Sew Super-Sized Curved Quilts with Ease

Nancy Zieman Super Size Quilts

Sew Super-Sized Curved Quilts with Ease

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Nancy Zieman Super Size QuiltsWhat happens when a clothing sewing teacher starts to quilt? Answer: She teaches a hybrid of techniques! That teacher is Nancy Zieman and her journey of breaking sewing and quilting rules all started when she taught a quilting class as part of her first job out of college. Nancy didn’t know much about quilting, but was determined to learn. Nancy also decided to apply sewing tips to the quilting side of being creative. Some might call it breaking the rules. Nancy said, “It’s a hybrid technique!”

You’ll find Nancy’s quilting hybrid techniques in the book, The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super Sized Quilts.

Drunkard’s Path

Curves in any design provide movement and interest. That principle applies to quilts as well. Yet, when fabrics are cut and seamed to create curves, the process can be frustrating trying to get the opposing shapes to turn out smooth! To make the process enjoyable, Nancy shows a method of creating curves that breaks traditional quilting rules—using fusible interfacing!

Carefree Curves 2 Nancy Zieman.Carefree Curves 3 Nancy Zieman

Here’s a quick summary on how to break quilting rules!

Carefree Curves from Clover by Nancy Zieman, Sewing With Nancy

  • Cut squares of fabric and fusible interfacing. Stack the right side of the fabric and the smooth side of the lightweight interfacing.
  • Trace a circle size. There are three size options.

The Best of Sewing WIth Nancy's Super-Sized Quilt. How to make a drunkards path quilt.

  • Stitch on the marked line.

The Best of Sewing WIth Nancy's Super-Sized Quilt. How to make a drunkards path quilt.

  • Trim away the excess fabric using a rotary pinking blade.

The Best of Sewing WIth Nancy's Super-Sized Quilt. How to make a drunkards path quilt.

  • Cut the circle into 1/4-circles. There are marks on the template to ensure accuracy.

The Best of Sewing WIth Nancy's Super-Sized Quilt. How to make a drunkards path quilt.

  • Trim away the excess interfacing from the center, leaving a generous 1″ from the stitching line.

Cut the circle into 1/4-circles. There are marks on the template to ensure accuracy.

  • Turn the interfacing to the wrong side; press. A perfect curve!

Cut the circle into 1/4-circles. There are marks on the template to ensure accuracy.

How to sew a drunkards path quilt block. Nancy Zieman/Sewing With Nancy

  • Position 1/4-circle on the block; edgestitch. Ta dah!

Cut the circle into 1/4-circles. There are marks on the template to ensure accuracy.

Hearts and Gizzards Quilt

Traditional quilt blocks often have unique names. This Hearts and Gizzards design, a quilt pattern from the 1800s, features a gizzard shape, opposite the recognizable heart motif. Over a hundred years ago, this design was created with difficulty, and generally in small block sizes. Now learn how fusible interfacing makes it easy to create curves while creating jumbo-sized blocks.

Carefree Curves 4 Nancy Zieman

  • Trace the heart shapes on a strip of fabric. There are five size options—traditional to super-sized!

How to sew a hearts and gizzards quilt block. Nancy Zieman/Sewing With Nancy

  • After cutting apart along the straight edges, position the right side of the fabric on the smooth (non-fusible) side of a strip of interfacing. Stitch along the curves.

How to sew a hearts and gizzards quilt block. Nancy Zieman/Sewing With Nancy

  • Trim away the excess fabric, using the same techniques as detailed above. You’ll find step-by-step instructions in the book and when watching the online video.

How to sew a hearts and gizzards quilt block. Nancy Zieman/Sewing With Nancy

  • Turn and press; then appliqué heart shapes to a block or half-square triangle.

How to sew a hearts and gizzards quilt block. Nancy Zieman/Sewing With NancyHow to sew a hearts and gizzards quilt block. Nancy Zieman/Sewing With Nancy

After seeing the easy demonstrations in this episode of Sewing With Nancy, we hope you’ll enjoy the process of breaking quilting rules!
To create the quilts from part two of this series, add Carefree Curves Template Set, and Book to your sewing/quilting library.

