Preview Nancy’s Spool Quilts Pattern

NancysSpool Blue 1

Preview Nancy’s Spool Quilts Pattern

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NancysSpool Blue 1

Nancy’s Spool quilt block first appeared when I was writing the No-Hassle Triangles book. The block really spoke to me. After receiving a gift certificate for a barn quilt, from my mother, a larger-than-life version of this block hangs on our fourth-generation family barn. Read more about the barn quilt, here. This design is the inspiration for the Nancy’s Spool Quilts pattern. It‘s a fun traditional quilt to sew in two different sizes. Learn how to create the Nancy’s Spoolsignature block using half-square triangles (HSTs) and quick-piecing methods.

  Cover NancysSpool Quilt Pattern Get your copy at Nancy’s Notions, or grab the quilt kit! QuiltKit NancysNotions The quilt design features yardage from my debut fabric line, Garnet by Penny Rose Fabrics, a division of Riley Blake Designs. Make the quilt using Garnet or sew the design in your favorite light, medium, and dark fabric values. GarnetCollage NancyZieman The steps to make half-square triangles couldn’t be easier. Use your favorite HST method or use the precise No-Hassle Triangle Gauge. Here’s a quick overview. Of course, more detailed instructions can be found in the pattern.

Step 1. Mark

HSTGauge NancyZieman 5

Step 2. Stitch

  • Stitch 1/4″ from the diagonal line, along the left side.
  • Chain piece multiple pairs of blocks.
  • Clip threads between pieces.
ChainStitching NancyZieman 10
  • Rotate each block and sew again, 1/4″ from the marked diagonal line, along the left side.
  • Chain piece.
dOUBLEcHAINsTITCH NancyZieman 6

Step 3. Cut and Press

  • Using rotary cutting tools, cut each square along the marked diagonal line.
cUT sQUARES NancyZieman 7
  • Press seam allowances towards the darker fabric.

Assemble the Quilt

  • Arrange the required HSTs as described in the Nancy’s Spool Pattern.
HST Layout Guide NancyZieman 3
  • Sew pairs of blocks together to form rows.
  • Sew rows together to create the Nancy’s Spool Quilt block.

ChainStitchPairs NancyZieman 9Sashing and Cornerstones

The Nancy’s Spool Quilt pattern gives detailed instructions for cutting and assembling the sashing and cornerstone pieces for the quilt. These units are used to frame the 20 quilt blocks to create the design. LapQuiltBorders NancyZieman 2If you don’t already have your copy of the Nancy’s Spool Quilts pattern, get it today at Nancy’s Notions. Are you looking for a downloadable pdf pattern? Find the e-pattern at QuiltWoman.com. NancysSpool BlueQuilt To see a more detailed demonstration of the No-Hassle Triangle Gauge, watch the following episodes:

Watch No-Hassle Triangles (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.

NoHassle1 2Triangles SewingWithNancy

For a chance to win a copy of Nancy’s Spool Quilts pattern and No-Hassle Triangles Gauge from Clover, please leave a comment sharing what quilt size you most frequently create. Prize NancysSpool Quilt Pattern Nancy Zieman's Giveaway Winner The randomly selected winner of  a Carefree Curves Template Set from Clover is Sally Ann. Her comment was, “I easily have half a dozen orphan blocks….turning them into pillows is a great idea!” Trace 'n Create Quilt Template Carefree Curves by Nancy Zieman for Clover The randomly selected winner of a copy of my new McCall’s M7548 Knit Top, from The McCall Pattern Company is Becky Payne. Her comment was, “How much fun to make my own knit clothing with my new Ovation!! I can’t wait to try it!” M7548 a Bye for now, Nancy Zieman The Blog

Content in this feed is © copyright 2017 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website. The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman has provided products by other companies in the course of her business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
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103 Comments

  • Marsha Dimond
    February 21, 2017

    I make a lot of twin to king sized quilts. I love the calm feeling I get while chain piecing hundreds of pieces and I love Nancy’s version of the spool block!

