I’m finally releasing a pattern that has been in the works for some time! Meet Stupendous Stethoscopes, a traditionally pieced quilt pattern that joins my other science quilt patterns!
This pattern is available as a PDF pattern (EU customers please use this link) or as a printed paper version.
The stethoscopes in this pattern are traditionally pieced—no paper piecing or templates required! Each block is 9″ x 16″, and the pattern includes instructions for three different quilt sizes (lap, shown above, as well as twin and queen sizes), plus single blocks so you can turn these into a mini quilt or other small project.
The colored portions of the stethoscopes are Layer Cake friendly (assuming that your squares actually have 10″ of usable fabric). You can get two stethoscopes out of each square, and the pattern includes a diagram to show you just how to cut them.
I arranged the stethoscopes in my quilt in rainbow order, but wouldn’t these be fun featuring novelty fabrics with your or the recipient’s interests? Just make sure to choose a small print, since they’re rather narrow fabric pieces. I used a metallic solid for the “metal” portions so that they are actually silver—it had been in my stash for a while, but try some of the metallic Essex linen solids if you’d like to get a metallic effect, too.
For the quilting, I chose to just use a fun pantograph/all-over design. I know there are some great medicine-themed pantographs out there, so that would be a great choice too.
If you make this quilt, please use the #stupendousstethoscopespattern hashtag to share your awesome creation!
What an awesome design, Sylvia. Congratulations on the release; it does feel very timely but who could have predicted our strange times.
love your pattern – Can you tell me the size of one of the stethescopes?
Finished blocks measure 9 ½” x 16 ½”!
I love this pattern. I am however having trouble getting the color pieces to line up to create a good tube look. Do you have any tips for me?
If you’re having a lot of difficulty, I’d suggest pinning the intersections of the colored pieces. You can use a fabric pen to mark ¼” in from your unfinished pieces, just at the edges where they meet the background, on both pieces. Then pin at those points. I’ve definitely found that I sometimes needed to ease the fabric a little. Of course, also be sure you are sewing an accurate quarter inch seam!