160 Beginner’s Guide to QuiltingTry 3D effects!
Despite the variety of wadding and quilting options
out there, even the cosiest of quilts still lies relatively
flat on a bed or sofa. But they don’t have to! With a
bit of fabric, wadding and your new patchwork skills
you can make all sorts of 3D shapes – try making
decorations like this star, by Brazen J on Flickr.
Or give your quilts a 3D effect with puff quilting- where you stuff your patchwork with extra wadding
to create an eye-catching effect. Puff quilts are a
popular choice with quilters wanting a soft play mat
for babies. Go for a lightweight polyester wadding
to stop the quilt from getting too heavy, and be
generous! Cram it in there to make sure your quilt
keeps its bouncy feel and doesn’t flatten with time.
IN THE FRAME
Give your quilt edges some
TLC with a few fancy fabric-
piecing details. Perhaps the
simplest way to dress up your
quilt borders is by adding
cornerstones, but there are
endless other things to try.
For a stripy effect, strip piece
four lengths of fabric to make
up your border, or set blocks
on point to frame your design
with diamonds. Rows of
Flying Geese or half square
triangles would look really
striking! Detailed borders
don’t have to play second
fiddle to the centre – they can
be a main part of the design.
Why not opt for a simple
central panel, with intricate
shapes surrounding it?SASHIKO STITCHING
This Japanese embroidery is a perfect way
to quilt if you want to make your stitches the
star of the show. As you quilt, simply sew a
series of short running stitches in a thick or
contrasting thread to create ornate shapes.
It would look great on denim patchwork!NOW FIND OUT MORE...
Read more about many of the techniques we’ve talked about
here in our follow-on book The Pro Guide to Quilting. Inside you’ll
find all sorts of expert tips, tricks and tutorials for taking your
patchwork to the next level. Quilting pros share their secrets,
while easy-to-follow tutorials and beautiful projects talk you
through how it’s all done.
You’ll find advice on piecing, designing, quilting and finishing
your projects, plus new ways to add a personal touch to your
projects, including a handy guide to adding quilt labels. It’s sure
to become an essential part of your quilting kit (along with this
guide, of course!), and is the perfect companion for your sewing
table. Find out more or treat yourself to a copy at bit.ly/1gydDer.Next Steps
© Brazen J bit.ly/1gV2NVGDesert Arrows quilt ©Art Gallery Fabrics,
as seen in The Pro Guide to Quilting
© Julie Sprague
bit.ly/1gF1TGP