#DYOSampler Quilt Along: Designing the Layout

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You may remember that I mentioned in my Quilting Bucket List, that I really wanted to make the Gypsy Wife quilt….  It’s something that I’d still love to do, but SewMamaSew recently announced the #DYOSampler quilt along (and also a medallion quilt along, if that’s more your style), and I thought it would be a perfect project for me.

I’m planning to do the sampler in red, black, and tan, using my Communique fabric as a starting point.

communique-fabrics

But the first thing I needed to do for this quilt along was to design my own pattern.  So, I got my graph paper out and sketched up a layout for my blocks.  If you’re doing this quilt too, and you need a few tips on making your design there’s a great tutorial on the SewMamaSew Blog.

dyo-qal-design**Layout does NOT include seam allowances**

Just like in the tutorial, I started out by drawing in some blocks in random places and sizes.  I then, divided up the quilt into piece-able sections based on those squares (you’ll see those areas marked in red) and filled them in with more blocks.  I’m pretty happy with this layout, though I will have to do some partial block piecing because of how some of my blocks come together.  I can add that as another learning experience from this process.

Update: Using this Layout

I’ve had several requests to use this layout in the design for a quilt.  Please feel free to use the layout, and I’d love to see your projects!

You can download the layout here: http://mouseinmypocket.com/2018/01/an-updated-quilt-layout/

Sharing over at:
Take a Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee Crafts

25 Comments

  1. Spring Sew Along Prizes | Sew Mama Sew | on June 5, 2014 at 9:37 am

    […] Mouse in My Pocket and Barbe Price each receive a set of three books from C&T Publishing/Stash Books: Playful […]

  2. Jyl Milner on April 5, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    What a great idea for a quilt! I never would have thought of this technique. Thanks for sharing!

    • Andrea on April 5, 2016 at 1:17 pm

      You’re welcome Jyl! I hope you find it useful.

  3. Jana Adams on June 12, 2016 at 9:02 am

    We math teachers LOVE graph paper plans.
    I have 300 prints ready to get started. I was originally reworking the gypsy wife to make a “calendar quilt”. I can visualize this plan a little easier. I have used a similar method for t shirt quilts.

    • Andrea on June 13, 2016 at 9:10 am

      I’m glad it helped. I’d love to see your project when you get it done!

  4. Meg on October 13, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    Dont forget to add seam allowances to your block sizes…this can be a frustrating quilt to put together without them ?

    • Andrea on October 17, 2016 at 10:31 am

      Thanks for the tip Meg. I always add half an inch to my measurements when I create designs like this. I just never expected anyone else to use my layout for their own quilt.

  5. VickyC on November 27, 2016 at 11:32 am

    Finished Empire Falls last night…has a weird ending, so just wanted to warn you! Still enjoyed most of the book…just couldn’t get why it ended that way???

  6. Rhonda D. on December 4, 2017 at 7:11 pm

    I’d like to use your graph pattern to make a quilt, would it be possible to gain your permission?

    • Andrea on December 10, 2017 at 7:38 pm

      Please go right ahead, just take into consideration that I design with finished sizes, so you’ll want to add half an inch to each of the blocks when you are making your plan. (i.e. – if a block is marked 8″ that’s the finished size, so the block you piece should be 8.5″)

    • Andrea on December 10, 2017 at 7:39 pm

      Oh, and please send me a photo of the finished quilt!

  7. Rhonda on December 10, 2017 at 7:42 pm

    Thanks and yes, got it about the seam allowances 🙂
    Will def send pics when I’m finished 🙂

  8. Rhonda on January 24, 2018 at 6:13 am

    Good morning Andrea! I want to send you a pic of the almost finished quilt made from an adaptation of your graph paper pattern. Not sure how to send the pic…

  9. Trish on February 28, 2018 at 10:30 am

    This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Thank you for sharing.

  10. Norma on March 23, 2018 at 7:50 pm

    I really like your technique and want to use it. I want to double check with you about block sizes, allowing for seams: is it 2-1/2 X 8-1/2, etc.? I didn’t see the 2-1/2 in your comment to Meg above and wonder if adding 1/2 inch to the 2″ measurement is correct. Thanks.

    • Andrea on March 26, 2018 at 8:49 am

      Yes, these are all labeled as finished block sizes, so you would add 1/2-inch to the measurement when cutting your blocks out.

  11. J on April 22, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    Thank you for making this layout available for use. I’m new to quilting, so seeing this project broken into smaller steps is very helpful. Being able to communicate with other quilters about a project is invaluable.

    Thank you again

    • Andrea on April 23, 2018 at 9:11 am

      You are very welcome. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. I’m always happy to help you figure anything out.

  12. Sandra Lanter on August 27, 2018 at 7:32 am

    Thank you so much for this quilt layout….I have wanted to make a gypsy type quilt and this is so perfect! Thanks again, Sandra

  13. Trina on January 4, 2019 at 11:21 pm

    Now that I have the quilt all cut out I read that I should have added seam allowance to each block. Cannot replace this fabric so guess I will use a lot of borders! Thank you for the layout!

    • Andrea on January 7, 2019 at 3:04 pm

      I’m so sorry! I tried to make that clear on the layout. I guess I should highlight that at the top instead of the bottom.

  14. Cherlyn on May 1, 2019 at 4:35 pm

    I love this layout, might be dumb question (It’s been along time since last quilted) but what size would that Be?

    • Andrea on May 2, 2019 at 10:17 am

      The quilt should finish at 56×72-inches. Please note that I didn’t include seam allowances in the block sizes, so for each block, you’ll need an extra .5-inches so that you can sew them together.

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