Autumn Lattice Quilt

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Have you tried fabric weaving yet? I have so many ideas I want to try! After my failed attempt at an open weave a few months ago, I've been wanting to try again. October's challenge for the Island Batik ambassadors was "creative borders and binding." It was the perfect opportunity to try some "crazy" ideas!

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points





I looked through my Island Batik fabrics and chose a fall themed bundle from the "Pumpkin Patch" collection. There were fat quarters of the darker fabrics, and a one yard cut of the neutral.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
From this bundle, I drew up an idea for my quilt. I figured since I hard one yard of the neutral, I would aim for making a 36" square quilt.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I also had a one yard piece of Dotalicious that I thought would work great for the backing. I had several strips of cream colored batiks from stash builder rolls that I decided would be perfect for the woven section. I found another green and blue to add to the mix too. Ultimately, I decided to exclude the browns and yellows.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I started by making prairie points with the blue and green fabrics.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

A unique quilt calls for a unique plan. I started by making the outside border!

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I sewed the green 1 1/2" (1" finished) border first, then added the prairie point border to that. The entire quilt was pieced and quilted with Aurifil 50wt Stone #2324.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I layered this border panel with The Warm Co. 80/20 batting and backing then quilted it using a medium stipple. I measured carefully before pin basting to ensure the border was square on the backing and batting. I only quilted the neutral fabric section, quilting around and under each prairie point. I did not quilt on the skinny green inside border.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

Once quilted, I cut out the inside square of the batting and backing and set it aside to use for the center section.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I printed a paper pieced circle template from EQ7 to make a 16" center block.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

As I sewed each "blade" into the circle, I also sewed a prairie point into the seam.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

Once the center block was done, I removed the paper and added a 1 1/2" (1" finished) blue border.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I pin basted the center block using the batting and backing that I had cut from the center of the outside border section.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I used my walking foot to quilt circles about 3/4" apart. I did not quilt over or under the prairie points and left the outside border unquilted.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

Now I had the center block and the outside border complete. I really contemplated putting the binding on the outside border at this point, but decided I liked how binding is always the last stitch to finish a project, so I decided to wait.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

For the woven lattice, I wanted the pieces to have batting so they would be a similar thickness as the rest of the quilt. I sewed 2 1/2" strips into tubes, then turned them right sides out. After pressing, I pulled 1" strips of batting into the strips and pressed again.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

Now for the hard uncharted part.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I wanted to turn the raw edges 1/4" under on both the inside of the outside border and the outside of the center block before adding the weaving. For the center block, this was relatively simple.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

However, for the outside border, the inside corners were a bit tricky to navigate. I decided the best way was to unstitch 1/4" of the seam on the top to be able to turn the edges under. Then for the back, I snipped the fabric at a diagonal into the corner to be able to turn it under. I turned the batting under with the backing fabric too, and pressed each edge very well.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

To prepare the two quilt pieces for weaving, I first taped the outside border to my dining room table. I was very careful to ensure the piece was square before taping it down, and only taped the outside edges.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

Next, I used looped tape to secure the center block in the center of the border so no tape was blocking the edges.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

Once the quilted pieces were secured, it was time to plan the weaving.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I laid out the strips at 45 degree angles, cutting each one to approximately the needed length as I went. I aimed for a random placement of the different fabrics (even though in pictures they all look to be the same cream print). I just roughly estimated the placement and number of strips I'd need at this point.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

One thing I learned from the previous open weave, was that each strip must be secured in place much more than a typical weave. I decided to pin each strip end in place around the entire quilt.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I really had no idea if the idea was even going to work out at this point. I still had a lot of unknowns, but decided to bridge each only when I got to it.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I encountered issues at every corner, but was able to adjust a few strips ever so slightly to make it work without effecting the overall look.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

The final side presented the most issues. Once I decided that the spacing was the most important thing, the lattice all came together.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

At this point, I was pretty ecstatic! I had just proven that a concept was indeed possible! But now I had to move it from the table to the sewing machine without having the pieces shift.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I used binding clips and curved basting pins to secure the lattice intersections and keep them from shifting while I stitched around the quilt.

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I used my walking foot to stitch just inside the edge of the now 1" borders, removing the pins just as I got to them. I used my hand under the quilt to ensure the backing and batting was still folded under the 1/4" as well. (My Juki TL-2010Q never complained about the many layers it was sewing through. Due to folding the batting under 1/4" and strips with batting, there were many times that it was stitching through four layers of batting and eight layers of fabric all at once!)

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

Once I had stitched around both sides of the strips, I removed all the basting pins and clips. And....IT WORKED! When the quilt is folded or crumpled, the weaving strips bend and move out of place, BUT when the quilt is held back up, all the strips go right back to where they should be! It's seriously like magic!

Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I was so excited to stitch the binding on. It was definitely a victory lap!


Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I have so many ideas running through my head now for more things to try! This will definitely not be the last time I make an open weave quilt!


Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

I love the 3-D effect of the prairie points combined with the open lattice. It reminds me of fall leaves swirling on my grandmother's porch!


Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points
Open weave batik lattice quilt with prairie points

Linking up with Main Crush Monday at Cooking Up Quilts, Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts, Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter, Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication, Needle and Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation, Finished or Not Friday at Busy Hands Quilts, Finish It Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts, Can I Get a Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, and TGIFF at JANDA Bend Quilts.


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84 comments:

  1. This is so awewome! I'd love to try it. I hope I remember enough by the time I can fit it in to my schedule.

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  2. This is one of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen! The lattice is perfect, and I love that you shared the process with us! You inspire me to make a lattice quilt of my own, but I think it will be a mini first. Thank you for sharing!

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  3. This is remarkable. I found it fascinating reading through and following your process.
    Your quilt is wonderful.
    Cheers, Karen
    http://sunburntquilts.com.au/

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  4. This is beautiful! I love it and enjoyed reading about the process. Thank you so much for sharing with us!

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  5. Absolutely beautiful piece of work! Its definitely an eye catcher. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. What a masterpiece. You have a wonderful creative side! Beautiful and unique quilt!

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  7. Stunning! Need to enter into a show

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  8. This is one gorgeous quilt! I do so admire the way you figured this out. As I mentioned elsewhere, you are a real talent, and it is so much fun to watch/share in your process.

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  9. Your quilt is amazing, thanks for sharing the process too

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  10. Wonderful tutorial!

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  11. That is totally amazing, Laura!!! All I can say is, wow!

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  12. I love this idea. What a fantastic job you've done. I see you also use a Juki machine. I have a TL2010Q and love it, best machine on the market. Thanks for sharing you awesome quilt with us!!

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  13. This is the coolest quilt EVER!!! I'm going to try this!

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  14. Fabulous job and what a seriously creative border and finish, Laura!

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  15. This quilt is quite impressive! I think you did very well. But I'm wondering if you ever slow down to sleep or eat. Or maybe you are on a different time/clock system than me. I think this will make a great wall quilt.

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  16. Wow you take creativity and willingness to try new things to the limit! Move over Mr. Domestic.

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  17. Beautiful quilt! I love following your creative thinking & planning.

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  18. Wow!! This is a prize winner for sure!

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  19. Fantastic quilt, a real show stopper. Beautiful.

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  20. Wow, you really knocked it out of the park with your Autumn Lattice Quilt. It's absolutely stunning!

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  21. What a fabulous quilt! I love the colors, the quilting, and that oh-so-unusual border!!

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  22. As my friend in Scotland would say, "I'm gobsmacked!"... this is absolutely amazing... I LOVE the quilt and really appreciate your tutorial which made everything at least sound pretty simple, although we all know it wasn't.

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  23. Amaze-balls! This is absolutely beautiful!

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  24. What a great job. I don't think I would EVER have tackled this and certainly I wouldn't without a class!! You are truly an artist. And we know you have young kids at home so this is truly a remarkable accomplishment. Thank you for showing the back side. I was wondering if you had turned the lattice seams so they were in the middle of the back....and yes, you did. Congratulations!!

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  25. This is just wonderful! I would never have thought of doing something like this, but certainly gave me some new ideas. Congrats on an outstanding finish.

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  26. You are SO creative!! Love your quilt and all the fun elements you fit in. It's a stunning quilt!

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  27. Hi Laura,
    WOWWWWWWW! What a fabulous quilt! I am pinning this right now. And you did such a great step-by-step process for us. Thank you. ~smile~ Roseanne P.S. I linked back to you for the laser light. That works so well. ~smile~

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  28. Phenomenal! A quilt with planned air holes! Brava!
    Alice Martina Smith

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  29. How interesting going through the steps with you, thank you for showing that! What a beautiful finish this is and the amount of brain power involved...But, it is rewarding to know you can tackle something and work through each step and adjust. Well done!

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  30. Unbelievably gorgeous! Love this quilt and your perseverance to create it!

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  31. Wow! What an amazing and beautiful quilt you have created! I enjoyed reading about your process, and seeing all your steps. Beautiful!

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  32. A spectacular quilt! I enjoyed reading your posts and following each step of the way on the quiltmaking journey. What a challenging project! Your photos are gorgeous! Congrats!

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  33. Stunning work of art! Thank you for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.

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  34. This is a fabulous quilt! I hope that you enter it into shows - it needs to be seen!

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  35. What a stunning quilt. And how creative! I love this!

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  36. Fabulous quilt! I love the blue sky showing through the lattice.

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  37. Incredible. In awe of this quilt and fascinated by your process. Thankyou!

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  38. Absolutely stunning. I am partial to flying geese.

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  39. Looks great! It's always fun when it turns out the way it was in your head. Your blog post obviously was as much work as the quilt. BRAVO!

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  40. My goodness - that really is amazing!!

