Quilt Easily with Carefree Curves Templates

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Quilt Easily with Carefree Curves Templates

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Carefree Curve Quilt Templates Nancy Zieman Hearts and Gizzard BlockLooking for a quilt block on the internet or in a reference book? Have you noticed the unusual names given to quilt blocks? One of the most unique monikers, Hearts and Gizzards, dates back to the late 1800s. The gizzard shape, opposite the recognizable heart motif is not something many modern-day people will recognize. The unique block is the focus of this Sewing With Nancy online program, Quilt with Carefree Curves. Watch online, on PBS, or DVD.

Learn a carefree approach for constructing this once-difficult block using Trace ‘n Create Quilt Templates—Carefree Curves.

Trace 'n Create Quilt Template Carefree Curves by Nancy ZiemanCarefree Hearts & Gizzards

In last Thursday’s blog posting I previewed the first program of this 2-part TV series. If you didn’t see the traditional way of seaming opposing curves, you might want to click and read. It isn’t an easy technique! But there’s a solution, take the carefree approach using fusible interfacing.
Select the Hearts & Gizzards Template. You can create five quilt-block sizes from super-sized to traditional: 16-1/2″, 14-1/2″, 12-1/2″, 10-1/2″, and 8-1/2″ blocks.

Carefree Curves Quilt Template Sewing With Nancy Zieman

  • Select two fabrics, contrasting in color.
  • For every two blocks, cut one background square from each fabric. (See template for sizes.)
  • Cut background squares in half diagonally.
  • Cut crosswise strips from both fabric colors for Hearts & Gizzards shapes. For every two blocks, cut four Heart & Gizzard shapes from each fabric. (Even the strip sizes are printed right on the template—how easy is that!)
  • Cut crosswise strips of lightweight fusible interfacing, such as Sof Shape—2-1/2″ to 3-1/2” crosswise strips depending upon size of heart. (Packaging contains full instructions.)

Carefree Curves Quilt Template Sewing With Nancy Zieman

  • Align the template on the wrong side of the crosswise strip, placing the template “fabric edge” marking of selected size along the top edge of the fabric.
  • Use a fine-point fabric marker to trace along the template. (I used a Sharpie so you could see the markings.)
  • Starting at one edge, trace both sides of template with a fabric marking pen/pencil.
  • Trace curve within die-cut areas of template.
  • Rotate template 180-degrees; align template “fabric edge” with fabric lower edge and side of template with previously traced line. Trace untraced side of template and curve within die-cut areas.
  • Repeat tracing and rotating process until desired quantity is achieved.

Carefree Curve Templates Sewing With Nancy Zieman

  • Cut along straight trace lines, using a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat.

Carefree Curves Template Sewing WIth Nancy Zieman

  • Align top edges of fabric and interfacing, right side of fabric to fusible side of interfacing; pin. Position top of next wedge along the lower edge of the interfacing; pin.
  • Stitch along the curved markings with a short stitch length.

Carefree Curves Template Sewing WIth Nancy Zieman

  • Cut apart.
  • Trim away excess fabric. For best results, use a pinking shears or pinking rotary cutter blade.
  • Trim away excess interior interfacing, leaving 1″ of interfacing.

Carefree Curves Template Sewing WIth Nancy Zieman

  • Turn interfacing to wrong side.
  • Press curved edge, making certain seam is at the edge.

Carefree Curves Template Sewing WIth Nancy Zieman

  • Pin two Hearts & Gizzards shapes to a contrasting background triangle as illustrated.
  • Machine stitch shapes to background, using a straight stitch, zigzag, or blind hem stitch.
  • Repeat process for a reversed color option.

Carefree Curve Quilt Templates Nancy Zieman Hearts and Gizzard Block

  • Stitch triangles of opposite color combinations together, using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Press seam allowance open.
  • Use two sizes of hearts within one block for a design variation.

Carefree Curve Quilt Templates Nancy Zieman Hearts and Gizzard Block

  • Place four block sections together to see how the design unfolds.

Carefree Curve Quilt Templates Nancy Zieman Hearts and Gizzard BlockThere’s More!

When you watch online, you’ll also see the Wagon Wheel option, using the third template of the Carefree Curves Template Set. I think that I’ll save that technique for another blog!

Carefree Curves Template Sewing WIth Nancy Zieman Wagon Wheel BlockWatch Quilt with Carefree Curves, two-part Sewing With Nancy online.

