In the world of quilting, there’s an undeniable charm in the process of piecing together various fabrics to create a masterpiece. However, sometimes the allure of a quick and adorable quilt is simply irresistible. This is where quilt fabric panels come to the rescue, offering a delightful shortcut without sacrificing style or creativity.
Quilt fabric panels are pre-printed pieces of fabric, featuring a beautiful scene or an image, that will make the perfect focal point for your quilt. They offer a multitude of benefits that make them a favorite among quilters, both seasoned and beginners alike.
These panels can be found on Missouri Star Quilt Co., along with a huge selection of other panels. Click here!
Speedy Quilting
One of the most appealing aspects of quilt fabric panels is that they make fast projects. When time is an issue and you need to make a quilt pretty darn quick, use a fabric panel! With a panel as the focal point, much of the intricate piecing work is already done for you. Rather than meticulously cutting and arranging individual fabric pieces, you can simply frame the panel with coordinating fabrics, add borders if desired, and voilà – your quilt top is nearly complete in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take.
Endless Variety
Quilt fabric panels come in an astonishing array of styles, themes, and sizes. If you can think of a quilt theme, there’s probably a panel already out there waiting for you! Whether you’re drawn to whimsical animal quilt panels, nostalgic floral quilt patterns, striking geometric quilt panels, or charming holiday or Christmas quilt panels, there’s a panel out there to suit your project needs. From baby quilt panels to bed quilt panels, wall hangings to table runners, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
These panels can be found on Missouri Star Quilt Co., along with a huge selection of other panels. Click here!
Perfect for Beginners
For those new to quilting, fabric panels offer a fantastic entry point into the world of sewing. Panel quilts are very easy and are perfect for beginners! The result is a confidence-boosting project that looks impressive without requiring advanced skills. And what beginner wouldn’t love that?
Creative Flexibility
While fabric panels for quilting provide a convenient shortcut, they also leave plenty of room for creativity and personalization. Quilters can experiment with different border fabrics, border designs, and quilting designs to elevate the panel and make it uniquely their own. Embellishments such as appliqué, embroidery, or fabric painting can further enhance the panel’s beauty and add a personal touch. You can keep it simple or make it fancy. The ball is in your court!
Tips for Working with Quilt Fabric Panels
- Plan Your Layout: Before cutting into your panel, take some time to plan how you want to showcase the design. Experiment with different borders to find the perfect one for your panel.
- Precision Cutting: When cutting your panel and coordinating fabrics, accuracy is key. Use a sharp rotary cutter and ruler to ensure clean, straight edges that will seamlessly align when piecing together. You may or may not need to square up and trim your panel before starting. (Let’s be honest, most likely you will!)
- Embrace Imperfections: Quilting is a labor of love, but it’s also a craft where imperfections can add character. Don’t stress over small mistakes – embrace them as part of the quilt’s unique charm. This is especially important to remember if you’re a beginner. Or an intermediate. Or an advanced quilter. 😂
These panels can be found on Missouri Star Quilt Co., along with a huge selection of other panels. Click here!
Quilt panels are the bomb-diggity and that’s the truth. (Or at least I think so!) They make quilting fast, fun, and super convenient, but still allow you to be creative. I love adding quilt panels to my arsenal of quilting tools and always have a few on-hand. Of course, not every quilt I make has a panel, but when I need a quick gift quilt, or a project that doesn’t suck too much of my creative juices, I head to my panel collection. So what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of quilt fabric panels and let your needles fly!
P.S. Want to read more Beth Said Sew? Click here!
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I absolutely love panels. I have quite a few of them, but my problem is how to quilt them. I have a long arm, but not much imagination…lol
Hi Lil! My favorite way to quilt a panel is to just echo the design on it. First I trace the design, then I just echo those lines all around it. It always turns out nicely!