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Patchwork quilts

14 replies

MakeItUpAsYouGoAlong · 20/01/2013 15:58

Please don't laugh as I am being serious.
I am the most un talented person ever given up on crochet and knitting.
My latest idea is I'd like to make DD a patchwork quilt for put afternoon naps.
Can someone give me instructions and equipment needed please?

OP posts:

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thehamburglar · 20/01/2013 17:56

I found these tutorials very helpful:

flossieteacakes.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/tutorial-how-to-make-patchwork-quilt.html

www.marthastewart.com/264118/simple-baby-quilt?czone=crafts/sewing-cnt/sewing-projects¢er=326405&gallery=275245&slide=264118

anyonecanquilt.typepad.com/my_weblog/machine-quilting-tutorial/

I am in the middle of making my first quilt. I bought some charm packs to sew together rather than cutting up lots of fabric. I also bought a 1/4 inch foot for my sewing machine to help with the correct seam allowance.

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TunipTheVegedude · 20/01/2013 17:59

Buy a nice pack of precut squares or strips ('charm pack' or 'jelly roll')
Arrange in nice pattern
Sew together with 1/4 inch seams
Press
Get piece of wadding and lining a bit bigger than your quilt top
Sandwich together and quilt in running stitches
Trim edges, get long strip of fabric and bind the edges (you can come back for further instructions for this bit).

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mapleleef · 21/01/2013 19:15

Brilliant advice as above. Also I found it fun and very inspiring to join a patchwork group. We meet once a week at each other's homes, have a cuppa and a piece of cake and encourage each other. After 3 years of learning from everyone else (I was a total beginner) I have now made 4 quilts (sampler, charm pack, boat block and art) and endless smaller projects such as cushion covers and little presents. We also visit quilt exhibitions and competitions together and the ladies are so supportive. If you don't know of any groups, just start one in your area. Good luck!

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Flisspaps · 21/01/2013 21:19

I made one for DD

I used an ikea £1.37 fleece blanket for the wadding, worked so well that I've nearly finished one for DS, with squares made from Liverpool shirts

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SelfconfessedSpoonyFucker · 22/01/2013 17:05

Makeitup, what is your reason for making it?

Something pretty for DD to keep?
Accomplishment for making a quilt?
Need something padded and warm?
Trying something new?
Something challenging?
Do you like to hand sew or machine sew more?
Something that looks impressive or you don't care about that?
Does it have to be a quilt? Can it be a blanket?
Do you like to press? Cut? Sew? Match fabrics yourself of have it done for you?
Want it done quickly? Don't mind it taking forever and being fiddly as long as it looks right in the end? How long is 'forever' in your mind?

If you answer I will recommend something. I have been sewing for a long time but have only just recently figured out why I didn't like quilting and have fixed that. I figured out I don't mind pressing and fiddly but get frustrated easily if I have a lot of points to match up and they don't so I've started looking for easier cheats.

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MakeItUpAsYouGoAlong · 22/01/2013 19:22

Thank you.
I want to make something handmade for DD such as a quilt or blanket for DD as a keepsake.
I'm not very talented when it comes to arts and crafts so want to impress myself.
I can handsew quite well and want something to do whilst I relax. I'm not scared of a challenge but don't want to overwhelm and scare myself

Thank you

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SelfconfessedSpoonyFucker · 22/01/2013 20:58

Ok, couple of options then...

Easiest option IMO. Whole fabric quilt aka cheater quilt.
katiedid.squarespace.com/katie-did-journal/2009/1/27/quilt-how-to.html

Or you can use pre-pieced fabric that is already squares sewn into patchwork fabric or fabric that looks like patchwork and then you sew along the line.

Really quick starter project that can come out really pretty. It isn't a quilt, it is a blanket. You could embellish it, put an applique on or blanket stitch around the border.

donswife.blogspot.com/2011/07/perfect-corner-baby-blanket-tutorial.html

really good video instructions but boring fabrics btw don't have to make it from flannel.

How about circles? Do you like them? If you don't mind handsewing there is a really easy way to make one like this

www.garnethill.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/johanna-quilt-and-sham/bedding-home/quilts-coverlets-shams/quilts-shams/117769?redirect=y

A strip quilt like this isn't too hard if you 'quilt-as-you-go' and make it fairly small.

pinterest.com/pin/128493395589141121/

A dresden quilt is pretty easy. It looks way more impressive than the amount of effort in making it. Especially if you make the blades chunky instead of skinny. You could make three flowers and make green rickrack stems. I use fusible web to stick the flower down prior to attaching it.

video, you don't need their ruler, you can cut out a cereal box to trace around. I have a 30 degree ruler (I have an extra for sale if anyone wants it am I allowed to say that?) that makes a plate using 12 blades instead of twenty. They are easy because you only have to match the top corner, the bottom corner is hidden by the circle in the middle.

This is a 12 blade one
4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZJSRmL15sM/TzpLhLbvuXI/AAAAAAAAILs/OBkhoeN8oz8/s1600/DresdenFin.JPG

LMK if none of these work for you. I have more...

My best tip though is to make a small doll sized quilt first. It will come in handy as a teddy bear blanket or something and gives you a chance to try out the technique with minimal outlay of time or money.

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FlyOverTheMistletoe · 22/01/2013 21:09

Wow spoonyFucker I thought you asked alot of questions - but what great ideas. I fancy the idea of some quilting - and I've just got a book from the library, but your suggestions have set me thinking - thanks !

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flubba · 23/01/2013 06:27

Good luck OP, I made my first ever quilt this time last year and blogged about it here. Currently snuggling under it as I type as it's on our bed :)

:)