Beginner's Guide To Quilting - UK (2020-04)

Cut the strip into segments, with the width

of a segment equal to the width of the

original single strip width. Take a pair of

units and rotate one 180°. Sew together,

matching seams at the centre, and press.

For a 9-patch block cut two strips of dark

and one of light fabric. With the light strip in

the middle, sew the strips along the length

with a ¼in seam (unit 1). Repeat with two

light strips and one dark strip (unit 2). Press.

Cut both units into segments, so the

width of the segments is equal to the

width of the original strip width. Take two

unit 1 segments and one unit 2 segment

and sew together as shown. Press again.

S

trip piecing is a technique

where two or more strips of

fabric are sewn together –

it’s great for speedy piecing (see

page 44). The strips are long

because you cut units from the

sewn strips. These units are used

to create larger blocks.

Using strip piecing not only saves time,

but also gives you more uniform

results, since the units come from the

same piece of fabric.

There are two easy blocks that you

can make to practise your strip piecing

• a Four Patch and a Nine Patch block.
  Whip up a few of these blocks, join

them up and you’ll quickly have a

checker board patchwork quilt top,

ready to turn into a cosy throw! Once

you get the hang of strip piecing, you

can use it to create more complicated

designs like Rail Fence or Windmill

blocks. You can find out more about

working with blocks on page 104.

CREATE A CHECKERED EFFECT

WITH STRIP-PIECED BLOCKS

For a 4-patch block cut two long strips of

matching width from two contrasting

fabrics, one light and one dark. Sew the

strips together along the length with a ¼in

seam and press the seam to one side.

1

3

2

4

Nine Patch block

Working with Blocks

108 Beginner’s Guide to Quilting