Watch The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.

The Best of Sewing With Nancy TV Show hosted by Nancy Zieman

Screen Shot 2019 03 27 at 4.00.47 PM

Nancys Giveaway 5 13

For a chance to win a Carefree Curves Template Set, from Clover, leave a comment below sharing what quilting project you are currently working on.

trace n create quilt templates carefree curves collection

 

 

Happy Quilting,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC

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Make sure you are subscribed to Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here. Join us on Facebook, plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy and Friends today!

 

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90 Comments

  • Tammy W
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on a rail fence quilt. I’m still a beginner quilt piecer.

  • Marcia Spencer
    February 19, 2019

    Currently working on a quilt for my daughter – You are my Sunshine – just needs binding now!

  • Mary Wallis
    February 19, 2019

    I love your Carefree Curves template set. I have always been fascinated by the drunkards path quilt pattern, but never courageous enough to tackle it. These templates and Nancy’s instructions would make it so much easier to make!

  • Ennis A Weeks
    February 19, 2019

    I’ve sewn apparel for my daughters and myself for many years. Altered garments for friends also. I’m working on my first “real” quilt now. And want to do each one that I see now that I’ve been bitten by the bug!!! Thanks for inspiring!!

  • Shirley C
    February 19, 2019

    I have never been confident enough to tackle curves or unusual shapes in quilts, so your Carefree curves templates and instructions would be so helpful. Thanks Nancy for sharing your expertise.

  • Vicky
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on 2 quilted handbags.

  • Patti A.
    February 19, 2019

    Right now I am working on a challenge project with black and white with 2 other friends.

  • Dorothy Borders
    February 19, 2019

    I’m camping with my husband and I always bring my little Singer along with me on these trips. Currently I’m working on a Periwinkle quilt, using 30’s fabric.

  • Mandy R Laseter
    February 19, 2019

    Wow! This looks like a great way to handle those tricky curves!

  • Cheryl
    February 19, 2019

    Current,y working on a appliquéd raffle quilt.

  • Helen L Owen
    February 19, 2019

    I am working on some quilts using Kona solid colors.

  • Terrie Grove
    February 19, 2019

    It looks easier than the traditional method, I might just try it!

  • Nancy Lewis
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on a scrap quilt. Scrappy isn’t my thing, but I am finding that it is turning out much cuter than I envisioned.

  • Ann West
    February 19, 2019

    Love the Carefree Curves template set! I am currently working on finishing a two color flange binding on a quilt that I plan to make my first time entry in a quilt show.

  • Julie Kill
    February 19, 2019

    Working on a quilt of my own design using the giant Dresden plate template set from Nancy! LOVE the templates! I have the supersized set! They make cutting and piecing a breeze, help me use up me state quilt show stash, and they’ve given me the courage to go out on a limb a create!

  • Donna Fecteau
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on a pinwheel pattern quilt in bright colors for a baby shower gift.

  • Gail
    February 19, 2019

    I’m making a baby quilt with half square triangles for a dear friend.

  • Penny B
    February 19, 2019

    One of the quilts I’m working on is a Sampler Quilt with a variety of flower blocks. These templates open up a wide range of ideas!

  • Lorraine Alves
    February 19, 2019

    Nancy and her team make sewing, quilting, and crafting so easy with the tricks and tools created. I’d enjoy trying to make the Drunkards path.

  • Milly Fessler
    February 19, 2019

    This method would be great for today’s modern quilts with layers circle blocks.

  • Deborah A Maddox
    February 19, 2019

    I had a dream about quilting a fancy heart quilt this early am. I am new to quilting and realize how much easier it would be to use the Carefree Curves Template and watch one of Nancy’s sewing videos in making that dream be real. I just finished a quilt top for Quilters Embrace charity and also took a longarm quilt machine class to be able to rent the machine for my first quilt.

  • Moira
    February 19, 2019

    Great way to do curves in quilts. I’m currently working on an art quilt that will be in a special exhibition.

  • Louise Wagner
    February 19, 2019

    What a wonderful tool set, it would certainly help me learn this technique for sure!! Nancy has always been handy with the updated information on “how-to’s”.
    I have project that is defying my abilities! Sure could use this!!

