Stack & Cut Mirrored Improv Curves

1-Day 6hrs / Intermediate & All Levels

Learn how to how to create mind-blowing mirror images from template free improv curves with a simple stack & cut technique. Composition options include working with blocks or sections to create optical grid patterns, and/or a grid busting structure.

Skills & Techniques

• Basic ruler free piecing technique

• Stack & Cut improv curve technique

• Darting on and across the curve when patchwork bubbles

• Order of sewing / composition engineering

• Cultivate a “what if” experimental mindset

• Working with value

• Grid busting optical mirror curve blocks

• Grid free compositions with mirrored curves

Materials

• Solids or woven prints, like plaid and striped men’s shirts, are recommended because there are many more mirroring options when there isn’t a right or wrong side to a fabric. If you want to use single sided print fabric, mirroring is still possible only more limited.

• Amounts: Equal amounts of two colors in a high or low contrasting value, just as long as there is a noticeable contrast. How much depends on how big you want to make your quilt. You don’t have to go out and buy yardage. For example, if you only have a yard of white and only a 1/2 yard of black, you can always substitute a dark brown or a navy for the other half yard, as long as it’s close to the same value. 

• Bring one or two fat-quartered size scraps to share with the class. It can be something you are ready to destash.

• Note on washing: If my intention is to wash a quilt made from up-cycled materials, I pre-wash all my materials, if they haven’t been washed recently.

Tools & Supplies

• Large cloth scissors – make sure they are sharp

• Rotary cutter and cutting mat – no ruler necessary

• Seam ripper

• Pins

• Tailors chalk or marking tool

• Sewing machine

• Ironing station