1930s-Inspired Wall Hanging

Inspired by "Rhythm & Blues" from designer Monique Dillard

Quiltmaker: Laura Boehnke

• 1 yard total assorted white prints (blocks)
• 1/3 yard total assorted 1930s prints (blocks)
• 1/4 yard yellow print (inner border)
• 1-1/8 yards pink floral (outer border, binding)
• 2-2/3 yards backing fabric
• 48" square batting

Finished quilt: 42" square

Finished blocks: 4-1/2" square

Quantities are for 44/45"-wide, 100% cotton fabric. Measurements include 1/4" seam allowances. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Cut pieces in the following order.

From assorted white prints, cut:

• 9--5-3/4" squares, cutting each diagonally twice in an X for 36 triangles total
• 16--5" squares
• 36--2x5" strips

From assorted 1930s prints, cut:

• 12--5-3/4" squares, cutting each diagonally twice in an X for 48 triangles total

From yellow print, cut:

• 2--1-1/2x34" inner border strips
• 2--1-1/2x32" inner border strips

From pink floral, cut:

• 2--4-1/2x42" outer border strips
• 2--4-1/2x34" outer border strips
• 5--2-1/2x42" binding strips

Sew together three assorted white print 2x5" strips to make a Rail Fence block (Diagram 1). Press seams in one direction. The block should be 5" square including seam allowances. Repeat to make 12 Rail Fence blocks total.

The hourglass blocks are carefully planned so that four matching 1930s print triangles will surround each Rail Fence block. To re-create the look, lay out quilt center blocks, squares, and triangles prior to assembling hourglass blocks. For a less-planned look, skip steps 1–3 and make hourglass blocks as indicated in steps 4–7.

1. Referring to Quilt Assembly Diagram and Diagram 2, lay out assorted white print 5" squares and Rail Fence blocks in seven rows on a design wall or other large surface, leaving 5" squares of space for hourglass blocks to be placed later.

2. Referring to Quilt Assembly Diagram and Diagram 3, position four matching 1930s print triangles around each Rail Fence block.

3. Referring to Quilt Assembly Diagram and Diagram 4, fill in empty areas with assorted white print triangles.

4. Remove a set of four 1930s print triangles from design wall. Referring to Diagram 5, sew together triangles in pairs. Press seams in opposite directions. Join pairs to make Block A. Press seam in one direction. The block should be 5" square including seam allowances. Return Block A to its original place on design wall. Repeat to make five total of Block A.

5. Referring to Diagram 6, remove a set of three 1930s print triangles and one white print triangle; repeat Step 4 assembly instructions to make Block B. Repeat to make four total of Block B.

6. Referring to Diagram 7, remove two 1930s print triangles and two assorted white print triangles; repeat Step 4 assembly instructions to make Block C. Repeat to make four total of Block C.

7. Referring to Diagram 8, remove one 1930s print triangle and three assorted white cream print triangles; repeat Step 4 assembly instructions to make Block D. Repeat to make eight total of Block D.

1. Referring to Quilt Assembly Diagram, sew together pieces in each row. Press seams toward Rail Fence blocks and 5" white print squares.

2. Join rows to make quilt center. Press seams in one direction. The quilt center should be 32" square including seam allowances.

3. Sew short yellow print inner border strips to opposite edges of quilt center. Add long yellow print inner border strips to remaining edges. Press all seams toward inner border.

4. Sew short pink floral outer border strips to opposite edges of quilt center. Add long pink floral outer border strips to remaining edges to complete quilt top. Press all seams toward outer border.

1. Layer quilt top, batting, and backing; baste. Quilt as desired.

2. Bind with pink floral binding strips.