  • Marylou
    February 19, 2019

    My current project is a table runner for a challenge of our friendship quilt group-fabric colors in project must start with initials of our name-fun trying to find colors for the letters m-l and w-can’t wait to see all our end results!

  • Pat
    February 19, 2019

    I have a wall hanging I designed for above my bed and making true circles had me stuck. I love fusible so circle templates would do the trick! I’m a reluctant piecer even though I have sewn everything you can wear or use to decorate a room!

  • Joelyn
    February 19, 2019

    Currently creating two stuffed Unicorns
    in coordinating colors for my twin grand daughters. I,too, am a long time seams-
    tress who added quilting to my skill set.
    I’ve followed and learned from Nancy
    Zieman for decades and use her tips and
    innovations in both quilts for pleasure and
    custom alterations in a side business.
    Nancy’s Notions, rulers and guides are
    a boon to fabric creators!
    Thank you for continuing her legacy.

  • Rhonda Maxfield
    February 19, 2019

    Wow one the look. I’m working on holiday table runners for my two daughters and a twin quilt for my granddaughter. I’m afraid of curves boy these would help. Thanks for the give away.

  • June Grigg
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on a sampler quilt that includes a drunkard’s path block, a dresden plate block, and a block with circles. I will use these ideas, thanks.

  • Susie
    February 19, 2019

    I am piecing a T-Shirt quilt and quilting a kit quilt.

  • Jeanne L
    February 19, 2019

    I am working on a football-themed comfort quilt in blue, red, gray and green.

  • Florence Dupuis
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on quilting tumbling clown quilt for my great granddaughter’s birthday and have another wall hanging sample waiting in line for quilting. Also several small projects for fun gifts.

  • Candice C.
    February 19, 2019

    I’ve got 2 going – kind of! The first is a Dresden Plate table set (purchased from Nancy’s Notions!) and the second is a Diamond Wedding Ring quilt for the bedroom. I’m acquiring fabrics for that one, as the color scheme changed! I will be watching her quilting episodes over and over for all the help I can get!

  • Dorothy M
    February 19, 2019

    I’m working on getting started on quilting again after a long
    break due to an illness. Looking to find a project that
    will be a bit easier and the Carefree Curves templates look
    to be a great way to start on something new.
    I watched Sewing with Nancy for decades — she was so
    talented and I learned a lot from her.

  • Carroll Struckhoff
    February 19, 2019

    I’m working on a mystery quilt sponsored by my local library. I’ve got the first part done but have no idea how the parts will be arranged yet. I chose Christmas fabrics since I don’t have a Christmas quilt for myself (yet).

  • Donna W
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently cutting out a star quilt pattern. Getting ready for a quilt retreat.

  • Susan G
    February 19, 2019

    Just finished queen size quilt called Grand Adventure. Wow. A lot of cutting and piecing. No curves tho. I’ve wanted to try the Drunkards Path , but didn’t see a viable color combo till I saw Nancy’s. Very vibrant!! Now I know that will be my next big project after I finish my flying geese wall hanging!

  • Sandra N
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on a stained glass quilt.

  • Mary Wilcox
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on an animal kit. It has some curves, so I am anxious to try these tips.

  • Karen
    February 19, 2019

    I’m currently working on the block of the month that Nancy had about four years ago that used this technique.

  • Keren
    February 19, 2019

    I’m currently working on a cross body bag. This would be a wonderful technique for the front panel.

  • beth d.
    February 19, 2019

    I al working on a Chicago III quilt for my quilting guild. It is new to me.

  • Gloria Udy
    February 19, 2019

    At present, I am working on quilt for grand daughter graduating from high school. Heading to college. I am trying to learn wild goose blocks, and miss Nancy s great teaching moments. So glad to have this blog. Made train quilt for grandson @ Christmas. Guess I am seeing a bit. Thanks!

  • Cindy K
    February 19, 2019

    Currently I’m working on a string quilt for a guild challenge which is to finish a ufo by October. Just got the top done and now need to quilt it.

  • Karen B.
    February 19, 2019

    I’m currently working on an involved strip quilt as well as a drunkers path for a baby.

