Introduction
Postage stamp quilts are made from one size squares of assorted fabrics. The size of the squares is usually 2 inches or less when finished. Traditional postage stamp quilts were made with one-inch squares. Today, many quilters use two-inch squares. If you use squares larger than two inches, you lose the “postage stamp” look and the quilt would be considered a block quilt. The quilts can be any size from a baby quilt to a king-size quilt.
Color and Fabric
Various looks can be achieved by the selection of prints and colors for the squares. Some quilters like to use a particular color in every other square so the finished quilt has a specific look. Using all dark squares or all light squares or a variation of light and dark produce stunning postage stamp quilts. In making the quilt, use any color and prints you desire letting them fall into place by chance or by carefully selecting the colors and prints to create a certain effect.
Sewing Methods
The traditional way of stitching a postage stamp quilt is by sewing your squares together in rows and then sewing the rows together to make your quilt.
Today, many quilters use the strip method of quilting where you cut your fabrics into strips the width of the unfinished square. The strips are sewn together in sets of four prints each. Then the strip sets are cut perpendicular to the seams at the width of the unfinished squares to make strip sets. Various square strip sets are sewn together in groups of four to make a “block”. Then the blocks are sewn together to make your quilt.
Another simple way to create a postage stamp quilt is to sew assorted squares together in a 4×4 or 5×5 grid to make “stamp blocks” and then sew the stamp blocks together to make the quilt.
Suggestions for Your Postage Quilt
- When making a postage stamp quilt, carefully consider the size of your finished squares for the quilt size you are making.
- Use assorted prints and colors or carefully select fabrics you prefer.
- Try different methods of piecing your quilt to find the one you like best.
- Make a small quilt for starters and move on to making a larger one.
Conclusion
From miniature quilts to baby quilts to king-size quilts, the postage stamp quilt can be made in any size. Select a variety of fabrics and colors and make sure your squares are 2 inches or less. Smaller quilts look better with smaller squares. A larger quilt may look fine with 2-inch squares.
Whichever way you choose to create your postage stamp quilt, the finished product is sure to be beautiful!
Article (C) Julie M. Watkins, 2023. All rights reserved.
No reproduction of any part of this article is allowed without express written permission.
