Quilting in Black {Monthly Color Challenge}

Welcome to the April edition of the 2022 Monthly Color Challenge! This month we are quilting in black with lots of half square triangles.

2022 Monthly Color Challenge Spicy — Variety is the Spice of L:ife!

Find all instructions by visiting Patterns by Jen.

Preparation is key

Getting ready to make new quilt blocks brings the thrill of anticipation and discovery as I dive into my stash. I have challenged myself to make three blocks each month for the Monthly Color Challenge – one in the perscribed colors at the 12″ size, then two of the smaller blocks where I reverse the color layout. When I have three sets of light and dark fabric pairs, it is time to cut.

Here are the fabrics I chose for my April blocks:

Rotary cutters, mats and rulers are some of the basic tools that a quilter needs. I introduce my favorites in this series of videos:

All the small pieces are cut according to the instructions, and ready for chain piecing.

This pattern uses the handy Two-At-A-Time method for making half-square triangles.

(Need a refresher on this method? Check out this blog post.)

I trim everything to the correct size with my Bloc-Loc ruler.

Find Bloc-Loc rulers at the Fat Quarter Shop. Purchasing with my affiliate link lets me earn a small commission and helps support this blog.

Quilting in Black

Watch the layout carefully! Changing the placement of the dark fabrics did require extra concentration while sewing the strips above the pinwheel center.

I think this would be a fun block to use in a quilt with lots of colors so those HST chains could really pop.

Here is another quilt that uses a black background for dramatic effect – Beaded Curtain with Island Batik fabrics.

Getting Spicy

For our spicy theme, we were inspired by Nigella seeds this month. This article describes them as having an oregano-like quality. Some recommended dishes to make with Nigella seeds are a spinach omelet, red onion salad, or barley risotto. Sounds yummy!

Monthly Color Challenge Bloggers

Looking for more inspiration as you start quilting in black? Visit these talented quilters and dedicated bloggers who are participating in the 2022 Monthly Color Challenge:

Jen – Patterns By Jen

Lissa – Lovingly Lissa

Karen – Karen Bolan Designs

Gail – Quilting Gail

Raylee – Sunflower Stitcheries