  • Beverly
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently finishing a quilt with log cabin blocks set on point. Have wanted to tackle curved piecing for some time.

  • Barb K
    February 19, 2019

    I am picking out spring-like florals from my stash to make a mystery quilt.

  • DebbieW
    February 19, 2019

    Currently in hiatus from quilting as I’m forced to find a new home due to divorce, boxed up all my crafts and belongings. Hope this doesn’t discount me from winning. When I and my son are settled in our new life, would love to make the drunkards path with the red background. Thanks for the opportunity.

  • Kathryn Englebretsen
    February 19, 2019

    I am currrently working on a cathedral window quilt.

  • Teri
    February 19, 2019

    I am working on a baby quilt for new grandaughter. These templates and video look great..

  • Rochelle Summers
    February 19, 2019

    Just starting to cut out a “Spicy Spiral Tablerunner”…my first try at a wedge ruler project.

  • MoeWest
    February 19, 2019

    I’m working on finishing the quilt tops that I’ve pieced and piled up for future quilting!

  • Linda
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on a large quilt that has blocks where the curved are stitched in a seam – this is so much easier! It’s difficult to stitch curved seams and have them come out smooth and flat!

  • Deb M
    February 19, 2019

    I’m currently working on a project for this week’s Project Quilting challenge called Pixel Play.

  • Kathy Hartwell
    February 19, 2019

    I am working on a quilt for a friend and the pattern is “The Chisholm Trail”. This is the first time I have tried this pattern and I am using more colors than the pattern calls for, so it took me a while to figure out the 7 colors I wanted to use so that it was cohesive.

  • Janet johnson
    February 19, 2019

    I love all these tips and instructions to make quilt blocks. I love to try these quilt blocks and use them on a small project that I can finish in a few days. I make potholders, tote bags and pillows.

  • Kathryn Smotryski
    February 19, 2019

    I’m working on a Pieced quilt called Poppy Perfection which uses a lot of triangles and squares so points needed to be precisely placed. I love that I was able to get “most” of them exact.

  • Anita P.
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently designing an airplane baby quilt for the grandbaby coming in May/June. Stash choices are all pulled.
    Now to figure out what I can do with what I have.

  • Sue Roy
    February 19, 2019

    I have done curved piecing. This template set looks like it would making curved piecing fun. I really like the method used for a smooth continuous curve!

  • Hannah W
    February 19, 2019

    I’m working on a twin sized quilt for my son who is outgrowing his current quilt. I’ve also got some hand piecing I’m working on in the evenings.

  • GrrannyH
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on a Grandmother’s flower Garden. However, rather than EPP any more flowers or the garden path, I have machine appliqued the flowers onto background squares so that I can finally get this quilt done.

  • Shirley Clark
    February 19, 2019

    I’m working on a block a month, or trying to, quilt. I’m picking from blocks on EQ8 that are mainly the traditional blocks. It’s been fun!

  • Susan Gorman
    February 19, 2019

    I am excited about these super sized curved quilts. I need these to be able to make more comfort quilts for kids. I think they will enjoy the designs.

  • Clovis
    February 19, 2019

    Currently working on a log cabin quilt.

  • Julie M.
    February 19, 2019

    I’m currently bargain-hunting Valentine’s fabrics and formulating a design. I’m hoping the final design will speak to me once I collect enough fabrics. In the meantime, I’m trying to wait for the St. Patrick’s fabrics to go on clearance. I need blinders for everything else!

  • Pat M
    February 19, 2019

    I am working on a quilt of paper pieced leaves (some are blue and purple and many are the usual fall colors). Twelve members of our church quilting group will make the 80 or so blocks for a quilt for a fund raiser for our church in the fall.

  • DEBRA
    February 19, 2019

    Started a lovely quilt as a wedding gift for my son and soon to be wife Megan. (She is beautiful inside and out and I feel so blessed!) The pattern is Storm at Sea. The quilt fabric is various shades of cream and soft greens, very organic. The green fabric will create two interlocking hearts to represent the love these two have for each other. My plan is to have the wedding guests sign the border pieces of the quilt with their messages of love and good wishes then finish the quilt when my son and new daughter-in-law are on their honeymoon. This is my firstborn’s wedding! I’m so excited!

