The Properties of Panel Quilts

Piecing and patchwork are creative and exacting but can be demanding in how intricate they can become.  Add to that the striving for perfect points, matched seams and crisp corners and the energy demand on the quilter goes up further!  A panel quilt can provide a pleasant break and take the focus of off piecing and place it on quilting instead.

Advantages of a Panel Quilt

Since the main part of the quilt is already done – namely, the printed panel – the quilt top comes together quickly.  If borders are added, the could be simple pieces of one fabric, or they can be fancier, consisting of piecing or appliqued shapes in fabrics coordinating with the main panel.  Once the top is finished, the quilt is ready for layering and quilting – much faster than piecing all those blocks!

Quilting a printed panel provides opportunities to try new quilting techniques. 

·         Use a walking foot to stitch around the edges of major areas of the design, to anchor them and emphasize those outlines.

·         Fill in areas with the presser foot on, using techniques like parallel lines, cross-hatching, radiating lines or other straight line designs.

·         Areas in the panel can be emphasized by using free-motion quilting, like outlining and echoing areas within the design.

Is the Label “Cheater Quilt” Fair?

Some people refer to pre-printed blocks or panels as “cheater quilts” since they look impressive but did not require the effort of piecing or applique.  I feel this label is unfair because pre-printed fabrics have their uses!  The time saved in using a panel can be used to focus on other creative aspects of the project, encourage experimentation and embolden the quilter to try something new.

With so many interesting quilt panels, blocks and kits on the market, quilters have many choices for expressing themselves creatively while getting a boost of efficiency!