Signal Trace {Scrappy Tips & Tricks}

There are a lot of different ways to approach making a scrappy quilt top. For Signal Trace, I think there are two good options:

• “grab and go” and
• controlled scrappy.

Scrappy Method 1 – “Grab and Go”

My definition of “grab and go” is that quilt pieces are randomly used in whatever combination is close at hand. The “grab and go” method comes from traditionally piecing scraps that are all jumbled together in a bag or bin. To create that same “grab and go” feeling with Signal Trace, I recommend randomly organizing the pieces for each step. So, when making the HSTs for the pattern, first randomly sort all of the background squares into a stack and then randomly sort all of the accent squares into a stack. Pair the top background square with the top accent square to make the first HST pairing, and so on. Then, when modifying the HSTs and creating the bonus HSTs, randomly sort all of the HSTs into a stack and then randomly sort all of the small background squares into a stack. Pair the top HST with the top background square to complete this step and so on.

Fat Quarter Frenzy – Signal Trace – Fabric Placement

Scrappy Method 2 – Controlled Scrappy

Controlled scrappy is the method I used for making both the original Signal Trace quilt and this second version of the quilt. I started by pairing the squares to make HSTs together to make sure that different accent and background prints were paired together. Since I’m making the baby size version (which has 4 blocks), once the HSTs were pieced and trimmed, I put the HSTs on my design wall to create 4 blocks, making sure that each block used each background print and accent print. Then I placed the smaller background squares on top of each HST as shown above – working to keep the distribution and placement of each background print different.

Fat Quarter Frenzy – Signal Trace – Bonus HSTs

There is no right or wrong way to approach creating a scrappy quilt; I personally like feeling a bit more control over the final outcome. You do you! And if you have another method or way you like to approach creating a scrappy quilt, share it in the comments!

Additional Tips

• I have a full tutorial on creating bonus HSTs from stitch and flip that includes a bonus HST sizing table.
• This is my stitch and flip pressing tip (TLDR; either pre-wash your fabric or press with a dry iron).

Linking up with Tips and Tutorials on the 22nd.