Square Quilt Pattern Design - For Men's Shirts & Challenging Fabrics

[@jwestfalldavis3574]

Of course, I could not keep my eyes off the lovely gray quilt in the background.

[@scarlet10sewing]

Your approach is so different from other KZbin quilters. I have never heard such thoughtful, scientific analysis in quilting. It’s refreshing. I love the use of Kaffe fabric. I purchased a bundle of Kaffe small squares of varied sizes. I am definitely going to make this quilt with them. I don’t like Kaffe prints touching each other. It looses emphasis of each. Bravo 🤩👏

[@ladyjane3660]

I so agree with you. I do watch other channels, but haven't found anyone who compares to the CatBird's wit, humor, and intelligence. She really does a lovely presentation. Smart AND funny are attributes that go together well but not found often. She's a gem.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much, Scarlet! ❤️ I guess my approach is very different from other people--idk, I think I might just be a weirdo. But I'm glad you like it!!🥰 I'm not a great fan of KF fabrics touching each other either---for the exact same reason! It seems like they lose their unique qualities when they're all running into each other!🤓

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww!! My goodness, thank you, milady! ❤️

[@pdfaulkner1517]

Exactly my thoughts as well. I appreciate the depth of your videos. Thank you for your presentations! When you began talking about the secret of a pleasing square in a square, I thought about the golden rule of ratio! Thank you!!

[@shannoneaster9311]

Yahooooo! The first half of the video I was typing my message to you about using the golden ratio to create your blocks! I’m sooo happy that you actually devoted this episode to the beautiful, simple and effective concept of using 1.618 ratios to designing quilts! Thank you for providing your viewers with the tools needed to create beautiful things. You’re videos never fail! And three cheers for the golden ratio! 🎊 🎉❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

The Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Sequence are my FAVORITE, Shannon!!!🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 So glad to find another enthusiast! 🥰🤓❤️ And i'll be honest, I didn't know if my viewers would enjoy this video content---but it's interesting to me so we just went for it! It gives me LIFE that you were here for it and feel (as I do) that these topics help us all make beautiful things!

[@pamlempi5491]

Thank you, Kathy Martin. Always a joy to watch your cheerful instruction on quilting. I will be a great grandmother in December. I plan on making a quilt with some of my husband's dress shirts. He passed away 7 years ago. I think it will make the quilt much more special.

[@jennjennedington279]

Oh it will be so special, for this great grandchild and for YOU as you work with those precious fabrics

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Congrats on the coming great grandchild! What a blessing. ❤️ I love that you’re planning on using your husband’s shirts-you will no doubt have so many memories rise up while you’re sewing, and your great grandbaby will have all the love sewn in to their quilt! 🥰 And thank you for your kind words, too! I’m glad to have you here with me!

[@pamlempi5491]

❤️

[@angelamaddux2917]

I love quilt math. You make math more fun!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! Thank you, Angela! 🥰

[@cb2378]

Ok. Once again I began your latest video with a glance at your background (😍) then your shirt. Way back (Paul, insert image of Mr. Peabody's Wayback Machine) you mentioned that you often get your shirts - to wear - from the thrift stores. Time and time again I admire your shirts thinking wow, that would be lovely in a quilt! But girlfriend, this block today and that shirt...yes, please! I have been guilty of finding thrifts that I wear (or hubby wears) until I'm ready to use in a quilt. Repurpose/reuse multiple times 🤣 Thanks for the informative lesson for ratios - and sharing your time with us all. You're a great friend who I've never met!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww!!🥰 I'm so happy to be your friend---maybe our paths will cross someday! I also wear shirts that I buy with the intention of using for quilt fabric! (I have 3 in my closet RIGHT NOW.) This one was actually bought, but I VERY often think it would be better in a quilt! 😂 Thanks so much for watching and commenting and for your friendship! ❤️ I'm glad to have you here with me!

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

You are so thoughtful in explaining everything, making it very understandable for us quilters.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, sweet Marijke!

[@ChristineGittins]

How interesting, yes its definitely visual. Christine

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Christine, for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@carolcurley7840]

Such a great and interesting video. I learnt so much from this and could have carried on much longer listening to your explanation on this method. Thank you very much for this and perhaps you could do more videos like this.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Carol! ❤️ I wasn't sure if this video would be very liked or well-watched, to be honest! Not everyone loves a discussion about math! 😂 But thank you and I'll be thinking of ways to do more videos like it!

