Magzter Gold (Sitewide AU)

Magzter Gold (Sitewide AU)

Digital Delivery

Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners December 1st, 2016 Digital Back Issue Cover

Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners Magazine (Digital)

(Write a Review)

Single Digital Issue

2nd Edition

$8.99

Powered By Zinio

Zinio

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Instant Start

Also available on ZINIO Unlimited logo

Get unlimited access to Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners Magazine (Digital) & 5000+ other magazines

1-month free trial

Renews at $8.99/month after trial.
Cancel anytime.

Get unlimited access to Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners Magazine (Digital) & 5000+ other magazines. Renews at just $8.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Start Trial Learn more

50 Articles

Welcome to Quilting & Patchwork For beginnres

The homemade craft style has become incredibly popular in recent years, most likely because of the combination of beautiful style and unique keepsakes it provides. In Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners, you’ll find everything you need to start completing gorgeous patchwork projects, from learning how to craft your own designs and which stitches to use, to full patterns that you can follow to create something spectacular. Whether you want to master the art of quilting to create an heirloom that tells a story, or you’re looking to enhance your home with cushion covers or patchwork coasters, everything you need to learn is here. The simple step-by-step tutorials and guides to time-honoured techniques make this the essential companion for anyone looking to master the skills of patchwork and quilting.…

Welcome to Quilting & Patchwork For beginnres

Tools and materials

General sewing equipment For quiltmaking you will need a set of hand-sewing needles – both “sharps” and “betweens”. Both types come in several lengths, thicknesses, and eye size. Needles are sized by number: the higher the number, the finer the needle. Pins are essential for pinning the layers of a quilt together while you work. Always press seams as you go, with an iron or by fingerpressing. Sharps “Sharps” are standard hand-sewing needles and are usually used for processes such as tacking, hand piecing, and finishing the edge of binding. Betweens or quilting needles Shorter than sharps, these allow quick, even stitching for hand quilting and appliqué. Iron It is essential to press seams as you work, so have an iron and ironing board set up in your work area.…

Tools and materials

Types of fabrics

The fabrics you choose to use for your project can make a world of difference are put together. to the final outcome. A single pattern can look completely different across many quilts depending on the fabric patterns and types used and how they are put together. Denim Denim is a versatile choice, especially for projects that will receive a lot of use. Because of its weight it causes bulky seams and it is not suitable for hand quilting. When sewing denim by machine, use a special denim needle with a walking foot. New denim should always be pre-washed to remove excess dye. Wool Available in a variety of weights and colours, wool is a warm, durable, natural fabric. Heavy-weight wool can be difficult to patchwork with but can make interesting…

Types of fabrics

Waddings and fillings

Cotton 100 per cent cotton is a natural, warm, and breathable choice. Cotton wadding can shrink significantly during washing (about 5 per cent), which gives the quilt a slight texture and a more traditional look. Because of this you may wish to pre-wash it Poly/cotton blend A synthetic/natural blend gives you the best of both worlds. These waddings are machine washable and will not shrink as much as 100 per cent cotton waddings. The cotton part may shrink during washing though, so it may be wise to pre-wash it. Polyester Polyester waddings are light in weight, available in many thicknesses, and usually inexpensive. But being synthetic, they do not breathe well and are more flammable than a natural wadding; therefore, they are not recommended for baby quilts. They do not…

Waddings and fillings

A quilt explained

The five elements of a quilt There are five main elements needed to complete a quilt. the first element is a finished quilt top, often made of patchwork or appliqué. Your quilt top can be assembled using a repeating block pattern or several different blocks, such as in the diagram. You can also add sashing and borders (see pp.102–107) to either make the quilt fit a specific dimension or enhance the design. The second element is wadding. Most quilters prefer to use 100 per cent cotton wadding or a 50/50 blend of cotton and silk, or cotton and bamboo. See pages 22–23 for more information on waddings. The third element is the backing, which needs to be larger than both the quilt top and the wadding. A quilt back can…

A quilt explained

Quilt sizes and measurements

To calculate the quilt size needed for a specific bed, you will need to accurately measure the bed itself. Do so by using a measuring tape to record the width, length, and depth of the mattress. Using these three measurements you can design and fit a quilt to any size mattress. When calculating the depth of the mattress be sure to add the measurement of the depth twice to the width (one for each side of the quilt) and only once to the length (for the bottom). If you want the quilt to hang or drop below the mattress, you will need to add a few additional centimetres (inches), depending on your requirements. You will need to add the drop twice to the width and once to the length, as…

Quilt sizes and measurements

Design principles

Using templates Some elements require templates, which are copies of the pieces of the pattern. Ready-made templates are available from quilt stores and online. Find out if the seam allowances have been added. Elements to be machine pieced must include the exact seam allowances, while appliqué patterns and those for hand piecing do not need a precise allowance, but are generally cut larger than the finished shape. Many templates are cut with a “window” that shows the area of fabric you will finish up with; this also enables you to mark the seamline and the cutting line without moving the template. Alternatively, you can make your own long-lasting or limited-use templates following these instructions. Limited-use templates using freezer paper: Trace the pattern pieces onto freezer paper and cut them out.…

