To prepare for the making of your quilt, you will need to consider the following:
1. Fabric
The fabric for this project should be 100%cotton of quilting cotton weight. It doesn’t have to be expensive!! Homespun is fine and if you check the fabric shops in the sheeting section, you may just find some 100%cotton sheeting that you can use for the back of the quilt.
The fabric can be any colour, design etc – just keep in mind that it is for children so try to choose bright, colourful, fun prints!
We will be using 5″ squares. You can cut 12 of these from a Fat 1/4 – a simple way to buy a selection of prints, or, you will fit 8 across the width of the fabric if you are buying by the metre.
The quilt I have planned measures approx 50″ square. I say approx because when we get further along, different options will vary the results slightly.
We will therefore need 144 x 5″ squares.
Choose your feature fabric/s. You will need 64 x 5″ squares. If you are making an I Spy type using novelty prints, try to get a collection of different novelty prints. You can make your feature squares all the same eg frogs – its up to you, the quilts will all be different and I’m sure they will all be loved!!
You will need assorted scraps or 105cm of your chosen feature fabric if using the same all through the quilt.
For the Inner Squares, choose a fabric to show off, but not detract from your feature fabric. This might be stripes, spots, etc and not too bold. You will need 64 x 5″ squares. They do not have to be all the same but can be if you so choose.
You will need assorted scraps or 105cm of chosen fabric if using the same fabric in all Inner Squares.
The centre squares are where you place your ‘zing’ fabric! This is a strong fabric but because it will end up only a small square, it will not take over. You will need 16×5″ squares.
You will need assorted scraps or 30cm of chosen fabric if using the same in all centre squares
You will also need Backing Fabric for the back of the quilt and Binding fabric, but I suggest you leave that till you have finished your quilt top.
Take a look at the images here if you need some inspiration.
The quilt I have planned measures approx 50″ square. I say approx because when we get further along, different options will vary the results slightly.
We will therefore need 144 x 5″ squares.
Choose your feature fabric/s. You will need 64 x 5″ squares. If you are making an I Spy type using novelty prints, try to get a collection of different novelty prints. You can make your feature squares all the same eg frogs – its up to you, the quilts will all be different and I’m sure they will all be loved!!
You will need assorted scraps or 105cm of your chosen feature fabric if using the same all through the quilt.
For the Inner Squares, choose a fabric to show off, but not detract from your feature fabric. This might be stripes, spots, etc and not too bold. You will need 64 x 5″ squares. They do not have to be all the same but can be if you so choose.
You will need assorted scraps or 105cm of chosen fabric if using the same fabric in all Inner Squares.
The centre squares are where you place your ‘zing’ fabric! This is a strong fabric but because it will end up only a small square, it will not take over. You will need 16×5″ squares.
You will need assorted scraps or 30cm of chosen fabric if using the same in all centre squares
You will also need Backing Fabric for the back of the quilt and Binding fabric, but I suggest you leave that till you have finished your quilt top.
Take a look at the images here if you need some inspiration.
2. Wadding
Once again, it is best to keep with cotton wadding. Some people prefer bamboo or a mix – they are all fine. I wouldn’t recommend a polyester for a number of reasons, the main one for this project being bulk.
Don’t purchase your batting yet as finished sizes may vary.
Don’t purchase your batting yet as finished sizes may vary.
3. Tools
There are some tools that make life ‘easier’ when quilting but they are NOT essential. They will make great additions to your ‘wish list’ if you intend to make more quilts!! In the mean time, check your ‘sewing’ friends – you may be able to borrow one to try.
a) Rotary cutter,ruler and self healing mat – these make cutting your squares a much simpler process but in my instructions, I demonstrate using scissors and a tape measure as well.
b) 1/4″ foot – take a good look through your machine attachments box as many machines come with these now:
c) A Walking Foot (also called an even feed foot)
d) Quilting Pins – some quilters prefer to use a basting spray but as I suffer from Fibromyalgia, I avoid as many chemicals as I can. These pins are just safety pins with a curve!
I hope this helps get things sorted. I apologise for the distorted beginning – I’m putting this together in between hospital visits and my mind is not as logical as it would normally be. If you are not sure of anything or if I have neglected something of importance please let me know – I will not be offended!! We are all trying to work together for the children.
A proposed time table is as follows:
Aug 5th – Tutorial 2 – joining the squares
Aug 12th – Tutorial 3 – cutting the blocks
Aug 19th – Tutorial 4 – working the design
Aug 26th – Tutorial 5 – sewing the blocks
Until next time
Nanny xx
A proposed time table is as follows:
Aug 5th – Tutorial 2 – joining the squares
Aug 12th – Tutorial 3 – cutting the blocks
Aug 19th – Tutorial 4 – working the design
Aug 26th – Tutorial 5 – sewing the blocks
Until next time
Nanny xx
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