How-to Make Your Own 'Pieced Fabric'

Need a fabric that is unique,

to add extra dimension, 

or for when you just cannot find that perfect shade?

Why not make your own fabric pieces? It's easy and fun!!

Cut them into:
(1) squares to use as blocks; (2) into the shapes needed for applique designs; or (3) use them in the borders of your quilts, for added interest.

PIECED FABRIC SECTIONS

STANDARD GUIDELINES
In string quilts...
the narrow strips are generally sewn onto a lighter weight fabric or interfacing. The block is then trimmed to fit size requirements. This is also especially helpful when working with strips placed in a diagonal direction or pieces that are cut on the bias, keeping pieces from being stretched out of shape.

TRIMMED BLOCK (9" X 9")

However, if you are working with strips that are not placed diagonally, or the backing size is not an issue; you can skip the extra fabric layer. 

CONTINUE JOINING SECTIONS
FOR LONGER PIECES

You may just wish to sew strips together and store them for later projects. (Care should always be taken in every project, when pressing seams.)

THE HOW-TO METHOD for APPLIQUE

Scrappy designs come out beautiful no matter how the colors are put together. So have fun making some colorful appliques for your next project.

METHOD:

1. Start by selecting a particular color family or group of colors. 
2. Because each strip is cut from scrap fabrics, arrange the strips into stacks with similar lengths. (This makes the sewing process more efficient.) 
3. Lay out the strips next to your machine, whether in a particular order or at random, that you wish sew together. (This may be the whole stack and save some for later use, or a chosen few to match the size required for an applique project.)

STEPS:

1. Begin with two strips... with right sides facing each other, sew them together using a quarter-inch seam allowance. (You may use either a regular or scant quarter inch for applique templates.) 
2. Then lightly finger press the seams open. These seams will later be pressed flat with an iron. However, as you sew, you do not need to press each one, as you  assemble them. Work with the selected fabrics until all have been joined together. 
3. Carefully press all the seams open; and tidy up the seam allowances from dangling threads.
4. Now your piece is ready for the correct placement of the appliques. 

WAYS TO JOIN COLORS:

• Alternating two colors in the same color family.
• Selecting a set number of fabrics and repeating the pattern.
• Selecting a color family and using a variety of different fabrics.
• Using colors at random, making the section with a range of colors.

My Recommendations:

                                                                                                                                            

ADDING APPLIQUE

(1.)  
For pieced-fabric appliques: seams should always be pressed open.

This allows the fusible web to hold down all the seams neatly; and enables the backing paper to lift more easily when ready to separate from the fusible fabric.

RELEASING PAPER

(2.)
To release the paper from the back, I use the tip of the seam ripper to release an edge, (before cutting out the applique) as once it is fused to the fabric, it is really difficult to remove easily. Make a pencil mark at this location so it is easier to find the loosened edge.

(I do this when using Pellon 805 Wonder-Under transfer web.)



(3.)

Stitch lengths to use while you work on your project.

  <> Stitching seams:  I now use a (1.5) stitch length.

  <> Quilting the quilt layers:  A (2.5 or 3.0) stitch length works well for stitch-in-the ditch, outlining appliques, etc.

  <> Feel free to use free-motion quilting to quilt your project. (I still need to try this; however, it looks like that may still be in my bucket list in 2015.)

<.> <.> <.> <.> <.> <.> <.> <.> 

Butterfly Applique Picture Tutorial

(A.)  Sew five strips together to form the pieced-fabric section needed for this butterfly. (Hopefully you can see the fabrics in this photo, as black is difficult to photograph.)

(A.)  BLACKS SEWN TOGETHER

(B.)  The butterfly has been cut out of the pieced-fabric section, seams pressed open, fusible web applied, and paper released. (It is now ready to place on the quilt block.)

(B.)  WRONG SIDE OF APPLIQUE

(C.)  In this finished project, the appliques have been fused, stitched on with an applique stitch, and an outline stitch added around each applique; to join the three layers of the quilt.

RIGHT SIDE OF BUTTERFLY

If you wish to make this free mini quilt, you can check out the tutorial and download the free PDF pattern at the website. 


Enjoy a new experience down this creative path....

Blue Moon Tutorial

Need a quick and easy mini quilt to make for someone?

Would you like to try something new? 

How about this 'pieced-fabric' applique project? 

MINI QUILT  TUTORIAL and free e-PATTERN

BLUE MOON

PATTERN AVAILABLE HERE.
Select a random range of colors and let's begin....


