Quilt Quest Home | 4-H Curriculum Home

Introduction

Starting Block

  • Basic tools and techniques

Design the Block

  • Unit 1: Design Elements
  • Unit 2: Design Principles
  • Unit 3: Applications

Build the Block

  • Unit 1: Straight Lines
  • Unit 2: Tri-Triangles
  • Unit 3: Y-Seams, Curves, Applique, Rectangles, Foundation Piecing, Crazy Quilting

Preserve the Block

  • QSI: Quilt Scene Investigator

Beyond the Block

  • Quilt Science Applications to Other Media

Resource Block

  • Glossary
  • International Quilt Study Center at UNL
  • References
  • Products
  • Acknowledgments

Introduction:

Quilt Quest is a partnership between Nebraska 4-H Youth Development, the Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design - College of Education and Human Sciences, and the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This project is designed to help you learn about quilts and gain a deeper appreciation of quilt making.

The Threads of this Project Include:

Target Age Group: 10-19 years of age and beyond!
Starting Block:
What is a quilt, anyway?
Skills You Will Learn:
Before we can begin thinking about quilt designs, it's important for you to know what we mean by the word "quilt." In this introductory unit, we will begin to think about quilts, what they are and the various ways we will think about the design concepts related to quilts. You will see that we are thinking about quilts in a broader sense than you might have thought about them before.
"Quilt" Definition: A quilt traditionally has three layers. The layers consit of a backing, a filler and a top. The top is the decorative part that can be made using any number of different techniques. The three layers are held together by small hand or machine stitches.
Design the Block:
Principles and Elements of Design
Skills You Will Learn:
  1. Recognize the elements of design as found in quilts
  2. Ability to see pattern and relationships in quilt design
  3. Abiltiy to know what fabrics are appropriate for quiltmaking
Build the Block:
  • Unit 1: straight lines
  • Unit 2: tri-triangles
  • Unit 3: advanced techniques - y-seams, curves, applique, rectangles, foundation piecing, crazy quilting
Piecing a Quilt Block
Skills You Will Learn:
  1. Select coordinated fabrics
  2. Learn to use tools
  3. Construct a simple pieced quilt block
  4. Make and carry out a plan of action
  5. Interpret symbols and diagrams
  6. Recognize patterns and relationships
Preserve the Block:
Quilt Scene Investigator
Skills You Will Learn:
  1. Preservation Techniques
  2. Fiber and Block Design Identification
  3. Quilt Cleaning
  4. Quilt Display and Storage
  5. Determining Quilt Storage
  6. Tracing a Quilt's History
  7. Interviewing and Photographing
Beyond the Block:
  • Quilt Science Applications to Other Media
Adventures Beyond Your Block
Skills You Will Learn:
  1. Explore personal interests and skills
  2. Experiment with new techniques
  3. Develop creativity
"What can I do besides use a pattern to make a quilt?"
is a logical question a person might ask.
"Plenty!"
is the answer!!
In the "Beyond the Block" section of Quilt Quest, you can explore many avenues opened by a love of quilts. There is a challenge to be an entrepreneur. What business could you develop around some aspect of quilting? What product or service might you be able to market?
If you want to create something using quilt designs, but don't want to use fabric, there are plenty of ideas to explore. You might try other mediums - like glass, wood, or paper. Or you might use your creativity by taking pictures of quilts to use in a variety of ways.
Quilting can be a means of linking you to others in your community or anywhere in the world. Through community service projects or quilt exchanges, there is no limit to the opportunities for developing new friendships, either with quilters or with people with special needs.
If you have an interest in art and design, quilting may be just the right way for you to express your talents! Designing quilt block designs or designing fabrics may interest you. Or possibly you would like to be a quilt artist - using fabrics and thread in many new and different ways to create pictures or designs.
There are no limits when it comes to expressing your creativity
through the world of quilts!!
Resource Block:
  • Glossary
  • International Quilt Study Center at UNL
  • References
  • Products
  • Acknowledgments
Source of More Information