Quilt Easily with Carefree Curves Templates
Looking 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.
Carefree 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- Cut along straight trace lines, using a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat.
- 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.
- 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.
- Turn interfacing to wrong side.
- Press curved edge, making certain seam is at the edge.
- 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.
- 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.
- Place four block sections together to see how the design unfolds.
There’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!
Watch 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.
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,
Maria r
What a great way to make curves. I like the hearts and gizzards best. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Joyce
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
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
The Hearts and gizzards is my favorite also!
Kathy Luehrs
I love the hearts
Diana G
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
Love the hearts and gizzards! I love my husband and he loves gizzards, so it’s a great block for me!
LadyD
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
I’ve been wanting try more curves and circles, but was concerned about the how they would turn out. Not anymore!
Mary B
I agree, looks like yet another easy way for curves. Need to add to my quilt “bucket” list
Jennifer Fried
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
I really like the giant wagon wheel block and the bias gives it an added dimension.
Nina Cramer
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
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
I really like the fan shapes. This looks like a much easier method of creating them. Thanks!
Cindy Schultz
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
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
I want to try the Adventure block. You make curves look so doable!
Thanks for all the help and tips.
Nancy Taylor
Delaine
I really do like the Wagon Wheel block. Thanks!
Rochelle
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
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.
So far, I think I prefer the hearts and gizzards design. I’m a woman, so I may change my mind!
Stephanie
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
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
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
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
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
I like the hearts and gizzards, though maybe not the name so much.
Marty
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
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
I like the Hearts & Gizzards quilt.
debra maas
I love the wagon wheels. I see many options with that design.
Bonnie
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
My favorite is still hearts and buzzards. I love the template set. I need to add it to my wishlist.
Pat
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
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
I love the hearts and gizzards. I’ve used them in a bed pillow before.
tina
all are great. I can’t wait to try this method. Thanks
Joanne Dillon
Love hearts and love gizzards (every once in a while) so Hearts and Gizzards gets my vote! Thanks for the inspiration.
Mom C
Wagon wheel, waxing and waning moon, Hearts & Gizzard. I probably need to make a sampler! Thanks.
Kathy
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
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
I love Mohawk Trail the colors are beautiful, new twist for my Native America roots.
Anne Z.
I love the Modern look of the Waxing and Waning Moon.
Connie
The carefree curves with interface works get! Thanks for sharing.
Linda M.
I really like the hearts and gizzards! the contrasting fabrics used, really show off the shapes!
Vickie Graveline
I like the Wagon Wheel
Susan
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
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.
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!!!!