three ways to modify the feature frames quilt pattern
Feature Frames is a fun filled block-based quilt pattern! While it looks like there is a lot going on, it’s really not a complicated make: the trickiest thing is keeping track of which fabric is which and which fabric goes where (as Claire of @claireandhercrafts called it, it’s like a “quilt by numbers”). And the best part? Its straightforward construction means that it is the perfect pattern to play with and make your own!
Here are three ideas to help jumpstart your creativity and turn Feature Frames into a one-of-a-kind quilt. So grab your copy of the pattern here, read through these ideas to get your ideas flowing, then go for it!
1. Have Some Fabric Fun
Have another fabric you’d like to add to the mix? Why not use two background colors, one for the sashing and one for the center of the blocks! This idea came from one of my testers, Samantha of @threads.of.a.radish and Samantha is right: by simply switching up the center square color of each block, it brings a whole ’nother dimension to the play of color and pattern to Feature Frames. I’m really liking how two tones of the same color look, but there are so many ways you could run with this!
Don’t have five accent fabrics AND a background fabric to play with? Try just using just two colors for the frames instead.
Note: If you’re using fewer fabrics, you can either cut your fabric as the pattern calls for (e.g.Fabric A + B out of Fabric 1 and Fabric C + D + E out of Fabric 2) or use the block assembly pages as a coloring sheet to figure out how many square and rectangle pieces of each fabric you’ll need (if you want to minimize the number of seams necessary).
2. Play With Your Negative Space
I love playing with negative space: it’s my go-to “trick” when I’m doodling patterns and Feature Frames is no exception! Building on the first idea of switching up your fabrics, you could use just one accent fabric and your background fabric: the end result would look like “sprinkles” of color!
Another easy adjustment: remove a frame and leave just one square a “blank”.
Or remove a bunch or squares:
3. Expand Your Canvas
Want to make a bigger quilt? Try rearranging the layout of the blocks for a quick and easy way to expand the square footage (the illustrations below are all for twin size quilts)! Make just 18 blocks and create a checkerboard alternating with blank squares:
Make 21 blocks and try stacking them in steps:
Or make 12 blocks (same as the Crib size) and line them all up in a couple rows:
Go ahead, starting having fun with those frames!
I hope these examples provided some ideas to get your creative engines revving. No matter which way you go, whether you make the pattern to the letter or tweak and adjust or expand and blow up, I cannot wait to see you make Feature Frames your own. Make sure to share your quilt over on the ‘gram and tag it #FeatureFramesQuilt and me @broadclothstudio (because I don’t want to miss it).
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of Feature Frames now!
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