[@shellyculver4239]

I thought ugh “math talk”, but as I listened & watched I learned ALOT! Thanks for taking the time & the visuals. It helped me get past the math block 😂. Ps. The quilt behind you is FABULOUS ❤❤❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Shelly! ❤️ And I'm glad you stayed with me through the math talk!😂 All credit goes to my husband who did the on-screen visuals to made it clear and understandable! And ps, thank you!! It's simple, but I do love it.

[@susanivey8853]

Nice lesson on design! Thank you. I went out this morning and bought my first all cotton men’s shirts at Goodwill. I only bought the yellow tagged that were half off- so $2.50 each. Got six mice ones. Now to go back to your processing video to review how best to cut them up. I am loving your videos.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Susan! ❤️ I'm so glad you're loving the videos! I think you're gonna be surprised at how fun it is to turn Goodwill shirts into quilting fabric! 🤩🤓😊

[@Kimberlyle98]

You’re an amazing teacher. Thank you for taking the time to make extra visuals and adding all the information and the why. It makes everything easy to understand. And I’ve not been a fan of Kaffe fabrics because they look chaotic to me but I’m excited to see your finished quilt. You seem to have found a wonderful way to calm them.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Kimberly! ❤️ All credit for the visuals on the screen goes to my husband, Paul, who does all the editing (and sound engineering, and lighting, and videoing, and...well you get the idea. 😉) You'll get to see my progress on the Kaffe fabric quilt probably next Friday!!

[@rhondahallet8413]

Your approach to design is so thoughtful and your articulation of the research is so interesting. The quilt world is so blessed to have you as a member. Thank you for sharing your talent and skills

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh my goodness! Thank you, Rhonda! ❤️

[@rosemarybravo5348]

Very interesting have enjoyed this video 🤔😃

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Rosemary! ❤️ So glad you enjoyed it!

[@lisastewart2861]

Cathy, you have a real eye for proportion and color. You certainly have me looking at quilt patterns in a different way and evaluating what I like/don't like about them or how I might change them. Thank you for such a concise explanation. I'll be watching again and taking notes!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Lisa! ❤️ I'm the person in the museum standing in front of an artwork that I dislike asking myself, "Why don't I like this?!?" 😂 Apparently I'm rubbing off on you!😉

[@silver_csmith]

Some great info!! That final block is perfect! Can’t wait to see this quilt come together!!🥰👏🏻❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Charity!! ❤️ You'll likely get to see the KF quilt progress next Friday! 🤓👍🏻

[@glynisreynolds446]

Don’t you just love Kaffe fabrics 🥰 Adding a ‘plain’ border definitely adds something to each block 👍 Can’t wait see the finished quilt 🤔 Thanks Kathy and Paul 👏👏🇬🇧

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Glynis! ❤️ I will have to say that I don't LURV Kaffe fabrics but they are definitely growing on me. 😘 I think if I can get busy sewing this weekend, next Friday's video may show more of the KF quilt top! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 All my love to you! 🥰

[@annettemaxie-mahmoud2390]

Excellent lesson in ratios! 🎉 I have plenty of Kaffe fabric and you have given me a great idea on how to use them with the quilt behind you. Red Kaffe prints would look awesome with various grays I think. Thank you! ❤

[@jennjennedington279]

Red and gray will be BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh my goodness, Annette! That would be so cool---red KF fabric and gray?! YES!!! And thank you!❤️ I'm so glad that this video has given you some ideas! So exciting! 😊🤓👍🏻

[@barbkoeninger4139]

I would like to see your sewing room. Also I would like to see how you cut up a shirt, what you save and what you throw away. Good talk.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Barb! If you go here you will see all the videos I have on breaking down shirts: kzbin.info/aero/PLC0YdaajnsHXdBF02W-PlwG-4VNWxkJpN As for my sewing room, what on you see in the video is IT! There is a little section just off camera with 2 shallow desks where I have my domestic sewing machine, current quilt projects, printer and a pile of bills (lol) but other than that, what you're seeing on camera is my sewing room!

[@wendyfrankle6435]

And this my friend is WHY I love to watch your videos. I would say it appeals to my inner nerd, but there is no INNER nerd. I am a complete nerd who appreciates the hows and whys of everything... including why some quilt patterns are more pleasing than others! Thank you for this video!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Wendy! ❤️ We nerds have to stick together, don't we?!

