Checkers and Rails Variation What If Game

Last week I shared how to draft two different quilts using the Checkers and Rails block in the sashing.  It is the only block in these quilts.  And I made it super simple by using only two fabrics.

If you missed the tutorial, you can locate it here.  I suggest watching the video and create the block before creating the variations I will be sharing with you this week.

Checker and Rails On Point Quilt

Checkers and Rails Horizontal Quilt

This week, I decided to play the "what if" game.  It is one of my favorite things to do with EQ8.  The biggest challenge is deciding what option to actually make.

Checkers and Rails Variations EQ8 Tutorial

In the quilts designed during the last blog post, the blocks were 6" x 6" and the sashing was 3.75" x 3.75".

I started by considering a simple pieced block to replace those 6" x 6" plain pieces of fabric.

Create the Double Log Block

Select New Block>Pieced>EasyDraw.

Set the block width and height at 6" (the finished size of the plain block).

Set the snaps horizontal and vertical to 24.  This will create snap points every quarter inch.

Make sure to have Snap to Grid as the only item turned on under the Snapping options.

Draw a round of 3/4 inch logs (these will be cut from 1-1/4" strips).

Draw a second round of 1/4 inch logs (these will be cut from 3/4" strips.

If that seems to small -- wait until the end for an option with larger strips.

Color the block.

​Add to Sketchbook.

Drafting the Double Log 6" Block

Finished Double Log 6" Block

Create the Merge Block

On the Block Worktable, Select New Block>Create Serendipity.

Select Merge Block.

Select the Double Log block on the left.

(Hint:  If your block is not there, it is probably because your block was not created with just snap to grid on.  If that is the case, you will need to redraft the block with Snap to Grid on.)

On the right select the Default Variable Star Block.

I chose this block, because there was a four inch square in the double log block -- and the variable star block was created with a 4 x 4 grid.

​Select Add to Sketchbook to save.

Serendipity Merge Block Option

Double Log Block Merged with Default Variable Star Block

Quilt Variations

View the Project Sketchbook and select the On Point quilt previously designed.

No worries if you didn't design one.  Alternatively select New Quilt>On Point.

For either option, select the Layout tab.

Change the number of blocks to 3 x 3.

Set the block size at 6".

Set the sashing size at 3.75".

If you started a new quilt, go to the Borders tab and change the style to Mitered and the size to 1/2".

Layout for all Checkers and Rails Variations

Variation 1

On the Design tab, place the checkers and rails block in the sashing squares. 

​Rotate so the checker board surrounds the 6" inch blocks on the rows that have three 6" blocks.  And for the rows that have two 6" blocks, the rails surround the 6" blocks.

Then set the Merged block in all of the 6" squares.  Do not put them in the setting and corner triangles.

I spent some time (all off camera) recoloring the quilt for a scrappy look.

​Add to Sketchbook to save.

Checkers and Rails Variation 1

Variation 2

Replace the setting triangles and corner triangles with the Double log block (before doing the merge block in Serendipity).

​​Add to Sketchbook to save.

Checkers and Rails Variation 2

Variation 3

Replace the blocks in the Setting Triangles and Corner Triangles with the Merged block with the star in the center.

Add to Sketchbook to save.

Checkers and Rails Variation 3

Variation 4

Create a Cornerstone block using the Double Log concept.

For this block, use a block size of 3.75 x 3.75.

Set the snaps to 15 x 15.

Snapping Options just Snap to Grid.

​Draw the block with a round of 1/2" finished size logs, followed by a round of 1/4" finished size logs.

Color the block and Add to Sketchbook to Save.

Drafting the 3.75" Cornerstone Block

Finished Double Log Cornerstone Block (3.75")

On the Quilt Worktable, replace the cornerstones with the 3.75" Double Log Cornerstone block.

​Add to Sketchbook to save.

Checkers and Rails Variation 4

Variation 5

Variation 5 looks a lot like Variation 4. 

​But it changes the size from a baby quilt (42.336" x 42.336"), to a full quilt (83.731" x 83.731").  You could add borders to increase the size.

On the Layout tab change the block size from 6" to 12" and change the Sashing size from 3.75" to 7-1/2".

​Select the Design tab and Add to Sketchbook to save.

Checkers and Rails Variation 5

Which variation do you prefer?

​Check out the full video tutorial.

Other Ideas

In the Learning EQ Facebook Group, a number of people shared how they personalized the Checkers and Rails quilt from last week.  Just to give you a few additional ideas.

Kristy Goodin Soard commented

"I could have played around with this lesson for quite some time. Lots of fun possibilities! I decided to try the use of striped fabric in place of the checkers. I do love checkered fabric though too."

Kristy Goodin Soards Quilt

Jan Beckert noted

"​I had an idea I'd like this better with checkers in the alternate squares, as well as the sashing...and some checkers in the borders."

Jan Beckert's Quilt

Jan Perry created Sunflower Blue.

"

Jan Perry's Quilt

I would love to see your favorite Checkers and Rails quilt.  Feel free to post in the Learning EQ Facebook group.

Learning EQ Facebook Group Checkers and Rails Variations Post

Happy quilting.

​Kari

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