  • Stacie Pinkston
    February 21, 2017

    I am working on my first quilt now. I love learning different techniques from Nancy!

  • dac
    February 21, 2017

    i make a lot of lap size quilts as giveaways. Also do bed size for family and friends. This is a great spool pattern. <3

  • Laura Smith
    February 21, 2017

    Lap size is the usual size quilt that I make. But these days I call it grandkid size.

  • Mary K Bell
    February 21, 2017

    I make full and queen size quilts, and I have completed one King.

  • Mary K Bell
    February 21, 2017

    I enjoy working on all sizes. I work at adapting them to fit my beds.

  • Ennis A
    February 21, 2017

    I’m new to Quilting and this looks like a great beginner quilt. I’ve wanted to begin with some lap quilts for a local nursing home. Thanks for more inspiration!!! I love this Spool quilt pattern.

  • Cherie
    February 21, 2017

    I like this Sppol quilt! I usually make either nap or twin sized quilts. Thank you!

  • Carol Ballard
    February 21, 2017

    I have been quilting since the 90s and love your shows. I want to work on your Dresden table toppers as have had the directions and templates for a while now. I make mostly baby quilts but have gone as far as king. My own quilting is done on my home machine.

  • Mary Brock
    February 21, 2017

    I usually make queen size or I “add” to lap size or make a smaller queen size to something close to full size “lap” quilt. My favorite size is between 80-86 inches. The men in our family are all over six feet tall so when they wrap up on couch to watch tv they need something bigger than a traditional lap size. I want my quilts to be loved and well used!

  • Donna Fecteau
    February 21, 2017

    Recently, I have been making a lot of lapsize and baby quilts.

  • Arlene
    February 21, 2017

    I make mostly small throw size quilts, but did I manage to finish a king size for my husband’s and my bed last year! Love Nancy’s sewing shows!

  • Barb Steinmetz
    February 21, 2017

    I mostly make baby or twin size. I do make a lot of wall hangings & table runners also. Love this block and can see me making a twin qulit & maybe a matching wall hanging

  • Karin Wightman
    February 21, 2017

    My favorite size is lap quilting. Small enough to finish fairly quickly and designs that can challenge me creatively. Love the spools design. It would look terrific as a wall hanging in my sewing room.

  • Shelley
    February 21, 2017

    I love your spool pattern, especially in your garnet fabics (although the blue is very pretty too). I’d love to make a wall quilt for my sewing room in this pattern.

    As far as my favorite size, table runners and toppers are my favorite since I can try out a lot of patterns quickly. Next are baby and wall quilts, lap quilts and finally twin size. I’ve made a couple queens, but since I quilt them myself on my sewing machine, they really are too unwieldy and not enjoyable for me.

  • Carol Burns
    February 21, 2017

    I usually make queen size quilts, with a few king size thrown in as that is the size of beds most of my kids have. I have been making more full size for the grandkids now. I’ve loved the spool quilts since I first saw them. I want to make one for my bed.

  • Carol Netzler
    February 22, 2017

    The spool quilt is very pretty. Thanks for showing it in different colors. I usually make lap or twin size quilts. I have many unfinished lap quilts. Those are my someday projects.

  • nancy lewis
    February 22, 2017

    I have discovered that I can make more quilts by making the throw size. This size lets me try out the color combo and pattern, and I don’t get bored before I’m done. Saying that, I also make queen sizes, because I just can’t help myself!! I would love to win this great giveaway!!

  • Ellen
    February 22, 2017

    I enjoy making twin size quilts for our local Safe House. They are an adaptable, useful size .

  • Dawn
    February 22, 2017

    Because most of the quilts I make are for a Woman’s Shelter, I usually make baby or child size quilts.

  • Lillian K
    February 22, 2017

    I most often make twin & throw size quilts. (some for charitable causes & others for personal use & gifts) the spool pattern looks fun to make.

