Learn the Spiral Bargello Quilt Pattern for a Unique Quilting Design

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A Comprehensive Guide to Spiral Bargello Quilt Patterns

If you’ve searched for “spiral bargello quilt pattern”, chances are you’re intrigued by the unique geometric designs these quilts create. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about spiral bargello patterns to get started on your own quilt.

What is a Spiral Bargello Quilt?

A spiral bargello quilt features colorful fabric strips arranged in a spiral formation to form eye-catching geometric patterns. “Bargello” refers to the technique of using diagonal strip-setting to create designs. In a traditional bargello, the strips are arranged horizontally and vertically. But in a spiral bargello, the strips swirl inwards to form concentric circles like a spiral galaxy.

From my experience making bargello quilts, the spiral layout adds an extra element of visual interest. Whereas standard bargello designs can appear a bit stiff, the circular ripples of a spiral bargello draw the eye around continuously for a more dynamic look.

Choosing Fabric Strips

The most important decision is selecting your fabric strips. For best results, use high-quality cotton or quilt shop-recommended blends in solid colors that contrast well. Avoid prints, as the patterns will blur together. Each strip should be 2-4 inches wide.

Plan your color progression carefully. Work from dark to light or light to dark around the spiral. You can also alternate between color groups – like red/orange/yellow followed by green/blue/purple. Make sure to select fabrics that blend softly into each other rather than creating abrupt transitions.

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Cutting and Arranging the Strips

Once you’ve chosen your fabrics, cut them into strips. Then lay them out randomly on the floor or a large table to view the color flow. Rearrange until you’re satisfied with the gradual transitions around the spiral. Pin the strips in place before sewing them together end-to-end into one long continuous spiral.

Constructing the Top

Sew the spiral strip-set onto a backing square, beginning at the center and working your way outwards in concentric circles. Trim the raw edges to create your quilt top. At this stage, I’ve faced situations where the spiral got a little off-kilter despite my best efforts. To fix it, carefully realign the strips by resewing or re-trimming as required.

Next comes quilting and finishing. This can be done via traditional quilting methods or modern fused methods like applique. Hand or machine quilting brings the layers together while accentuating the circular design. Then just bind the raw edges to complete your unique spiral bargello quilt!

Tips for Success

  1. Practice piecing small strips sets first to get the hang of gradual color changes.
  2. Use an mechanical pencil or chalk to sketch faint guidelines on fabric to ensure straight strip-piecing.
  3. Layer backing, batting and quilt top carefully so the spiral isn’t distorted during quilting.
  4. Be patient! Spiral bargello construction requires concentration due to its complex color patterns.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How big should my strips be?

Typically 2-4 inches wide. Wider strips can be hard to piece accurately, while narrower than 2 inches may not show the colors well.

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In what order do I sew the strips together?

Join the strips end-to-end in the order they will lie in the spiral, working from innermost to outermost circle.

Can I use prints or tone-on-tone fabrics?

It’s best to stick to high-contrast solids. Prints or low-contrast fabrics don’t transition as smoothly and the spiral pattern may get lost.

How do I get smooth color transitions?

Carefully select fabrics to graduate gradually around the spiral, like a rainbow. You can also use tye-dye, ombre orGradient fabrics for a blended effect.

Won’t the strips stretch out of shape?

Stay stitching each strip’s long edges before joining helps prevent stretch. Consider stabilizing with lightweight fusible web if very unstable fabrics are used.

So in summary, careful fabric selection, color placement, and accurate piecing are keys for successful spirals bargello outcomes. With some practice, you’ll be mastering these geometric patterns in no time. Let me know if any other questions come up!

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Spiral Bargello Quilt Pattern Considerations

Material Description
Fabric Choose a single fabric that reads clearly in tones of value from light to dark. Solid colors work best.
Cut Width Strips should be cut on the straight grain between 2-4 inches wide for best results.
Number of Strips More strips allow for a longer spiral but may be more difficult to construct. Aim for 30-50 strips.
Angle of Strips Strips should be sewn at a slight angle to follow the spiral curve of the design.
Quilt Backing Use a backing large enough to accommodate the full size of the hidden spiral after construction.

FAQ

  1. What is a spiral bargello quilt pattern?

    Basically, a spiral bargello quilt pattern uses triangular pieces of fabric arranged in a spiral shape. The pieces slowly change color from light to dark to create the illusion of movement around the spiral.

  2. How difficult is it to make a spiral bargello quilt?

    While it may seem kind of intricate, a spiral bargello quilt is not as hard to make as you might think. As long as you carefully cut the fabric triangles to gradually change colors, the pattern forms itself as you piece it together. However, it does require attention to detail when stitching to keep the angles and edges lined up perfectly.

  3. What fabrics work best for this pattern?

    Solid color fabrics show off the pattern the most. You’ll want fabrics that have a clear difference between the light and dark shades. Cottons and some thin flannels are ideal. Somehow quilt store owners seem to know just the right fabrics for any project. On the other hand, busy prints may detract from the swirling effect.

  4. How big should the pieces be?

    There’s no set rule about piece sizes. It depends on how large or small you want your finished quilt to be. Since the pieces are triangles, you can cut them anywhere from 2 to 4 inches wide at the widest end. Smaller pieces make for a tighter spiral, while bigger ones will give you a looser, smoother curve. Why not try different sizes and see which look appeals to you most?

  5. How many colors should I use?

    Most spiral bargello quilts use anywhere from 6 to 12 colors going from light to dark. However, you could do it with more or fewer colors if you want. Perhaps try an ombre style with subtle color changes for a more gradual effect.Then again, bold colors may attract more attention. It’s tricky to know for certain without trying different options. What do you think would look best in your space?

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  6. Any tips for success?

    Label each piece with its corresponding color to keep everything in order as you stitch. It may seem obvious, but better safe than sorry when frustration is only a mix-up away. Going slowly and double checking your points will also help you come out looking like a quilting expert. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come together perfectly on the first try. With fun patterns, the journey is half the fun!