The Stack-n-Whack™ method, which has been around for more than a decade, relies on identical layers of fabric that are cut and stacked with fabric designs or motifs aligned.
Different from fussy cutting in that the design repeat is used. Find these repeats, cut the fabric so that these repeats can be ‘stacked’ one atop the other in perfect alignment and then ‘whacked’ into the shape, usually a diamond or triangular shape to form the kaleidoscope.
Since this method has proven so popular, many online markets as well as quilt and fabric stores have fabrics designed with Stack-n-Whack in mind. The originator of this method, Bethany S. Reynolds, offers her own line of fabrics.
High Contrast Enboldens the Stack-n-Whack Design
When seeking fabric for this or any design, begin with what you like. When thinking Stack-n-Whack kaleidoscope designs, keep in mind scale, contrast, color and line. For example fabric with strong contrast or bright colors will make a bold kaleidoscope. Those with medium-contrast prints produce more subtle results. Anything less may look muddied and the Stack-n-Whack design will be too subtle.
Large Scale Fabrics Gives Stack-n-Whack Impact
Size matters when it comes to motif, or scale. Think big. Most quilters quickly learn to avoid the big, over the top prints for their traditional quilts, choosing instead to use fabrics that melt into the background or meld or coordinate with rather than overpower other fabrics in their design.
Stack-n-Whack offers the opportunity to use wild prints and have fun. Look for medium to large scale prints for the most impact and interesting Stack-n-Whack blocks. Prints that feature a variety of lines and shapes add intrigue and surprise to Stack-n-Whack blocks Small-scale prints can work where the main fabric pieces are also small.
Fabric Color Contrast Affects Stack-n-Whack Designs
Multicolors shout “wild” and add interest and delight to your Stack-n-Whack square. But don’t forget contrast. A striking large black-and –white print can produce an exciting Stack-n-Whack design. Whatever you choose, make sure first of all that you like it. This doesn’t mean you can’t step outside of your comfort zone. Stack-n-Whack is made for experimentation. Different is good.
Batik Fabrics Fall Flat for Stack-n-Whack
Although batiks and hand-dyed fabrics have been extremely popular, they don’t work well for the Stack-n-Whack method because the design doesn’t repeat at regular intervals and the colors may vary. Choose a fabric with a regular repeat in the design and consistent color.
Also, when considering fabrics, check out the wrong or reverse side to see whether it offers possibilities. Variation on the Stack-n-Whack technique can pull from the front and reverse sides of fabric, creating a mirror image effect. Reynolds’ Magical Fans quilt displays this variation. More fabrics, quilts and tips for making Stack-n-Whack quilts can be found at Bethany S. Reynolds' website.
Sources: Stack-n-Whack-ipedia by Bethany S. Reynolds
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