Scrappy Kaleidoscope Tutorial

A few of you have been interested in the Kaleidoscope Quilt I had pictured in my last post. The 45 Degree Kaleidoscope Wedge Ruler can be hard to find but I've included a few links here and here so that you can RUN and buy one on line. You might also check with your local quilt shops as they might carry them or maybe they can order one for you. The copyright date printed on the ruler is 1988. So it's been around for a while.

I was able to get a few pictures online to show you what the ruler looks like. The pattern for the quilt is on the back of the package. What I did to tweak the pattern is a bit complicated to explain but I've included the class handouts I made a few years back. Hopefully, that will help you. I've also include pictures of some of the blocks I've made to give you some inspiration and help with fabric placement. It's a really fun pattern to make and looks way complicated. It's not a beginner pattern but if you've had some experience quilting, you'll do just fine.

45 degree Kaleidoscope Ruler
By Marilyn Doheny

Here's a look at the pattern on the back of the package.

Here's the Class Handout I gave to my students.
Just click on image to enlarge.

Here's a quick reference to minimize any confusion.
Click on image to enlarge.

First you'll want to pick some fabric.
Fabric # 1 Very Dark
Fabric #2 Medium-Dark
Fabric #3 Medium-Light
Fabric #4 Light

Cut the strips and sew them into strip sets of four strips per row from Very Dark to Light.

Then you'll want to cut the Kaleidoscope Wedges. The instructions are on the back of the ruler and it'll give you more details on how to do this. I'm sorry but, I don't like to infringe on copyright or I'd just give it to you. Thanks for your understanding.

Then you'll separate your wedges into four piles.
Refer to the Kaleidoscope Quick Reference Sheet above.

Take your wedges and sew then into pairs.

Sew the pairs into fours then sew the halves together like above.

Then you'll divide the blocks into two piles. Sew the four light corners to the four dark corner wedges.

And the four dark corners to the four light corner wedges.

This is a picture of the back of the block. Notice how all of the seams are spinning. This will give you a flatter center with the 8 seams converging in the middle. Very important. Again, the pattern gives you more details on pressing.

These are the leftover blocks from my quilt that's on my bed. I even made matching pillowcases.

Light Block.

Dark Block.

I made this quilt four years ago but never finished it. I guess I should put that on my list of things to do this year.

Dark Block.
I love these Moda fabrics.

Light Block.

Here's a close-up of the quilt.

This is a smaller version of the quilt I made that you'll see in the class handout.

This is my Halloween Spiderweb Quilt made using the Aunt Gracie prints from a few years back by Judie Rothermel for Marcus Brothers. It was part of her "Through the Year" Collection.

Here's the Christmas Kaleidoscope quilt.

Picture of the back of the Christmas Kaleidoscope. This is a fun way to use leftover blocks. I made it so when you turn down your bed you'll see this cute block. This is one of my favorite quilts that I've made over the years and each color combination is unique and beautiful.

Have fun with this tutorial and remember I would sure LOVE to see pictures of your quilts if anyone decides to make it.