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.