  • Marty
    February 22, 2017

    I usually create queen-size or tabletop quilts. However, after seeing this design, I’d like to make the Nancy’s Spool pattern in a miniature to hang in my sewing room using tiny half-square triangles. 🙂

  • diane c
    February 22, 2017

    The size I make most often is what I call TV watching size. Just enough to cover up with when watching my favorite TV shows.

  • barbara J
    February 22, 2017

    I’m new to quilting and make all queen size to fit my bed. I want to enjoy them.

  • Donna
    February 22, 2017

    I am a beginner and love all the stuff sent to me the thread spools is great and I will try it

    mostly small projects that i do bags lap robes and shawls most for charity
    love helping others been thru enough myself Happy Quilting

  • Erma W
    February 22, 2017

    The traditional blocks are my favorite. I love this traditional spool pattern with a bit of a twist to it. Most of the quilts I make are Lap size or table toppers.

  • Joanne P.
    February 22, 2017

    I like to make quilts about 45 x 60. Good size for kids/lap/wall hanging, and I enjoy quilting that size on my domestic sewing machine.

  • Karen
    February 22, 2017

    Hello Nancy!
    My most popular size would have to be the baby size quilt and second would be the table runner. I’m constantly in need of a baby quilt as so many friends are having babies. I’ve made the Disappearing 9 patch, the Disappearing 4 patch, a Patchwork with minky and flannel, the Sun Bonnet Sue, the Flower Garden along with many minky receiving blankets. I never seem to finish one without another being needed to start. I’m now making a king size for our bed with the large orange peel plate which will be 19 inch squares. My, what a project! But I love it all, it’s a part of me that has to come out. I’m not happy if I don’t manage some sewing time each week. I have to be creating something. I would love to win your new Spool Pattern and Triangles gauge! It would be so helpful to me! I could make myself a sewing inspiring throw with soft minky on the backside! Not to mention gifts!…..and the Triangle Guide? I’m constantly cutting squares in half piecing, and this would greatly speed up the process!
    Thank you Nancy for all your sewing tips in your books, CD’s and videos! Being a self taught seamstress I depend on people like you!

  • Bonnye
    February 22, 2017

    After making several queen size quilts, I am downsizing to lap size or smaller.

  • Cindy M
    February 22, 2017

    I so look forward to your blog posts, always something new for me to learn! I’d have to say the size I make most is either an oversized throw or kennel quilt size. I’ve yet to make myself anything (which would be larger!!) and everything I’ve made so far has either been donated to charity or given as gifts. Maybe one of these days I’ll keep something for myself??
    lstangl482 at aol dot com

  • Tamie Kassner
    February 22, 2017

    I make mostly twin to full size with some lap size quilts. Have been trying lots of new techniques lately and am really enjoying it.

  • Anita
    February 22, 2017

    Great pattern… baby quilt and lap size most often

  • Shirley Clark
    February 22, 2017

    I mostly make small quilts or lap quilts because of limitations with my shoulder. I love any kind of quilts though!

  • Joyce D'Agostino
    February 22, 2017

    I usually make baby or twin sized quilts. The Triangle gauge from Clover looks like a great tool to help speed up the quilt design.

  • Eileen Girens
    February 22, 2017

    Since I have seen the Spool Quilt on my niece’s wall, I have wanted to make one. Your pattern is the one I will piece. Jane is a good friend that does the long arm quilting for my large quilts. My favorite size is the double/queen, also I donate a lap quilt to our Guild each year for local head start & Veterans. Last Sept., I was so happy to meet you & your husband at my first PBS Madison show.

  • Clovis
    February 22, 2017

    I’m just starting out. I really don’t have a certain size. Made a t-shirt quilt and charm quilt. working on a mug rug now. Thanks Nancy for the opportunity to win.

  • Susan Spiers
    February 22, 2017

    Lap size for me, as I am still working on my domestic sewing machine-I am a beginner! Thank you, Susan

  • carolyn montgomery
    February 22, 2017

    i make a lot of baby quilts and wall hangings; and unless the quilt is for a specific use i just make whatever size the pattern is written for and always find a place or a use for the quilt whatever size it turns out to be.