Design principles

Understanding colour

Understanding the basic principles of colour theory is crucial to designing a successful quilt. Even a simple design gains impact from good colour choices. The three primary colours (red, yellow, and blue) can be placed side by side to create a colour wheel. When two primary colours are combined, they create “secondaries”. Red and yellow make orange, yellow and blue make green, and blue and red make purple. Intermediate colours called tertiaries occur when a secondary is mixed with the nearest primary. Monochromatic designs: These use different versions of the same colour. So a quilt based on greens will not stray into the other sections of the colour wheel, but will only use green fabric. Complementary colours: Colours that lie opposite one another on the wheel, such as yellow and…

Understanding colour

Scale, prints, and design

The scale The size of the image – its scale – is an important factor when working with print fabrics. A large-scale pattern is generally more difficult to work with, but it can be used successfully, especially in bigger blocks. Try combining large prints, especially conversation prints – prints that have themed motifs – with plain fabrics. Large prints are useful for making quick-andeasy baby and children’s quilts. Medium-scale prints can be fussy cut (see p.38) quite effectively, and small-scale patterns are usually simple to use as they can be cut into small units that have a consistent look. There are also hand-dyed and batik fabrics (or fabrics printed to look as if they are hand-dyed) and tone-on-tone fabrics that have tiny motifs printed on a background of the same…

Scale, prints, and design

General techniques

Pre-washing and preparing fabrics While many people are divided on whether to pre-wash fabric or not, if you plan to wash a finished project in the future it is usually a good idea to pre-wash the fabrics before you cut or sew them together. Different fabrics shrink at different rates, so pre-washing will help avoid uneven shrinkage, and therefore puckering, when the finished item is first washed. Pre-washing fabrics can also help to remove any excess dye, which can leech out and discolour the other fabrics. Small pre-cuts do not need to be washed before use as the washing process may ruin them. Check before pre-washing any pre-cut fabrics. Pre-washing fabrics There are many things to consider when deciding whether to pre-wash your fabrics or not: Shrinkage The quality and…

General techniques

Patchwork block gallery

Four-patch blocks The simplest four-patch blocks are made up of just four squares (patches), but those four squares can also be created by piecing together two half-square triangles, or four quarter-square triangles, or various combinations thereof. Nine-patch blocks Nine-patch blocks are made of nine units in three rows of three. By adding a third colour to a simple nine-patch of two colours, you can create myriad variations. Pictorial blocks Patchwork pictorial blocks tend to be highly stylized, with the individual elements of the design being made up of square and triangle units in varying combinations. Five- and seven-patch blocks Five-patch blocks consist of a grid of five units in each direction, or 25 units in total, while seven-patch blocks have no fewer than 49 units (seven in each direction). With…

Patchwork block gallery

Hand piecing Mark all seamlines on the wrong side of the fabric to give you an accurate guide to where to sew. Take care when sewing seams on bias-cut edges (for instance on diamond, triangle, or hexagon shapes) or around curves, as the raw edge is prone to stretching. Secure the seam with a small backstitch each time you bring the needle through and use a double backstitched loop (see p.42) at the end of a bias seam; do not sew into the seam allowance. Joining two units with a straight seam 1 Place the two units to be joined right sides together. You must not sew across the seam allowance of the adjacent seam, so mark that seam allowance with pins at the start and end points of the…

Patchwork strip cushion

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Easy SIZE 40 x 40cm (16 x 16in) TOOLS AND MATERIALS Rotary cutter Cutting mat Quilter’s ruler Sewing machine Threads to match your fabrics Pins Iron and ironing board Scissors Cushion pad 40 x 40cm (16 x 16in) FABRICS Nine scraps of coordinating fabric to make nine squares, 6.5 x 6.5cm (21⁄2 x 21⁄2 in) each 90 x 42cm (351⁄2 x 161⁄2 in) main fabric SKILLS Joining two or more strips (see p.60) SEAM ALLOWANCE 6mm (1⁄4 in) throughout, unless otherwise stated 1Cut nine scraps of coordinating fabric, each 6.5cm (21⁄2 in) square. Use the rotary cutter, mat, and quilter’s ruler to make sure that each piece is perfectly square. If there is a particular part of a fabric that you’d like to appear in the centre…

Patchwork strip cushion

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Easy SIZE 125 x 145cm (49 x 57in) TOOLS AND MATERIALS Measuring tape Quilter’s ruler Rotary cutter Cutting mat Pins Sewing machine Threads to match your fabrics Scissors Iron and ironing board Safety pins Sewing needle FABRICS 1 fabric Jelly Roll™ 560cm (220in) pre-made bias binding or 46 x 112cm (18 x 44in) fabric for double-fold binding 356 x 112cm (140 x 44in) backing fabric 140 x 160cm (55 x 64in) wadding SKILLS Piecing strips (see p.60) Chain piecing (see p.61) Making a bigger backing (see p.45) Binding (see pp.48–51) Quilting in the ditch (see p.163) SEAM ALLOWANCE 6mm (1⁄4 in) throughout, unless otherwise stated 1Cut the Jelly Roll™ strips into a variety of random lengths of 5–25cm (2–10in), with most pieces about 12cm (5in) long. Use…

