The Quilter's Bible. Linda
is sewn.
4 Continue adding patches in this way, flipping the sewn patches over to their right side. Once a patch is sewn around all its edges remove the tacking (basting) and the template. Alternatively, leave the template in place until all work is complete.
Sewing Points
Some shapes, such as triangles, diamonds and trapeziums have acute points and when tacking (basting) these shapes over paper templates you will need to make sure that the seam allowance extends beyond the template at the point, in order to allow it to be sewn to other shapes.
Dealing with Diamonds
A diamond shape cut out and a tacked (basted) diamond.
Several diamonds sewn together to create a unit (C).
Dealing with Triangles
A triangle shape cut out and a tacked (basted) triangle..
Make It Now
Summer Cushions
These bright cushions in contemporary fabrics use easy shapes and English paper piecing. The making of the two round cushions is described here. The templates can be enlarged or reduced to any size you like.
Profile
Skills practised: English paper piecing; hand sewing; adding trims
Project layout: Hexagon cushion uses six hexagons; triangles cushion uses eight triangles
Finished size: Hexagon cushion 12in (30.5cm) diameter; triangles cushion 15in (38cm) diameter
Fabrics: Selection of brightly coloured fabrics; two fat quarters of white fabric; polyester stuffing
Threads: Hand sewing threads
Embellishments: Bobble or lace trim edging
Method
• Use the templates (see Templates), enlarged to the desired size. Cut sufficient templates from paper for your cushion.
• Tack (baste) your fabric shapes to the paper templates. Hand sew the sections together, remove the papers and press.
• For the hexagonal patchwork turn under a 1⁄4in (6mm) seam all round and appliqué it to a circle of fabric larger than the patchwork.
• For the triangles cushion add a white appliqué circle (see Gathered Edge Appliqué), padded with wadding (batting) if desired.
• Use the patchwork as a template to cut backing fabric for each of the cushions, adding 1⁄4in (6mm) all round for seams. Pin the front and back right sides together and sew around the edge, leaving a gap for turning through.
• Turn through to the right side, press and stuff each pillow with polyester stuffing or use a pad. Sew up the gap.
• For the triangles cushion the bobble edging is a knitting wool (yarn). The hexagon cushion uses a gathered voile trim hand sewn around the edge.
Machine Piecing
Machine sewing is a fast, accurate and secure method of piecing patchwork. We all live busy lives yet the need to create something with our own hands is as strong as ever and machine piecing allows us to complete projects in a reasonable time frame. This section describes the basic techniques required for successful machine piecing, and shows how to sew a wide range of seams, which will allow you to piece all sorts of shapes.
When machine piecing bear in mind that seams don’t always have to be hidden. Make a feature of them by sewing patches right sides together so the seams show on the outside. Snip into the seam at intervals and fluff up for a cozy chenille effect.
Setting up the Machine
When beginning a patchwork project, spending a little time preparing the machine for piecing will save time in the long run. The following points should help.
• Insert a new needle for each project and use a Sharps size 80/12 for straight stitching.
• Select a straight stitch with a length of 10–15 stitches per 1in (2.5cm). This forms stitches that are close enough to make a secure stitched line but not so densely packed that the stitches can’t be unpicked if the need arises. For piecing smaller fabric pieces reduce the length to 10–12.
• Use top thread and bobbin thread in colours to match your fabrics or choose neutral shades of grey or beige which will blend with most colours.
• Do some test stitching to check that the machine tension is correct.
• Fill several bobbins to reduce interruptions while piecing.
Starting and Finishing Machine Sewing
There are various ways to start and finish sewing securely and the following are the most popular.
• Start and finish each line of stitching by stitching forwards for a few stitches and then in reverse for a few. Trim the thread ends and feed them into the wadding.
• Start and finish each line of stitching by reducing the stitch length to zero, which means the machine will stitch on the spot. Trim the thread ends and feed them into the wadding.
• Modern machines have a built-in ‘fix’ or ‘secure’ function, which when selected will secure the thread ends. Trim thread ends as before.
• When cutting through seams to make smaller pieces no finishing off is possible. Stitching with a shorter stitch length will help keep stitching secure.
Machine piecing creates a very professional look and a durable finish. This beautiful little bag by Susan Briscoe uses a Log Cabin block in delicate coffee and cream colours.
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