  • Gretchen Uhas
    February 22, 2017

    I am still working – self employed – so I don’t have time to devote to a full quilt. My solution is to make table toppers & runners. This Spool Quilt would make a great runner.

  • Sheila
    February 22, 2017

    I like to make baby and lap size quilts. Love the spool pattern.

  • Barbara gearin
    February 22, 2017

    Love the spool quilt, I would my one in a twin size to take to quilt camp.

  • Sheila
    February 22, 2017

    I create a lot of lap size quilts. They are useful as gifts for all occasions – even baby quilts i love the spool pattern you just sent directions for.

  • Dee
    February 22, 2017

    I make a lot of baby or lap quilts for charity and twin to queen for family gifts. I really like your method of using HST for the spool block.

  • Dottie Macomber
    February 22, 2017

    I’ve never made a spool quilt but have always wanted to- this looks like a good way to make one!
    I tend to make lap quilts, since I work on a domestic machine- that size is just easier for me to wrangle!

  • Jackie T
    February 22, 2017

    I prefer to make lap size as it gets done faster than a queen size and is just as usable. Also less worry about the quilt fitting in with someone’s decor.

  • Mary Anderson
    February 22, 2017

    I am usually making a twin size. All graduating seniors at our church get a quilt. If I’m working on something for myself, it will be queen size

  • Jody
    February 22, 2017

    I agree with most of the others! For some strange reason the lap size tends to get finished, and the larger quilts usually end up in the to-do pile. Love the spools. Perfect for my sewing room.

  • Gina M
    February 22, 2017

    Quilt size is usually determined by the recipient. Recently I gave a larger-the-lap size quilt for a friend in the hospital with cancer. It magically changed the entire mood of the room, the conversation of staff/visitors, etc. I would like to make a stash of that size quilt for spontaneous gifts to friends in a medical crisis.

  • Adeline
    February 22, 2017

    I usually make at least a twin size quilt. The family members are all over 6 feet tall, so anything smaller just won’t cover us !

  • Crystal
    February 22, 2017

    I am not too far along in my quilting adventures…I have made an almost queen size, a twin size, and some oddly shaped rag-a-muffin quilts (oddly shaped as in animal shapes!) I love to quilt, but finding time to do it is the real mystery! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Nancy!

  • jenny boettcher
    February 22, 2017

    Queen Size: As you can wrap your whole body in it…….if needed; when its not on the bed.

  • Waynette
    February 22, 2017

    Absolutely love the blue spools quilt. The fabric is subtle yet very striking in the pattern. Usually make queen size quilts. But try to make a baby quilt for the babies born in the valley.

  • Starla
    February 22, 2017

    I like to make lap quilts, or elongated (not square) lapquilts for couples to snuggle under together.

  • Priscilla Snider
    February 22, 2017

    Love the spool pattern. Have only made a few pieced quillows and some rag quilts. Retiring in August. Hope to get some quilts done then!!

  • Sharon Kirry
    February 22, 2017

    I love this pattern, especially the blue version. I like the use of half square triangles and color to make the pattern.

  • Pat
    February 22, 2017

    I am rather new to quilting so I have only made lap quilt or wall hanging size quilts. I haven’t had the courage yet to start a bigger project. This just might be the one for me to move up. Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful pattern and notions.

  • Susan
    February 22, 2017

    I enjoy lap sized quilts and smaller. I love the blue and gold quilt colors.

  • Valerie Thompson
    February 22, 2017

    I’ve made two queen size quilts and I’m working on my first lap quilt for my husband it’s a memory quilt. I really hope he likes it. I’ve been wanting to buy your hst tool to learn how to make hst

  • Mary Esser
    February 22, 2017

    I love this pattern. Most of the quilts I have made, are baby quilts and twin size quilts, which end up on the couch for a lap quilt.

  • Karen
    February 22, 2017

    I usually make queen size quilts.

  • Peggy V
    February 22, 2017

    My favorite size quilt is lap size. Easy to quilt on my DSM!!!!