Sewing intersecting seams

Matching straight seams 1 After piecing plain squares or rectangles together, press the seams on each strip to be joined in the opposite direction to the seams on the strip it will be joined to. 2 Place the pieces right sides together, taking care to align the seams. 3 Nest the seams by running your finger over the spot where all four pieces of fabric meet, to feel for any gaps. Ensure that opposite seams butt right up against one another smoothly. Carefully pin on either side of the nested seams. If there are multiple joins along the two pieces, match each point, then work outwards from each pinned seam, towards the ends. 4 Using the same seam allowance you used to join the pieces, sew through the layers, taking…

Sewing intersecting seams

Simple squares tote

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Medium SIZE 30 x 22.5 x 15cm (12 x 83⁄4 x 6in) TOOLS AND MATERIALS Measuring tape Rotary cutter or scissors Cutting mat (optional) Quilter’s ruler Pins Threads to match your fabrics Sewing machine Iron and ironing board Sewing needle One 3.5cm (13⁄8 in) button FABRICS A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H , I: Assorted scraps of cotton fabric for the patchwork squares to make a total of 44 squares, each 9.5cm (33⁄4 in) J: 50cm (20in) of 112cm (44in) wide cotton fabric for the lining K: 30cm (12in) of 112cm (44in) wide cotton fabric for the straps L: 14 x 18cm (51⁄2 x 7in) cotton fabric for the button flap SKILLS Piecing (see pp.58–61) Sewing intersecting seams (see pp.72–73) SEAM ALLOWANCE 1cm (3⁄8 in)…

Simple squares tote

Making a pair of half-square triangles While a half-square triangle, which is a square made of two right-angled triangles, can be made by sewing two triangles together, a faster way is to start with two squares and use the method below. 1Cut two squares, each 2.2cm (7⁄8in) larger than the desired finished size and place them right sides together, with the lighter colour on top. 2Using a pencil, mark a diagonal line in one direction across the wrong side of the lighter-coloured square. 3Pin, then machine stitch along each side of the marked line, stitching 6mm (1⁄4 in) from the line. 4Using a rotary cutter or scissors, cut along the pencil line. 5 Open out the pieces of fabric and press the seams, usually towards the darker fabric, to make…

Chisholm trail quilt

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Medium SIZE 210 x 210cm (821⁄2 x 821⁄2 in) TOOLS AND MATERIALS Quilter’s ruler Rotary cutter Cutting mat Scissors Sewing machine Pins Threads to match your fabrics Iron and ironing board Curved safety pins Quilting thread Needle FABRICS A: 350 x 112cm (138 x 44in) solid cream fabric for the background and borders B: 150 x 112cm (59 x 44in) red gingham fabric for the star points C: 100 x 112cm (391⁄2 x 44in) cream floral fabric for the block corners and the star centres D: 50 x 112cm (20 x 44in) blue floral fabric for the star centres E: One fat quarter of beige floral fabric for the star centres 75 x 112cm (291⁄2 x 44in) fabric for 1.2cm (½in) double-fold binding 450 x 112cm (177…

Chisholm trail quilt

Single star: Double four-patch 1Divide the size of the finished block by four. Add seam allowances. Cut and make eight half-square triangles from fabrics A and B (see p.80). Cut an additional four squares each of fabric A and fabric B. 2Following the layout and with right sides together, stitch the squares and half-square triangles together in rows of four, leaving a 6mm (1⁄4 in) seam allowance. 3With right sides together, stitch the rows together, matching the seams and leaving a 6mm (1⁄4 in) seam allowance. Friendship star: Nine-patch 1Divide the size of the finished block by three. Add seam allowances. Cut four squares from fabric A and one square from fabric B. Make four half-square triangles from fabrics A and B (see p.80). 2Following the layout and with right…

Heirloom star quilt

DIFFICULTY Medium SIZE 152 x 127cm (60 x 50in) TOOLS AND MATERIALS Rotary cutter and scissors Cutting mat Quilter’s ruler Measuring tape Iron and ironing board Pins Threads to match the fabrics Sewing machine Safety pins or tacking thread Quilting thread Needle FABRICS Five dark and five medium-shade fat quarters in light and dark browns Five dark and five medium-shade fat quarters in reds and greens 50 x 112cm (20 x 44in) each of six different cream fabrics 50 x112cm (20 x 44in) each of six different green fabrics 50 x 112cm (20 x 44in) each of six different red fabrics 320 x 112cm (126 x 44in) backing fabric 46 x 112cm (18 x 44in) binding fabric SKILLS Triangles (see pp.80-85) Seminole patchwork (see pp.144-147) SEAM ALLOWANCE 6mm (1⁄4in)…

Heirloom star quilt

Setting in by hand 1Diamonds and triangles sometimes meet at oblique angles. Setting a piece into the resulting space needs careful pinning and sewing. Here, a square is set in the space between two diamond shapes. Cut the square to size and mark 6mm (1⁄4 in) seamlines. Mark the starting and finishing points 6mm (1⁄4 in) from the edges. 2 Match one corner of the square to the inner point on the first diamond and pin, right sides together. Match the outer point and pin. Pin the edges together along the seamline. Sew along the marked seamline from the outer point to the inner, removing pins as you work. Take a few small back stitches into the seam at the inner corner, avoiding the seam allowance. Make sure not to…

