--- title: "Mardi-Gras Magic Quilt Tutorial" date: 2023-12-23 author: "Phoebe Moon" featured_image: "https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-cutting.jpg" categories: - name: "Quilt Mysteries" url: "/category/mysteries.md" --- # Mardi-Gras Magic Quilt Tutorial Use the Print Friendly button under this tutorial to print this page. If that doesn’t work, try Ctrl-P or Flower-P. That should bring up the printer dialog box. . ![Mardi-Gras-Magic-Quilt](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mardi-Gras-Magic-800-251x300.jpg)[Order the pattern here](https://scrapdash.com/quilt-patterns/mardi-gras-magic-throw-quilt-pattern/) This was the New Years Day mystery in 2024. [You can see pictures of the finished quilts here](https://scrapdash.com/mardi-gras-magic-mystery-picture-page/). Mardi Gras is a spectacular celebration that lasts from the 12th day after Christmas to the day before Ash Wednesday. Though Mardi Gras technically refers only to Fat Tuesday (February 13,2024 this year), the season actually begins on Epiphany, (the twelfth day of Christmas) and ends on Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent.) Mardi Gras is a purple, green and gold carnival filled with parties, interesting parades and best of all, King Cake! A king cake is a brioche with a “baby” baked inside. Whoever finds the baby has to make the next king cake. I sent the picture below to my then-pregnant daughter, who did not get the joke. [![Sign that says My Parents Found Me in a King Cake](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/my-parents-found-me-411x800.jpg)](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/my-parents-found-me.jpg) Even though the day itself is a Louisiana State Holiday, the celebration of Mardi Gras may have actually originated in Mobile, Alabama. French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville celebrated his arrival in what is now Mobile on Fat Tuesday, 1699 and named the location Point du Mardi Gras. It’s mostly celebrated in the Southern US. We’ve participated in several Mardi Gras events – you can see our adventures in [New Orleans here](https://scrapdash.com/new-orleans-visit/) and [Galveston TX](https://scrapdash.com/celebrating-mardi-gras-in-galveston/) here. [![Sign explaining Mardi Gras Colors](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mardi-Gras-Colors-768x396.jpg)](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mardi-Gras-Colors.jpg) ## The Mardi Gras Magic Quilt This quilt will use 3″ x 6″ *finished* Flying Geese. There are lots of different methods to make them, but I am using the traditional one, which is sewing corners on a rectangle. If you prefer another method, wait until you get to the step to cut. ### Flying Geese Methods - [Traditional Method](https://scrapdash.com/pumpkin-quilt-block/) - [Accuquilt](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=88677&awinaffid=2008229&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.accuquilt.com%2Fgo-flying-geese-3-1-2-x-6-1-2-3-x-6-finished-die.html) - [No Math/ Wing Clipper](https://scrapdash.com/flying-goose-quilt-block/) - [Quilt in a Day](https://scrapdash.com/make-flying-geese-quilt-blocks-qiad/) (Large Ruler) - [Dimensional](https://scrapdash.com/mardi-gras-geese/) - [Square-in-a-Square](https://scrapdash.com/blast-from-the-past-12-2008/) - [Corners on a triangle using the Ultimate Flying Geese Tool](https://amzn.to/3VuuI3T) ### Supplies you might need - a [rotating cutting board](https://www.amazon.com/shop/scrapdash/list/3JV0YQ9SKWO6J) - [sharp pins (applique or patchwork)](https://www.amazon.com/shop/scrapdash/list/3JV0YQ9SKWO6J) - [Best Press](https://amzn.to/3FYgfaL) Before starting this or any other project, wash and press your fabric. If you like the behavior of crisp fabric as you cut, sew and press your project, try a little [spray sizing](https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=929603&u=1512603&m=68500&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efatquartershop%2Ecom%2Fbest%2Dpress%2Dscent%2Dfree%2Dspray%2Dstarch&afftrack=) when you press it. Take the time to clean your machine, put in a new needle and fill a few bobbins. Unless the pattern tells you otherwise, you should always assume that the seam in any quilting pattern is 1/4″ wide. The [Traditional Method](https://scrapdash.com/pumpkin-quilt-block/) for making Flying Geese Blocks is used in this pattern. All strips are cut by Width of Fabric. Pressing means just holding the iron over a