    • vickie
      February 22, 2017

      I generally make king size quilts. All of my family have king sized beds and so the daunting task of large quilts. Also my husband keeps saying it is not big enough if I do not make king quilts.

      • vickie
        February 22, 2017

        Well looks like I hit the wrong button. Sorry about that

        I generally make king size quilts. All of my family have king sized beds and so the daunting task of large quilts. Also my husband keeps saying it is not big enough if I do not make king quilts.

  • Linda Edwards
    February 22, 2017

    I make more baby size than any other. Love this pattern!

  • Patti
    February 22, 2017

    I haven’t made a full quilt yet, but this one would be perfect…spools….seamstress!!! I love the colors you used!

  • Diana W.
    February 22, 2017

    Most of the time, the quilts I’ve made are either baby-sized quilts, or around the twin size. Our quilt group makes and donates several quilts a year to Haven or a group helping young mothers. This looks like a pattern simple enough for even our beginners, and yet enjoyable by the more experience quilters. I haven’t made any spool blocks yet, so this would be a new experience for me, too.

  • Mary Green
    February 22, 2017

    I most often make lap size quilts as gifts tho in between those I make baby charity quilts that run about 40″ square.

  • Detra Braymen
    February 22, 2017

    I love to make twin bed sized and smaller- wall hangings, baby size and throws! They go quicker and I feel more accomplished when I can finish something timely!!

  • Sandra D, Joliet
    February 22, 2017

    I made several wallhangings and my beginner quilt class taught us a “throw” size. I’ve decided to make future quilts in queen and I like them to have a 10 to 12 inch drop. I also love to make a practice block which is turned into a pillow top. Mom loves the red spools but I’m partial to the blue spools but I also wonder about one with the “thread” on the spool in many different bright colors……hmmmmmm, many possibilities

  • Guillermina Runge
    February 22, 2017

    I mostly make baby quilts for Alpha House and laps for cancer patients and vets. I haven’t done queen because it’s too big for me to handle (I’m a little person, LOL).

  • Vela Lloyd
    February 22, 2017

    Due to disability in my arms and hands my most common size to sew is a “throw” size…hard for me to manage anything larger with my sewing space…Best feeling ever though when I complete a throw quilt..as usually a gift …

  • beth d.
    February 22, 2017

    I mainly make lap size quilts. I would love to make this quilt. I hope I win the pattern and tool.

  • Florence Dupuis
    February 22, 2017

    I think I make the most baby quilts. I would love to have the no hassle triangle gauge as I make a lot of quilts with triangles in them.

  • Diane Carter
    February 22, 2017

    I most often make queen size quilts.

  • Edna Marks
    February 22, 2017

    Have finished 2 twin size quilts, have queen size that I’m cutting out now.

  • Brenda Owen
    February 22, 2017

    I have done baby quilts, queen size, king and I am getting ready to do a California king, so it will fit our bed.

  • Sharon P
    February 22, 2017

    I most commonly make lap size. They are just perfect for curling up on the couch.

  • Roberta A.
    February 22, 2017

    I’ve only made a couple of memory quilts for my children after my husband died. The spool quilt would be nice to try.

  • Traci Y
    February 22, 2017

    After getting a new Babylock machine I have been exploring FMQ. I started with some table runners but now moving into lap/throw size quilts. I have several in process.

  • Sharon Dvorak
    February 22, 2017

    Although I don’t plan it, I seem to gravitate towards twin size. Maybe I like the smaller yardage requirement. Who knows.

  • Deb Wallace
    February 22, 2017

    I make all sizes! Love the spool quilt. The blue one is my favorite color combo.

  • BevM
    February 22, 2017

    I have made personalized wall hangings and baby quilts to hive as gifts. I have been intrigued with the Spool Quilt pattern since Nancy originally showed us her barn quilt.

  • Brenda
    February 22, 2017

    I usually make baby quilts because I love to give hand made gifts but I am almost finished with a full size quilt. I will probably get it finished this year. Maybe. I love the spool quilt.