MY VERSION:

• Eleven different colors for the quilt block. And two different fabrics in black for the border. 
• All strips are 1-1/4" wide. (And taken from my strings collection drawer.)
• Once the string block was made, I dug into my miscellaneous applique leftovers to find: 
• three orange stars, 
• a blue circle; 
• and a black pieced butterfly.
• Then, I tossed them on the block to see how they would fit, and liked how they looked. 
• As the appliques had already been fused to fabric, it was a quick job to add them to the block.
• Stitching around each applique in black thread using a pin stitch was quick and easy. ( I layered the batting and quilt top together for this step.)
• Then, the backing fabric was added to complete the quilt sandwich. Using a straight stitch to outline each applique finishes the quilt off quite neatly. 
• And, finally; a quick job of adding the binding, and it is ready to enjoy!

WHAT WILL YOUR VERSION LOOK LIKE?  
Sure.. it will be similar; however, because your scrap basket and strings are different then mine; your mini quilt will be unique to your own treasured stash. So... why not try one today?

BLUE MOON

The blue circle ... on the quilt made me think of that phrase we hear sometimes: 'Once in a Blue Moon', so I have decided to call this one: "Blue Moon". 

“Every once in a blue moon, something new comes along that 
scrambles your preconceptions.” ~Author unknown

(10-1/2" x 10-1/2")

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:

Front : 11 fabric strips (1-¼” wide x 9-½” long)

Border: 4 strips (1-¼” wide x length of side)

Back – 11” x 11” piece

Applique Design –                                      

                                          STARS: 2” x 5” piece              

                     MOON: 4-½” x 4-½” piece                                           

                                          BUTTERFLY: 3-½” x 4” piece; or pieced-fabric section: 5 strings x 4” wide

Binding – 1 piece: approx. 58” long x 2-¼” wide  (extra 6” included in measurement)

OTHER SUPPLIES:

Fusible web – 6” X 8” piece

Batting – 11” x 11” piece

Sewing thread – colors of your choice

BLOCK FRONT - SIDES TRIMMED

BLOCK PREP AND CONSTRUCTION:

1.   If you do not have prepared strings, then cut 11 strips each 1-¼” wide by approximately 9-½” long. (The block will be trimmed, once pressed.)

2.   Sew these 11 strips together to make your pieced-fabric block.

3.   Press seams carefully. (You may press them open or towards one side.)

4.   Then trim so block is 9” wide. Cut only the two sides so ends of strips are even. (Strips run horizontally.)

5.   Block should now be 9” x 9”. (If not, adjust the measurements when cutting border strips.)

6.   Measure block to ensure correct lengths are cut for each border strip. In total, cut four strips, 1-¼” wide. (I’ve used strings the same width as were used in my block.)

7.   This project uses these measurements for the border: (Sides: 9” long. Top/Bottom: 10-½” long.)

8.   Add side strips first; and then measure again, and cut strips for the top and bottom borders.

9.   Press these seam allowances towards the border.

10. Cut batting layer and backing fabric each approximately 11” square. (Make these at least ½” larger than the top layer.) Set backing fabric aside, until ready to add.

11. Take your front fabric block (right side facing up) and place on top of your batting piece. Pin or use spray adhesive to hold them in place.

12. Add appliques to the batting/quilt top layers, using your favorite stitches and thread colors. This is my preferred method, as it creates a neater finish on the back of this mini quilt. (If you prefer, you can place all three layers together and do your fancy stitching around the applique design, all in one step.)

13. Now add the backing fabric. You may use pins or adhesive spray to hold layers together. Place batting on wrong side of backing fabric and stitch through all three layers. (Use a 2.5 or 3.0 length straight stitch to outline each applique.)

14. Lastly, add your binding. And if desired, finish with a label.

ADDING BINDING

Note: If making your block larger; than adjust the lengths for the border strips. If desired, you may also use a wider width for the border. 

APPLIQUE CONSTRUCTION:

1. Trace applique pieces onto paper-backed fusible web and follow manufacturers’ instructions for attaching to fabric.  (Patterns have been reversed for you.)
2. Set pieces aside, until ready to add to the quilt block.
3. When applique pieces are ready to stitch down, select your stitch type and thread color(s). This project uses only black thread on all applique pieces. You may choose to match the thread color to the fabric, if desired. 

If you wish to make the butterfly with a string pieced section, prepare the fabric section by sewing together 5 strings that are at least 4” in length. Once section is complete, press seams OPEN. Then continue with the fusible web instructions.

'PIECED FABRIC' BUTTERFLY

Pattern Download: Please join as a follower... if you like this design and are interested in seeing more free projects on this blog. As I do plan on adding more; however, am curious to see how effective doing both a tutorial and a downloadable pattern will be for me. Or, if I should concentrate more on providing these designs through my Craftsy store. Thanks for your feedback.

Bring that 'once in a blue moon' feeling just a bit closer with this delightful project. Happy stitching...