What to Expect From the A Stroll In Paris Block 1 Video
By GE Quilt Designs | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: How-to Guides
A practical walkthrough of the A Stroll In Paris Block 1 pattern with video, from fabric selection to finishing the block, plus what the full block of the month program involves.
Quick answer
Start with the A Stroll In Paris - BLOCK 1 pattern with video, which includes a step-by-step video to guide you through the first block of this 9-block Paris-themed quilt. The video is your primary reference for cutting and assembly, so watch it fully before you begin.
What the Block 1 pattern and video include
Block 1 is the entry point to the full A Stroll In Paris program. The pattern provides the instructions and templates for the first block, while the video walks you through the construction in real time. This combination is especially helpful if you are new to the block or want to see how the pieces come together before you cut into your fabric.
The full program is designed to create a 72” x 82” quilt, and the pattern notes that additional borders can easily expand it to a bed-sized quilt. Keep that in mind as you plan your fabric, since you may want to reserve extra yardage for borders later.
How to prepare for the video class
The video is most useful when you have your materials ready and your machine set up before you press play. The pattern does not specify required fabric quantities for the entire quilt, so for Block 1 you will need to refer to the pattern’s cutting instructions for the exact pieces. Choose fabrics that reflect the Paris theme—soft neutrals, muted blues, or classic reds and creams work well—but the pattern does not dictate a specific palette.
A common mistake is to start cutting without watching the video first. The video often shows the order of assembly and pressing directions that may not be obvious from the written pattern alone.
What to expect from the block of the month format
A Stroll In Paris is structured as a block of the month program, with Block 1 now fully released. Each block draws from Paris landmarks and architecture, so the series builds gradually. If you are considering the full program, note that the pattern describes a 9-block quilt; the block of the month format means you will receive or work on one block at a time, which helps keep the project manageable.
The video for Block 1 is specific to that block, so you can complete it at your own pace before moving on. This format suits quilters who prefer a guided, incremental approach rather than tackling an entire quilt at once.
Step-by-step: sewing Block 1 with the video
- Watch the video before cutting: Play the entire Block 1 video once without sewing. Note the order of assembly, pressing directions, and any tips the instructor shares. Common mistake: skipping this and cutting fabric before understanding the block’s layout. Keep a notebook handy to jot down key steps or timestamps.
- Gather your fabrics and tools: Refer to the pattern for the specific fabric pieces needed for Block 1. The pattern does not specify a required fabric line, so choose fabrics that fit your Paris-themed palette. Prewash if you prefer, and press all fabrics before cutting. Common mistake: forgetting to check that your seam allowance is accurate before sewing. Sew a test seam on scrap fabric to confirm a scant 1/4-inch seam.
- Cut the pieces as listed: Follow the pattern’s cutting instructions exactly. Label pieces if helpful. Common mistake: cutting all fabric for the entire quilt at once—only cut what Block 1 requires, since later blocks may use different fabrics. Store cut pieces in a labeled bag or tray to keep them organized.
- Sew the block alongside the video: Pause the video as needed and sew step by step. Pay attention to pressing directions, which affect how seams nest. Common mistake: pressing seams open when the pattern calls for pressing to one side, which can make later seams harder to align. Check your block’s size against the pattern’s unfinished measurement after each major section.
- Trim and finish the block: Once assembled, trim the block to the specified size if the pattern directs. Square up carefully. Common mistake: trimming too much, which can distort the block. Measure twice before cutting. Take a photo of your finished block to track your progress through the program.
Product facts
- A Stroll In Paris - BLOCK 1 - pattern with video: This is Block 1 of the full A Stroll In Paris program, which creates a 72” x 82” quilt and can be expanded with additional borders. Knowing the finished size helps you plan your fabric and decide whether to add borders for a larger quilt.
A Stroll In Paris - BLOCK 1 - pattern with video
