Block Party: How to Make a Mandala Quilt Block
To launch the Sulky block party, Karie Jewell shares how to make a mandala-inspired quilt block.
Learn how to incorporate mandala-inspired design into your quilt from Karie Jewell. She’s been creating her own designs since a friend handed her a rotary cutter and asked her to “figure this out.” Twenty-seven years and over 80 published patterns later, Karie is still designing for every skill level, with no plans to stop any time soon. Co-founder of Two Kwik Quilters, Karie is excited to move into 2019 with a new name, new look, and new projects for today’s quilter.
from Karie:
I’m so excited to share my Mandala Star design on the Sulky Block Party!
My daughter is quite smitten with mandala designs, and I can see why. She shared with me that she wanted something that would complement her new couch, and I knew exactly what to do: create a mandala quilt block.
Supplies
- Sulky Stick ‘n Stitch
- Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites thread
- Sulky Cotton + Steel 50 Wt. thread
- 3/4 yard of fabric
- fat quarter of accent fabric
The Process
First, I found a mandala design that I liked. Then I used my Daylight Wafer 2 Lightbox to retrace it and simplify the mandala quilt block design. Next I scanned it back into my computer and printed it onto Stick ‘n Stitch. Not only does Stick ‘n Stitch fit through a standard printer, it’s also tacky and repositionable, allowing you to place it on the fabric in the exact intended area. You can sew right through it and it washes away completely after embroidery!
Finally I stitched out the design by hand to achieve the look I wanted, using Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites thread. Each strand of thread has the thickness of two strands of embroidery floss. The great thing: it comes on a spool so you don’t have to contend with tangled skeins! A machine embroidery design could also complete the block. For machine embroidery, choose Sulky 30 Wt. Cotton for a similar look. A Cotton Blendables thread spool would also look really pretty.
The block finishes at 24 1/2″ square, so it’s great to use as a mini quilt, as a pillow sham or even the center of a larger quilt.
For all the details on how to create the mandala quilt block, visit my blog.
Such beautiful work
I love this! Simple but beautiful.
Love giveaways, love to try new thread too!
Lovely!
I have never heard of Mandala before, cool!
Gorgeous work! You’re very talented. I love Sulky thread 🙂
This is beautiful!
Just love this block. Looks stunning in the colour way you have used.
What a fabulous way to combine the soothing comfort of a mandala with the healing of stitching! And tied up with the pretty bow of a giveaway!! I love this 🙂
A lovely project and a great prize too ?. Jane ?
This is such a lovely block!
Adorable work of art!
This is a great block. Love the inspiration!
That’s so pretty!
Nice size block!
I have used this sulky before, it works great. I used it to make a t’shirt quilt when I cut out the small objects like baseball’s, football’s or shoes. I always keep it on hand.
Wow, looks fabulous. Thanks Sulky for the sponsor.
I never heard of Sulky stick and stitch. On my way to check this out now!
Very cool idea
Way to go on this one Karie. Thank you sully for spotlighting this creator?
Sweet block!
So cool to learn about your process!?
WOW, you have 80 patterns that you have designed! The Mandala block is pretty, both classic and modern.
I always like learning something new.
Can’t wait to try it!!
You are so talented! Their is no limit to your creative ability!
Stunning!
Love this block and the inspiration @
Beautiful!!!
This is beautiful! I can’t wait to give this a try!
Mandalas are awesome and your interpretation is excellent.
Mandalas are awesome. Your interpretation is excellent.
Such a nice block to fill with quilting!
Cool!
Lovely block!
Great block. It reminds me of Celtic knot applique. Sulky threads are great!
This is a beautiful block thanks for sharing!
I do all of my embroidery with Sulky threads. So beautiful ❤️
Just lovely!
So pretty
Such a beautiful quilt block. Great Work!
Great design! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful design, thank you for sharing.