QT User Blog

The month of March is most famous for St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday honoring Ireland’s foremost saint, St. Patrick and Irish culture. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day here is a great traditional Irish quilt to make this month and to use for future Irish holidays and celebrations. Even if you aren’t Irish this is a great quilt for spring.

This quilt is called Road to Ireland, by M’liss Rae Hawley in her Fat Quarter Quilts book. The quilt has a simple Irish chain pattern that is nice and works well with spring colors perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish chain is a common technique that can be made in various ways to resemble simple chains or more advanced such as the Celtic chain or a double chain as well. However, a simple Irish chain is great for beginners. Simply pick your favorite style of the Irish chain and start quilting!

This quilt size is small and measures about 36 x 65. This quilt is made from strips of fabric with a light green border. Stay active on Quilter’s Thread Mobile App to earn points to win monthly patterns. For more information go to Quilter’s Thread Mobile App and click on “Local Offers”.

 

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Quilter’s Thread Mobile App has a new pattern prize for this February that you’ll want to get. This quilt is called Dare  To Be Square and it is a perfect pattern to make for this spring with its playful interlocking squares.

This pattern is a traditional structure that is a nice modern pattern used with traditional fabrics. It is an interesting pattern with the interlocking squares. If you look close at the outline below you will notice the pattern block is more of a dog bone shape. In the images below there is a border unlike in the image above. If you want the lines to come to an end add a border to make the square links complete instead of running off the quilt.

Share with us any versions of the Dare to be Square quilt pattern that you make on Quilter’s Thread Mobile App. Remember to stay active on Quilter’s Thread Mobile App in order to earn points to win this free pattern at the end of this month. Comments, uploading photos and responding to surveys generate 1 point each. Liking 3 things generates 1 point. Earn 10 points gets you a free pattern and 40 points gets you a free pattern and a Quilter’s Thread cloth shopping bag. Earn 75 points gets you a free pattern, shopping bag and a $20 gift card.

Live Well. Quilt Well.

 

The self-binding method also called invisible stitching is a simple and easy process of binding your quilt. You simply sew on the inside of the folds so the stitching is on the inside making it practically invisible. If you are making a quilt bigger than a queen size bed you should refrain from using the self-binding method because it tends to make the quilt look more wonky. Instead this method is great for smaller quilts. This method is always great for sewing together stuffed toys and cushions. Although the self-binding method is known as an easy process there are key points and tips to mention that will help you while using this method.

 

Step # 1

Prepare your quilt top as usual. Then cut the backing making it wider than the top of the quilt and the batting on all four sides. Most recommend making it 3″ / 7.5 cm wider.

Step # 2 

Next pin or baste the quilt sandwich (quilt top, batting and backing) and use your spray basting to make sure all three layers are stuck together well.

Step # 3

Then start at the middle of one side and fold the excess backing fabric towards the edge of the quilt making the two edges meet. Then fold it again creating a nice firm edge that overlaps the quilt top. Fold along all four edges and pin everything down neatly.

Step #4

When you get to the corners you may need to trim off a bit of the quilt top and batting in the seam allowance to reduce bulk when bringing the backing to the front. Now here is the tricky part. Simultaneously fold the sides towards the corner and decide which side will be on top then tuck the lower one under. If there is extra fabric hanging outside of the corner simply cut it or tuck it in, which ever you prefer.

Step # 5

Then take the time to baste everything to help make the sewing of the binding much easier to complete and help give it a nice finished look. Next, sew the binding by inserting your needle under the binding making the thread hidden from view. While doing this grab the quilt top and punch the needle down and through the fold of the edge. Pull the thread now through and take a small stitch parallel with the folded edge. It is easier if you start sewing along one side of the quilt and not the corner.

Step #6

Continue making a similar stitch along the folded edge and remain stitching like this switching the stitches between the top and the edging. Next when you get to the corners push the needle through the inside of the layers of the corner fold so that it is exiting right in the corner. Then, make the same alternating stitching to sew down the edge of the corner.  A decorative stitch could also be used in this technique.

Once you are done working your way around the quilt edges, remove the basting stitches and admire your great work! Got any great tips or suggestions to this method? Share with us on Quilter’s Thread Mobile App.

Live Well. Quilt Well.

Squaring Up a Quilt Block

As a beginner quilter squaring up your block is an important task that is easy to learn but can also be a frustrating part of the quilting process if not done right. Make sure you know how to square up your blocks in order to reduce measuring and cutting errors. Whether you are squaring up small or large square blocks this method is crucial to know.  Here are some tips and tricks on how to square up your blocks.

What tools you’ll need: A cutting mat, rotary cutter, painters tape and appropriate sized square ruler.

• Tip #1 Use painters tape
  • With your square ruler tape the corner and the edges of  what you want your block size to be on the plastic ruler. By taping off the size it will allow you to line the block up easily without having to focus extra on your lines while cutting. The painter’s tape is also easy to remove and won’t ruin your ruler or leave any marks.

 

• Tip # 2 Find the right square ruler
  • Make sure you pick out a good quality ruler with lots of lines for measuring. Ask a friend or do some research before you go buy a ruler to see what one is best for your preferences. Make sure you have the right ruler size for your block. For instance, if the block is small such as 6 1/2″ use a 6 1/2″ square ruler. Any blocks from 7 1/2″ to 12 1/2″ can be used with a regular ruler if you want to save some extra money. If you are making bigger blocks make sure you invest in larger rulers.

 

• Tip # 3 Turn Your Block Diagonal
  • This is an important and helpful technique when you begin to measure your block up. Before lining up turn your block diagonal then place the square ruler over it and line it up. The benefit of doing it this way is that you get to cut two sides of the block at once with easy access. Once cutting those two sides of the block flip and cut the other two sides by lining it up while using the painter’s tape again to help guide you.

 

Share with us on Quilter’s Thread Mobile App your tips and tricks for how you cut your blocks of fabric. Remember the more active you are on the app, the more points you can earn each month for prizes. Stay tuned for this January pattern prize Snails on the Beach. If you have earned enough points this month you will receive the Snails on the Beach pattern at the end of this month.

Live Well. Quilt Well.