Pentagon bean bag

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Easy SIZE Approximately 68.5cm (27in) diameter MATERIALS Rotary cutter Cutting mat Quilter’s ruler Iron and ironing board One 30cm (12in) minimum long zip Approximately 0.12 cubic meter (4 cubic feet) of polystyrene beads for filling, available online Bean bag liner, available online (recommended) Sewing machine with zip foot Thread to match the fabrics FABRICS 12 fat quarters of coordinating cotton fabrics Approximately 300cm (118in) of heavy interfacing, or enough to cover your fat quarters SKILLS Set-in seams (see pp.102-103) SEAM ALLOWANCE 6mm (1⁄4 in) throughout Make the template Make a template for the pentagon pieces by enlarging the pentagon template on page 298 so that each side of the pentagon is 28cm (11in) long. If you’d like a larger bean bag, make the template larger, but don’t…

Pentagon bean bag

Quilt layouts Many quilt blocks, even fairly simple ones, can create interesting secondary patterns when they are joined, and rotating or reversing blocks makes a quilt look entirely different. The simplest sets are rows of repeating blocks stitched together edge to edge, referred to as “straight set”. Blocks can be set “on point” (turned on the diagonal), with setting triangles around the edges and at each corner. Alternating a pieced block with a plain block means there are fewer blocks to put together. It allows for large, open areas, perfect for showcasing elaborate quilting. This setting needs plain blocks betwen the pieced blocks as well as triangles added to each corner and along each side to fill the edges Log cabin There are so many possible sets for log cabin…

Straight-set simple continuous sashing Each block in this piece is framed by straight-set simple sashing Straight-set sashing with setting squares Adding a square in each corner between the blocks creates more pattern. The setting squares can also be pieced; simple pinwheel, four-patch, and nine-patch designs work well Blocks can be assembled in rows with the sashing between them running vertically or horizontally. Diagonal set (on point) with sashing Blocks set on point can be framed by sashing and assembled in strips with extra triangles added around the edges to give a chevron effect Simple continuous sashing 1 Cut sashing strips to the desired width plus a 1.2cm (1⁄2 in) seam allowance, and to the same length as one side of the blocks. 2 With right sides together and leaving a…

The outside edges of most quilts are finished with strips that make up the border. This frames the piece and protects the edges. Borders can be single or multiple, wide or narrow, pieced or plain. Whatever type you choose, the border should complement and enhance the overall design of the quilt. If possible, strips should be cut along the lengthways grain, in one long piece and with the selvedges removed. Never cut borders on the bias. Straight borders Adding a plain, straight border is an easy-to-make, popular choice. When made from plain fabric, it gives an uncluttered look and is especially effective when framing a complex design. Multiple borders with setting squares You can add several borders to a quilt, together with setting squares in the corners. The effect is…

Simple sashing cushion

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Easy SIZE 40 x 40cm (16 x 16in) TOOLS AND MATERIALS Rotary cutter Cutting mat Quilter’s ruler Pins Thread to match your fabrics Sewing machine Scissors 40cm (16in) square cushion pad FABRICS A: 28 x 28cm (11 x 11in) patterned flower fabric B: 28 x 28cm (11 x 11in) patterned dotty fabric C: 6.5 x 6.5cm (21⁄2 x 21⁄2 in) patterned bird fabric D: 13 x 13cm (5 x 5in) patterned triangle fabric E: 60 x 70cm (231⁄2 x 271⁄2 in) solid grey fabric F: 10 x 26cm (4 x 10in) patterned fabric, for the back inset detail SKILLS Sashing and borders (see pp.104–109) SEAM ALLOWANCES 6mm (1⁄4in) throughout, unless otherwise stated 1Cut four 14cm (51⁄2 in) squares from fabric A; four 6.5 x 14cm (21⁄2 x…

Simple sashing cushion

Patchwork patterns based on curves are less common than those with straight seams, which are easy to cut and stitch. But although curves can be fiddly, they give more options and, with careful preparation at every stage from template making to cutting and pinning, they are straightforward to sew. Many people find curves easier to work by hand, but it is not difficult to machine stitch them. Sewing curved seams by hand 1Mark the seamlines and any registration marks, especially the centre point, on the wrong side of each piece. If the centre isn’t marked on the pattern, fold each piece in half, fingerpress it at the centre seamline, and use the crease as the centre mark. 2Place the smaller convex piece right sides together on the concave one, aligning…

Dresden plate cushion

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Medium SIZE 38cm (15in) in diameter x 10cm (4in) deep TOOLS AND MATERIALS Tracing paper Measuring tape Pencil Pins Threads to match your fabrics Sewing machine Scissors Iron and ironing board Sewing needle FABRICS 50 x 85cm (193⁄4 x 331⁄2 in) plain white fabric for the circle for the cushion front and for the two semicircles for the cushion back A selection of seven patterned blue fabrics for the petals and the flower centre 24 x 62cm (91⁄2 x 241⁄2 in) blue fabric, cut into two rectangles, each 12 x 62cm (43⁄4 x 241⁄2 in) for the cushion sides Toy filling, wadding, or a 38cm (15in) diameter x 10cm (4in) deep round cushion pad SKILLS Chain piecing (see p.63) Curves and fans (see pp.114–117) SEAM ALLOWANCE 6mm…