[@cherylbrown4058]

It never occurred to me that proportions might turn me off certain patterns. You gave me new insights.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! I love new insights---for me and for my viewers! ❤️

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

You got me into shirts…and I have take a few and waiting for more to finally figure out what to make with them……this video is very informative, thank you.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Mickey! ❤️

[@AnnetteHannah-qw7pu]

Fibonacci? Wow! Cathy is brilliant...QED.

[@angielovett4159]

Those rulers are the best! I believe they are Missouri Stars line. I enjoy how thoughtful you are. This was very helpful, thank you!

[@juliasander1680]

I change patterns often to suit my taste! Bordering the Kaffe Fasset fabrics was such a great solution for you! I can’t wait to see the resulting quilt!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Julia! ❤️ With a little luck you'll get to see more of it in next Friday's video!

[@zogzorg6126]

thankyou , the explanations are wonderful

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Zog!

[@giselleyoung3248]

Good morning Cathy, once again you have taught me so much about my own quilting style. Golden ratio...new to me but makes so much sense! I look forward to Friday mornings with your videos.🥰

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Giselle! ❤️ I'm so glad you enjoy these Friday morning videos! I'm happy that you're here with me! 🥰

[@nancisailormoy9135]

I just watched your "Shirley quilt" yesterday and thought I would follow it up and watch this one. Oh this was so interesting and I had never heard of the golden ratio or the Fibonacci Sequence even though I've quilting most of my adult life. This gives me so much to think about.

[@pegpage8618]

As always, I loved today’s video. I like to make my own patterns, but have never thought of using this ratio in my quilting - I guess one is never to old to learn (as they say). Thanks again, Cathy and Paul.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Peg! I think you'll have a lot of fun using the golden ratio in various ways in your quilt patterns! 😘

[@fionawhiteside5154]

Thanks for this episode Cathy....I just wish I'd seen it before cutting out my fabric as I've used the 1:1 ratio but maybe it'll look OK 🤷‍♀️ I'll remember this lesson for future projects though. My dad passed recently and I want to make my mum a quilt using his shirts. ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Fiona, I have NO DOUBT that your 1:1 squares quilt will look amazing! The quilt in the background behind me is made that way and I love it! So sorry for your father's passing. Grief is so hard. I'm sure you mum will love and cherish the quilt you make from his shirts---it will be a comfort to her and a beautiful reminder of your dad. ❤️

[@kathleenhaywood6142]

Loved this! It is math, after all.

[@maryzoss608]

I’m going to be watching this again to take notes. Thank you!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! Thanks, Mary! ❤️

[@valeriebigley8759]

I have always loved the Fibonacci sequence ever since I heard of it. Thank you for teaching us to use it in our quilts.❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Valerie. ❤️ And me too---it is one of my favorite things and the perfect intersection (to me) between math and art.🤓

[@lauracurnan3255]

Ok I had to rewind you 2x to get the spelling of FIBONACCI SEQUENCE... so interesting. I will be reading up on that. Thank you for all that. I just made a square in a square. 5 in the middle and 2.5 border. Turned out fabulous. My BFF loves it. Thanks again. HUGS... from Tampa.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I do love that 5 in the middle and 2.5 border look too! And square in a square---what's not to love about it?! just beautiful in almost every iteration. You're welcome and big hug right back to you! ❤️

[@bonnieh2123]

The golden ratio can also help in determining the size of your outside borders

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Great suggestion! Thanks for sharing---I hadn't thought of it, but of course you're right!! 🤓👍🏻

[@gisellejones1139]

Very interesting video...now l know why l like certain things better than others ...😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Giselle, right?! I am always fascinated when I can find the root of WHY I like something. It makes it an even richer experience: to not only like a thing, but to know at least part of the reason why! ❤️

[@billclason1]

I wondered if you'd get to "The Golden Ratio" Love it !

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Right?! But of course I did. 😘 Thanks, Julie! ❤️

[@christinahall3318]

Thank you for this packed full of info tutorial/video! WOW! And yes that little ruler is my go to - I have that one and another 2 1/2” that is 15” long. Tthey are almost always on my sewing table. BTW not a math person and I am a quilter - I just praise Jesus for calculators! LOL😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Sis, I DIED with this comment! 😂 Praising Jesus for calculators---if that is not 100% YOU, I don't know what is! ❤️ (and ps my word, THANK YOU, for the joyful package---you are a delight to my soul. truly.)

