This tutorial teaches you how to make a barn quilt, which is a quilt block pattern painted onto a square of plywood. The process involves preparing the wood, prime it, drawing the quilt block outline, taping off the first blocks, painting them, touching up any imperfections, and adding a hanging apparatus. The barn quilts are typically 2-feet square and 1-foot square, making them suitable for hanging on a house, garage, or shed.
To paint a barn quilt, you can use a 2’x2′ piece of plywood sheathing that is 1/3 of an inch thick to support all the quilt blocks. Experiment with shading and stenciling techniques to add depth and detail to your barn quilt block.
To assemble the supplies, you will need a 1x6x8 board and an 18″x18″ piece of plywood. The Ohio Star pattern may be the easiest pattern to replicate due to its simple straight lines. To create a barn quilt, follow these steps:
- Choose wood or wood scraps for the quilt.
- Prep the wood by purchasing enough fence boards to make the desired size.
- Build your wood sign by lightly sanding the boards.
- Design your quilt pattern by marking off the pieces.
- Paint the front and edges of the board with 2-3 coats of good quality exterior primer such as KILZ.
In summary, creating a barn quilt is a simple process that requires careful planning, patience, and the right materials. You can create a unique and beautiful barn quilt using various techniques, such as shading and stenciling, to elevate the overall look and make your design stand out.
📹 Quiltfolk – DIY Barn Quilt Tutorial
Have you ever wanted to paint your own barn quilt? This DIY Barn Quilt Painting Kit by Sheila Sinclair Snyder of License to Quilt …
What is the best material for outdoor barn quilts?
Barn quilts have traditionally been painted on exterior plywood or MDO, but over time, these materials have warped and become difficult to install. As a result, more barn quilt trails are using lightweight Aluminum Composite Board, which is highly recommended for its durability. The paint used is Valspar DurMax Exterior Latex (Semi-Gloss) from Lowes, which has been used by the sign industry for years. The Aluminum Composite Sheet comes pre-primed on both sides, but it is important to prime it again.
If the quilt block requires a smaller size, the Alabama Barn Quilt Trail has a video on how to cut the composite sheets. To prepare the sheet, remove the protective film, pre-clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol, sand the surface with a sanding block or sand paper, remove dust with a lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol, apply two coats of exterior primer, and apply two coats of the background color.
What size are most barn quilts?
It is recommended that project leaders utilize plywood for quilt blocks and employ painting at ground level, as the Columbia County barn quilts are predominantly 8 feet square, which is an appropriate scale for the majority of barns, eliminating the necessity for scaffolding or ladders.
How to hang a barn quilt outside?
The barn quilt can be affixed directly to smooth surfaces utilizing exterior screws. In the event that the surface in question is uneven and comprises siding or barn board, it may be necessary to install wood strips with exterior screws prior to affixing the barn quilt. It is crucial to avoid overtightening the screws, as this can result in the aluminum composite sheet bending out of shape.
How do you display a quilt outside?
To display quilts in an outdoor setting, one may consider draping them over porch railings, covering them with an old sheet or dropcloth, hanging them on a hammock, or using a small table topper on patio furniture to introduce color and interest.
How to frame a barn quilt?
The fundamental concept is to construct a box frame beneath a 4X8 ft. plywood sheet with a 2X4 spacer, then place the plywood sheet on the frame and secure it to the frame at 12-inch intervals.
How do you weatherproof a barn quilt?
The author applied two coats of clear satin Krylon sealant to the quilt, which is intended for use on a covered porch. The sealant will provide protection for both indoor and outdoor use.
Can you put a barn quilt on a house?
A barn quilt is a large piece of wood painted to resemble a quilt block, with a long history in the United States of hanging them outside homes and barns. These quilts were believed to bring good luck and prosperity, and women would take a pattern of a quilt block made by their grandmother and hang them on their barns. This was a way to decorate their farms and was a source of family pride.
When paint was readily available, quilt blocks disappeared, but in 2000, a woman in Ohio started a barn quilt tour to increase tourism in her state. People would tour farms in the state and view the barn quilts painted to represent the families who owned them.
Last summer, a family member fell in love with barn quilts and decided to make one herself. They are easy to make and are addicting, and the author is now looking for new patterns and ways to use them.
What kind of paint to use for an outdoor barn quilt?
Mary Reed, a quilt block artist, led a one-day workshop in Berea, Kentucky, where eight students gathered to learn and practice their craft. The workshop was part of the Festival of LearnShops, and the students were divided into two groups: those who had painted quilt blocks before and those who were new to the activity.
Mary explained the materials and tools used, including 2-foot square panels of aluminum composite material, which is lightweight, bend-resistant, durable, and moisture-resistant. She also primed the metal sign boards with Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer, allowing them to start marking their patterns.
The traditional patchwork quilt pattern featured repeating, geometric shapes in a carefully-defined color scheme. A barn quilt, spotted on a dairy barn in Wisconsin, is a case in point. The pieced quilt was familiar to most households during the pioneer days, as it was created from scraps of fabric not otherwise of use. The use of so many tiny pieces in one quilt and the pride with which the number was announced, gave evidence of their patience and frugality.
The students were able to choose from various quilt block patterns, and Mary patiently guided them through the steps of drawing their patterns, taping, and painting their designs. The process required patience and careful attention to detail.