spot for a moment or two. Don’t drag the iron back and forth as you normally do when ironing. That might distort your seams. ## **Cutting Instructions** – Use your own fabrics! - 1/4 yard **Mardi Gras Jester** : Cut (1) strip 8″ wide by the WOF. From that strip, cut (5) 8″ squares - 1/4 yard **Mardi Gras Fleur-de-lis**: Cut (1) strip 8″ wide by the WOF. From that strip, cut (5) 8″ squares - 2-3/4 yard **Background**: Cut (2) strips 8″ wide by the WOF. From those strips, cut (10) 8″ squares. Cut (22) strips 3-1/2″ wide by the WOF. From those strips, cut (240) 3-1/2″ squares. - 3/4 yard Mardi Gras Masks: Cut (7) strips 3-1/2″ wide by the WOF. From those strips, cut (40) 3-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ rectangles. - 3/4 yard **Mardi Gras Feathers**: Cut (7) strips 3-1/2″ wide by the WOF. From those strips, cut (40) 3-1/2″ × 6-1/2″ rectangles - 1 yard **Toscana Deep Purple**: Cut (13) strips 2-1/2″ wide by the WOF. - 1 yard **Mardi Gras Music**: Cut (7) strips 4-1/2″ wide by the WOF. ## The Magic Eight Method of Making HSTS Mardi Gras Magic Quilt HSTs: In this section, you are sewing ahead a little bit. You will need (80) 3-1/2″ square HSTs by the end of this project, so you might as well make them now. [ Here is a detailed tutorial on how to make HSTs](https://scrapdash.com/hsts-by-magic/) using the Magic Eight method. This method works well when you need to make a lot of identically colored HST blocks. *Make a* ***test block*** *first*. (My personal preference is to cut the squares slightly too large so that I can square up the HST blocks later on. If you are sure of your 1/4″ seam, you can use 7-3/4″ blocks. ) ![Mardi Gras Magic Mystery](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-HST-Drawn-lines.jpg) ![Mardi Gras Magic Mystery](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-HST-cut.jpg) If you don’t like the Magic Eight method, cut your 8″ squares into (4) 4″ squares (or (4) 3-7/8″ squares) so you can use the Traditional method. [Here is a detailed tutorial on how to make HSTs](https://scrapdash.com/making-half-square-triangles-hsts/) using the Traditional method. **Assemble:** - (10) 8″ × 8″ Background Squares - (5) 8″ × 8″ Jester Squares - (5) 8″ × 8″ Fleur-de-lis Squares Using your preferred method of making 40 HST blocks from each set of colors, create, press and square up to 3-1/2″: ![Make 40 HSTs](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Make-40-fleur.jpg) (40) Background and Fleur-de-lis HSTs ![8 HSTs](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-Fleur-HST.jpg) and ![Make 40 HSTs](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Make-40-Jester.jpg) (40) Background and Jester HSTs ![8 HSTs](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-Jester-HST.jpg) ## Making Flying Geese ![Clue Two Flying Goose](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MMFG-Clue-Two.jpg) This is the traditional method of making Flying Geese Blocks. If you prefer another method, cut for that one, not the one shown below. Here is a [detailed tutorial on using the Traditional Method to Make Flying Geese Blocks.](https://scrapdash.com/pumpkin-quilt-block/) Read over the tutorial below before you start cutting. I do suggest some alternative ideas. ### Other Methods of Making Flying Geese Quilt Blocks: - [Accuquilt](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=88677&awinaffid=2008229&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.accuquilt.com%2Fgo-flying-geese-3-1-2-x-6-1-2-3-x-6-finished-die.html) - [No Math/ Wing Clipper](https://scrapdash.com/flying-goose-quilt-block/) - [Quilt in a Day](https://scrapdash.com/make-flying-geese-quilt-blocks-qiad/) (Large Ruler) - [Dimensional](https://scrapdash.com/mardi-gras-geese/) - [Square-in-a-Square](https://scrapdash.com/blast-from-the-past-12-2008/) - [Corners on a triangle using the Ultimate Flying Geese Tool](https://amzn.to/3VuuI3T) ## The Traditional Method of Making 40 Flying Goose Blocks **Assemble:** [![Mardi-Gras-Magic-fabric](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-FG-Feathers.jpg)](https://phoebemoondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1642724977) - (40) 3-1/2″ × 6-1/2″ Feather rectangles - (80) 3-1/2″ Background squares Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of a 3-1/2″ Background square and place it on one corner of a 3-1/2″ × 6-1/2″ flying goose rectangle, right sides together. I’m using the **[Quilt-in-a-Day Flying Geese