[@meowfoolery]

We all know Kaffe are busy, don't be afraid to call it like it is 😅 We still love them

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

LOL! But for real though. So. Busy. 😂

[@bella-bee]

Absolutely fabulous! Thank you so much. I’ve got some of the Kaffe cabbage prints and want to showcase them. Bingo!

[@theREmissionary]

Thank you so much for this explanation! I just finished my first quilt a couple of months ago, loosely based on one I saw on KZbin. It was a square in a square in a square in a square LOL. Sounds weird but it actually came out pretty and VERY colorful. Not too bad for my first attempt at a full-sized quilt (I'd made a small memory quilt for my husband many years ago). We use it for camping and it works out well.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Linda! ❤️ And your quilt doesn't sound weird it sounds GREAT! Those square in a square patterns are just hard to beat! 🤩

[@sheilacarroll7143]

Brilliant! 💥 Thank you for sharing. 😊🌹🍁

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sheila!

[@susanmelton8525]

So interesting, I am going to put this to work immediately on a quilt I've been thinking about! BTW that shirt/blouse you have on would be so perfect in a baby girl quilt. I need to make a baby girl quilt for my ultra-feminine kind of fussy niece, think eyelet ruffle border. So if you ever decide to retire it, let me know. Thanks for all your helpful videos, you have helped me become a true fabric recycler.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Susan! ❤️ Every time I put that shirt on I think, "you know this would really be put to better use as quilting fabric!" 😂 So, if I do retire it, you might have fight me for it. 😘

[@joydalton4987]

Fabulous video thank you for explaining the Golden Ratio.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Joy! ❤️

[@joydalton4987]

Your explanation was a bit above my head, but your intelligence shines.❤️😍

[@julias.8236]

Designed a square-in-a square quilt some time ago. The finished blocks were all the same size and the inner squares were always the same size. I just had different sizes of the borders (one side bigger, one side narrower). I mixed patterned fabric and 4 solid fabrics. In the end it really stood out and my aunt loves it😅 So yes, designing your own patterns can be so much fun and quite straight forward with an easy pattern. I'm so curious how your Kaffe quilt will look in the end!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That sounds super cool! I do like those squares with asymmetrical sides---it can be so compelling and visually stunning! 🤩 And thank you!!❤️ With a little luck you'll get to see it mostly done next Friday!!

[@ltek2009]

😁 I just bought a remnant piece. It's a Beautiful floral digital print. This will make a Outstanding will hanging! I Thank You❣️ I also make memory wall hanging. Great idea.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I bet that will be a great use of your remnant fabric! Glad this video was helpful to you! ❤️

[@terriellenhenninger7938]

I like the 1:1 ratio better. To me it feels more like art. As opposed to the 1:2 which feels like framed art.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It does very much feel like art! There is a definite place for all 3: 1:1, 2:1 AND 1.618:1---it just depends on the look you're going for! 🤓

[@caitlinmatthews1401]

Excellent video!! Really enjoyed the examples and explanations. Looking forward to the Kaffe Fasset quilt!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Caitlin! ❤️ Hopefully the KF quilt will be in next Friday's video!

[@Siennaflower]

What you call a 1:1 ratio is actually a 1:8 ratio, square-inch-wise, which is why the center looks so small. I would think that a center square that is twice the width of the border would be pleasing (ie., 2:1) because when my eye extends out the lines of the center squares, the two border stripes would be the same distance as the center square. That, to me, would appear more "equal". Square-inch-wise, it would be a ratio of 4 to 12, or 1:3. Your golden-square-ratio square ends up being close to a 1:4 ratio (technically 25:96) square-inch-wise. But the sample you used and called 2:1 was actually 5:2, and that difference was visible to me. Square-inch-wise, it ends up being 25 to 56, which is close to 1:2. ❤ Just some fun math--not sure what it means! I usually tend to just eyeball things, and know what I like or don't like. Thanks for another great video! I don't comment every time, but I watch them all!

