In this tutorial, you'll learn how to turn any of your quilt blocks into a fun banner wall hanging decoration! Scroll down to the end of the post to download a free template for a 12" quilt block wall hanging.
CREATE A QUILTED BANNER OUT OF A 12" QUILT BLOCK
This tutorial focuses on turning a 12" quilt block into a fun banner wall hanging. I'm particularly interested in the 12" block because I'm a participating designer in the monthly, Quilt Block Mania event where designers give away a free 12" quilt block pattern each month featuring a different theme.
Plus a 12" block is a perfect size for a wall hanging that you can change out seasonally or you can hang a grouping of banners together from a similar theme.
I've created banners with two of my Quilt Block Mania blocks so far: the School of Fish block and the Rock 'N' Roll block, and I absolutely love having them as a wall hanging and they are a quick, fun project when you're looking for a fast gift or something you can finish in a weekend.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
- An unfinished 12" quilt block sized at 12 1/2" x 12 1/2"
- Minimum 12 1/2" x 4 1/2" piece of fabric that matches the quilt block background
- 15" x 21" rectangle for both batting and backing (this includes overage to allow room for quilting)
- (optional) 1/8 Yard fabric for traditional binding method
DOWNLOAD THE TEMPLATE
This tutorial uses a free template available at the bottom of this post.
INSTRUCTIONS
Begin by creating an unfinished 12" quilt block (unfinished size = 12 1/2" x 12 1/2").
Tape template together as pictured here:
Pin template to fabric and cut out.
Pin banner triangle to quilt block, right sides together.
Stitch ¼" seam allowance.
Press as desired.
FINISH WITH TRADITIONAL BINDING
Cut a 15" x 21" rectangle of batting and backing for the finished banner. This includes approximately 1" overage on all sides of the banner.
Quilt as desired and trim banner to square edges. Finished width should be 12" and height to point is about 16". The bottom will be trimmed into a triangle shape to create the banner effect.
For a 2 ½" binding, you'll need ⅛ yard of fabric (or 2 strips). Bind and enjoy!
FINISH WITHOUT BINDING
You can see how I create a banner without binding it from the instructions and photos below and applying it to your 12" quilt block wall hanging banner.
The main difference from using the traditional binding method is that you shouldn't quilt the banner layers together until the entire banner is flipped right side out. I believe this 'no binding' technique works best for appliqué designs.
Pin front to back right sides together—batting on wrong side of backing.
Stitch ¼" leaving 3" opening on the side.
Trim rough edges and snip corners to reduce bulk when turning right side out.
Turn the right side out using tool to get points. Turn under opening and press.
Stitch close to edge 1/8” to finish banner construction. Press.
I hope you enjoy creating your own quilt block banner wall hanging! I'd love to see what you create, and you can DM or tag me on instagram @quiltingwithboberry!