First attemp at patchwork quilt!

[FairyJen]

Making a patchwork quilt for my dd's birthday present. Her birthday is in may!! < panic stations >

I'm using old clothes from various family members etc do its really personal.

I have never made or done anything like this before! Today I have started cutting my squares and have realised I need more fabric and more pins!

I have a sewing machine but any advice, hints or tips would be welcome!

Or if you live in SE23 any fancy helping me... I provide coffee and cake!

Have I bitten off way more than I can chew??? Please help!!

[flubba]

No you've not bitten off more than you can chew - it goes very quickly once you get going!

I did one recently with my babies' clothes to make a sentimental one for my kiddies here and would recommend that you try and keep the fabrics similar to each other, and 'jersey' fabric (t-shirts and the like) are tricky to keep square because of their stretchy-ness but perfectly doable, and if you're struggling to keep them square (you'll know as soon as you've cut a 'square'), you can put some interfacing on the back to stabilise it.

I did a step-by-step tutorial for my first ever patchwork quilt which you're welcome to use (if you can follow my slightly manic ramblings of course ) :)

[FairyJen]

Have messed up already!! Got large squares 20x20 cm an small 10x10 thinking would use 4 to make up a 20cm square but they won't fit will they when seam is sewn in???

Gah!

[flubba]

You could always just use the 10x10s in single rows, and the same with 20x20s - and simply cut the edges to size (so you might have some rectangles at the sides)

[FairyJen]

Oh pants I had it laid on floor earlier - the bits I have and managed to get it looking lovely. The fact that I now can't sew this is annoying. Do you think trimming the 20x20 squares will work so they match up the square made from 10x10 iyswim or is that asking for trouble?

[FairyJen]

Would making 10x20 rectangles to got inbetween blocks of 4 and one large work? Realise am getting ahead of myself but trying to work it all out.

[LtheWife]

Once you've decided on what seam allowance you're going to use you could always cut the 20x20's down to size. Of course that would mean the quilt would end up a bit smaller so you could either add a border around the outside edge or sashing between the blocks in a complimentary colour.

[flubba]

Why won't you consider different height rows? I think it might look lovely and definitely 'patchy'

[Hattifattner]

the first rule of patchwork....there is no rule. If you are doing simple squares, then mix it up!

If you are using clothing, can I recommend you buy some dylon starch and make your fabric really really stiff, it makes it so much easier to work with.

Dont fret about your 10x10 blocks being a different size - get them all made up and then look at how you can combine them. you can always stretch a block if its cotton. Draw the desired block size on a cork board, spray block with water and then stretch and pin. keep the whole block wet and, when all stretched, leave to dry.

look

If you are using T shirt materials or anything stretchy, look at stabilising fabric before sewing.

[lljkk]

I would put the 10x10 blocks in the middle & the 20x20 blocks around the outsides. What will you use for backing?

See if you can make a pattern out of the predominant colours, maybe stripes or wavy lines.

[FairyJen]

I'm trying to work out math re trimming the larger blocks.

Am I right in thinking I need to measure 4 patch block once sewn then cut to that size that way when they (solid block and 4 patch block) are stitched together they will match size wise. Have I figured that correctly?

Plan on using a 1/4 in seam as that's what everybody else does!

Thanks for help

[FairyJen]

Basically I need to take 1/4 inch off each side of 20cm blocks don't I?

[FairyJen]

No I don't I mean 2 sides! Don't I?

God thought I had it then!

[FairyJen]

Backing will be plain I think, am watching some vintage sheets on eBay which have tiny flowers on.

[FairyJen]

I could just buy her a book instead!

[OnlyWantsOne]

Oh bless you :)

I'm starting my first quilt when I get the chance. I have everything ready.

Material is ironed ready, bought some spray adhesive, got a rotary cutter & mat etc

All very exciting. Will start cutting my squares tomorrow. I'm going for 4" squares so cutting 4 1/2" squares to allow for 1/4" seam allowance.

I LOVE the fabric I bought and I can't wait. The bindin I have bought Pre made made is the same mustard yellow as my favourite material I will be using. Will post photos of it as i go and show you if you like?


Tonight I practiced getting the "grain" of the material right so that the squares are cut square but I'm not too sure about that aspect.

[Urbanvoltaire]

Fairyjen I'm watching this with interest as I'm into doing a similar project for my daughter.

I live quite near you & have used a sewing machine for other craft projects so am happy to help you with that aspect......let me know if you fancy it!

[FairyJen]

That was my mistake I didn't account for seam allowance! < plonker >

I have sewn a four block together so am going to trim 20x20 blocks down to match so hopefully will all fit together!

urban your far more organised and prepared than me! Help would most certainly be greatly appreciated!

[FairyJen]

Pic on profile of what I have so far!

[Hattifattner]

looking good!

[flubba]

Looks lovely...

[FairyJen]

Really? I can take criticism..

< dons hard hat >

[flubba]

No, I do think it's lovely. Is that the full size of it? If so, I would probably think about placing the darker purple squares (from the smaller squares) symmetrically as you've had a go at placing the bigger ones symmetrically too. That's not a criticism by the way, it's a suggestion

[FairyJen]

Not full size just what have laid out so far

[flubba]

But you're going for a symmetricalish pattern?

[FairyJen]

I don't know to be honest! I was thinking having the solid blocks in order but the smaller 4 square blocks a bit higgldy piggly. Is that daft?