The kaleidoscope technique involves piecing together identical fabric shapes to create a visually complex and symmetrical design. The easiest kaleidoscope is the one that uses 4 pieces (squares or triangles), because you will need to cut your pieces from only 4 layers of fabric.
I have a Kaleidoscope pattern that uses an easy technique for cutting the pieces from 4 layers, but do you know what’s the best thing about this pattern? You can use the same technique for cutting pieces from 6 or 8 layers or even more. The more pieces you have in your block, the more intricate the design will be.
Once you have the kaleidoscope blocks, you can join them into small or large quilts, table runners, but there are other options, as well. You can use orphan blocks or just a few blocks to create different projects, like coasters, placemats, boxes or bowls…
Here are 8 identical pieces…
that I used to create stars.
Watch the process below!
And here are a few hexagonal and octagonal coasters.
But you can make even more with kaleidoscope blocks – apply other techniques on them and you will create even more special projects.Here is the result of combining kaleidoscope with the folding technique of this pattern.
How about combining kaleidoscope with the technique for 3D pinwheels? I made this table runner inspired by the work of one of my customers!
I can’t wait to quilt this gorgeous piece.
One more important thing:
Here is my cake box with 12 slices, created from two sets of six pieces.
And these are 12-point stars, created in the same way.
If you want to create blocks using these techniques, check out the
Textured Extravaganza pattern bundle – this offer is valid for only 24 hours.
Happy sewing!
The Kaleidoscope pinwheel table runner is lovely, I will put this on my wish list to make.
Hi I’m interested in making a baby quilt with 3 d pinwheel blocks. Do you sell a. a pattern for one I would love to hear from you thanks Chris