Beginner's Guide to Quilting - UK (2020-02)

Great^ for^ using^ up

small^

fabric^ scraps!

COMPLETING THE PATCHWORK

9

Once you’ve sewn all the hexagons
together, undo the tacking stitches and
remove the papers. Alternatively, by removing
the papers as you go along, your patchwork
work will become lighter, more flexible and
easier to handle as you work – as well as
saving you time at the end.

QUILTING THE PATCHWORK

10

In this stage, the three layers – the
finished patchwork, batting and backing
fabric – are joined together with a running
stitch, worked all around the edges of the
hexagon pieces to create the raised quilted
effect. Place the cotton backing fabric right
side down with the batting on top, then put
the assembled patchwork right side up
centrally on top. Baste all three layers together,
using your preferred method. (See page 52 for
details on different styles of basting). Neatly
quilt around each hexagon shape with quilting
thread in a coordinating colour.

ASSEMBLING THE LAPTOP CASE

11

Take the completed quilted piece and trim
the backing fabric and batting so that the
finished piece measures approximately
11in x 28½in. To be extra sure about sizing,
wrap around your laptop and check the
dimensions before you trim.

12

Fold the piece in half widthways, right

sides together, and sew together down

both sides, making sure you match the

hexagon seams. Use a ¼in seam allowance.

13

Repeat this step with the lining fabric but

leave a gap in the centre of one side for

turning at a later stage.

14

Fold the button cord for the loop in half

and place both ends at the centre of one

side of the opening. Secure them into place.

15

Turn the lining wrong sides out and place

the patchwork exterior inside, matching

side seams and raw edges.

16

Neatly hand stitch together all around the

top using a ¼in seam allowance.

17

Turn the whole piece right sides out

through the gap in the lining and press

carefully with an iron. Push the lining inside

the patchwork exterior.

18

Choose a button in a complementary

colour and the right size to fit the loop.

For an extra coordinated look use a self cover

button – wrap a scrap of your favourite

leftover fabric around the front of the button,

secure at the back with a stitch then push the

backing piece into place. Fix the button to the

front of the laptop case to line up with the

cord loop on the other side. Slip your laptop

inside and secure the loop to check that

everything fits snugly.

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