One of the lessons learned while painting their first barn quilt block was to simplify the design. They looked at various patchwork quilt blocks and painted barn quilts online before deciding on a pattern. They decided to use a pattern featuring hummingbirds, merging elements from several different patterns into a single design. They then used Rapid Resizer software to create a line drawing of the design, resize it to the desired 24″ x 24″ square format, and print it.
Despite the challenges, the students learned the process and gained confidence to finish the project on their own. After reworking the design, they found the original design too busy and complex with too many small, fiddly pieces. The revised pattern is bolder and more streamlined, with the main elements shown in the photo.
The Quilter’s Recipe Book provides advice on color selection for barn quilt blocks, stating that variations can be created by changing and rearranging colors and tones. To plan the color scheme, make a quick sketch of your block and photocopy it several times. Use colored pencils or fiber-tipped pens to try out different color schemes, or use colored paper to test color combinations. At home, select three analogous colors, blue, violet, and red, for the three large flowers, then add white paint to create a tint for each and black paint to create a shade for each. Yellow and orange as accent colors for the small flower in the center add drama and sparkle.
To ensure neat, clean painted lines, place painter’s tape around the outside edges of each part. There are several tricks to avoid bleeding and get perfect edges, such as using a sharp X-Acto knife with a metal ruler, burning the edges of the tape with a bone folder, or sealing the edges of the tape with a small amount of Acrylic Matte Medium. Remove the painter’s tape before the paint dries by pulling it away from the painted area at an angle.
Mary recommends exterior latex semi-gloss paint for barn quilt blocks, with small foam rollers and foam brushes working well for large and small sections. Start with the lightest color, taping and painting all elements in this color at once. Allow the paint to dry before adding a second coat. Then remove the tape, allow the paint to dry, and move on to the next paint color, working from light to dark.
After reworking the design, you can finish your first 2-foot square barn quilt block, which features traditional patchwork pieced quilt patterns. Simplify the design and plan the color scheme for a painted barn quilt block, and take time to tape precisely and paint carefully when painting a barn quilt block.
What is the purpose of barn quilts?
Barn quilts are significant symbols in American agriculture, celebrating rural areas and agricultural traditions. Originating in Pennsylvania, they have become a nationwide phenomenon, preserving America’s rich cultural heritage. Each unique pattern tells a story about local history or culture, making them significant symbols within communities. Barn quilts have brought people together, promoted travel, and celebrated rural foundations, making them a powerful symbol of American culture.
How to display a homemade quilt?
To display quilts, choose a location free from direct sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations, avoiding areas near windows or heating/cooling vents. Invest in quilt racks or hangers that allow the quilt to be fully visible and sturdy enough to support its weight. Consider a quilt ladder for displaying multiple smaller quilts, ensuring even display. Hang larger quilts on the wall using a quilt sleeve or fabric loops attached to the back of the quilt.
Rotate the display every few months to prevent prolonged exposure to light and minimize wear. Regularly clean the quilts according to their care instructions to maintain their appearance and prevent dirt or dust buildup. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive agitation that can damage the fabric.
Your mother’s heirloom quilts can be displayed on a vintage dresser in your home’s guest bedroom, serving as a focal point. This simple yet effective way to display quilts can make your home a more beautiful and functional space.
Should I seal my barn quilt?
The American Garden Barn Quilt is sealed with a water-based Protective Sealer, making it weather-resistant. Polyurethane is not used as it can discolor the quilt over time. If shipping is required, the quilt is wrapped in plastic for moisture protection and securely packaged in a custom corrugated box with reinforced corners. FED EX GROUND is used for shipping. All American Garden Barn Quilts are fabricated, handcrafted, and hand-painted in the Columbus, IN Studio.
📹 How to Make a Barn Quilt | An Easy Ohio Barn Quilt Tutorial
Hi friends! I can’t wait to show you how you can make this beautiful Ohio Barn Quilt for your home! A few weeks ago I shared a …
Hi Thank you for your teachig…im new and having a bit of trouble, as im using angle cut wood pieces. Only through googling did i find out that they are painted. I ma de one and a lady wanted me to make 3×3 but i dont know what to charge for my work…could you give me an idea of what they are worth to charge a customer? Thank you
Hi Jenn ❤ I’ve missed your articles this week! I am so excited you shared this with us! It was so easy to follow along and I will be perusal multiple times when I make this! It’s just beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing with us! I hope your husband is feeling better and on the mend with his back! ❤❤❤
I’ve made a few 4’x4’ barn quilts, one Christmas themed in red, green and white for a back drop on my porch. I use a water based sealer once I’m finished. Oil based sealers will turn a yellowish color and ruin any light colors over time. I also find the center of the board by measuring corner to corner and putting an x in the center. This will help find the true center. I love your color choices! Barn quilt patterns can be found in Pinterest and drawn out in graph paper for measurements. Love this!!!
Oh Jen that’s awesome. I’m converted to that cinnamon paint now. That’s beautiful. I have made several and I love them. I’m definitely going to make this pattern and colors. I get stuck using the same colors but I’m going to branch out!!! Have a wonderful weekend. I’m always happy to see what you have to show us. You never disappoint.
I absolutely love this craft. You did. The colors came together spectacular I am not thinking fall yet but I would like to make this for sure. I would also love to see one in country, red, white and blues. Just an idea. You do the most awesome crafting and decorating. Everything you do in your articles is just wonderful. God bless. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend.