Funky blanket inspiration with Ambassador Annie
So, you want to make a patchwork quilt? These colourful and cosy creations are not only cool but also a fantastic way to tap into your creativity. Let's grab our sewing kits, settle in, and unravel the delightful tale of patchwork quilts!
The origins of patchwork date back thousands of years. It began when resourceful homemakers realised that they could repurpose leftover fabric scraps to create warm and functional blankets that also looked nice.
This clever idea laid the foundation for the patchwork quilt as we know it today. Traditionally, women would gather together in quilting bees to sew quilts by hand, bonding, sharing stories, and creating beautiful pieces of folk art at the same time. These quilting bees helped build strong community ties, and they're a testament to the social nature of quilt-making throughout history.
Who can resist a cosy quilt that tells a story through its pattern and fabric choices? Each piece lovingly stitched together represents memories, emotions, and a little piece of your heart. Plus, the satisfaction of seeing a finished quilt and knowing you made it with your own two hands is unbeatable.
I'm sure you're eager to get started on your own patchwork quilt adventure – I am too! You can go for the traditional look with a simple pattern, or you can unleash your inner Picasso and create something mind-blowingly artistic. The possibilities are truly endless but today I’m going to show you how I made a geometrical design made from triangles, squares and diamonds. And I have some top tips to guide you along the way of making your own quilt <3
Materials needed
- Cotton scraps, old clothes, and all those fat quarters you’re hoarding
- Fusible interfacing, heavy weight
- Backing cotton – you could buy a piece to fit your quilt, or you could repurpose an old sheet etc
- Sewing thread
- Sewing needle
Equipment needed
- Sewing machine (I used my Brother Innov-is 2700)
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Quilting ruler
- Iron and ironing board
How to
Step 1: Decide your placement and colour scheme
Decide on the mood and colour scheme you want to achieve with this quilt. Are you into bright and bold, soft pastels, or earthy tones? The choice is yours!
I find it relaxing to sketch out my own quilt designs and then build my quilt around that sketch. However, if you don’t want to sketch an idea out, or would like a guiding hand, I have included my sketch design which you can download using the button below. The download also includes the templates for each of the quilt block pieces you will need.
Traditional quilts are made in many different ways, but most are pieced together by creating quilt blocks, that are then sewn together to create a whole quilt front, which is layered with wadding and a back piece of fabric.
For this quilt, I have approached it in a less than traditional way, which I think is easier for the beginner sewer. The quilt pieces are sewn together in long chains, and I have used a fusible interfacing, rather than a wadding, to stop things moving about.
Download here
Step 2: gather your scraps
Raid your fabric stash for scraps that tug at your heartstrings. Old clothes, sentimental textiles, or even fabric scraps bought specifically for this project – all are fair game!
Use this guide to decide on your placement, and that will tell you how many of each fabric you need (ie. in the pink placement, you will need 4 squares, and 46 triangles) .
Tip: nowadays there are specific quilt cottons in a wide variety of patterns and colours that you can use. If you want to go for an upmarket look you might want to buy matching quilt cottons. However, I’m a big fan of my quilts telling a story and being sustainable, so I like to use scraps from my scrap box. You can use any fabric, but non-stretch cottons work best. Steer away from very fine, or technical fabrics, unless this is just going to be a wall hanging.
Step 3: cut, cut, cut
Get your trusty rotary cutter and cutting mat ready and start cutting your fabric into the squares and triangles needed. Remember, patchwork quilts thrive on variety!
Tip: you’ll need to use a metal ruler or a quilting ruler to keep your cuts neat and sharp. When cutting patchwork pieces you need to make sure you’re as exact as you can be.
Step 4: blocks and rows
Lay out your fabric pieces and start assembling them. Follow your chosen pattern (or the pattern above) and stitch each piece together using the 0.5cm seam allowance.
First of all, create your blocks by sewing the smaller triangles onto the squares (see image below) and then chain piece your rows.
Tip: you need to be really exact when quilting, so try to keep your sewing straight and your seam allowance exact. When you’ve pieced your blocks, and your chains, you may need to square up your edges a little with your rotary cutter.
Step 5: stitch it together
Once you have created your rows, it’s time to sew them together to make the whole quilt. Don't forget to iron those seams to keep things neat!Tip: I try to go one row at a time, so I don’t get muddled up!
Step 6: interface
Once you have sewn your patches together, it's time to layer the front of your quilt with the interfacing and a backing fabric. Iron the interfacing to the back (wrong side) of your patchwork.Tip: as mentioned before, it is standard to use a wadding, not an interfacing when quilting. However, I find this method a little easier. Once you have pieced your quilt, you’re more than welcome to construct it in the more traditional manner.
Step 7: layer it together
Place the backing fabric on your fused patchwork with right sides together. Using your sewing machine, stitch one big line around the edge corner using a 1cm seam allowance and leave a small gap (8cm) in one side.Step 8: turn the right way around
Turn right side out through the small gap and hand-stitch the opening shut.Tip: I find pressing the seam allowance inside the opening creates a much neater edge to sew up.
Step 9: it’s time to quilt it
Many traditional quilts will have intricate patterns top stitched onto the quilt. This helps keep the wadding in place and provides extra, personal detail. You can do some simple hand-stitching, try out free-motion quilting, or opt for top stitching on each side of your block seams.Tip: I opted to topstitch along the quilt blocks. Set your straight stitch length to 4mm and stitch either side of the seams on your quilt. A Brother Stitch in the Ditch foot can help, but you can use your standard Brother J Foot or N Foot for this. You can also use a heavier/contrasting topstitching thread and topstitching needle if you want your design to really be seen.
Step 10: snuggle and admire
Congratulations, you marvellous maker! Take a moment to cuddle up in your cosy creation, revel in the achievement, and admire your hard work. You've crafted your very own patchwork quilt.
Remember, making a patchwork quilt is more than just sewing fabric together. It's about embracing the journey, revelling in the process, and creating something beautiful to remember. So, unleash your inner artist, and join the long line of quilt-makers who have woven warmth, love, and community through the art of patchwork quilts. Happy quilting, my friends!
