This project is exactly as the name suggests - SSS or Simply Sashiko and Squares Quilt.
My goal was to create a simple to stitch quilt that highlights our sashiko stitching. It's a perfect project for the beginner quilter and makes use of those pre-cut fabric packs that so many of us have in our fabric collection.
For those unsure about the term Layer Cake, it refers to a curated fabric pack of generally 42 squares of patchwork fabric each 10" x 10". These packs are designed to showcase a specific design range. As a stitcher, this means that all the fabrics in the pack are coordinated and will work beautifully together in a project - no guesswork or hunting for fabrics that will be suitable.
For the SSS Quilt, each fabric square is cut into 4 x 5" x 5" squares to give a total of 168 fabric squares.
I used 2 of our Traditions Pre-Printed Sashiko Panels to stitch our sample. Each panel has 12 blocks all just a little over 5" square. Using 2 panels means each sashiko design is featured twice throughout the quilt making a total of 24 sashiko blocks.
Our Traditions Pre-Printed Sashiko Panels are available in Indigo, Cherry Red and Cream. We also have limited stock in Forest Green.
The approx. finished measurement is 54" x 72".
Combining the 168 fabric squares and 24 sashiko squares gives us a lap sized quilt using all of the fabric pieces (with no leftovers) and a generous but manageable sized quilt for all skill levels.
Of course! The advantage of using a Layer Cake is the fabrics are all coordinated and work together to give what I call a 'structured scrappy quilt' look.
To achieve this same look when working with fabrics from your stash, the easiest way is to choose a theme or designer. Do you have a lot of blue fabrics ? or maybe pink fabrics ? or lots of floral fabrics?
For example, I have a collection of fat quarters and offcuts of Kaffe Fassett floral fabrics. These will all blend together but can be quite busy so choose a range of large, medium and small prints.
Perhaps soft floral fabrics are more your style. Choose fabrics with a variety of prints but ensure all have a similar base tone. If most of my florals were creams, soft pinks and blues, I wouldn't add a fabric that has a fluro print on it. Some projects need that contrast but this quilt is designed to use fabrics with a similar base tone.
If you plan on cutting your own squares, you will need a total of 168 each 5" x 5" squares.
Using your stash fabrics, may mean that the colours of the pre-printed sashiko panels are not ideal for your colourway. That doesn't mean you can't add sashiko to your project.
Choose a good quality plain fabric (such as Kona Solids or similar) that coordinates with your print fabrics and use our range of sashiko templates to draw your own sashiko squares. Choose 1 sashiko motif to feature across your quilt or add as many different designs as you prefer.
Cut your fabric squares a little larger than required - about 6" x 6". Draw and stitch the sashiko motif, press lightly from the wrong side and then trim to size. The sashiko stitching may change the size of the blocks slightly depending on the fabric you have used to it's best to cut them a little larger and then trim after stitching.
Perle 8 thread is ideal to stitch your sashiko when working with a patchwork weight fabric. Sometime the traditional sashiko thread can be a little difficult to work with on the lighter fabric. Another advantage of Perle thread is the huge range of colours available so you are sure to find a colour to work with your chosen fabrics. Have you tried Wonderfil Eleganza threads?
Download your free SSS Quilt Instructions here.
