Japanese Fabric Chain Quilt That Dangles The Quilt Blocks

Quilting Cubby | July 25, 2016 | Quilts For Home, Wall Quilts

Hanging Gardens Quilt In Japanese Fabric Introduces A New Dimension

This quilt was judged at a local community quilt show in Oregon quite a while back. How lucky to have it shared for all to see. Japanese fabrics give this quilt a dreamy feel, and the little four patch between the blocks gives the effect of dangling blooms.

The pattern is designed for using 2 1/2″ strips and quick to make up using precut jelly roll strips. For a 78 x 78 throw you will need 22 x 2 1/2″ print strips, and 1/3 yard for the chains. A mix of small, medium a large prints, especially florals are perfect for the garden blocks and the Japanese print could easily be recreated by using similar colors. Then bring in some dreamy pinks and choose an strong accent for the chains. The chain pops in black creating the ‘hanging’ garden theme. The piecework in the border adds a lovely touch for this romantic quilt!

The quilt is set on point with blocks that are a log cabin variation with a 4-patch as the hearth block. It really is not difficult once you begin to piece the blocks. It has sashing between the blocks that are two x 2 1/2″ strips wide (using jelly strips or using your own cuts, same width as the log strips), with another 4-patch as the cornerstones. After completing the first block, the design comes together quite quickly.

Here’s a close up of the Japanese fabric. There is some really pretty Quilt Gate Cherry Blossoms in one of the blocks. You may have something similar which would be enough to capture a ‘Japanese Garden’. Perhaps just the addition of a few strips of Quilt Gate Cherry Blossoms would be sufficient to recreate the theme, or simply enjoy your own choice of florals!

The same quilt is also made in cool water batiks. Each quilt just as beautiful in their respective decors. Using golden yellow for the accent chains look like diamonds. Use any fabric for this delightful design!