Blanket made of shreds in green and pink shades. How to learn to sew a patchwork quilt? How to sew a patchwork quilt with your own hands. Step-by-step instruction

Most ordinary people will agree that blankets made from scraps are warm memories from childhood associated with trips to visit their grandmother in the village. These varied pieces of fabric knitted together really create a cozy home environment, especially as the weather gets colder.

The technique of patchwork or patchwork has its roots in the distant past, but today it is being revived again and enjoys wide popularity. Naturally, over time, patchwork technologies have changed and become more modern, as shown in the photo of patchwork quilts.

Creation technology

The process of sewing a product from small pieces of fabric is actually a very exciting activity. In addition, it does not require huge financial investments. After all, the necessary materials in the form of various pieces of fabric can be purchased as a set or you can use old things that may be lying in your closet.

As a result, things that have gone out of fashion will be able to continue to exist in a new way and will remind of the wonderful past. But you should not use very old things, so that your diligence will not be in vain.

Even more instructions for creating homemade products can be found on this website: https://podelki.org/category/svoimi-rukami/

To create a patchwork quilt, you need to prepare 6 or more different colors of fabric. To realize a unique design with the help of your irrepressible imagination, you should use different colors, fabric structures and patterns on them. Slightly gathered details will add volume to the texture and an impressive appearance.

How to sew a patchwork quilt with your own hands? To do this, just watch master classes from the Internet that will help you learn the patchwork technique yourself.

Choosing the right fabric

To sew a blanket from scraps with your own hands, you need pieces of fabric of the same thickness and texture. The color palette of fabrics is selected in accordance with the interior style, wall colors and furniture.

Contrasting combinations of fabrics look most advantageous against the discreet background of the main fabric. You should not allow excess variegation; it is better to give preference to moderation.

Before starting the sewing process, you need to make a preliminary layout of the blanks on the leading base of the fabric, move a little away from it and evaluate the resulting masterpiece. So to speak, a look from the outside will help you understand the success of the combination of design and color scheme.

Blanket filling material

A patchwork blanket has three main layers: a beautiful top, insulation and a lining bottom. If you take the insulation out of the blanket, you get a regular bedspread.

For insulation of the product, padding polyester is most often used, which does not shrink after washing. Therefore, it does not need to be soaked before sewing, as it will not change its original appearance and size.

Its only drawback is that it is synthetic. The use of synthetics is undesirable for children; it is better to use the most natural materials possible.

As alternatives, you can use natural fillers:

• made of cotton, similar to lightweight batting without threads. It is milky in color, 2 or 3 mm thick, and does not crumble. But after contact with water it may shrink by approximately 5%. In this regard, it should be pre-soaked, carefully squeezed in a towel and dried.
• made from 100% natural wool. Its main property is considered to be excellent thermal insulation, which is great for handicrafts.

Sewing patterns used

Do-it-yourself compositions using the patchwork technique can contain patches of various configurations: quadrangles, triangles or stripes. First, they are cut out of cardboard or thick paper. The easiest way to create a patchwork masterpiece is from large squares, which will undoubtedly appeal to novice needlewomen.

Patterns of increased complexity for a patchwork quilt can be viewed on special websites so that you don’t have to worry yourself, or you can buy them in a needlework kit.

Technique for stitching a blanket from scraps

To avoid deformation of the shape during operation, when washing or cleaning the product, the layers of the blanket must be connected to each other. In addition, stitches fulfill the mission of decoration, hiding defects that appear during work.

The joining of layers can be done by machine or by hand. To save time, it is better to use a machine; in addition, you can complete the necessary stitching. A hand-quilted product is softer to the touch and to use.

After the border is sewn on, the quilt stitching begins. First, the layers are securely fixed. The blanket is turned inside out and hand basting is done from the center to the edges. This stage must be approached very responsibly.

If the basting is done poorly, then the machine stitching will be of poor quality with bubbles and gathers, which cannot be corrected. To avoid material running up, you should do a preliminary basting and stitch from the middle to the edges.

Materials and tools required

To organize and create a patchwork quilt you will need: a table, threads, a template, prepared fabrics, insulation material, lining fabric, binding, needles, pins, chalk or soap, scissors, a measuring tape, a sewing machine and an iron.

Using different fabrics, you can get various masterpiece blankets using the patchwork technique, which will become a real interior decoration, also warm and cozy. To create children's patchwork quilts, use only natural materials. Go for it and you will succeed!

Photo of a patchwork quilt

The tradition of finding a use for every piece of fabric dates back to the days when clothes and interior items were sewn independently. Everything in the house was made and decorated by hand. Nowadays, the patchwork technique is experiencing a new surge in popularity, but as an opportunity to make a unique thing for the home that expresses the taste and talents of beginners and experienced craftswomen. A bright spot in the interior, a good gift for new residents or a young family, can be bedspreads, rugs, or a do-it-yourself patchwork quilt, created without much hassle or expense.

