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Patchwork Instructions
Patchwork can be as complicated an intricate
arrangement of several different shapes or as simple as the fabric checkerboard show here.
Choosing your basic design is the first step toward making a patchwork project. Select a
simple patchwork pattern first (one made up mostly of squares and rectangles), then
gradually work up to more difficult designs.
Preshrink and press all fabrics. You will need three different
fabrics, two solid colors and one print. Cut cardboard templates and trace them onto
fabric, adding 1/4 in. seam allowances. Sort the pieces according to color and shape.
Stitch the squares together into eight rows of eight alternating
colors and using 1/4 in. seam allowances. Press all seams open, then pin and stitch the
rows together.
The next step is to select fabrics. Keep in
mind washability and durability above all. Also consider color, pattern, and texture so
that the overall design will be pleasing.
To begin cutting your pattern pieces, you'll need a
cardboard template for each piece. Trace around the templates onto fabric and cut each
piece 1/4 in. beyond the penciled lines. Cut the pieces individually and sort them
according to color and shape.
When "piecing" your patchwork fabrics
together, you can use hand or machine sewing. Hold the pattern pieces firmly in place with
right sides together. (There is no need to pin or baste short seams. However, long seams
should be pinned together so the pieces line up correctly.)
Stitch 4 triangles together to make a square; then stitch four
squares together to form a row. Repeat this procedure to make a second row. Cut border
strips form print fabric. Stitch all the pieces together by bordering the checkerboard on
two sides by fabric strips.
Add the two rows along the top and bottom of the
game board and
border the outside edges with fabric strips. Back the design with quilt batting and
backing fabric. Baste the three layers together and place the design in a quilting hoop.
Quilt the pattern piece as desired.
To hand sew the pieces together, use tiny running
stitches. To machine sew, use stitches of medium length, stitching along the penciled
lines.
Piece one entire block at a time, then press all of
the seams to one side (toward the darker patches). Sew the blocks together by forming
rows, making sure each block lines up with the one next to it.
Finish the game board by stitching bias strips in
place around the outside edges of the design.
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