  • Vicki
    February 22, 2017

    We have dropped down from full size to twin or an overdue throw and always baby quilts. Babies are sew much fun to see for.

  • Kathleen Renz
    February 22, 2017

    Most of the quilts I’ve made have been lap-sized. They are manageable with my busy schedule. However, I will be moving into a new home soon and aim to make at least one quilt for each bed in its new bedroom.
    I have been looking for the no hassle triangle gauge with no luck and I really, really like the spool quilt. Please pick me!

  • Mary Ronan
    February 22, 2017

    I love this spool quilt…it makes the spool really pop! I love all clover products too…have not tried this ruler yet.

  • Nancy Runnels
    February 22, 2017

    Love the spool quilt. And I can see that block mixed up with a sewing machine and pin cushion and scissors. You make me think and create. Most of the quilts make are king. We are very tall family!

  • Vicky Griffin
    February 22, 2017

    I am working on my first quilt, and it will be a throw. I have found that sewing the pieces and pressing is so fulfilling, especially compared to trying to cut the pieces accurately. Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge…… and the link to your great barn quilt story!

  • Mary Ellen
    February 22, 2017

    Usually I make baby quilts and lap quilts. The design of this spool quilt is easy to see and really stands out especially in red.

  • Gail Beam
    February 22, 2017

    I have only made one twin quilt. Most of my quilts have been baby quilts. Thank you for a chance to win Nancy’s spool quilt pattern and the No Hassle Ttriangle

  • Linda Barnes
    February 22, 2017

    I just took a King size to the quilter today and have another to put together. But have made baby, wall hangings and runner. I love this quilt so will have to make it when some of my other UFO’s are done. Thanks for the chance to win can’t wait to get it. good luck all

  • Linda M.
    February 22, 2017

    Mostly throw size with a few queen sizes thrown in for good measure! ha!

  • Jean Long
    February 22, 2017

    I made a wall hanging with 4 spool blocks years and years ago, I actually hand quilted that one. I have always loved that pattern. Seeing what you have done to simplify the process makes me want do make one for my couch to cuddle under. I usually make big quilts but the last few weeks have have been working on some baby quilts. I jst love the creative process of selecting colors but I love the Red on you made. Thanks Nancy!

  • Michelle Hall
    February 22, 2017

    Just starting to quilt so the few things I have made were baby or lap quilts

  • Julie B
    February 22, 2017

    I have a desire to try different patterns, which are usually twin or full size. If I want it for my bed I increase the pattern to make a queen. I really like this spool quilt pattern, and plan on trying it out sometime in the future.

  • Yolanda StClair
    February 23, 2017

    I usually make queen suze quilts. If I am giving a gift quilt I make it a twinn size quilt. I am loving that spool quilt. This blog is great! Having fun with 2017 BOM quilt..

  • Cindy Hoover
    February 23, 2017

    Mostly do lap to twin size, but love to make all sizes. Thanks for your great inspiration Nancy.

  • Susan L
    February 23, 2017

    I make a lot of wall hanging size quilts. I love learning new techniques and wall hanging sizes are easier to complete.

  • Marylou
    February 24, 2017

    I like to make lap size quilts for snuggling or as an extra layer on the bed.

  • Jennifer Reinke
    February 25, 2017

    Love this block, and your tips always! I tend to make more lap quilts, as I can’t wait to finish the one I’m working on to start another. Thank you for the chance to win

  • Janet
    February 25, 2017

    I make a lot of crib size quilts for charity.

  • Patti Serenko
    March 2, 2017

    Greetings. Though still a beginner at lap to twin size quilts, I am progressing to bigger projects. I would like to do a wall size spool quilt for my sewing room first then a full size for my antique iron bed.

  • Shelly
    March 30, 2017

    Just a beginner with lap and twin quilts. But want/need to make queen and king size quilts. Nancy’s Spool would be perfect with a set of fabrics I have for a king quilt for my bed. Finally, might make something for me!

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