Sample Mystery Row Quilt Instructions

A row quilt involves a firm commitment for the duration of the swap. It is meant to encourage quilters of different skill levels to stretch their creativity and utilize their many talents. If you cannot follow the rules or meet the deadlines, then it is best to decline joining in. It makes it harder on the other members of the group if they are having to wait on one person to complete their blocks all the time.

THEME: You will decide on a theme for your quilt (ex: all purple, stars, gardening, Christmas, etc) and the colours you wish to use. The other swappers will decide on the blocks to use, thus the mystery! You will not know what has been made until you get your quilt package back from the last swapper on the list.

FABRICS: You will make your first row of blocks using your colours and/or theme fabric. Remember, you are not supplying the other swappers with ALL the fabric to use, only enough to ensure that the rows will tie together. If you want your quilt to be scrappy, you will not be supplying as much fabric as someone who wants their background and theme fabric to be in every row. If you are using a generic colour background such as solid black, white on white, etc. or a theme colour such as "any purple", then, this would also apply. If you wish the swappers to use a specific background fabric, you will need 2-3 yards of this particular fabric. If you wish the swappers to use a specific theme fabric(s), you will need an additional 2 yards of this fabric to send on. You can leave the fabrics in one piece and let the swappers use it as they wish, or you may divide the fabrics into fat quarters or half yards and put them in plastic baggies with each swapper’s name on it so everyone gets to use the same amount. Please remember to use 100% quality cotton fabric, pre-washed, pressed and tested to ensure it is colorfast.

ROWS: We will make rows for a lap-sized quilt that is 45" wide. Any row of any quilt may be 6 to 9 inches in height and MUST be 45 inches wide. Do NOT attach your row to the previous row. Place your row in the bag with the other rows and the rest of the fabric and pass it on to the next name on the list. This allows the owner a little more freedom to decide what order they want the rows in and to add any additional sashing, rows or borders.

BLOCK PATTERN & SIZE: You will decide each month which block pattern would be best for the quilt as it comes to you. All blocks in a row do not have to be the same pattern or even the same size. Blocks don’t have to be square. Use the background fabric to stretch your rows to the required size by adding to the ends or by placing strips between the blocks as needed to ensure that row meets a consistent height (6 to 9") and the 45" width. Do not repeat blocks used in a previous row for that quilt. The idea is to use your creativity and this is all part of the challenge. Be sure to use whole blocks, no half blocks. Keep with the theme of the quilt using your own fabric and any fabrics that may have been included. Traditional piecing, paper piecing, or finished applique (not just unsewn Wonder Under) will all work as long as the blocks stick with the theme.

The "rules" are:

1. Use only 100% quality cotton fabrics nothing with a loose weave and no cotton polyester blends. Pre-wash and iron every fabric. Test each fabric to ensure colorfastness.
2. Treat each quilt with respect, keeping it in a clean, dry and safe place. Keep away from direct sunlight, pets and tobacco smoke.
3. You will always pass the quilt to the next person on the list following your name. The last person always sends to the first person on the list.
4. Please be sure you can commit to completing the entire robin, and keep the lines of communication open. Other people are depending on you. If you will be late with a row, please let the hostess know so this information can be passed on. And please remember the GOLDEN RULE OF QUILTING: work on another’s quilt like you would your own!

Ideally, there are 6 swappers to a group. Set a dead line to pass the quilt on to the next person in line. Monthly works well for most.

Ideas for this page taken from Quilting to Share.