This tutorial is about making the finishing components for your Jumping Jacks Sampler quilt top the cornerstones to go in the sashing and framing the blocks. These two steps are what creates what I like to call the “jumping jacks” in the sampler design.

The amazing thing about these components is that you can apply this same technique to any quilt blocks you make. It’s a great way to add interest to a quilt top that you might not be loving or thinks lacks a little something. Both these elements are super simple and build on techniques you’ve already been practicing with the making of the blocks.

I can’t wait to see your version of this block. Remember to share it in the Facebook Group or on Instagram using the hashtag #FreeBlockFriday.

Block information

Block Number + Name: Framing the Blocks and Cornerstones

Quilt Pattern: Jumping Jacks Sampler for Free Block Friday. Enter your details below to get your copy of the pattern.

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Construction Method: From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates and Rulers

From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates Used:

• From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set B
• From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set A

I’ve put together bundles of the templates and rulers I used for this project and you can find them in my online shop.

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Make Your Own Templates

If you’d prefer to make your own templates the pattern comes with free printables of the templates so that you can make your own. To help you with making your own templates I’ve done a tutorial showing you one way to make them.

Before You Sew

• I pressed to my own preference; a mixture of open and to one side. I’ve provided a photograph of the back of the block so you can see how I did it.
• I used a Schmetz 70/10 needle.
• I used Wonderfil Konfetti Cotton 50wt in Pale Grey (KT906) thread for piecing.
• I used the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set B and From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set A
• I used  Flatter by Soak in Yuzu 248ml as my starch.
• I used a design board to layout my pieces while I worked. Click here for a tutorial on how to make your own.

If you’d like to know “My Top 10 Beginners Patchworking Tools” you can find them by clicking here.

Measurements for the pieces needed to construct this block will not be provided in this tutorial. It is a prerequisite of making this block that you have a copy of the pattern. Measurements can be found in this pattern.

Choose Your Fabrics

I provide 2 colouring options for the Jumping Jacks Sampler: Bubblegum and Rainbow Spectrum. This tutorial shows the bubblegum version. If you’d like to make a version with the exact fabrics that I have used they are:

Plan Your Quilt with PreQuilt.com

I’ve collaborated with the wonderful team at PreQuilt.com to provide you with free colouring sheets for the Jumping Jacks Sampler. You can plan your quilt blocks based on the fabric placements I have used in my blocks.

How to Make the Block

General Advice:

• Tolerance Levels: you need to decide what is an acceptable tolerance level for “mistakes”. For example if your blocks are consistently 12¼” instead of 12.5″ are you ok with this? Or if your seams matching are less than an 1/8″ “off” are you ok with this. There’s no hard or fast rule and it’s different for everyone, so remember it’s your quilt so make your decision for you.
• Press your seams at each step. Click here for a great article on how to press your seams for patchwork.
• You can iron and starch your fabric prior to cutting. I also starch when pressing bulky seams. If you can afford it, a wool pressing mat does wonders to help flatten seams.
• When pinning, pin away from you so that you don’t move your pieces when pinning.
• Where possible I chain piece all the pieces I can in one step. If you’re unsure of what chain piecing is, click here for a tutorial on how to do it.

The photos below show you the step progression of making this block. Please read the accompanying text before starting to make your block.

Block Assembly Steps

1: Cornerstones

Use the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates to cut all the block pieces. [Please see tutorial picture “Step One” for the pieces laid out.]

Refer to your copy of the pattern for which templates to use for each piece.

1. Attach Piece C to Piece A to Piece E. Press. Repeat to make 20.
2. Attach Piece B to CAE to Piece D. Press. Repeat to make 20.

FYI: I pressed away from Piece A

2: Framing the Blocks

Use the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates to cut all the block pieces. [Please see tutorial picture “Step One” for the pieces laid out.]

Refer to your copy of the pattern for which templates to use for each piece.

1. Attach Piece D to Piece E. Press. Repeat to make 12.
2. Attach Piece C to Piece E. Press. Repeat to make 12.
3. Attach Piece B to Piece E. Press. Repeat to make 12.
4. Attach Piece A to Piece E. Press. Repeat to make 12.
5. Join CE + Piece L + DE. Press. Repeat to make 12. This is R1.
6. PAY ATTENTION TO ORIENTATION OF YOUR BLOCK! Join Piece F + Completed Sampler Block + Piece F. Press. Repeat to make 12. This is R2.
7. Join BE + Piece F + AE. Press. Repeat to make 12. This is R3.
8. Join R1 + R2 + R3. Press. Repeat to make 12.

3: Complete the Quilt Top

This is where our journey together to make the Jumping Jacks Sampler ends and you continue on with Raylee of Sunflower Stitcheries & Quilting by joining her Finishing School. Raylee will show you everything you need to get your blocks together to make the quilt top. She’ll then teach you how to quilt your quit tops, whether it’s this sampler or another project. She’ll show you how to choose the right batting/wadding, quilt it with flare and bind it with confidence.

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Got a Question?

If there’s something you’d like further details about the information covered in this blog post simply drop me an email via my contact page and we’ll get it sorted together.