Dresden plate cushion

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Medium SIZE 14 x 14 x 10cm (51⁄2 x 51⁄2 x 4in) TOOLS AND MATERIALS Pencil Tracing paper Scissors Rotary cutter Cutting mat Quilter’s ruler Thread to match the fabrics Long, thin, blunt object, such as a chopstick, for turning through Embroidery needle Dark embroidery thread One 1.2cm (1⁄2in) button, for the nose Dried beans or lentils, for weight Toy filling FABRICS A: 20.5 x 20.5cm (8 x 8in) light-coloured tummy and inner ear fabric B: 20.3 x 58.5cm (8 x 23in) body fabric C: 9 x 15cm (31⁄2 x 6in) outer ear fabric D: 2.5 x 14cm (1 x 51⁄2in) tail fabric E: 16.5cm (61⁄2in) square bottom fabric SKILLS Curves (see pp.118–119) Set-in seams (see pp.100-101) SEAM ALLOWANCE 6mm (1⁄4in) throughout Cut the pieces Trace and…

English paper piecing

This is a traditional method for making a quilt of mosaic shapes. The fabric pieces – hexagons, honeycombs, diamonds, and triangles, all of which have at least two bias edges – are tacked to pre-cut paper templates the size of the finished element. The technique is usually done by hand. The backing papers can be cut from virtually any heavy paper, but freezer paper can be ironed on quickly and is easy to remove. Basic paper-piecing technique 1Unless you are using pre-cut paper shapes, make a template. Draw around it to make the necessary number of shapes. Using paper scissors, carefully cut out the backing papers. 2Pin a plain-paper shape or iron a freezer-paper shape (paper side up) to the wrong side of the fabric. Leave enough space for seam…

English paper piecing

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Easy SIZE Approximately 13cm (5in) in diameter TOOLS AND MATERIALS Tracing paper Pencil or marker pen Scissors Stiff card, paper, or freezer paper Pins or paper clips Sewing needle Threads to match your fabrics Toy filling Child-safe toy bell or rattle (optional) FABRICS 12 scraps of coordinating fabric, each a minimum of 10 x 10cm (4 x 4in) SKILLS English paper piecing (see pp.124–125) Fussy cutting (optional, see p.38) Pentagon ball layout Cut the template Using a pencil or marker pen, trace the pentagon template (see pp.172-175) onto tracing paper and cut it out. You can make the template larger or smaller if you’d like to alter the size of the ball. Copy the template onto card, paper, or freezer paper to make a total of 12…

Strip-pieced blocks: Rail fence 1 Cut three strips of equal width from three contrasting fabrics. With right sides together, stitch them lengthways, leaving a 6mm (1⁄4in) seam allowance. To prevent the pieced strip from bowing, join strips 1 and 2, then reverse the direction of sewing to add strip 3. Press the seams to one side, away from the centre. 2 Using a rotary cutter and quilter’s ruler, measure the width of the pieced strip and cut across it to make squares the same size on each side as this measurement. 3 Following the layout, arrange the squares in rows of three. With right sides together, join the squares to make three rows, leaving a 6mm (1⁄4in) seam allowance. Press, alternating the direction in each row. 4 With right sides…

Method 1 1 Select “strings” of fabric with plenty of colour and pattern contrast. With right sides together, stitch them together lengthways, leaving a 6mm (1⁄4 in) seam allowance. Alternate the angle as you add each piece and alternate the direction of stitching each time to prevent bowing. 2 Press the seams to one side. Using a rotary cutter and quilter’s ruler, trim the piece to the desired size and shape. Method 2 1 Cut a muslin or paper foundation block, plus seam allowances. Place the first string right side up in the centre of the block and lay the second string right side down on top. Make sure both strings are longer than the block at its widest point. Machine stitch along one edge of the strips through all…

Log cabin is a very versatile block design, usually featuring fabric strips surrounding a small central square, as shown here, though some log cabin blocks have other shapes in the centre. Blocks can be made individually or chain pieced. Always leave a 6mm (1⁄4 in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. Log cabin is stunning in simple two-colour versions and the blocks can be set in many ways to create secondary patterns (see p.103). Method 1: Individual blocks 1 Cut a centre square of the desired size, plus seam allowances. Cut a second square the same size from fabric A and, with right sides together, stitch them together along one edge to make a pieced unit. Press open. 2 Cut a strip from fabric A the width of the centre square…

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Easy SIZE 216 x 216cm (85 x 85in) TOOLS AND MATERIALS Measuring tape Quilter’s ruler Rotary cutter Cutting mat Scissors Sewing machine Threads to match your fabrics Iron and ironing board Curved safety pins FABRICS A: 1 x 1m (39 x 39in) cotton fabric B: 1 x 1m (39 x 39in) cotton fabric C: 2 x 2m (79 x 79in) cotton fabric D: 2 x 2m (79 x 79in) cotton fabric E: 2.5 x 2.5m (98 x 98in) cotton fabric 4.5 x 4.5m (177 x 177in) backing fabric 80cm (32in) of fabric of 112cm (44in) width for binding 2.25 x 2.25m (88 x 88in) wadding SKILLS Log cabin (see pp.140-141) SEAM ALLOWANCE 1.2cm (1⁄2 in) throughout Guide to cutting fabric pieces Cut the fabrics The size of…

