fussy cutting : a patchwork tutorial

Whilst making my last quilt I discovered the term 

fussy cutting.

It was something I was already doing without realising it.

This is my tutorial to show you how simple it really is to turn

an average looking patchwork quilt into something a bit more exciting.

And to prove it I am using a pattern I've not used before.

I am by no means an experienced quilter,

so forgive me if I do anything in an odd manner,

this is my method and it works for me.

For this tutorial I am paper piecing by hand, 

but there are a ton of designs suited to the machine also.

The shape I am going to show you stems from a hexagon.

Hexagons are so versatile, you really can do so much with them!

You will need:

4 types of fabric, one  preferably that is geometrical or stripey

these tend to work well when fussy cutting.

4 card templates, which I will show you how to make

paper for the templates, I use computer paper or old envelopes.

 

I make all my templates, just because I generally make patchwork from scratch,

and template making is so easy.

To start with you will need a hexagon template,

google hexagon in the images section

and print one off, mine has 3cm sides.

Make a cardboard template as above.

Next, draw around the hexagon and extend two sides to make a point.

Make this new crystal shape into a card template

and make 6 paper pieces,

Isn't it neat how they fit together?

So here are the first pieces.

Ready to get fussy cutting?

I've chosen a sweet butterfly for the centre hexagon.

This fabric is an old nightgown that cost me £1 from a charity shop.

With the motif in the middle,

pin, cut with a 1/4 inch seam allowance and sew.

I tack through the card and fabric,

which is not strictly correct,

I find it quicker and easier this way

especially with larger or more tricky shapes.

Next up the stripey or geometrical fabric.

Another vintage piece that cost £1.50.

It is important here that you cut all 6 points the same.

If you are using fabric with a busy pattern, 

make sure you find the repeat and cut the shapes all alike.

This is not always a great idea as it can be wasteful,

which is why a striped fabric is good.

Sew up the crystal shapes like before, 

being careful and keeping the stripes straight.

Mine are not perfect, I'm not that kind of girl.

There is a certain amount of give when hand sewing,

but they do need to be somewhat similar.

Next with right sides together I whip-stitched all the points to the hexagon.

And next the sides in the same way.

Now for this tutorial I am showing you step by step.

Once you have all your fabrics paper pieced in the desired

pattern, it would make more sense to sew more pieces together continually,

and not small bits at a time.

Now you have your star shape the next step is to choose the shape which surrounds.

Above you can see how there are a few different add ons.

All these shapes can be easily made using the template you already have.

This one can be split into 3 or as a whole hexagon.

Once you have chosen your shape make a template.

For this tutorial I have chosen a simple triangle, 

for bigger projects you may prefer the diamond or hexagon,

both of which I have used.

This picture shows how I fold the piece over to make stitching easier.

And the result.

I am adding an extra border to my piece.

Above is how I worked out the shape, 

by working with the templates already used.

Again try to fussy cut all the same.

 The finished piece...

 with papers

(remove the papers only when you have completed the whole project!)

I simply stitched a felt backing on

and practiced my

'in the ditch' quilting,

which I am hideously awful at.

(no really)

mistakes I made useful advice:

use a coloured tacking thread 

so you don't cut the wrong knots when removing the paper!

try and buy 100% cotton solids

to prevent puckering, which I found with the jade fabric.

spend more time getting your centre motif 

where you want it!

****

Like I've said before I am no expert,

if there is anything I've left out or 

if you have any questions

leave me a comment!

ps. these are my favourite colours.
very 1920s upstairs downstairs!