Framed Quilt Block Tutorial Using the Mosaic Quilt Pattern  - Suzy Quilts (2024)

The Row A center panel in the Mosaic Quilt consists of three identical blocks sewn together, which will become separate mini quilts for this tutorial.

Fabric requirements for a single block:

When choosing fabric pull and placement, decide how many blocks you will make and how you’d like these blocks to coordinate and/or contrast with each other.

In each of the three blocks in this tutorial, at least one fabric is shared with another block. This helps make each block feel unique yet adds cohesiveness to the project when considered as a set.

There will be leftover scraps after making the first block, and it is rather easy to pull these scraps into another block. If you prefer, you can choose 5 unique prints or colors for each of three blocks. This is completely up to you but should be taken into consideration when allocating the appropriate yardage for your project.

When planning which fabrics to use, also consider placement in the block. For example, using two high-contrast fabrics for Color 2 and the background will highlight the half square triangle (HST) checkered effect. For Colors 1 and 5, you might choose prints that are in the same color family as Color 2 (all three are shades of blue for example), with Color 2 presenting a medium hue color for more contrast.

Press the pieced block and one of the 20” squares for the quilt back.

Layer the backing wrong side up, and the batting and quilt block top right side up. Baste as desired.

These blocks will go into traditional picture frames. It is wise to plan how the mini quilts will be finished at this point. If you do not want the extra bulk inside your frame, you can either choose to skip traditional batting or use material with less loft, such as flannel, to reduce the “fluff” factor and bulk. You can even choose to use the flannel as your actual backing.

My samples were made with scraps of batting I had available and scraps of a wide back poplin I happened to have available for the backing. When I make these blocks again, I will likely opt to use a flannel backing and avoid using the extra layer of traditional batting.

Hand quilt or machine quilt each Mosaic mini quilt as desired. If you have never hand-quilted before, smaller projects are the perfect chance to give it a try!

Check out Suzy’s video tutorial to learn how to hand quilt.

An added bonus, because these blocks will be framed and the back-side of each mini quilt won’t be seen, you have more flexibility with starting/stopping a quilting line. There is no need to bury threads and you don’t need to be that concerned in general with how things look on the backside.

The hand-quilted details in this project were done using the new Aurifil 8wt thread from Suzy Quilts Evolve Collection. It is dreamy to work with and provides the perfect stand-out detail to these blocks in the perfect matching shades.

Again you have options here!

Option one: If you’d rather not use frames, bind and finish your quilt to be hung using any number of more traditional options (loops on back, double-sided tape, insert a rod, use quilt hangers — all viable options. This is what most people tend to do with wall hanging quilts.

Option two: Skip the binding and use frames! Why choose this option? It is certainly faster to put these blocks in a mat and frame and that may be all that needs to be said to convince you to give it a try. I personally like the contrast of textures — the wood frame, the mat, the fabric and the hand-stitching all add their own textural layer to these pieces.

Consider two things when choosing the frame. First, the blocks are 18” square and you need a frame to match that size. I choose to use a mat that fits in a 22” square frame with an 18” square opening. Using a mat both highlights the block itself and provides stability and structure to the block inside the frame. Think of the mat as your substitute binding for the mini quilts.

Second, you may want to preserve your mini-quilts and protect the fabric against light damage by choosing an acid-free mat and archival quality anti-glare glass. But if you choose to use more affordable framing supplies, you can make new mini quilts once your first set begins to fade, so this project can change as your style changes over time!

Open the back of the frame and make sure any protective coating is removed from the glass.

Place the mat back inside the frame, face down so you are looking at the backside of the mat. Put your quilt block face down in the center of the mat just as you would place a picture in the mat. It is okay if things do not perfectly line up right away. The quilted block will have a little give and that is to your benefit.

Line up one side of the block so it just barely sits on the outside of the mat opening. Use a little scotch tape at the corners to temporarily hold it in place. You can then give the slightest little pull to have the opposite side line up and tape these corners in place. Add a little extra tape if needed in the middle of the four sides.

Where will you hang your framed quilt blocks? They are a fabulous way to use up your stash and feature your favorite collections. Framing these blocks also showcases hand-quilting details for everyone to admire.

We can’t wait to see how you make these blocks your own! Be sure to use #SuzyQuiltsPatterns and tag @suzyquilts when you post your pictures on socials.