Working on a foundation

Several patchwork techniques are worked on a foundation, also known as stitchand-flip. Crazy patchwork uses random shapes and is a great way to use up scraps. It is best made on a lightweight foundation fabric, such as calico. Reverse-pieced foundation piecing ensures accuracy and is a quick way to make blocks. You can make patterns for each segment, or cut the shapes with generous seam allowances. Foundation piecing: Top pieced 1Cut a foundation of lightweight calico the size you want the finished block to be plus a 2.5cm (1in) seam allowance all around. 2Gather a selection of straight-sided pieces of various shapes and colours. Starting in the centre, place two pieces right sides together, on top of the foundation, and sew along one side through all three layers. Take a…

Working on a foundation

Folded patchwork

Cathedral window 1Decide the size of the finished square (10cm/4in) and multiply the measurement by 2 (20cm/8in). Add 1.2cm (1⁄2 in) seam allowance and cut four squares this size from the background, fabric A. 2Fold the seam allowance down and press each side of the square flat. Diagonally fold one way and press, then fold along the other diagonal and press firmly to mark the exact centre. Open out. 3Fold each corner of each square to the centre and press the folds firmly. Make sure that the new corners are sharply defined. 4Take a small cross stitch across the centre into each point, through all the layers to hold the points in place. 5Fold each corner to the centre again and press firmly. Take a small cross stitch as before…

Folded patchwork

Secret garden pin cushion

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Easy SIZE 10cm (4in) square TOOLS AND MATERIALS One 22 x 22cm (9 x 9in) thin card template Iron and ironing board Threads to match your fabrics Sewing needle Pins Sewing machine One 2.5cm (1in) button with shank, covered in fabric C One 1.5cm (5⁄8in) plain flat button for the back, used as a washer FABRICS A: One 26.5 x 26.5cm (101⁄2 x 101⁄2 in) square of plain teal-coloured fabric B: One 11 x 11cm (41⁄2 x 41⁄2 in) square of red fabric C: One 10 x 20cm (4 x 8in) piece of patterned teal-coloured fabric, cut and made into four half-square triangles (see p.82) D: Two 7.5 x 15cm (3 x 6in) rectangles of the same patterned teal-coloured fabric, for the back Toy filling or wadding…

Secret garden pin cushion

Seminole patchwork

Method 1: Straight band 1 Cut strips from three contrasting fabrics. Here the width of the strips from top to bottom of the picture is in the ratio of 2:1:3, plus seam allowances, which ensures that the white will be evenly offset either side of the centre line of the finished patchwork. With the narrowest strip in the centre and with right sides together, join the three strips, leaving a 6mm (1⁄4 in) seam allowance. Press the seams towards the darker colour. 2 Using a rotary cutter and quilter’s ruler, cut across the joined strips to make pieced strips of the desired width. 3 Alternating the top and bottom of each adjacent strip and with right sides together, sew the strips together again, leaving a 6mm (1⁄4 in) seam allowance.…

Seminole patchwork

Quilting Quilting holds the layers of a quilt together, gives a quilt its texture, and should add to the overall beauty of the piece. Quilting motifs range from geometric grids and simple heart shapes to elaborate scrolls. Some appliqué motifs look best if they are outlined or echoed by quilting. Transferring designs Once the quilt top is finished, you need to transfer the quilting pattern onto it. Use equipment that can be easily removed, such as water- or air-soluble pens or light pencil marks, to mark the pattern. Tailor’s chalk applied lightly can usua be removed. Slivers of soap can make effective and washable marks on dark fabrics. Dressmaker’s carbon paper is indelible and not recommended. Masking tape 1 This method only works for quilting designs in straight lines. After…

Hand quilting basics

Knotting to begin 1Knot a 50cm (20in) length of quilting thread. Take the needle down through the top layer of fabric, about 2.5cm (1in) away from where you wish to start stitching. Bring it out where you wish to begin. 2Pull the thread gently until the knot pops through the top layer of fabric but not hard enough to bring it out again. The knot will bury itself in the wadding and be virtually undetectable. Finishing off 1To secure the thread at the end, take a small back stitch through the top layer and pull the thread through to the top. Make a French knot close to the end of the stitching. Secure the wraps with your finger and pull the knot tight. 2Insert the needle point into the top…

Hand quilting basics

Hand-quilted cushion

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Easy SIZE 40 x 40cm (16 x 16in) TOOLS AND MATERIALS Rotary cutter Scissors Cutting mat Quilter’s ruler Pins Safety pins Large-eyed needle Threads to match your fabrics Contrasting embroidery thread Sewing machine Iron and ironing board 40cm (16in) square cushion pad FABRICS 43 x 43cm (17 x 17in) patterned front fabric 88 x 52cm (35 x 201⁄2 in) backing fabric 45 x 45cm (173⁄4 x 173⁄4 in) wadding SKILLS Hand quilting (see pp.152-153) SEAM ALLOWANCE 1cm (3⁄8in) seam allowance throughout, unless otherwise stated 1 For the cushion front, lay a 46 x 46cm (18 x 18in) square of backing fabric on a flat surface. Centre the wadding on top of the backing fabric, then centre the patterned front fabric on top of that. 2Starting from the…

