What is Secondary Design?

Have you ever looked at a quilt and saw the not only the intended design, but a secondary design? This is actually a fun type of quilt to design and one I like to do. I love it when someone cannot tell what the individual blocks actually are in a quilt because of the secondary design….. unless they look really close!

The way to create a secondary design is to start with a block with interesting elements that, when joined with additional blocks into a quilt top, combine to make the secondary design. For example, these are blocks from my quilt, Crisscross Cabin Blooms:

Now, look what happens when you join 4 of the above blocks together:

Notice how there is a crisscross design that is formed by the black pieces. With several of these sections assembled into the quilt top, it creates a cool overall crisscross design. Here is another option with these blocks:

This lay out will have the black pieces create an overall diagonal secondary design.

Here’s the actual quilt when it was completed:

Another way to create a secondary design is with sashing joining blocks together. Here is an table runner I designed where I used this method. (table runner on the right)

Here’s a closeup of the sashing:

Notice how the sashing I added creates the secondary star design and also creates a cross-hatch design. Hey …. a tertiary design!

Here are some photos of some of my other patterns. See if you can pick out the block and also notice the secondary design or designs that appear in these quilts.

So, next time you go to a quilt show, once you are done with your “close up” viewing of a quilt, step back and take in the view. Look for the secondary design that creates a completely different “attitude” to the quilt and creates movement.

Leave a comment and win my pattern Crisscross Cabin Blooms! **Winner chosen: Congrats Marsha!**

Happy Quilting!
Deanne