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  41. SO fabulous. And your description of the process was wonderful. I contemplated a quilt with some see through areas years ago but never attempted it. Now you've inspired me anew.

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  42. This is lovely! Great job on that weave. It's very impressive!

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  43. This is absolutely amazing! Way above my skill level. This is worthy of an award...any award...all awards...best in show!

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  44. I love how your mind works, very creative and beautiful.

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  45. Εξαιρετικό!!
    Excellent!!

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  46. Amazing stunning gorgeous. There really are no words powerful enough to describe. Groundbreaking. You’re going to have many quilters thinking differently now.

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  47. Wow!! This is fantastic ~ so creative. Well done!!

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  48. That is probably THE most creative and beautiful quilt I have ever seen!!! Amazing how you figured it all out. Just so unusual!! Great job! Thanks for sharing the great tutorial although I will never try this technique I love it! Helen G

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  49. I'd have been quite tempted to name it Pi Crust. I'm just floored by your work.

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  50. This is just amazing! So glad it worked out like you hoped it would. And of course the fabrics and colors are lovely.

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  51. I'm speechless! It is absolutely stunning. Thanks for the great articleabout your process.

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  52. Absolutely beautiful! I am in awe of your thought process and of the outcome--amazing quilt!

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  53. You are just the coolest! And your explanation made it so easy to follow along with how you think! Thank you!

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  54. This is amazing! You are so creative! Thanks for sharing your talent and how you did this. I may just give it a try!

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  55. So original. Admiration to you for not leaving out a 'secret' step so anyone can attempt at your work of art.

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  56. This is absolutely incredible. In fact, it strikes me as impossible to do neatly! (For me!) But you did it! Congratulations, and thank you for sharing the process!

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  57. Wow!! What a awesome quilt design and a fantastic tutorial! Thanks for sharing.

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  58. Just so very beautiful, clever, and the color choices are compatible. Thank you for sharing these instructions, which you have explained without confusion. Looking forward to your next 'creation'. Happy Quilting, Fran Eaves, New Bern, NC

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  59. Absolutely Awesome. I plan to try this soon!

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  60. I love all of this quilt! It has an air about it.

    Is there a pattern available?.

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    Replies
    1. I made this quilt as an experiment with the idea of an open weave. I have several other ideas that I'm testing out too. I hope I will be able to work out the kinks and be able to write a pattern so others can follow along and make one too! I'll share on my blog just as soon as I write a pattern for one!

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  61. This is such a cool idea. I can't wait to try it. Thank you for the very detailed tutoria.

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  62. Wonderful. I really like how you handled the center with all those points coming in. Need to look at a few blocks of a quilt I am currently doing from a kit and see if I can incorporate that. Can't wait to try the lattice too.

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  63. Congrats on your beautiful finish! Thank you for sharing your process for making this!

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  64. Wow...just wow. This is a beautiful quilt and a very creative design/process.

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  65. I do hope you have this hanging somewhere in your house now. This is one of my favorite quilts of yours. Such talent and imagination!

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  66. This is so neat! I hope to one day be able to do something so unique like that! Awesome job!

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  67. What a great idea and such a gorgeous result. Thanks for sharing on my 300th Wednesday Wait Loss.

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  68. This quilt reminds me of the twirling leaves of Autumn. Such a fabulous design from beginning to end. Thanks for sharing on my 300th Wednesday Wait Loss.

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  69. Oh.My.Gosh. FANTASTIC!

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  70. Laura, this is an awesome piece of art. Every time I look at it I find another part to amaze me. I have wondered if it was possible to use the lattice design in this way on a quilt or wall hanging. I never could quite think through the process of all of the parts coming together though. Even after seeing yours and reading through what you have written here, I’m not sure I could do it. I love just about anything where lattice has been added. My dad had his own business for more than 20 years when I was growing up and designed furniture, built-ins, and cabinetry of all kinds. He could make anything from a piece of wood and he did. We have a house full of his creations. He is 95 now and would still be building if he was able to. But so many of my favorite things that he designed had a lattice feature. I have a cabinet that he designed to go under the counter in my bathroom where he inserted lattice on the door. The space under the countertop was originally open so you could put a chair in the space and that’s where you could sit to apply your makeup. When we updated our bathroom, we decided to not waste that space and had my dad build us something to slide in there. I would have painted the lattice white since the rest of cabinetry is white but he stained it and it is gorgeous. Lattice always dresses everything up. Do you plan to write this up as a pattern or have you considered doing a YouTube tutorial? This would be an amazing 4 or 5 part tutorial. Your designs are so unique and I am excited every time I see an email from you in my inbox! Thanks for sharing your ideas. I would love to try to use your pattern to make a similar wall hanging —Kathy Clayton
    kclayton77@me.com

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  71. Stunning! Amazing! Beautiful! Breath taking!

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  72. I love this! First truly *novel* idea I have seen in a LONG time!

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