Slea Head Quilt Along - Week 1
Welcome to week 1 of the Slea Head Quilt Along. I can't wait to get started. This week we will decide what size quilt we want to make and pick out our fabrics.
Would you rather watch the video? Click here.
Do you still need the pattern? No problem. You can grab it here.
Use coupon code: SHQAL2025 (expires August 3, 2025)
Size Options
- Baby: 39" x 48"
- Throw: 57" x 71"
- Twin: 75" x 93"
Fabric Requirements
Color Options:
The possibilities really are endless. Here are just a few options to consider when making your selection.
Fabric Bundle
You can use coordinating fabrics from a bundle. This is a simple option that guarantees a stunning quilt. You can select any bundle that catches your eye and know all the fabrics are going to coordinate.
This polka dot fabric is Quilter's Candy by Connecting Threads
I used Jason Yenter's Summer Breeze fabric line to create this Slea Head quilt in throw size.
Monochromatic Pallet
It can be fun to create a monochromatic color scheme. Choose fat quarters that all have the same background color and match them with a coordinating sashing color. The white slea head above was created with this philosophy, all of the Summer Breeze fabric has a white background, so I paired it with a white on white fabric for the sashing and border.
Bellow are two examples of monochromatic pallets using black. Even though both pallets have black backgrounds, the introduction of color into the fabric designs dramatically changes the look. Both would make stunning quilts.
Geometric Fabrics
Geometric fabrics are a great option, they can give you a lot of color and movement. Geometric and blender fabrics are my favorites for this pattern.
Directional Fabric - A word of caution
This pattern requires fabric to be rotated. Therefore, direction fabric, specifically pictorial fabrics, won't always been kept upright. If you are okay with this look then feel free to grab your favorite ones. But if you prefer for your directional/pictorial fabrics to stay upright, then I suggest you skip them for this quilt.
Behind the Scenes
I decided to make my Slea Head in the throw size, I also decided to only use fabrics from my stash. I have lots of blue blender fat quarters in my stash, so I started there. I pulled all my blue fat quarters and laid them out.
I also like to use a neutral sashing fabric so that my fat quarters can be the star of the show, but this is completely a personal decision. If you want to use a bright sashing, go for it. I pulled this dark navy and light grey out of my stash to trial as possible sashing fabrics to go with my blues.
I am a very visual person, so I like to lay all my fabrics out and just see what I like. I use a very intuitive approach and eliminate fabrics until I am only left with a selection that I like. I decided to go with the navy sashing and a combination of teal and denim blue fat quarters. Here is my final fabric selection. If you want to see my whole selection process watch the video here.
Schedule
Week 1: Pick your size and your fabrics
Week 2: Cut your fabric
Week 3: Decide on your layout
Week 4: Sew your blocks
Week 5: Assemble your quilt
Pattern
Do you still need the pattern? No problem. You can grab it here.
Use coupon code: SHQAL2025 (expires August 3, 2025)
Thank you!!
Thank you for being here! I would love to see your progress. Comment below and tell me all about it. Or tag me on Instagram @StitchingAcrosstheGlobe and use the hashtag #SleaHeadQAL.
7 comments
Leslie P – Congrats on your first grand baby! I can’t wait to see how your quilt turns out with the directional fabric.
Gerri Gilpin – Charity quilts are the best! I can’t wait to see your quilts turn out.
Wow Janet – 63 different greens will be stunning.
I am using a stack of fat quarters I bought eons ago in case one day I might have a grandchild. The time has come and my daughter is due in January. I’m also a bit of a rule breaker and have directional fabric, so it will be a challenge but I have worked out my layout and cutting to make it work…I hope.
I pulled 16 greens at least a FQ each from my stash. Plus, I pulled 16 patriotic fabrics. I plan to make 2 quilts – one for my local high school Homeless Kids program and one for Quilts of Valor.