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.

Sewing With Nancy | Nancy Zieman | How to Quilt With Carefree Curves

Nancy Zieman's Giveaway
For a chance to win a copy of the Quilt with Carefree Curves book and a set of the Carefree Curves Template, tell me which Carefree Curve Design from the show is your favorite. Now, I didn’t show you all of them, there are more to see on the TV show! A random winner will be announced April 16.
Bye for now,
Nancy Zieman The Blog

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50 Comments

  • Maria r
    April 9, 2015

    What a great way to make curves. I like the hearts and gizzards best. Keeping my fingers crossed.

  • Joyce
    April 9, 2015

    I’m very familiar with gizzards but I sure don’t recognize it in this block. No matter – I like the block. The fuse and turn method is great for curves.

  • Connie W
    April 9, 2015

    I favor the Hearts & Gizzard because I collect hearts all over my house. A lap quilt would be a good practice to try out the technique.

  • Connie
    April 9, 2015

    The Hearts and gizzards is my favorite also!

  • Kathy Luehrs
    April 9, 2015

    I love the hearts

  • Diana G
    April 9, 2015

    Super fantastic !!! I like the hearts and gizzards,but I do like the wagon wheel as well .. Thanks for the chance to win !

  • Anne Schafroth
    April 9, 2015

    Love the hearts and gizzards! I love my husband and he loves gizzards, so it’s a great block for me!

  • LadyD
    April 9, 2015

    This is a lovely design, and it looks so easy with the template. The hearts coming together in the center remind me so much of the dresden plate design, which I also love.

  • Pam
    April 9, 2015

    I’ve been wanting try more curves and circles, but was concerned about the how they would turn out. Not anymore!

  • Mary B
    April 9, 2015

    I agree, looks like yet another easy way for curves. Need to add to my quilt “bucket” list

  • Jennifer Fried
    April 9, 2015

    Dear Nancy, I really appreciate the way you explain how to make these quilts. Your directions are wonderful. I like the Mohawk Trail. Thanks again for breaking things down to make a project so understandable and doable. This technique is great with the way you you use the interfacing to make the rounded edges so perfect and easy. Jenifer, The Old sew and sew.

  • Sharon Kirry
    April 9, 2015

    I really like the giant wagon wheel block and the bias gives it an added dimension.

  • Nina Cramer
    April 9, 2015

    Hi Nancy, my favorite curved designs are hearts. I have not used this design yet but will in the future. I have four granddaughters and I’m always doing something with a heart for them, quilts, totes, book covers etc. 🙂

  • craftygramma
    April 9, 2015

    Hi Nancy
    I love the hearts and gizzards in green because it looks so Irish, but would love to make it in a red-orange-yellow colorway like the wagon wheel above.
    Thanks!

  • JudiY
    April 9, 2015

    I really like the fan shapes. This looks like a much easier method of creating them. Thanks!

  • Cindy Schultz
    April 9, 2015

    I really like the hearts and gizzards quilt, especially because it is green. The fan and wagon wheels are also pretty spectacular. You do make these look dang easy. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

  • Sharon M
    April 9, 2015

    Oh, I got these for Christmas, just haven’t had time to try them out now I can’t wait. Thanks so much Nancy love watching your show.

  • Nancy Taylor
    April 9, 2015

    I want to try the Adventure block. You make curves look so doable!
    Thanks for all the help and tips.
    Nancy Taylor

  • Delaine
    April 9, 2015

    I really do like the Wagon Wheel block. Thanks!

  • Rochelle
    April 9, 2015

    I love the wagon wheel quilt. Adding the bias tape (and I have a set of bias tape makers) to sew it down really adds that extra zing that makes this quilt sparkle. Thank you for great ideas!!!

  • Silvia Wright
    April 9, 2015

    I really like the hearts and gizzards best, I am always a little leery about curves. What a fun way to be learning something new. Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping.

  • Diane S.
    April 9, 2015

    So far, I think I prefer the hearts and gizzards design. I’m a woman, so I may change my mind!

  • Stephanie
    April 9, 2015

    I like the waxing and waning moon, it seems to be the most “modern” shape. A mix of two or the solids would lend a very contemporary look. A mix of bright colors and patterns would be balanced by the simple and straightforward shapes.

  • nancy drake
    April 9, 2015

    I would like to try several maybe in a sampler quilt. But I do especially like the wagon wheel. Watch your show regularly.