ruler](https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=929603&u=1512603&m=68500&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efatquartershop%2Ecom%2Flarge%2Dflying%2Dgeese%2Druler%2Dquilt%2Din%2Da%2Dday%2D2007qd&afftrack=)** in the picture below because I like the way the 1/4″ seam shows and I will eventually be using this ruler to square up the block. I will NOT be using this method of making flying geese in this tutorial because not everyone has this ruler. Sew on the line and finger press the square up to the corner of the rectangle. It should line up perfectly. Cut off the excess underneath before pressing the square to the corner. ![Mardi-Gras-Magic-Block Cut](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-cutting.jpg) Create all the left side corners before adding the right side. This is called chain piecing and saves a lot of time. FYI: that’s my bottle of [Best Press](https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=929603&u=1512603&m=68500&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efatquartershop%2Ecom%2Fbest%2Dpress%2Dscent%2Dfree%2D6oz%2Dspray%2Dstarch&afftrack=) in the picture, as well as the [Creative Grid stripology ruler](https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=929603&u=1512603&m=68500&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efatquartershop%2Ecom%2Fcreative%2Dgrids%2Dnon%2Dslip%2Dxl%2Dstripology%2Druler&afftrack=). Neither is required for this quilt, they just make things a bit easier. ![Mardi-Gras-Magic-Block chain stitching](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-chain-stitching.jpg)Repeat this process with the other side, overlapping the first square. Press and square up your block to 3-1/2″ × 6-1/2″. Here is an idea: When you are drawing your sewing line for the corners, draw another one 1/2″ away. Sew on that line as well. ![Mardi-Gras-Magic-Block Line](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-double-line.jpg) Then cut between the lines. Can you guess what will happen? Yes, indeed, you will get a bonus HST. It’s probably going to be 2-3/4″ square, but I square mine up to 2-1/2″. Don’t do that now – they aren’t used in this quilt. That ruler is from the [Quilt-in-a-Day Square-Up](https://amzn.to/3H1YOqY) set. ![Mardi-Gras-Magic-HST-Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-HST2.jpg) ## Making 40 More Flying Goose Blocks [![Clue Three Flying Goose](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MMFG-Clue-Three.jpg)](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MMFG-Clue-Three.jpg) **Assemble:** - (40) 3-1/2″ × 6-1/2″ Mask rectangles - (80) 3-1/2″ Background squares Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of a 3-1/2″ Background square and place it on one corner of a 3-1/2″ × 6-1/2″ flying goose rectangle, right sides together. Sew on the line and finger press the square up to the corner of the rectangle. It should line up perfectly. Cut off the excess underneath before pressing the square to the corner. Create all the left side corners before adding the right side. Repeat this process with the other side, overlapping the first square. Press and square up your block to 3-1/2″ × 6-1/2″. ## Cutting Strips for Borders and Binding **Assemble:** - (13) 2-1/2″ wide Solid Purple strips - (7) 4-1/2″ wide Music strips You will need some long strips to create the border and binding. To save time, sew all these strips end to end ahead of time. Working with each group individually, create 2 groups of LOONG strips. Trim seams to 1/4″ and press open. Miter the joins if you like by sewing the two strips right sides together at an angle as shown to left. Cut off the excess 1/4″ from the seam. Press the seam open. ![How to miter the join of a quilt strip](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/miter-join-graphic-300x181.jpg) ## Making Pinwheels **To make the pinwheels, assemble:** - (40) Fleur-de-lis HSTs - (40) Jester HSTs Here is a graphic from the pattern. Take note of the pressing directions, they WILL make a difference. ![Pinwheel Progress](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-Pinwheel-Progess.jpg)Here is my unsewn block: ![Mardi Gras Magic Mystery Fleur Pinwheel](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MM-Fleur-Pinwheel.jpg) Here are my block steps. ![Pinwheel Step 1](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MM-pinwheel-2-blocks.jpg)The two HSTs sewn together. Press both to the right. When you turn the bottom one upside down, the seams will face in opposite directions. ![Pinwheel