The Loop the Loop Quilt Block is a fun and engaging pattern that brings movement and flow to any quilt. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned quilters, this design’s circular shapes and repeating loops create a mesmerizing effect that adds personality to any quilt.
In this tutorial, we’ll go through each step to help you make this stunning quilt block, using techniques that emphasize accuracy and creativity.
This guide will cover all necessary fabric cuts, measurements, and instructions for assembling the Loop the Loop Quilt Block seamlessly. Let’s dive in and start creating beautiful quilt patterns that are bound to impress!
1. Gathering Your Materials and Choosing Fabrics
Before you start cutting and stitching, it’s important to gather all the materials needed for your Loop the Loop Quilt Block. Having everything ready will make the quilting process much smoother.
For this pattern, you’ll need a combination of contrasting fabrics to make the loops stand out. Choose one fabric for the loops (a vibrant or darker color works well) and a background fabric that provides a nice contrast, such as a light or neutral shade. To complete one 12-inch block, you’ll need around ¼ yard of each fabric.
You’ll also need quilting essentials: a rotary cutter, ruler, cutting mat, pins, sewing machine, and coordinating thread. Don’t forget your ironing station to press seams as you go, which is essential for achieving crisp, clean lines in your quilt patterns.
2. Cutting the Fabric Pieces
Accurate cutting is key to creating a clean Loop the Loop Quilt Block. Take your time to measure each piece, as precision will make assembly much easier.
For each block, cut the background fabric into four 6.5-inch squares. Next, cut two 3-inch squares from your loop fabric, which will be sliced into triangles to create the curved shapes in the pattern. Additionally, cut four 2.5-inch by 6.5-inch rectangles from the loop fabric for the long sections of the loop.
Double-check your measurements and ensure each piece is cut accurately. A small discrepancy at this stage can lead to uneven edges later on, so it’s worth being meticulous. Lay out all your cut pieces in the order they’ll be assembled to get a clear visual of your quilt block layout.
3. Assembling the Loop Shapes
Now that your fabric is cut, it’s time to assemble the loop shapes that form the signature “loop the loop” design. This step requires careful piecing to create the circular effect.
Begin by placing the 3-inch squares from the loop fabric over two corners of each 6.5-inch background square, right sides facing. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on each loop fabric square, then sew along this line. After sewing, trim ¼ inch away from the seam line, leaving the background square with a triangle in each corner. Press the triangles open.
Repeat this process on each corner of the background squares. This technique, known as the “stitch and flip” method, helps create the curved look without needing advanced piecing techniques. These triangle corners will serve as the start of the loops in your quilt pattern.
4. Completing the Loop Sections
With the triangle corners in place, the next step is to add the longer loop sections. This part brings together the block’s visual flow.
Take the four 2.5-inch by 6.5-inch loop rectangles and align them with the sides of each 6.5-inch square you prepared in the previous step. Sew these strips along the sides of the squares, ensuring the seams are aligned with the triangle corners to continue the loop effect. Press each seam flat as you go to keep everything neat and smooth.
When completed, these longer loop sections will visually connect the triangle corners, creating an illusion of continuous loops around each square. This technique gives the Loop the Loop Quilt Block its unique, flowing appearance, making it a dynamic addition to any quilt project.
5. Assembling the Block
Now that you have the loop sections completed, it’s time to bring them together into a single quilt block. Arrange each 6.5-inch square so that the loops face inward, forming a cohesive circular design.
Lay out the squares in a 2×2 grid, ensuring that the loop sections align to form the circular shapes. Sew the top two squares together, followed by the bottom two squares. Press the seams open to reduce bulk. Finally, sew the two rows together to complete the Loop the Loop Quilt Block.
After stitching, press the block flat, ensuring all seams are smooth and aligned. This 12-inch finished block is now ready to be added to your quilt. By repeating this block, you can create a quilt with a mesmerizing, flowing pattern that highlights the beauty of looping, circular shapes.
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6. Adding Borders (Optional)
Adding borders around each block or around the entire quilt top can give your Loop the Loop Quilt a more polished look. Borders add structure and can make the loops stand out even more.
To add a border around each block, cut strips that are 2.5 inches wide and the same length as each side of the block. Attach the strips around the edges of the block, pressing the seams outward. This border can be in a complementary or contrasting color, depending on your desired look.
For a border around the entire quilt, cut strips that are at least 4 inches wide, or more if you’d like a larger border. Attach these strips around the quilt top once all the blocks are sewn together. Borders help bring the whole quilt together and frame the quilt patterns beautifully.
7. Creating the Quilt Sandwich
Once your quilt top is assembled, it’s time to prepare the quilt sandwich. The quilt sandwich consists of the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric layered together.
Start by laying your backing fabric on a flat surface, with the wrong side facing up. Place the batting on top, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Finally, lay your quilt top on the batting with the right side facing up. Use safety pins or basting spray to secure the layers together, preventing shifting during quilting.
This step is crucial for ensuring your Loop the Loop Quilt stays aligned and smooth during the quilting process. Taking the time to baste carefully will make quilting much easier and produce a more professional result.
8. Quilting the Layers Together
Quilting the layers together is where your quilt truly comes to life. For the Loop the Loop Quilt, you can choose from several quilting styles to complement the circular design.
Straight-line quilting along the loop shapes can enhance the flow of the pattern. Alternatively, free-motion quilting around the loops can add texture and create a more dynamic look. Be sure to use a walking foot or darning foot on your sewing machine, depending on the type of quilting you choose.
Quilting adds both structure and beauty, so take your time and enjoy the process. It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your quilt patterns and make the design truly unique.
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9. Binding the Quilt
Binding is the final step in completing your Loop the Loop Quilt. It adds a polished edge and helps secure all layers of the quilt.
Cut 2.5-inch wide strips from your binding fabric and sew them together to create one long strip. Attach the binding to the front of the quilt, aligning the raw edges. Miter the corners as you sew around the edges, folding the binding over to the back and hand-stitching it in place for a clean finish.
Binding requires precision and patience, but it’s well worth the effort. A well-executed binding frames the quilt beautifully, enhancing the impact of the Loop the Loop Quilt Block pattern.
10. Displaying and Caring for Your Loop the Loop Quilt
With your quilt complete, it’s time to show off your hard work! Whether you use it as a cozy blanket, a wall hanging, or a gift, the Loop the Loop Quilt is sure to impress with its unique pattern and flowing design.
To keep your quilt looking its best, machine wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water, and tumble dry on low. Proper care will ensure the quilt remains beautiful for years, preserving both its appearance and durability.
Enjoy your Loop the Loop Quilt, and consider sharing your creation with fellow quilters. This captivating pattern brings movement and energy to any quilt collection, making it a beloved piece for years to come. Happy quilting! 🧵