  • Gail Beam
    April 9, 2015

    I really like the wagon wheel block with the bias tape trim. Love to use bias tape on all kinds of projects, as I am a trimaholic. Using the interfacing technique to turn curves could be utilized for all kinds of applique projects.

  • Connie Douty
    April 9, 2015

    The hearts and gizzards is my favorite. The green caught my eye but I can visualize it in any color. The block reflects action and I like that. The Wagon Wheel Block is in my top “Ten” list of fun blocks.
    Eager to try it.

  • Carol S
    April 9, 2015

    I love the Wagon Wheel. What a fun and striking quilt that would be. Nancy, I recently read your book but before I was able get started, my husband quickly read it and was very impressed with your business acumen. You are an inspiration in so many ways! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us!

  • Starla
    April 9, 2015

    I like the hearts and gizzards, though maybe not the name so much.

  • Marty
    April 9, 2015

    With the easy fuse&turn directions, Wagon Wheel will be the first I’ll try and then Hearts & Gizzards (with bolder hues). Thanks for all the inspiration in your program and the details in your books; I enjoyed Seams Unlikely and told our librarian who promptly purchased a copy, too!

  • Connie Douty
    April 9, 2015

    Hearts and gizards are my favorite for they give a quilt, movement. I can see the pattern done in just any combination. I am keeping the tutorial and will try it soon.

  • Donna B
    April 9, 2015

    I like the Hearts & Gizzards quilt.

  • debra maas
    April 9, 2015

    I love the wagon wheels. I see many options with that design.

  • Bonnie
    April 9, 2015

    I love the Hearts and Gizzards quilt. These templates provide a fast and easy way to incorporate curves in quilting. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!

  • Janet Duff
    April 9, 2015

    My favorite is still hearts and buzzards. I love the template set. I need to add it to my wishlist.

  • Pat
    April 9, 2015

    I like the Dutch Windmill block arrangement the best. I would love to tackle this simplified method of doing the curves. Here’s hoping I can win the template!

  • Berenice
    April 10, 2015

    Definitely going to try this method to tame those curves! I love hearts, not so fond of gizzards!! But I do like the pattern…

  • Shirley Clark
    April 10, 2015

    I love the hearts and gizzards. I’ve used them in a bed pillow before.

  • tina
    April 10, 2015

    all are great. I can’t wait to try this method. Thanks

  • Joanne Dillon
    April 11, 2015

    Love hearts and love gizzards (every once in a while) so Hearts and Gizzards gets my vote! Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Mom C
    April 11, 2015

    Wagon wheel, waxing and waning moon, Hearts & Gizzard. I probably need to make a sampler! Thanks.

  • Kathy
    April 11, 2015

    I love the hearts and gizzards pattern and hope to be able to make it. I especially like the variations that can come from one pattern. As always, I love your shows and now enjoy your blog also. I think the fuse and turn method will also be useful in making a Hawaiian quilt pattern.

  • Louise Stevens
    April 11, 2015

    I love the beautiful colors and movement of heart on square. Purple is my favor color, and this just flows like a dream.

  • Louise Stevens
    April 11, 2015

    I love Mohawk Trail the colors are beautiful, new twist for my Native America roots.

  • Anne Z.
    April 12, 2015

    I love the Modern look of the Waxing and Waning Moon.

    • Connie
      April 15, 2015

      The carefree curves with interface works get! Thanks for sharing.

  • Linda M.
    April 13, 2015

    I really like the hearts and gizzards! the contrasting fabrics used, really show off the shapes!

  • Vickie Graveline
    April 14, 2015

    I like the Wagon Wheel

  • Susan
    April 15, 2015

    I always cringed at putting sleeves into a garment and the traditional way of making curves did not entice me either. But your way has made me rethink my take on curves. I like the Drunkard Path and Hearts & Gizzards the most but they all have caught my attention.

  • Linda A
    April 15, 2015

    I love the hearts and gizzards because it shows how an antique design can be made new and young with changes in fabric. It makes an update exciting abstract design.
    Plus using the rulers our grandmothers and greats did not have to make it so much easier to finish quickly is super!
    Great instructions!

  • Debra B.
    April 21, 2015

    I like the ‘Fools Puzzle’, followed by the hearts. I’ve always wanted to try a quilt pattern with curves, but was afraid and unsure how to do it.. the templates make it look so easy!!!!

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