[@joanneroberts4615]

You read my mind. I was up all night trying to figure out the best square in a square layout. 1) if I use a 10" block , should I use a 5.16 / 6 " border or 2) use an 8" block with a 4/5 border? I rounded up/down lol. Thanks

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So the actual Golden Ratio (expressed as a number) is not exact but lands at 1.618. In this case, I'd use the actual Fibonacci Sequence to decide, rather than the ratio, like this: 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34, etc. I would pick the two numbers closest to what I was trying to achieve-- in this case it's 5 & 8 in the sequence. So I would do a *finished* block that is 8" center square and 5" border. (8.5" unfinished center square, 5.5" border.) If I wanted a bigger block (based on a 10" square), I'd use the Golden ratio which comes out to 6.18 (finished.) Then it's a matter of rounding up to 6-1/4" (closest) or down to 6" (easier, but not as close) depending on which of those two appeal more to you. I'm no expert, but that's what I'd do! Hope this helps!

[@joanneroberts4615]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts thank you so much.

[@bethliebman8169]

Great discussion of ratios and proportion. Once knitted my husband a hat using Fibonacci sequence stripes--very pleasing outcome. BTW am I the only one who is not ga-ga over Kaffe's designs? I first encountered him with his knitting designs. He has remained true to form as he has moved into quilting fabric design. Too garish and too busy for my taste. I'll be interested to see if you can create a harmonious quilt design using those donated problem fabrics by Mr. Kaffe. I have always found your use of sashing in your quilts (sashing is your friend) a great way to tone down the busy and garish.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Beth, thank you! And I, too, knitted the Fibonacci sequence (for me it was a scarf for my nephew) and it was very pleasing as well! No, you're not the only one! I am not a huge fan of the Kaffe fabrics (I wouldn't likely choose them as a fabric for quilting)---but I am always grateful for gifted fabrics and I LOVE a challenge. And a challenge it IS! And yes, my word, sashing and borders definitely tone them down! 🤓😍

[@TheRozylass]

No, you're not the only one. The Kaffe designs are way too busy and garish for me too. I did get a piece in a mystery bundle, black and white sort of a fern pattern. I successfully used it as part of a pillowcase, but I would never have thought to buy it at a store.

[@faithwellman6272]

What a fun discussion - thoroughly enjoyed. I noticed that your quilt layout is 5 blocks x 6 blocks. If you kept with the Fibonacci ratios, do you think that 5 x 8 would be more pleasing?! 😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Faith! ❤️ And I laughed about making the quilt 5X8 blocks---maybe!! 😂🤓😘

[@RobinHarris61]

Thank you for the math lesson! And for breaking it down so even I could understand it! Math is not my talent. 😉But you made it very understandable. And I love your quilt block! ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Robin! ❤️ Paul's visual aids really did the bulk of the work, but I'm glad it was understandable!! And thank you, about the quilt block!

[@nancymathisen9707]

Interesting perspective. A different and also effective approach uses various sizes of scraps surrounded with a square border in Terry Rowland’s color wash quilt. She squares the blocks to the same size. I’ve made, and combined them in different sizes and shapes which obviously gives a totally different look.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I've seen Terry's color wash quilt---and YES totally different (and super gorgeous!) but I can see the similarities too! There's something magical about nesting interesting fabrics in a square, isn't there?

[@teresacesario6247]

Thank you so much!!!

[@annerankin1191]

Love your take on this and how you broke it down! Who knew that the Golden Ratio was what made it pleasing! When I was watching I was thinking about matting a picture for framing. Wider (to me) makes it more modern looking. (Not sure why I think this.) XOX

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Well, if it makes you feel better, I think the same thing (modern!) Although, interestingly enough, there is a piece of art in my local museum that is more than 100 years old (probably) and framed this way and I love it! and it doesn't look or feel modern. So who knows?! And thank you, Anne!❤️ XOX right back to you!

[@joshuaharper372]

Now, if you had cut a 4.5 inch square and 3 inch "border" you would have ended up with a 9" finished block with 2.5::4 (golden ratio of 1::1.6), which would be the same scale as the test blocks. 😊

[@elainelear4982]

I'm having this exact issue in designing a quilt pattern, square in a square.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Elaine, it's a thing, right?! Trying to find just the right one that is pleasing and accomplishes what I want!

[@roxanneweaver5377]

I’m going to throw out the “golden ratio” and “Fibonacci sequence” terms to my non-sewing math nerd friend and maybe I can lure her into quilting.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Do. It. ❤️

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

I loved the video. It is nice to see a different perspective when it comes to patterns, but...... Alice you have definitely followed that rabbit down the hole. That is so cool. You must have been gifted with synesthesia. Keep on sharing I shall be watching!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Apache-yaqui!! ❤️ Haven't heard from you in bit---so glad to see your name in the comments today!

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts I am still watching, just busy with life.