Quilt Runes: Craft a One-of-a-Kind Quilt
All About Quilt Runes
Welcome to the third post of my blog series about Quilt Runes. Quilt Runes is a term I made up to name the collection of mini quilts I’ve been working on since 2020. The quilt patterns of the collection are inspired by Nordic Runes.
The goal of this blog series is to give you a little more information about both Nordic Runes and Quilt Runes. About what they are, why you might use them, and how you might use them. I am by no means an expert of Nordic Runes but I would love to share what I know and the resources I’ve learned from.
This post will be the “how” part of the series. I’ll cover how I use quilt runes to create unique one-of-a-kind quilts and how you can do the same.
Personalizing Quilts
Quilting is not only a craft but also an art form that allows for personal expression and creativity. One of the best ways to make your quilt truly unique is by personalizing the pattern. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned quilter, adding a personal touch to your quilt can make it even more special. In this blog post, I’ll explain how you can use Quilt Runes and a few creative ideas to help you make a totally personalized masterpiece.
Choose Your Runes
The Quilt Rune mini quilt pattern series was created for self-exploration. I was thinking about my Scandinavian heritage and came across an image of a Circle of Healing Runes. I loved the shapes of the runes and loved the idea of focusing on certain aspect of life for healing.
Fast forward to today and there are twelve Quilt Rune mini quilt patterns designed, nine Quilt Rune patterns released, three on the way, and about twelve more designs on the horizon.
Each quilt rune is associated with and aspect of life like boundaries, compassion, or fear. Each pattern includes a mindfulness prompt about that aspect. The idea is to put those energies into the making process.
I’ve also created two Quilt Rune pattern extensions. These are to help you combine the mini quilts into throw-sized quilts. Using these pattern extensions you can mix and match your favorite mini quilts to create a design that is totally unique.
Since each mini quilt pattern focuses on a different aspect of life like trust, hope, or grief you can choose mini quilts based on what is important to you, or based on which designs are most visually appealing to you.
Pattern Extensions
As of this writing, I have two Quilt Rune pattern extensions available for purchase in my shop. The first, called Simple Spell, gives you the instructions to create either a baby quilt using two mini quilts or a throw quilt using six mini quilts. It’s a simple and clean layout that lets the mini quilts shine by just adding some sashing and borders.
Center Spell is the second Quilt Rune pattern extension which gives you instructions to combine eight mini quilts to create a throw-sized quilt. This design arranges the mini quilts in a way that leads the eye to the center as they radiate out from the focal point.
If you’re more of a DIY person, you can follow the free Center Spell Throw Quilt Tutorial blog post which walks you through the steps of assembly, but does not include fabric or cutting requirements.
Or you can ditch the pattern extensions and create your very own baby, throw, or bed-sized quilt design! Just make your favorite Quilt Rune mini quilts and use them as quilt blocks!
Try arranging them out on a bed or a floor. Play with the layout, turn the mini quilts on their sides or upside down, add sashing, borders, and/or even unrelated quilt blocks! Use the Quilt Runes as a jumping off point. Let them spark your intuition and creativity then see the beauty you will craft!
More Personalization
In addition to mixing and matching the mini quilts, there are many other ways to personalize a quilt. Below are some ideas, some less obvious than others, to help you create the quilt of your dreams.
Incorporate Meaningful Fabrics
Consider using fabrics that hold sentimental value to you, such as pieces of clothing from loved ones, fabric scraps from special occasions, or even fabrics that reflect your heritage or interests. By incorporating these meaningful fabrics into your quilt, you'll create a piece that tells a story and holds personal significance.
Add Embroidery or Appliqué
Enhance your quilt pattern by adding embroidery or appliqué designs. You can embroider meaningful quotes, names, or dates onto the quilt top, or appliqué shapes and motifs that represent something important to you. These added touches will not only personalize the quilt but also showcase your creativity and attention to detail.
Customize the Color Scheme
Play around with the color scheme of your quilt to reflect your personal style and preferences. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant colors or soft pastels, choosing a color palette that resonates with you will make the quilt truly yours. You can also experiment with ombre effects, color gradients, or color blocking to add visual interest to your design.
Quilt with Intention
Instead of following a traditional quilting pattern, consider quilting with intention by incorporating meaningful quilting motifs or designs. You could quilt shapes that hold personal significance, such as hearts, stars, or initials, or quilt patterns that symbolize something important to you. Quilting with intention adds another layer of personalization to your quilt and makes it a reflection of your creativity and thoughtfulness.
Label Your Quilt
Don't forget to label your quilt with your name, the date it was made, and any other relevant information. Adding a personalized quilt label not only gives your quilt a professional finish but also ensures that your creative work is recognized and remembered for years to come. You can hand embroider the label, use fabric markers, or even order custom labels online to add a final personal touch to your quilt.
In conclusion, Quilt Runes are a great way to personalize your quilts and make them truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you choose to mix and match the mini quilt patterns, add embroidery or appliqué, or label your quilt, the possibilities for personalization are endless. As we've seen, Quilt Runes and these creative ideas can help you create a quilt that not only reflects your personal style and interests but also holds sentimental value and tells a unique story.
So go forth and let your creativity and intuition guide you as you craft your very own Quilt Rune masterpiece. And remember, when it comes to quilting with a personal touch, the sky's the limit. So grab your fabrics, needles, and thread, and let's see what you can create with Quilt Runes.
More About Quilt Rune Projects