Hand-quilted cushion

Kantha stitch throw

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Easy SIZE 118 x 163cm (461⁄2 x 64in) TOOLS AND MATERIALS Scissors Curved safety pins Card Pencil Spray bottle or sponge Rotary cutter Cutting mat Quilter’s ruler Water-soluble pen Roll of 2.5cm (1in) masking tape Large-eyed needle Five different-coloured embroidery, or quilting, threads Sewing machine (optional) Thread to match the main fabric Sewing needle FABRIC 200 x 275cm (78 x 108in) of flannel for the main fabric front, back, and binding 123 x 165cm (48 x 65in) wadding SKILLS Hand quilting (see pp.152-153) SEAM ALLOWANCE Hand quilt following the pattern Make the quilt sandwich Cut two pieces of main fabric both 120 x 165cm (47 x 65in). Lay one piece right side down, then lay the wadding to fit on top of it. Lay the other main…

Kantha stitch throw

Machine quilting basics

Preparing a quilt for machining 1To work on a small area at a time, roll up both sides of the quilt towards the centre, leaving 30cm (12in) open in between. Hold the edges with clips. 2Fold or roll up the other ends of the piece and secure them using clips, leaving space to work on. Repeat the rolling and/or folding process as you work your way around the piece. Grid patterns Traditional gridded quilting patterns can be square or diamond shaped. Mark the grid by drawing the centre line in each direction, or use 6mm (1⁄4 in) masking tape. If you set a quilting guide on your walking foot, you can use it to measure the distance between rows as you work. 1Take a few short stitches. Set the quilting…

Machine quilting basics

Corded quilting and trapunto

1Cut a background fabric and transfer the design to the right side, using a water-soluble pen. Cut a piece of butter muslin or similar fabric the same size. Tack them together around the edges 2Outline the motif(s) with a small running stitch. Here we have used a contrasting colour thread for clarity. Where lines meet, keep stitches separate so they don’t cross over. When stitching is complete, remove the marking. 3Thread a tapestry needle with quilting or knitting wool or soft cord. From the back, slip the needle through the first channel, leaving a short tail at each end. 4Make small slits in the centre of each element through the backing layer only and stuff small pieces of wadding between the top and the muslin. 5Close each slit in the…

Corded quilting and trapunto

This involves tying lengths of cotton thread, lightweight wool, or ribbon through the layers of a quilt to hold them together. Use a sharp-pointed needle with an eye that is large enough to hold the thread but small enough to avoid making holes in the quilt. Space the ties according to the type of wadding, the block pattern, and the size of the quilt. Cotton and wool wadding shift easily and should be tied more closely than polyester. A general guide is 10–15cm (4–6in) apart. 1Working from the centre out, take a stitch down and back up through all the layers and pull the needle and thread through, leaving a 10cm (4in) tail on the top. 2Take a second stitch in the same way in the same place. 3Tie the…

Quilted pot holders

Essential Information DIFFICULTY Easy SIZE 19cm (71⁄2 in) square TOOLS AND MATERIALS Quilter’s ruler Cutting mat Rotary cutter Sewing machine Pins Threads to match the fabrics and binding tapes FABRICS 21.5 x 43cm (81⁄2 x 17in) main, patterned cotton fabric 21.5 x 43cm (81⁄2 x 17in) insulated wadding 21.5 x 43cm (81⁄2 x 17in) cotton towelling fabric 100cm (40in) bias binding tape SKILLS Machine quilting (see pp.160–163) Binding with pre-made bias binding (see pp.48–49) SEAM ALLOWANCE 6mm (1⁄4 in) throughout, unless otherwise stated 1Cut one piece of main fabric, one piece of insulated wadding, and once piece of towelling fabric all 21.5cm (81⁄2 in) square. Then, cut one piece of main fabric, one piece of towelling fabric, and one piece of insulated wadding all 16.5 x 21.5cm (61⁄2 x 81⁄2…

Quilted pot holders

Embellishing quilts

Buttons Novelty buttons make charming embellishments on theme quilts or folk-art versions. Buttons can also become “flowers” at the end of stems in a basket or accents in any number of places. Stitch buttons to the quilt top and knot them if you don’t want to stitch through the backing. Otherwise, tie a knot at the back. They are best reserved for decorative pieces such as wall hangings and should not be used on quilts for children and babies, since they can become detached. Charms Simply tie charms in position on the quilt top, depending on the type and size. Charms are usually used to add a personal touch to a quilt – wedding motifs for a bride’s quilt, for example. They are best reserved for decorative pieces such as…

