Monday, March 14, 2011

Borders

How to create borders:
Once you finish your dimensions, insert ¼-inch seam and leave space to each side of your textile. The side borders should measure up to 10 x 34, i.e. width and length. The finishing measurement is factored into the ¼-inch seams you inserted. You will need to take up the spaces or seams left (later) to complete your borders. Once you insert ¼ inch you will have created 10 ½ x 34 1/2, which is the inches you will use to cut to fit the borders along the side. Use the same dimensions to cut at least two borders. The borders will cover each side of your fabric. Now measure the lower and upper borders. Add your blocks together to achieve your size. Follow the same method as outlined in the example above. Once you achieve your dimensions finish the width on one side of your borders. You should have counted 10 x 43, width and length unless you are quilting a larger or smaller quilt.

Next, insert another ¼ inch to your seams and leave space to each side. Refer to your measurements 10 x 43.

You will need to cut from the borders to achieve 10 ½ x 43 ½ inch to fit the edges at the top and bottom of your fabric.

You are creating a framed quilt so to speak. You may need to trim your borders to fit.

How to trim borders:
Starting at the crown of your quilt and working down to the middle, measure your quilt. You wan the length dimensions. If your dimensions are 30 ½ inches, thus round it off to the nearest tenth, i.e. 30 to complete your calculations: You will need to insert ¼ inch into the seams and make room for your sides. Next, use measuring tape, or a ruler to measure your quilt. Measure from the alongside and factor in the dimensions of your borders. Now insert the ¼-inch seams to the sides.

Once you finish your borders, you will need to start stitching after your prep the strips of your borders. Start by folding your strips. You will need to fold them in half and search for the middle, then press until your borders crease. You can pin to mark. Now find the middle of your sides by performing the same action as you did above. Mark again, and then start stitching your quilt. The center should be aligned. The right sides should come together, as well the crown should center. You will need craft pins to hold your ends in tact.

Along the length, start stitching your borders. You will need to work the fabric as you stitch to keep it in tact. If you are sewing on a machine, you can place the excess over your machine parts, which accept the input of your fabric (Feeder dog) to align. Hold back the shorter top layer and begin stitching slowly. The feeder will work the layers through.

You can pull the layers at the top through to slow the excess while allowing your feeder to pull the layer at the lower end through. Now connect your borders, by stitching it to your quilt. Insert the side of your fabric and allow your feeder to pull back the layers at the top. Press out your borders and leave a seam to work through the fabric border.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

My Baby Blues


Yardage requirements, template and rotary cutting directions can be found here.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

How Much Backing and Binding Fabric Do I Need?

For the standard CRIB size quilt you will need 1 3/4 yards for the backing and 3/8 yard for the binding.

For the standard TWIN size quilt you will need 5 1/4 yards for the backing and 5/8 yard for the binding.

For the standard DOUBLE size quilt you will need 5 1/4 yards for the backing and 5/8 yard for the binding.

For the standard QUEEN size quilt you will need 7 1/2 yards for the backing and 5/8 yard for the binding.

For the standard KING size quilt you will need 8 1/4 yards for the backing and 3/4 yard for the binding.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Quilted Cube Purse

Yesterday I made this cube purse



from a pattern by Reanna Lily Designs. I like it very much just the way it is, but..... I think I will play with it a litte bit. Maybe add a couple more pockets. Maybe try 2 ribbon ties instead of magnet. Or maybe I will try a velcro closing where it calls for the magnet.

This pattern is perfect for layer cakes (package of layer cakes will make 2 purses. You can also use fabric by the yard. Using her yardage figures I had half enough fabric for a second purse. She also gives instructions for cutting up old uniforms and making the purse from these pieces. If you like making quilted purses the pattern can be found HERE

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Tater Bag

This free pattern is from Warm Tater




Cooking time estimates based on an 1100 watt microwave oven with a turntable. If you do not have a turntable, you will need to turn your bag over at the midpoint of the suggested cook time to prevent scorching. Wash raw vegetables prior to cooking. Drying is not necessary as the extra moisture aids in cooking.

Free 10” Square Potato Bag Pattern

1. Warm Tater and your cotton fabrics do not need to be pre-washed. Once complete you will wash together. Measure the inside dimension of your microwave and adjust the pattern accordingly considering that the finished bag must be at least 1 full inch away from the walls and door of the microwave. CAUTION: If your microwave has a turntable, it is important that your potato bag be allowed to freely rotate or scorching may occur that could lead to fire if left unattended.
2. Cut a 23’ long x 11” wide piece of Warm Tater cotton and 2 pieces of 100% cotton fabric. One is the lining and the other is decorator fabric.
3. Layer the Warm Tater cotton between the two layer of fabric right sides out. Ouilt or tack layers together leaving no more that 5” open.
4. Surge or sew using a zig zag stitch the 3 layers together on all sides.
5. Create finished hems on each of the width ends by folding the fabric to the inside a ½’ and sewing it down using a straight stitch.
6. Fold the fabrics into a 11’ square inside out with the hems centered and overlapping 1”. Pin and sew all sides with a straight stitch and ½” seam allowances.
7. Turn right side out. Machine wash cold water and dry in warm dryer before use. ENJOY! Do not leave microwave unattended while cooking.

Monday, February 7, 2011