In case you hadn't already guessed I love patchwork. So I thought I'd show you how its really not as fiddly as you might think. This is my second piece using the paper template method, and although its time consuming cutting the templates and tacking the pieces, when it comes to the sewing together bit, its far less taxing than having to match things up by hand.
To begin the star and hexagon pattern you will need to draw a hexagon (google image :hexagon!)
Once you've decided on the size, draw lines as above to form the diamond shape and make cardboard templates for you to draw around.
Next you need to cut out six diamonds out of paper. Pin them to your chosen fabric leaving an allowance for folding and tacking, as above.
If you have a stripe fabric be sure to make the fabric pieces all the same so they make a great pattern when sewn together.
All you need to do now is put the right sides together, I found it better to start at the middle of the star to make sure all the points met. Now simply whip stitch them together! Easy right?
This is my last star and its at this point where I start to get excited at the thought of a nearly finished quilt. So much so that I was up at 8 am last Sunday sewing feverishly.
The complete star is now ready to join its buddies.
This part involves a lot of holding and I find my left hand suffers more than my right.
This is probably the fiddliest bit, and I must stress that I am by know means an excellent patchworker! So thank goodness that fabric has a little give, believe me if you find that some of the points and edges don't match up, you are not alone!!
The last triangle to finish!! With my heart pounding in my chest 'I have finished!'.
I actually felt a little sad, because I have really enjoyed this patchwork, so I'm sure I shall be doing it again.
All I need now is to bind and quilt!! That's another story. I purposefully havent bought any backing fabric yet so I give myself a break before the next hurdle!
I hope Ive inspired someone to give paper piecing a go, it really is addictive, why not start out with a plain hexagon quilt?
Dont forget to enter my giveaway its ending on Monday!
10 comments:
You make it look so easy!!! I would like to have a go at a quilt one day. Yours is stunning. I like the colour combinations you have used.
You really have inspired me, but think this is one for the clever ones :)
I don't even know what whip stitching is :)
It looks very, very beautiful and you should be very proud of yourself
Love
Mary
X
It's so lovely! Thanks v much for the tutorial, I thought it was a lot more complicated than that. I don't think I'm up to making a full quilt at the moment but I think I might have a go at doing enough for a cushion :)
Mel xxx
That must have taken some patience!! It's lovely!
Have a great weekend ;-)
Thanks for the tutorial Clare. I'm going to squirrel this away for when I have more time. Your quilt looks absolutely gorgeous. It's so lovely to see it take shape. Emma x
You must have so much patience, it looks lovely!
I can remember my Nan always making them, you have inspired me too have ago one day soon.
I hope you have been making the most of this beautiful weather!
Enjoy your weekend …love Lou xxx
Ohh this is superb!
I love hand piecing. I have a hexagon quilt that I've been doing for a long time, but I'm hoping to make a concerted effort and get it finished, this year maybe? Hopefully.
Hi Clare, you do have the patience of a saint. I started a patchwork way back in the early nineties. It was going to be a quilt cover, but ended up as a cusion cover!! I used to love the patchwork squares that they used to sell in Laura Ashle's. Does anyone remember them? Twas a sad day when Laura tippled down the stairs - the shop really hasnt been the same since.
What a fab looking quilt! I've just been scrollling through your last few blogs and saw you mention Geoff Hamilton - he was WONDERFUL! His Cottage Garden book and series were fabulous.
Lucy x
I love your colour choices, this is a really lovely patchwork. Great photos, and a lovely blog! :-)
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