Save Time and Fabric with the Car's Cradle Tool from Creative Grids
The Cat’s Cradle tool from Creative Grids is a versatile and easy-to-use quilting tool that helps you create beautifully precise blocks with minimal effort. By combining a few simple cuts and seams, you can make Cat’s Cradle units that come together to form a variety of striking quilt designs. The tool includes clear guides for stitching and trimming, ensuring perfect points and clean edges every time. It’s also highly adaptable, changing your colors or backgrounds completely transforms the look of the block. After experimenting with several variations, I found that this tool offers endless creative possibilities and consistently beautiful results. It’s a fun, beginner-friendly way to explore new quilt patterns while keeping your piecing accurate and stress-free.
These little beauties are all made using the Cat’s Cradle tool from Creative Grids, and I have to say, I really love it. I’ve made several samples with it, and every single one turned out beautiful. The Cat’s Cradle tool shows you exactly how to make the individual Cat’s Cradle units, and then four of those units come together to form a larger quilt block. It’s an enjoyable process that’s easy to follow once you understand the steps, and the results are stunning.
The tool includes multiple size options, and I chose the largest one for this project. It provides clear cutting measurements, so you’ll know exactly what to prepare. For my block, I needed one large rectangle, a smaller rectangle, two medium rectangles, and two small squares. Start by sewing the small squares and medium rectangles right sides together with a quarter-inch seam, then press them open. Place those units right sides together again, with opposite colors touching, and sew along one side. When opened, you’ll see the basic structure taking shape.
Next, the Cat’s Cradle tool comes into play. It’s marked with guides that help you draw and stitch accurate seam lines. Place the V-shaped marking along the seam line of your block, draw your stitching lines on both sides, and then sew along them. Once stitched, place your piece right sides together with a larger square and sew along those lines. When you pull it back, you’ll see the classic Cat’s Cradle shape forming, complete with perfect points. The tool also makes trimming a breeze. Line up the cutting guides with the seams and trim each side for a precise finish. You can even experiment with variations, like using half-square triangles instead of plain squares, to change the look and create a unique version of the block.
What I love most about this tool is how versatile it is. You can make so many different quilt blocks just from this one unit. By simply changing your color placement or background fabric, you can create entirely new looks. I’ve tried using both white and black as the medium rectangle, and each gives the block a completely different feel. I’ve made at least four distinct quilt blocks using this tool, and every combination has been gorgeous. The Cat’s Cradle tool makes piecing accurate, efficient, and fun.
If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go. It’s an easy-to-use tool that opens up endless creative possibilities. I’d love to see what you come up with, so be sure to share your projects with us. Follow us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and, as always, happy sewing.
