderful and fancy I almost don’t want to win, I’d have to unpackage it and quilt it into something and I don’t know that I’m good enough yet. o.o
I would finally make the Wizard of Oz quilt I promised my grown daughter last year when we found and purchased a collection of fabric!
Love the look of the wool batting. Would love to try it.
I would use the batting for the wall hangings I am doing for Christmas gifts for friends.
If I win the drop I’ll make my best friend a quilt. We make many projects together, she always gives hers to her grown kids. I think she should be given one to remind her of our fun sewing days!!
I also volunteer making children’s quilts for the Linus Project. These quilts are distributed to our local hospitals and given to children who are patients . I’ve been involved with Linus over five years, have probably make well over 100 quilts. Besides a quilt for my friend, I would use the excess batting for Linus!
Love the arrow quilt! Great fabrics, and I love the use of the fat quarters in the top! I have several antique quilt tops – pieced by my ancestors, but never quilted – that I intend to quilt. I think wool batting may be just the thing for that! Thanks for sharing The Arrow Quilt. Please let us know how your grandson likes his new quilt ?
I love this quilt – love the design and color. Your grandson is going to love it as well. Well done.
Beautiful quilt for a five year old boy! Love your blog! Thanks for your many enjoyable tips.
I would FINALLY make a quilt for my bed (queen sized) and I would then also make a baby quilt for our soon-coming little one… But more importantly I would make a lovely baby quilt for a friend who has struggled with pregnancy and just lost her current. I just know that she won’t give up, she and her husband are two of the most deserving people. <I never do anything for myself, quilters are usually givers and, of the more than 30 quilts that I've made, my husband's 31st bday quilt is the only one that hasn't been gifted outside of our home.
I would use it to make quilts for my grandsons. It seems I’m always making things for the girls and the boys seem to get left out more often. BAD GRANDMA!
I would love to use this lovely wool batting for our new grandchild due in December.
I can envision a cozy, quilted throw for the coming winter season
I would make a queen sized quilt for our bed.
It would have to be quilts for my grandbabies!
I would make new blankets for my three sons!
I read Arrow quilt in your title and never thought it would look like that. I was expecting long pointy arrow with feathers. This is so interesting, I enjoyed the explanation of your quilting lines. Recently joined Massdrop, too. Waiting for coastal fabric to arrive today or tomorrow . I am anxious to try wool batting for the first time. Thanks for the chance!
I have a Christmas quilt that has told me it wants to be hand quilted. The wool batting would be such a pleasure to hand quilt. I plan to do a larger quilt stitch with pearl cotton. Thanks for the giveaway!
I have so many quilts in progress right now! However I have a special pattern I plan to make for my daughter, for which I would use this batting.
i would love to try the wool batting, i am making a quilt for my granddaughter for Christmas and this would be perfect for it.
I have a quilt I am making for my wedding someday and have waited to put it together for the perfect batting. This looks like a wonderful batting. We love wool!
I would love to win the 1 Queen & 1 Twin size batting bundle. This would be perfect! I’ve been wanting to make a queen size quilt for my husband and myself and a twin size quilt for my youngest daughter. We recently moved, and we’ve been itching to redecorate our bedrooms. This prize would be a great help!
By the way, I love your arrow quilt! You are so talented. Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks with us!
I would make my new twin grandsons their first quilts. I have started designing them but have not gotten them finished yet. I have never had the opportunity to try this type of batting, so I am super excited… Thank you for the opportunity to learn about something outside of my knowledge. Yay!!
Yeah! I already have the fabric and would LOVE this win. thank you!
I would make a quilt.
I am really SOLD on wool batting! I love the way it feels and the way it looks quilted, and it is not heavy but it is really warm. I would be thrilled to win this batting!
Thanks!
Annette Crain from Spanish Fork, UT
This looks great! Thanks for offering the giveaway.
Love the Arrow quilt. Need to make a new quilt for our queen bed & would love to use wool batting. Thanks for the chance.
Enjoy your blog. The Massdrop program is an interesting concept; thanks for the explanation and introduction. Just tip-toeing into quilting and would love to make a quilt for my mom. Thanks for the chance to win a Dream Wool bundle.
I just found out that I have 2 grand babies coming in the spring so I need to make some baby quilts. I’m also working on a “Sunshine” quilt for one of my daughter’s who is challenged with bipolar disorder. The battings would be a tremendous help as I’m on a small fixed income. This batting sounds perfect for my projects. Thank you for the recommendation.
I have never used this type of batting, but I would happily try it in a baby quilt. Thanks!
Visiting here from the A Little Bird Told Me link party. So glad I found your blog! What a stunning quilt! My grandmothers quilted, and I have the last quilt my great-grandmother made. I just wish I had learned from those ladies how to carry on the tradition.
I would love to make my first quilt using outdoor woodsy themed prints as I am now leaving in such a beautiful party of the country and would love to snuggle up in the cold with a nice homemade quilt.
Ive never used a wool batting before but I think it would be great to have in the winter here in Idaho.
I would make a quilt for my daughters bed
A running quilt for me
A beautiful quilt – the batting gives a nice dimension to the stitches!
I would make a new blanket for my little one!
Thank You for the chance
I am working on my first two quilt tops right now – a t-shirt quilt and a denim quilt from old jeans. I’d love to have some really great batting for these quilts!
I would make my 3 young nephews each a personalized quilt.
I would make a new quilt for my new bed.
I will make a quilt for my father, he has been ill and is always cold.
A quilt made from my sons old tshirts.
A quilt for myself for once!
I really want to make a Christmas quilt and I would use this for that.
I’d use this on the quilt I’m making for our guest bedroom! =)
a quilt for the baby we’re expecting !
I can use this when I start on my son ‘s quilt using his old army fatigues clothes.
I would love to make a new quilt for my daughter!
I really love the way you went with your red arrow quilt! The scrappiness is great, and I love the gradation in the background. 🙂