Tokyo Subway Map Quilt: Basics and Supplies

This is the first post in my Tokyo Subway Map Quilt-Along.  This is a laid-back quilt-along that you can join any time you want.  There is no need to "sign up" but, if you want to share photos of your work, you are welcome to join my Tokyo Subway Map Quilt-Along Flickr Group.

 
Welcome to the Tokyo Subway Map Quilt-Along!  I will be posting instructions for making a 60" x 60" quilt composed of 1,600 tiny squares.  (Time to use up those scraps!)  The quilt top will be pieced from 25 blocks, which I'll describe in a series of 25 posts. 

If you're looking to do something a little different, please don't hesitate to make your own drawing and/or calculations for a revised version in a different shape or size.

Please note that, although my pattern was inspired by a real map of the Tokyo Subway System, it is a stylized interpretation that makes no attempt to duplicate the system's actual layout. 

 
A note about difficulty level . . .The construction of this quilt is both incredibly straightforward and deceptively complex.  The fact that every block is made only of squares means that we'll only be cutting squares and sewing with straight seams.  However, the small size and large number of the squares, as well as the unconventional arrangement of the subway "lines" running through each block, demands a certain amount of precision.  In particular, it will be imperative to keep seam allowance consistent throughout the quilt. 

Please let your own comfort level be your guide in deciding whether this is a project for you. 

 
The quilt top will be made from a grid of 40 x 40 squares measuring 2" x 2" before they're sewn.

The squares will fall into the following groups:

"Lines"

The quilt top includes 10 different subway "lines" each indicated by a different color.  Refer to the chart below to see how many print and solid squares (each 2" x 2") you will need for each line. 

Feel free to use as many or as few different fabrics as you like.  I suggest letting your stash be your guide.  If you have lots of smaller scraps, consider cutting fewer squares each from more different fabrics.  If your stash is made up mostly of larger pieces, consider choosing several of your favorites and cutting an equal number from each. 

If you don't have many appropriate fabrics in your stash, you may want to invest in 1/4 yard pieces of one or two prints in each color before starting this project.  If you don't have much solid fabric, a Kona charm pack can be a fast way to get a bunch of little pieces.

This composition relies heavily on harmony among the print and solid fabrics in each colored line.  Lay prospective fabrics/scraps on your work surface and consider whether you think they look right together.  If one fabric sticks out on your table, it's likely to stick out in your quilt too. 

This project will be most successful when made entirely with monochromatic prints.  However, because the squares we're using are so small, you may find that it's possible to fussy-cut monochromatic 2" x 2" squares from a larger print (e.g. green squares cut from large leaves on a big floral print).

"Stops"

Subway "stops" will be represented by squares cut from black and white print fabrics.  Use as many or few different prints as you like to cut 60 total "stops" each measuring 2" x 2".  For best results, choose bold, graphic prints that do not include any color.  Don't hesitate to fussy-cut some of these squares.

Background

All background squares should be cut from the same white solid.  I recommend Kona White or Kona Snow.  Enough white solid squares for this project can be cut from 2 5/8 yards of fabric at least 42" wide.  Cut 45 strips 2" x width of fabric, subcutting into 891 squares 2" x 2" each.

 

I suggest cutting all of the squares before you start piecing.   I'll discuss this more when we get into piecing, but having all of the squares cut will make it easier to distribute each print evenly across the quilt top.

My next quilt-along post will include general piecing directions, including the layout of the first block.

I'm looking forward to quilting along with you!

ETA:  A Q&A thread is now up in the Flickr Group.  Please refer to it for asking or finding answers to questions about the pattern.  Thanks!

Comments

[Dianah]

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I am so excited to start this project. I am already cutting squares.

[Toni]

Thanks, I will start cutting the squares tonight, I love a new project.

[Pat]

Thanks, I will start cutting in the a.m. I have never worked with so many pieces and I am looking forward to it.

[elena]

Perfect Elizabeth! Very weel explained. I will start to cut this week, uff! there's a lot of little squares involved :)

[Sarah]

I'm joining in too, going to sort out fabric tonight :)

[yageol]

What a cool project!

thank you!

[Alexis]

Great, can't wait to get started! One question - is there a reason for the print vs solid ratio of the colours? I don't have lots of prints and would quite like to use more solid fabric- will this work? Thanks

[Tami]

Awesome! I've got a decent stash, but not solids of a lot of those colors. I'm off to the fabric store today to fill in the gaps!

Side note - You give the best directions. Seriously, I love to use your patterns and follow-alongs, because I can actually understand your directions. Thank you SO much for sharing your talents with all of us in blog-land.

[Cherry]

Thankyou so much for hosting this quiltalong! I have a pile of treasured fabrics that have been crying out for a fabulous modern project, but I haven't known where to start. This is perfect, I can't wait to get started!

[Jill]

I'm looking forward to quilting along. Going to start cutting now!

[Katie in Texas]

I haven't done a quiltalong in a while! I'm looking forward to this and have quite a bit in my stash to work with!

[Sequana]

I'm very glad I've just begun to have a decent mix of solids around here. *S*

Thx for the work you're doing to take us along.

[Mary]

Ohhhh. This looks like fun. Guess I better get sorting through my scrap bin. Thanks for doing these posts.

[gillian cross]

anyone in portland want to meet and trade 2x2 squares? let me know if you do.. if we come up with a time maybe we can meet somewhere like the library? or modern domestic or a coffee shop or or or??? thanks! gillian.cross@providence.org

[stacey]

I'm thrilled to be watching this process - and I have plenty of scraps hoping to audition for my own version.

[Katie]

Awesome! I'm so excited to get started on this!

[Emily]

YEA!!!! Thank you, I am looking forward to it!!!

[Mary Fons]

This is so great! Awesome design, adorable concept. Nice!

[June]

My oldest saw me looking at this and thought it was really cool. So I'm jumping in too!

[Nancy]

I really enjoy seeing multiple takes on the same quilt pattern, so I mentioned this quilt-along on my TQS blog. Hopefully, lots of my TQS friends will join in. This quilt looks like it will be as exciting and popular as your "New Wave" quilt. I'm going to play too, but probably won't start anytime soon because I already have too many UFOs to finish including my "New Wave".

[Cameron H]

I'm so excited about this project! (well, all but cutting the 891 white squares. but no pain, no gain, right?) :) Can't wait to start sorting scraps tonight.

[Annalia]

Love this quilt - it's so nice of you to do a quilt-a-long! I'm working on a doll quilt version right now. If I can meet a couple more deadlines, I would LOVE to do this one too!

[Marilou]

Thanks for posting this information so quickly! So very excited to get started on this project.

[Kelly]

I think I'm in..... I told my groaning husband that it would be a great way to use my stash - all he can see is a bunch of square everywhere...so narrow minded.

[Jodi]

I've started cutting my squares! It will be nice to make a little quilt for me! I mean... for my wall. :) I'm not excited about the 891 white squares either. Gotta go get some more Kona snow!