Pattern Description:
The Diagonal Strip Quilt is a striking, modern quilt featuring angled strips sewn into blocks for a dynamic, diagonal effect.
Using the tube method, this project is beginner-friendly yet visually sophisticated, perfect for showcasing a variety of fabrics.
Finished quilts are cozy and versatile, ideal for throws or gifting. The design emphasizes bold lines and vibrant fabric combinations.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Fabric Strips (Jelly Roll or similar):
- 2½” x WOF (Width of Fabric) strips
- Approx. 42 strips for a standard throw quilt (about 60″ x 72″)
- Backing Fabric: 3-4 yards, depending on quilt size
- Batting: 60″ x 72″ (or size matching your quilt top)
- Thread: Coordinating color for piecing and quilting
- Ruler: Large square or ruler with a 45° line
- Rotary Cutter & Mat: For precise cutting of strips and blocks
- Iron & Ironing Board: For pressing seams open or to the side
- Pins or Clips: To hold pieces together while sewing
Abbreviations Used:
- WOF – Width of Fabric
- RS – Right Side
- LS – Left Side
- SS – Stitch Seam
- RSL – Rotary Cutting Line
- B – Block
- CS – Center Seam
Instructions for Making the Diagonal Strip Quilt Pattern:
Prepare Fabric Strips
Begin by cutting your chosen fabrics into 2½” x WOF strips. Jelly roll strips work perfectly, or cut your own from larger fabric pieces.
Group strips into sets of three; these sets will form the tube that becomes the diagonal blocks. This step allows for a variety of colors and prints to be combined for a lively, modern look.
Sew Strip Sets
Take each set of three strips and place them RS together. Sew along the long edges using a SS. Press the seams open carefully.
Pressing open instead of to one side reduces bulk at intersections and ensures that the quilt lays flat, especially when working with multiple fabric layers.
Construct the Tube
Align two strip sets RS together, matching edges carefully. Sew along both long edges to form an enclosed tube.
Press the seams open, handling the tube gently. This tube will later be cut into multiple diagonal blocks, so accuracy here is key.
Cut the Diagonal Blocks
Using a large square ruler with a 45° line, place the ruler so that the 45° line aligns with the bottom SS of the tube.
Cut along the ruler edge to create the first B. Move the ruler up along the tube, aligning the 45° line with each subsequent stitch line, and cut additional blocks.
Each tube typically produces six blocks. Cutting at a 45° angle creates the distinctive diagonal pattern when the blocks are sewn together.
Press Each Block
Open each B gently and press the CS either open or to one side. Be careful handling the edges as they are on the bias, which can stretch easily. Accurate pressing ensures blocks are square and maintain sharp diagonal lines.
Assemble the Quilt Top
Arrange your B in the desired layout. Sew RS together along edges, matching the seam intersections carefully.
Press the seams as you assemble the top to maintain flat, even rows and ensure the diagonal design aligns across the quilt.
Layer and Quilt
Once the quilt top is complete, layer it with batting and backing fabric. Choose a quilting style that complements the diagonal design.
Straight-line quilting along the diagonals or free-motion quilting can enhance the modern, vibrant look of the quilt.
Bind the Quilt
Finish by attaching binding around the edges. Hand-stitching or machine-stitching the binding in place ensures durability and a polished final look. Press the binding for crisp edges and a professional finish.
This pattern produces a quilt that is visually dynamic and versatile, perfect for a cozy throw or an eye-catching gift.
The tube method simplifies the construction while giving a modern diagonal effect that highlights your choice of fabrics.
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