It’s a new year, and that means that it is time for a NEW Quilt-A-Long! So today, we are launching the 2023 Sew With Me series! Join me as I teach you how to make some of the most fun and classic quilt blocks!
Throughout this series, I hope to teach you some new skills, tips, and tricks, and at the end of the series, we will have a fun selection of blocks to sew together into a sampler quilt!
The blocks will release the 2nd Thursday of each month. Each block will have a video tutorial and free PDF download.
–->>Download the 2023 Sew With Me Block #1 Pattern here!
Watch the Sew With Me – Block #1 video tutorial here!
Quilt-a-long Details
- Finished Block Sizes: All blocks will be available in 6½” and 12½”
- Finished Quilt Sizes*: 12″ block quilt: 66″ x 81″, 6″ block quilt: 40″ x 49″ (*This is totally dependent upon the finishing options you choose!)
- QAL includes patterns for 12 quilt blocks + finishing options and bonus ideas!
- Videos release on the 2nd Thursday of the month
- Free PDF downloads are included for each block (The full pattern will be available in my shop once all blocks are released)
- I suggest prepping your fabric with starch or Mary Ellen’s Best Press prior to cutting your pieces.
Fabric Requirements (This is enough for both 12″ and 6″ blocks combined)
- Background: 3-1/2 yards
- Blocks: 12-14 Red FQs (18″ x 21″, feel free to use any colors you like!)
- Sashing & Border 2: 1 yard Pink, 1/4 yard Red
- Border 3: 2 yards Low Volume
- Binding: 5/8 yard Red
- Backing/Batting: 5 yards
- (For the 12½”blocks, I’m using a mix of red fabrics from my stash and the Fat Quarter Shop Red Sampler FQ Bundle. For the 6½” blocks I am using Christmas Stitched by FigTree for Moda Fabrics)
Fabric Requirements 6″ blocks only:
- Background: 1-3/8 yards
- Blocks: 12-14 Red F8s (9″ x 21″, feel free to use any colors you like!)
- Sashing & Border 2: 1/2 yard Pink, 1/4 yard Red
- Border 3: 3/8 yard Low Volume
- Binding: 3/8 yard Red (3) 2-1/2″ x WOF strips
- Backing/Batting: 3-1/4 yards
Can’t download the file.
Hi Erica, the QAL for a 2023 looks fabulous. I going to do the 12.5″ blocks. Are the fabric requirements for 12.5″ or for the 6.5″ blocks?
The requirements are for BOTH 12″ and 6″ blocks, plus you’ll have some left over!
I’ve been trying for 2 days to download it. Still no success. 🤷🏻♀️
I can’t download the new pattern either.
I was able to download the pattern on my phone, but I had to do it in a roundabout way. I held my finger down and copied the link URL. Here’s the link that worked for me.
https://shared.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/sewing/2023SewWithMe_Block1.pdf
File won’t download
Can’t download
I was able to download the file without any problems! The first block was a great learning experience for me! I had never made pinwheels and flying geese that way, and my block turned out beautiful! Very precise! Can’t wait for Block #2! Thanks!!!!!
I can’t seem to get the pdf to down. I would really like to join in your block of th month fun.
Please fix the download. Thanks
The download is working, Try RIGHT clicking then select ‘save file as’ (PC) or ‘download linked file’ (MAC)
Hi – Thank you for putting this all together – I really appreciate all your effort and the you tube video was very helpful. I am very excited to work on this. I am a new quilter and I made the block – but I don’t know what happened, but my finished block is only 12 x12, not 12.5×12.5. I tried to measure carefully, but I must have made an error somewhere! Is that going to be a problem when I put the whole quilt together? Is there a way to fix it that does not require redoing the whole block? Can I sew a border around the block to make it the right size? PS – file downloaded fine on my ipad.
I was always super careful and still had that same problem until I invested in a 1/4 foot for my sewing machine. It truly changes how accurate your blocks turn out. Depending upon your sewing machine, you can order than almost anywhere. Mine has the black little guide so that the fabric lines up with it. It’s the only way my blocks turned out accurate, otherwise I’m always off by 1/8 or 1/4 inch. Hope this helps! Happy sewing!
Hi Lynn,
If all of your blocks turn out 12″ x 12″ you’ll be fine, but since that will probably not happen I would suggest remaking the first block. Start by sewing a 1/4″ seam on some test fabric and adjust your machine or needle, or even put a piece of tape on your machine where needed so you can get that scant 1/4″ seam perfect. Once you have that down you should be okay going forward :). If you don’t want to remake the block, you could sew a 1″ strip to all four sides then trim it down to 12-1/2″.
Thank you for your advice! I bought a 1/4 inch foot and am trying test samples.