Plum Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I've been given instructions to start a small wallhanging with my patchwork group. Anyone want to join in? I've no idea what it will look like. 12 squares - 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches in assorted solids or prints that compliment each other. You don't want anything too similar as the design could be lost. 3 Backgound strips - 2 3/4 x 42 inches You will also need a border fabric which could be one of the fabrics used for the 12 squares. arrange the 12 squares into a grid 4 squares across and 3 squares down. Take your time in arranging the colour combination and when you are happy stitch the grid together using an accurate quarter inch seam (this is very important for the later cutting stage). Press the seams in opposite directions along each row, i.e. first row to right, second row to left third row to right - this will make joining the rows easier and you should match the seams. Then add a background strip to each side, then top and bottom. The grid is now ready for the cutting stage. The next instructions come at the meeting on thursday. I've chosen colours that remind me of my chickens I'll post a picture of work so far tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 oh, id like to join in what fabric do I use? ive never patchworked before I hope it works cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 19, 2009 Author Share Posted April 19, 2009 Great Cathy, Doesn't matter if you haven't done any before because our group is very mixed so all levels there. Any fabric but dress weight/ craft cotton is easiest because it doesn't stretch and is easy to use when you sew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 19, 2009 Author Share Posted April 19, 2009 Forgot to say to use a sewing machine for the seams because it sounds like its getting cut up so all the seams would fall apart if sewn by hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I've never done anything like this, but I'd love to learn. I can sew using a machine - it can't be that difficult can it? Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Make sure you get your 1/4" seams right, otherwise nothing matches up when put together! Some machines come with a special 1/4" foot, or you can measure 1/4" from your needle and use a marker pen on the foot, or some masking tape on the machine bed to guide you. 100% cotton is supposed to work better than anything with man made fibres mixed in as it creases better (good for acurate seams), although I find a good hot iron does the trick just as well Good luck - sounds interesting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Does the background strip have to be different to the 12 squares? I'm also a bit confused why there are 3 background strips but you add one to each side? I've never done proper patchwork before so please excuse if they are really dumb questions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 I don't think I'd be any good at this. Best count me out I'm afraid. It sounds complicated. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fizzle Knit Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Does the background strip have to be different to the 12 squares? I'm also a bit confused why there are 3 background strips but you add one to each side? I've never done proper patchwork before so please excuse if they are really dumb questions Maybe the third strip is halved to provide the two side strips? But I haven't done the maths on this - could be wrong! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 ooooo, am just wondering how much "cottony" stuff I have to stitch together without buying more.......may just join you Plum ! Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 20, 2009 Author Share Posted April 20, 2009 got to sort chooks and I'll put more specific things on later. Panic not this bits dead easy if I post a picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 20, 2009 Author Share Posted April 20, 2009 This is my offering so far and shape you are aiming for. The 2 3/4" background strips are a contrast to the squares Right the background strips ............. When you have put your squares together - take the 2 3/4" background fabric and sew 16 1/2" strips to each long side Press the seams then sew 17" strips to the other sides. Snowy put it simpler if you can please You going to join in now Emma? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Couldn't've put it better myself Must admit though, even I was wondering why only 3 pieces 42" long So you need 2 pieces 17" x 2 3/4" and 2 pieces 16 1/2" x 2 3/4" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Okay - Help! It's taken me hours to cut out my squares and choose an arrangement - the whole family have had their input into the arrangement! I now have 3 strips of 4 squares, but am now confused (trust me I'm very easily confused ): Do I iron the seams open flat and join the strips or do I press them to the side before joining? In the instructions Plum talks about pressing the seams to the side but I think that is once everything is joined. I can't believe I'm getting so stressed over a little patchwork! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 20, 2009 Author Share Posted April 20, 2009 I did it by sewing four squares and repeat again twice so you have the three rows. First row press all seams one way, second all the other way then third same as first. Then join the three rows and you'll find the seams lay flat. Iron it all again. If you get seams going all ways don't worry it gives it texture and is more interesting Just do what you want as long as you get a block of squares (there are patchwork police but I won't tell them about you) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Ahh bless you so replying so quick, I can go to bed now and not fear a knock at the door from PC patchwork plod!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Well this is how far I've got As you can see I still need to do the border and a couple of my seams don't match up perfectly, but hope to rectify that tomorrow night all ready for the next round of instructions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 23, 2009 Author Share Posted April 23, 2009 Love the colours and you fabrics are fun. Anyone else got started yet? If you have'nt got fabrics I can post out some squares. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 23, 2009 Author Share Posted April 23, 2009 Well I've been to patchwork group tonight and we've been having fun. I didn't get much done because I was so busy taking photos for you and a video. Your need a template next and I don't think I can put it on for you to print so I'll post it to anyone having a go. Just send me a pm with your address. We'll go slow and one stage at a time and you will be amazed when you have done it. Just let me know when you are ready for another step. I'll post some pictures later of the squares that others in the group put together. Just enjoy it and don't worry if you haven't been too accurate that's what buttons are for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 Hi Plum I'm just about ready for the next stage. I've re-done my offending corners (they were really bugging me ) and added my border tonight, so will send you a pm with my address for the template. Thanks ever so much for posting the instructions for this I'm really enjoying my first attempt at patchwork. It's something I've always fancied having a go at and your mystery quilt has given me the kick start I needed. Look forward to seeing the squares of your classmates, I will post another of mine with the border tomorrow. Thanks again Nite nite Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 The quilts are looking lovely! - I wish I had time to join in.....my brain is awol at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 24, 2009 Author Share Posted April 24, 2009 Some people haven't done their homework These batiks are lovely another version and another I've posted the template and will give you the next stage when you get it. In the meantime you could find something to draw on your blocks with. I used pen on the light ones and chalk on the dark ones but you can use pencil, biro, marker, white pencil anything. The marks are cutting lines so won't be seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 24, 2009 Author Share Posted April 24, 2009 Hey there Cathy, Sha have you chosen your fabric yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 im going to do mine tomorrow ive got some fabric sorted, so, here goes cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 I love batiks - there are some lovely ones in my local shop *sits on hands* And now I really am intrigued - can't wait to see what will happen next with these pieces! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
