PATCHWORK
COVERLET
Patchwork was
originally developed as a method of re-cycling fabrics, but has developed into
an art form. This basic machine method based on simple shapes like the square
and triangle is a time- saving way to re-create the effect. Quilting can be
done after all the patches are sewn together. Cut out all the shapes with the
same seam allowance so that they match up at the seam lines when the units, or
blocks, of smaller patchworks are sewn together into the final throw over. The
instructions here are for the simplest throw over made from squares that are
all the same size (or you can assemble triangles to the same size as the
squares shapes like the square and triangle is a time- saving way to re-create
the effect.
Quilting can be
done after all the patches are sewn together. Cut out all the shapes with the
same seam allowance so that they match up at the seam lines when the units, or
blocks, of smaller patchworks are sewn together into the final throw over. The
instructions here are for the simplest throw over made from squares that are
all the same size (or you can assemble triangles to the same size as the squares).
MAKING QUILTS
For variations of pattern, plan the arrangement of squares on graph paper
before you start, using crayons or colored pens to organize the color sequences.
You can increase the number of fabrics you use so that the whole is graded in
tone from the center outwards, Choose three or four coordinating fabrics and
cut them first into strips, 12 cm (4i in) wide, and then into squares of the
same measurement.
Press under 1 cm (i in) wide turnings all around each square.
Take the first two squares, in two different fabrics, and join with a flat
seam. Join further squares to the opposite free edges, keeping the different
patterns in the same order. Join enough squares to make a strip the length of
the finished guilt, Make up further strips until you have enough to fit the
width of the guilt. Plan the strips so that each one starts with a different
fabric in the sequence. Press all seams open and clip across corners of seam
allowance, Join the strips in the same way as the squares, being careful to
take precise 1cm seam allowances.
Check the arrangement of the strips before
stitching so that they form diagonal bands of pattern. Press the seams open.
Make up the guilt with a plain backing panel and a piece of wadding the same
size as the patchwork panel, and bind the edge. When joining triangles to form'
a square, match the raw edges carefully or the resulting seam will be
incorrectly aligned.
