Bloem Quilt Pattern by Libs Elliott
The Bloem quilt pattern by Libs Elliott was an amazing quilt to take my quilting skills to the next level. It has so many ways to customize the quilt from colors, sizes and layouts. In addition, you can join Libs’ Sew Squad to get additional support and videos to help you master this quilt!
Note: This post is not sponsored in anyway. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
First, we’ll start off with my finished product. I did the smaller size version (48″ x 48″), and really love how this quilt turned out! My 3-year-old daughter and 12-year-old dog fight over this quilt daily!
- Pattern: Bloem by Libs Elliott – I did Bloem 2
- Fabric: Scrappy – fabric I had on hand. Some came from Walmart, Joann Fabrics and Quilt shops. A true variety.
- Pieced & Quilted: Brother sewing machine with walking foot for quilting!
What Experience Level Is Bloem?
The pattern itself indicates that this pattern is for a confident beginners or intermediate quilters. I agree with this assessment. Not to say you couldn’t achieve this as your first or second quilt, but it would be a challenge. You want to make sure you have your 1/4″ inch seam allowance and really understand if some of your squares come up small or big how to work within seam allowances to even it out.
You’ll also be sewing curves, this was my first introduction to sewing orange peels and quarter circles, and I think it came out great! But it definitely is a bit trickier than blocks I had put together in the past.
I do have to warn you, this quilt was a gateway drug to me to start sewing all the curves. So, brace yourself, you may really love it and not be able to turn back!
What are the Sizes and Fabric Requirements for the Bloem Quilt
The Bloem quilt comes in two sizes. The first is medium which is 48″ x 48″ and the second is large which 64″ x 64″. The fabric requirements vary by quilt size but can be found here. The medium size is pretty fat quarter friendly using about 7 FQs, but you will need additional fabrics.
What is a fat quarter? Read more about that here.
Why is the Bloem Quilt so Unique?
First, the Bloem quilt is so unique because it is made in quadrants. You can then turn the quadrants into different layout options to create different patterns and shapes. It reminds of me a colorful kaleidoscope. The pattern also comes with two options – Bloem 1 and Bloem 2. I did Bloem 2. In the pattern she demonstrates the 6 different layouts included in the pattern – 3 for Bloem 1 and 3 for Bloem 2. Therefore, there are a wide variety of final design options – which really makes this quilt unique!
I did the 2nd layout option of Bloem 2. However, when I went into it, I just knew I preferred the Bloem 2 layouts and then actually laid my quilt out before deciding what option to go with. It was a family affair, and it was really fun selection a layout. In fact, here is a great video from Libs on her Instagram page showing the versatility of this quilt.
What Templates are Need for the Bloem Quilt?
This pattern does require templates. You have two options. The first option is to use the paper patterns that come with the pattern. The second option is to purchase acrylic templates in either the medium or large size. These templates can be used for both Bloem and La Fin du Monde quilts by Libs Elliott.
I used the paper templates. I printed the templates out, ensured they were the right size, then attached them to Wrights Quilter’s Extra Thick Plastic Template. However, people use so many different things for this. I’ve seen people using dollar tree cutting mats, cereal boxes, amazon boxes, etc. I do think next time I will try cardboard, but this plastic works great. I attach the paper templates to the plastic using these little adhesive dots and cut it out. I leave the paper attached to the template.
When using the paper templates, I use blue painters tape to help it stay in place. I personally don’t use a rotary cutter directly with the templates; I trace the templates onto the fabric with marker and cut with a combo of rotary cutter/rulers for the straight lines and scissors for the curves.
What is Libs Elliott’s Sew Squad?
Libs has a monthly membership/online community. You pay a monthly fee to join, I kind of view it as a virtual quilt guild. I found the Squad right before the sew along started for the Bloem quilt and just had to give it a try. I’ve stayed long after the sew along ended. She hosts workshops, social hours and more. I have met a couple very great quilty friends from this group.
If you do buy the Bloem pattern, I’d recommend giving the Sew Squad a try for a month. You can go back to all the weekly videos she prepared for the Bloem sew along which gives tips and tricks on those curves. She covers pin basting, glue basting and other tips in each video.
In addition, there is a very supportive community from across the globe. I have really enjoyed my time in the sew alongs, live workshops and catching up with workshops I missed on demand.
Again, this is not sponsored, just sharing a quilt pattern I love and community I’m happy to be a part of!
If you decide to check out the Sew Squad, use my link! I don’t get any financial kickbacks but can earn a “badge” in the Squad for sending ya!
Wrap Up
I really think that if you’re interested in learning curves, this is a great quilt. I would recommend doing the larger size if you have the fabric for it, the smaller orange peels in the medium were definitely tricky. However, I got through it and so will you!
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