Layer cakes are often my "pre-cut of choice" because of their wonderful versatility. Of course there are many, many wonderful layer cake patterns available that are always perfect for layer cakes, but there are also some other fun ways to use these terrific Moda fabric collection pre-cuts.
Fabric is Avalon by Fig Tree & Company
Layer cakes make perfect quilt backs. I've made entire quilt backs from layer cake squares, and I've also used just a row of them between two pieces of backing when I didn't have quite enough fabric. Recently I was making a table runner and used left-over layer cake squares to piece the scrappy backing pictured above.
Of course, layer cake squares pieced together make wonderful quilt tops, too. This delightful lap-sized quilt top was pieced using one layer cake of Oink a Doodle Moo.
You can even make sampler quilts using layer cakes. The Open Gate Quilts Block of the Month quilt above (fabric is Indigo Crossing by Minick & Simpson) was made using two layer cakes along with some background and border fabrics. A lot of jelly roll patterns can also be adapted for use with layer cakes...there are so many possibilities.
You can download the Moda Bake Shop pdf file "How to Slice a Layer Cake" here. This helpful document showcases cutting ideas such as:
- cut into four 5" x 5" charm squares
- cut into two 5" x 5" charm squares and eight 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares
- cut into nine 3" x 3" squares
- cut into five 2" x 10" strips or four 2 1/2" x 10" strips
- cut diagonally to create triangles for half-square triangle units
- cut circles from the layer cake square
What is your favorite way to use a layer cake?
I make jumbo HSTs or QSTs for quick twin quilts.
ReplyDeleteYou plan well, you can get a lot of blocks from a layer cake for a nicely coordinated sampler quilt.
ReplyDeleteI've never used a layer cake, but I like your plan :-)
ReplyDeleteI love layer cakes! I've used them to make 12 inch blocks for a sampler quilt. And another time I cut them in half twice to make a baby quilt of just squares sewn together.
ReplyDeleteI haven't used a layer cake before...but I would love to try out a few patterns that call for them. Love the suggestion sheet!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know the name of the pattern for the blue and white quilt? I love it and would like to make it!
ReplyDeleteDenise: I did a little searching. This is a start anyway! http://www.aquiltinglife.com/2013/07/blogger-girls-block-of-month.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great informational and inspirational take on Layer Cakes. I'm often tempted when I see them in the store or at a show. Have a super day!
ReplyDeleteI love layer cakes they're so versatile, I've got a French General one teamed with a Jelly roll of the same design cut and ready to piece. I really like Eleanor Burns Piece of Cake quilt and am thinking my 30's Playtime LC would look rather nice.
ReplyDeletePeg xx
Thank you Jean! I have searched all afternoon, and didn't find a thing!
ReplyDeleteI seem to "collect" them with good intentions ... really like the blue/cream quilt above ... may have to break the ice and give one a try using some of my stash!
ReplyDeleteI have never been able to buy a layer cake, but if I could I would make a big block quilt with lots of free motion quilting.
ReplyDeleteI use layer cakes to make the log cabin pattern. They are fun to work with!
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