Step 2](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MM-2-blocks.jpg)Sew the two-patch sections together to make a pinwheel. Press that center seam open! It will help you match up the blocks later on. Square up to 6-1/2″ if necessary. Make 40 of **each** colorway and press. ## Mardi Gras Magic Block- Partial Seam Piecing Here comes the hard block! Honestly, it’s not that bad. Just take your time. Use a basting stitch if you have never made a block using partial seam piecing before. Here are the blocks you are making. ![Mardi Gras Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Block2.jpg) ![Mardi Gras Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Block1.jpg) **Assemble**: - (20) Pinwheel Blocks that you just made - (40) Mask Flying Geese blocks - (40) Feather Flying Geese Blocks - (80) 3-1/2″ Background squares. ![Mardi-Gras Magic Mystery](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MM-PSP1-800x475.jpg) ![Partial Seam Piecing](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MM-PSP2-800x692.jpg) ## Making the Rows Alternating the pinwheel colors of the blocks, create (5) rows like the one below. Press the seams to the right. ![Mardi Gras Quilt Row](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Row-1-1.jpg)Press the block seams to the right—>>> ## Piecing the Quilt Top Rotating every other row by 180 degrees, sew the rows together as shown below. Notice how the Flying Goose blocks make a secondary design. Because of the way you have pressed your seams, they should just touch each other at the intersection. Use pins to encourage this behavior. ![Mardi Gras Quilt Top](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/marti-gras-top-1.jpg) Press and measure. Your quilt top should measure 48-1/2″ × 60-1/2″. ## Completing the Quilt Top **Assemble:** - The long 2-1/2″ wide Solid Purple strip. Cut this strip into (2) strips that are 52-1/2 long and (2) that are 60-1/2″ long. - The long 4-1/2″ wide Music strip. Cut this strip into (2) strips that are 60-1/2″ long and (2) that are 64-1/2″ long. It’s always a temptation to simply sew on a strip border and then cut off the excess but don’t do that here. Forcing your quilt to match identically cut borders will force it to remain flat. If one side of the quilt is just the tiniest bit larger than the border, place the quilt top down on the bed of your sewing machine when sewing the border on. The feed dogs will help take up the slack. Reverse the process if it is your border that is bigger. Using [a walking foot,](https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=596711&u=1512603&m=53072&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Esewingmachinesplus%2Ecom%2Fwalking%2Dfeet%2Ephp&afftrack=) sew the (2) 60-1/2″ long Solid Purple strips to either side of the quilt top, taking care to match the center of the strip with the center of the quilt top. Press to the quilt top. Again using a walking foot and matching centers, sew the (2) 52-1/2″ long inner border strips to the top and bottom of the quilt top. Press to the quilt top. For the outer border, sew (2) 64-1/2″ long Music strips to either side of the quilt top, taking care to match the center of the strip with the center of the quilt top. Press to the quilt top. Again matching centers, sew the (2) 60-1/2″ long outer border strips to the top and bottom of the quilt top. Press to the quilt top. It should measure 60-1/2″ × 72-1/2″. ![Mardi Gras Quilt](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Marti-Gras-Mysterys.jpg) You are done! Pin your top to the wall for a couple of days in an obvious place so you can enjoy it and your family can praise you. Use this time to decide on a quilting design. Don’t forget to [add a label.](https://scrapdash.com/how-to-make-a-quilt-label/) ### **Preserve your place in history! Sign and date your quilts!** Don’t forget to [sign up for the newsletter](https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f8adbd81bb8f6fac9fad95f)! Once a week, I send updates on quilt-related information I have found while wandering the web. This might be an inspiring article, a tip or tutorial I have discovered (or written), and occasionally exclusive offers & discounts as well as immediate access to the secret page of free patterns, guides, and printables. You can [follow my page on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/phoebemoondesgins/), or join the [Make Believe Quilters](https://www.facebook.com/groups/makebelievequilters/) group, too.