Quilt Fairy Frolic Block 1 Checkerboard

How to Sew Quilt Fairy Frolic Block 1

Welcome to the very first block of Quilt Fairy Frolic! We’re starting with a classic checkerboard block and using it to build some of the foundational skills that will make the rest of your quilt go together beautifully.

In this tutorial, Angela walks you through everything from preparing and cutting your fabric to finding an accurate quarter-inch seam, strip piecing, pressing, and nesting seams for crisp intersections. You’ll make four checkerboard blocks this month, which will eventually receive their appliqué leaves in Block 2.

Download the Pattern!

A Few Helpful Tools

  • Best Press Spray Starch 16 oz

    Best Press or Magic Quilting & Crafting Spray

    Adds a little crispness and stability to your fabric before cutting.

  • Creative Grids Stripology XL Ruler

    Stripology Ruler

    Makes cutting repeated strips quick and accurate, especially when paired with reusable marking arrows to keep track of your measurements.

  • Pfaff Perfect 1/4" Foot w/Guide

    Quarter-Inch Guide Foot

    Helps guide the edge of your fabric for a more consistent seam.

  • Ideal Seam Gauge - image 1 - quilting supply from Quilted Joy

    Ideal Seam Gauge

    Lets you check your needle position for an exact quarter-inch or scant quarter-inch seam.

Skills You’ll Learn

This first block is all about accuracy and creating good quilting habits from the start.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Prepare larger pieces of yardage for accurate cutting
  • Use starch or a starch alternative to give your fabric a little extra body
  • Cut strips efficiently for strip piecing
  • Test your machine’s quarter-inch seam
  • Press seams so they nest together
  • Match intersections for crisp checkerboard points
  • Add the outer frame to finish each block

Angela’s goal is to help you understand not just what to do, but why these little steps can make your blocks, quilt top, and even your final quilting easier.

Piecing on the Baby Lock Ballad

Angela pieces Block 1 on the Baby Lock Ballad, using its quilting stitch menu and quarter-inch guide foot to keep her seams consistent.

One of her favorite features is the pivot function. When the needle stops in the down position, the presser foot automatically lifts slightly, making it easy to reposition fabric or move from one piece to the next while chain piecing. The Ballad also lets you adjust your sewing speed, which can be especially helpful when you’re working on precision piecing.

The Baby Lock Ballad is even more tempting with special summer savings and a free $590 Quilted Joy gift card with purchase. It also includes a $250 Inspirational Guide and a 60-day trial of Baby Lock’s Love of Knowledge online classes. Stop by for a test drive or call us at (502) 718-7148 to learn more.

Learn More

Angela's Accuracy Tip: Test Your ¼" Seam

Before you start piecing your Quilt Fairy Frolic blocks, take a few minutes to make sure your quarter-inch seam really is a quarter inch.

Sew three 2½" scrap squares together in a row and press them. The finished unit should measure 6½" wide. If it doesn't, adjust your needle position and try again until you find the setting that works perfectly for your machine.

Once you find it, save the stitch setting on your machine if possible, or write it down so you can use the same setting throughout Quilt Fairy Frolic.

2½"
+
2½"
+
2½"
=
6½" wide

Choose Your Quilt Fairy Frolic Colorway

Choose your favorite Quilt Fairy Frolic colorway and let the Quilt Fairies take care of the fabric selection for you.

Quilt Fairy Frolic Primrose Path fabric bundle

Quilt Fairy Frolic Primrose Path Quilt Kit

$149.99
Quilt Fairy Frolic Midnight Blossom Quilt Kit

Quilt Fairy Frolic Midnight Blossom Quilt Kit

$149.99
Quilt Fairy Frolic Luminous Daydream Quilt Kit

Quilt Fairy Frolic Luminous Daydream Quilt Kit

$149.99
Quilt Fairy Frolic Citrus Bloom quilt layout

Quilt Fairy Frolic Citrus Bloom Quilt Kit

$149.99
Shop All Quilt Fairy Frolic Kits

Using Fabric From Your Stash?

You can absolutely make Quilt Fairy Frolic with fabric you already have. Use our Before You Begin Fabric Guide to see the fabric requirements for the entire quilt and get tips for choosing fabrics that will work well together.

View the Before You Begin Fabric Guide

Show Us Your Quilt Fairy Frolic!

We can't wait to see your Quilt Fairy Frolic come to life! Once you've finished your blocks, snap a photo and share it with us in the Quilted Joy Clubhouse Facebook group. We love seeing the different fabrics, colors, and personalities everyone brings to their quilt.

Share Your Blocks in the Clubhouse
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