Project Overview
Thank you to those who participated in The Shop's first Community Quilt Project this past summer!
A community quilt is a collaborative sewing project where each block is created by a different member of the community. This past summer we asked quilters of all skill levels to participate by designing and sewing a 6.5" square unfinished block of 100% cotton fabric, either at home or in The Shop and we got amazing submissions. Shop staff pieced them all together and the final result is displayed at The Shop. Other display information coming soon!
In coordination with our 2022 Summer Reading Program, this quilt's theme was Oceans of Possibilities.
To get started quilting check out the templates, instructions, and resources below.
Instructions & Templates
A quilt is a multi-layered textile, traditionally made up of two layers of fabric with a filler material. These layers commonly include a woven cloth top, a layer of batting or wadding, and a woven back combined using the techniques of quilting.
To participate in this community quilt we asked you to submit blocks that will be part of the cloth top.
To get started sewing and designing blocks check out the lesson plans from our Introduction to Quilting classes and other resources below.
- Introduction to Quilting: 4-patch 7" Mug RugDetailed instructions with photos for a basic quilt project. Perfect for beginners.
- Friendship Star Quilt BlockDetailed instructions with photos for a basic 6.5" unfinished quilt block. Perfect for beginners who are ready to include Half Square Triangles into their quilting projects.
- 52 Quilt Block PatternsIn 2021, Ruth's Stitchery shop ran a Block of the Week quilting blog, with free instructions for 52 different quilt blocks. Difficulty levels vary from beginner to advanced.
- Free Quilt Block Patterns LibraryGenerations Quilt Patterns was created by the dynamic mother/ daughter duo with the dream of continuing the tradition in the future. Mom designs the machine quilting patterns and daughter runs the site.
- Free Quilting PatternsArt Galley Fabrics allows you to download all these quilt patterns for FREE from all our fabric collections. All PDF files include the instructions and illustrations that you need to be successful, starting with your very first quilt. You’ll find lots of easy quilt patterns that are designed especially for beginners, along with projects that are more challenging. With a wide variety of free quilt patterns to choose from, browsing our gallery is sure to be inspiring.
- American Patchwork & QuiltingAmerican Patchwork & Quilting® magazine website offers an extensive library of quilt patterns, sewing projects, and how-to tutorials using clear illustrations, step-by-step photos, and concise videos.
Shop Tools and Supplies
During Open Lab the following are available for public use:
- Five Brother Model CS6000i Sewing Machines with 60 built-in stitches.
- One Brother SE400 embroidery machine with 67 built-in stitches, 5 lettering fonts, and 70 built-in embroidery designs for a 4” x 4” embroidery area. You can also upload your own designs to this machine.
- One Brother 1034D Serger for finishing the edges and hems of a wide range of fabrics.
- Shears and rotary cutters, assorted cutting mats and quilting rulers, pins, seam rippers, bobbins, and assorted presser feet (including walking feet).
Resources and Inspiration
- Book ListGreat books to help you get started and inspired!
- The Arlington COVID QuiltThis article tells the story of The Arlington COVID Quilt and describes the impact of the pandemic on nine students at the Wakefield High School.
- Arlington Art TruckThe Arlington Art Truck exemplifies community interactive art projects. In 2019 artists taught participants how to sew colorful buttons onto fabric shaped like Arlington civic associations. The artists then sewed the individual segments together into a bedazzling representation of the diversity of our community. The final map was on display in the lobby of The Bozman Government Center.
- Be A Quilt VolunteerA large number of organizations are thrilled to receive finished quilts or quilting supplies, here is a list of 45 organizations that are happy to receive quilts, fabric and other sewing supplies.
- Love Quilt ProjectThe goal of this local organization is to provide orphaned and vulnerable South African children emotional support and access to quality education to each child who receives a quilt.
- Quilters Unlimited in Northern VirginiaQU was founded in 1972 with the purpose of preserving the tradition, culture, and history of quilting, and promoting the knowledge and understanding of the art of quilting through continuing educational services for members and public education activities. QU has over 1,000 members.
- Virginia Consortium of QuiltersThe VCQ is a state-wide organization that meets three to four times a year in various parts of the state. In even years they have a 4-day Celebration of Quilting with classes and good fun.
- Virginia Quilt MuseumThe Virginia Quilt Museum was founded in 1995 by VCQ members. It grew out of VCQ's documentation project of the early 1990's, which also led to the publication of their book, Quilts of Virginia, 1607 - 1899.
- American Folk Art Museum - QuiltsSince 1961, the AFA Museum has been the leading institution shaping the understanding of art by the self-taught through its exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. It showcases the creativity of individuals whose singular talents have been refined through personal experience rather than formal artistic training.
- Quilt AllianceQA was established in 1993 with a mission to document, preserve, and share with a broad public our American quilt heritage by collecting the rich stories that historic and contemporary quilts, and their makers, tell about our nation’s diverse peoples and their communities. They also promote the understanding of the quilt as an important American grassroots art form.
- National Quilt MuseumThe NQM promotes quilting around the world through exhibitions, education programs, quilt preservation efforts, and advocacy. Their Block of the Month Club challenges quilters to experiment with new techniques and styles while having fun connecting with quilters from all over the world.
- International Quilt MuseumThe IQM is located on the University of Nebraska - Lincoln's East Campus, and houses the largest publicly held quilt collection in the world. Diversity and inclusion are central to the University’s and the IQM’s mission and pursuit of excellence. IQM hopes to build a global collection and audience that celebrate the cultural and artistic significance of quilts.