Embellishing quilts

Covering and inserting piping cord

1Prepare bias strips approximately 4cm (11⁄2 in) wide (see pp.48–49). Fold the bias cut fabric strip in half, wrong side to wrong side, over the piping cord. Pin or tack in place. 2Machine stitch in place close to the cord using a zip foot or special piping foot. If the zip foot doesn’t run smoothly against the covered cord, tack the fabric in place before machine stitching. 3Trim the seam allowance on the piping cover so that it is the desired seam allowance width – it can be less than this width, but not more. Align the seam on the piping cover with the intended seamline on the right side of the front of the fabric and pin. Tack in place with the piping facing inwards. 4If you are sewing…

Covering and inserting piping cord

Sewing on buttons 1Thread your needle with a double strand of thread. Secure the thread to the fabric where the button is to be positioned. Pass the needle up through one hole of the button, down through the other hole to the back. Do not pull the thread taut yet – first insert a cocktail stick (or match stick) under the stitch. Then pull the thread taut. Continue working back and forth through the holes of the button and the fabric, until at least five stitches have been worked. 2Remove the cocktail stick. Wrap the working thread several times around the thread under the button to form a shank. Secure the thread end with three small stitches at the back. Hand-stitched buttonholes 1Mark the desired finished length of the buttonhole…

In This Issue

Description

Details

Reviews

Recent Digital Issues Browse all

Recent Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners Digital Issues Browse all back issues

Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners Magazine (Digital) Subscription October 21st, 2015 Issue

Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners Magazine (Digital) Patchwork & Quilting for Beginners: $8.99

Customers Also Viewed

Men's Uno Hk (Digital) Subscription June 1st, 2022 Issue

Men's Uno Hk (Digital)

No.236_Jun-22: $5.99

Just Bikes Magazine (Digital) Subscription March 1st, 2025 Issue

Just Bikes Magazine (Digital)

12 Issues: $25.39 ~~$26.76~~

Asian Geographic JUNIOR (Digital) Subscription August 1st, 2016 Issue

Asian Geographic JUNIOR (Digital)

Issue 4 - 2016: $2.99

The Ultimate Christmas Cross Stitch Collection United Kingdom Magazine (Digital) Subscription November 24th, 2014 Issue

The Ultimate Christmas Cross Stitch Collection United Kingdom Magazine (Digital)

(2)

The Ultimate Christmas Cross Stitch Collection: $8.32

Esprit Bonsai International (Digital) Subscription

Esprit Bonsai International (Digital)

(1)

No. 101: $1.07

Victoria: Fabulous at 40 Magazine (Digital) Subscription April 7th, 2014 Issue

Victoria: Fabulous at 40 Magazine (Digital)

Victoria: Fabulous at 40: $2.66

NME Special Collectors´ Magazine - Oasis Magazine (Digital) Subscription September 5th, 2014 Issue

NME Special Collectors´ Magazine - Oasis Magazine (Digital)

Oasis: $6.23

Sports Nutrition Handbook Magazine (Digital) Subscription July 31st, 2018 Issue

Sports Nutrition Handbook Magazine (Digital)

Sports Nutrition Handbook: $10.39

Patrick Mahomes Magazine (Digital) Subscription April 12th, 2024 Issue

Patrick Mahomes Magazine (Digital)

Patrick Mahomes: $13.99

Men's Uno Hk (Digital) Subscription June 1st, 2022 Issue

Men's Uno Hk (Digital)

No.236_Jun-22: $5.99

Just Bikes Magazine (Digital) Subscription March 1st, 2025 Issue

Just Bikes Magazine (Digital)

12 Issues: $25.39 ~~$26.76~~

Asian Geographic JUNIOR (Digital) Subscription August 1st, 2016 Issue

Asian Geographic JUNIOR (Digital)

Issue 4 - 2016: $2.99

The Ultimate Christmas Cross Stitch Collection United Kingdom Magazine (Digital) Subscription November 24th, 2014 Issue

The Ultimate Christmas Cross Stitch Collection United Kingdom Magazine (Digital)

(2)

The Ultimate Christmas Cross Stitch Collection: $8.32

Esprit Bonsai International (Digital) Subscription

Esprit Bonsai International (Digital)

(1)

No. 101: $1.07

Victoria: Fabulous at 40 Magazine (Digital) Subscription April 7th, 2014 Issue

Victoria: Fabulous at 40 Magazine (Digital)

Victoria: Fabulous at 40: $2.66

NME Special Collectors´ Magazine - Oasis Magazine (Digital) Subscription September 5th, 2014 Issue

NME Special Collectors´ Magazine - Oasis Magazine (Digital)

Oasis: $6.23

Sports Nutrition Handbook Magazine (Digital) Subscription July 31st, 2018 Issue

Sports Nutrition Handbook Magazine (Digital)

Sports Nutrition Handbook: $10.39

Reviews

0

0

0

0

0

Ask a Question

Ask a question about this product

Please enter content for the question.

Please enter at least 10 characters.

Your question can not be more than 150 characters.

Please enter your first name and last name.

Only letters allowed for first name and last name.

Please enter your email.

Submit Cancel Processing...

Thank you for your question! Your question has been submitted and will be published soon.

OK

Answer this question

Please enter content for the answer.

Please enter at least 10 characters.

Please enter your first name and last name.

Only letters allowed for first name and last name.

Please enter your email.

Submit Cancel Processing...

Thank you for your answer! Your answer has been submitted and will be published soon.

OK