  • Sharon
    February 19, 2019

    Log cabin

  • JeannineG
    February 19, 2019

    Working on a quilt from scrappy red and cream batik half-square triangles. Four patches are sewn – just need to arrange the blocks and sew them together. I’ll need to add some type of border to make it twin-sized.

  • Sandra C
    February 19, 2019

    Love the curved sewing tips with stabilizer for both circles and hearts. Would love a set of these to try my hand at her terrific techniques that continue to teach us each day.

  • Peggy Bibb
    February 19, 2019

    Love the idea of using stabilizer for doing circles. I am currently working on a Quatrefoil quilt, I absolutely love this quilt block. Makes such a beautiful quilt!

  • Karen
    February 19, 2019

    I will be starting a table topper.

  • Karen Poole
    February 19, 2019

    I’m working on a quilt called “Skinny Quilts” from the book of the same name, the one I’m doing is a table runner with lots of color and lots of assorted types of fabrics, not just the traditional cotton!

  • Lillian K
    February 19, 2019

    I am working on a pineapple block quilt in shades of solid blue. I am enjoying this one. Would love to try the curved patterns.

  • Edna Marks
    February 19, 2019

    Currently working on a collage quilt, of cactus.

  • Rosie
    February 19, 2019

    I am currently working on an applique crib size quilt for a grandchild.

  • Cynthia R
    February 20, 2019

    I’m working on a lap quilt.

  • Debra
    February 20, 2019

    I am finally working on a KIng size quilt for my own bed after making twin size quilts for all 8 of my grandchildren, 3 quilts for a lovely neighbors children and several for nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters.

  • Loretta Sumlin
    February 20, 2019

    My 1st quilt was a T-SHIRT quilt consisting of 17 years of someone’s family reunion history. I wiped tears from my eyes while completely this special legacy to give back to the recipient. Now I would like to accept the challenge of working with curves. With the few tips I have gained in this article, I can’t wait to get started. This will be my 2nd quilt.

  • Rhonda Jacob
    February 20, 2019

    I have done only one quilt, but seeing how easy it looks to make circles, I would love to start one!
    Thank you Nancy for your easy to do tips!!
    Rhonda

  • Glenda
    February 20, 2019

    Finishing up throw pillows.

  • Cheryl H
    February 20, 2019

    I am working on a Bullseye quilt QAL from the Country Threads Chicken Scratch Blog. I am intimidated by sewing circles and the QAL circles are raw-edge sewn circles so they are easy to sew. Having templates to do curve sewing would really help.

  • Nancy George
    February 20, 2019

    I’d love to use these templates in making hospice quilts. It would create unique blocks….

  • Vicky S
    February 20, 2019

    I’m working on 2 strip quilts that have Circles cut out of the strip sets, with their background in a dark color (TBD) so the circles will POP out of the background. One is to be a wedding present for my daughter later this year and the other a charity quilt for our guild. I am finding I will need a strong template (not just template plastic) in order to successfully cut the strip sets into circles.

  • Linda Wise
    February 20, 2019

    I am currently working on a flannel quilt for my 4 year old grandson. I made the quilt top on a mystery quilt weekend trip. So much fun!

  • April Martin
    February 20, 2019

    Starting a Irish Chain in the morning.

  • Linda H
    February 20, 2019

    I am working on a table runner for spring.

  • Kate
    February 21, 2019

    I’m doing a lovers knot in orange and yellow my curves have not been the best

  • Susan
    February 21, 2019

    I am working on a Easter wallhanging with appliques of bunnies. These templates look like great tools and would be an asset to any quilter!

  • Sharon Soloway
    February 21, 2019

    I’ve sewn for many years and have just become a quilter in the last few. When you see what Nancy has come up with, you give your head a shake and think, now why didn’t I think of that. What an innovative mind. Recently have been working on a baby quilt for my first grandchild. Keep the ideas coming.

  • Suzy C.
    February 21, 2019

    I am just starting a large quilted tote. Will be making more for Easter gifts. The template plates would add a nice curved design to my projects.

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