If you are like me and love to do crossword puzzles and make quilts, here is a project that will fill both of those passions. This design is great for making any size quilt, from a king size bed to a baby’s crib. A crossword puzzle quilt is also a great way to express your feelings because you can put letters in the squares that spell out messages. You may want to wish newlyweds well or welcome a new baby with a few selective words of love, such as ‘Congratulations John and Joan’, or “Welcome Baby Allison’. A crossword puzzle quilt is easy to make because it only take two colors of fabrics, white and black. It also only takes one size quilt block, which is five inches by five inches, also known as a nickel square. Adding the letters on each square provides you with an opportunity to display your creativity, as there are a number of ways to imprint your message on this delightful quilt.
To start your quilt you will need a standard nickel quilt pattern, which will help you determine the total number of squares you will need for the quilt top. You may be able to figure the total without a pattern by just measuring the width and length of the area and dividing by five. You will then need to decide on the message you want to place on the quilt and how many white blocks you will need for this. The remainder blocks will be black. You will need to purchase the appropriate amount of black and white fabric, quilt batting, and fabric for the quilt back. It helps if you can make a sketch of the design before you begin, and keep it nearby for reference as you make your quilt.
Once you have you have decided on a message, you need to apply that message to the white blocks. This is where you can let your creativity flow. You may want to embroider the letters, fabric markers, or use fabric paints. You can also use cloth and applique the letters on securing them with fusible webbing or by sewing a blind or button stitch.
After you have imprinted your message on the white squares, lay out all the squares on a flat surface such as table or bed. This will give you an idea of how the finished quilt top will appear, and allow you to make changes before you sew the square together.
Stitch your nickel squares together in the proper order, and when finished layer the quilt top, batting, and fabric bottom together and pin in place. Hand or machine stitch the layers together and finish the edge with quilt binding all the way around.
Your crossword puzzle quilt is now ready to display or give as a gift.
Source: Personal Experience