Sewing and assembling a patchwork quilt or bedspread begins with preparing the workspace, because a huge number of patches requires a significant amount of space, for example, a large table. When choosing fabrics, first of all, select the material for the front side. Experienced craftsmen combine silk and chintz, linen and satin, satin and drape in one product. For beginning needlewomen, it is better to sew bedspreads, rugs or patchwork blankets with your own hands from chintz, satin, linen, calico, and knitwear.

You can purchase ready-made sets of fabrics for patchwork, which are offered at the crafts fair, but for beginning needlewomen it is more interesting to audit the closets, selecting unnecessary items and leftover fabrics.

An original blanket can be made from scraps and cut-out denim items. Before you start sewing, you need to prepare the fabric - cut out thick seams (on old clothes), worn out areas, wash, iron, make patterns.

Even if everything that comes to hand is used, you need to think through color combinations and the overall composition of the blanket. It is advisable to depict your ideas on sketches - checkered sheets, colored with pencils. For beginning needlewomen, this technique is convenient: take as a basis one fragment assembled from several parts, and then duplicate it several times. When choosing color combinations, it is important to take into account the color of curtains and tablecloths so that the new textiles harmoniously complement the interior. To sew the lining and border, a plain, durable fabric is usually used.

In addition to the lining and top, the structure of the patchwork quilt must contain insulation - batting, padding polyester, holofiber. The filling can be natural (cotton, wool, wool mixture) or synthetic. The most popular is padding polyester - light, warm and moderately voluminous. To sew a blanket, choose a fabric with a density of 150-200.

For beginning craftswomen, as an economical option, the master class suggests using an old blanket as insulation, if it is not too heavy. Otherwise, assembly and sewing are similar.

To sew bedspreads, blankets or a patchwork quilt, as in the photo, you need to prepare:

• High quality threads No. 45 or No. 50. The color is chosen to match or contrast. You will also need simple threads for basting.
• Sample made of thick cardboard or plastic. The shape - round, square, hexagonal, diamond, striped - is chosen in accordance with the design. For beginners, the easiest way to sew your first blanket is from squares using patterns. The size of the part depends on the overall size of the product and is 5 – 10 cm + 1 cm for seams. For example, for a blanket made of 8 x 8 cm squares, you need to add an allowance of 1 cm on each side and draw a frame 1 cm wide. The total size of such a template will be 10x10 cm.
• Tools– in addition to an iron and a sewing machine, you need needles, pins, chalk or soap, scissors and a measuring tape.

Sewing technique “strip to stripe” (video)

How to sew a patchwork quilt correctly

Having sorted the scraps, you need to make patterns using a template. It turns out many identical squares with a seam line marked inside. For example, you can take a baby blanket 110x140cm. Taking into account the border, you need to make 192 squares measuring 8x8cm.

A convenient technique for assembling a bedspread is to first sew the square blanks into long strips, and then connect these rectangles together. If the pattern is in the form of triangles, they are sewn together in pairs in the shape of rhombuses or squares; further assembly is similar to the first option.

To ensure that the seams are accurate, neat, and without distortions, before sewing, the flaps must be ironed along the contour of the intended seam.

We fold two squares with the wrong side up, pin them together and stitch them together. All seams must be ironed from the inside out, placing them in different directions so that there are no thickenings.

When the most labor-intensive part of the work is completed - assembling the top, you can assemble blankets, rugs, bedspreads using the diagrams. On a flat and hard base, lay out the ironed lining with the wrong side up. To secure it, you can secure it to the table (or floor) with tape.

The filler is laid out and leveled on top so that the lining protrudes from the layer and the top part by 5 cm.

Now the blankets, rugs or bedspreads need to be quilted correctly. The machine quilting technique involves starting from the center, stitching the squares diagonally to the edge (see diagrams in the photo). To do this, you need to install a special embroidery foot on the machine. In addition to the usual stitch, you can also choose a curly outline - a sun, hearts, etc. The top thread is selected to match the tone of the flaps, the bottom thread is tucked in to match the lining. We sew with low thread tension. After finishing the work, you need to trim the edges of the blanket. If the stitching is done by hand, the edge of the blanket is processed first.

Assembly technique:

1. Sew all layers of the blanket and the border on the long sides;
2. Everything is also stitched from the short sides;
3. You need to use a hidden seam to finish the corners of the blanket, hiding the extra pieces.

If there was no machine stitching, hand stitching is done after edging. To do this, you need to take strong threads and stitch along the perimeter of the parts with a seam of 3-5 mm or at the joints of 4 squares, pointwise.

Patchwork quilt using the “ladder” technique (video)

Sewing a patchwork quilt: master class

The master class “How to sew a patchwork quilt with your own hands,” which is offered by the crafts fair, is suitable for both beginning needlewomen (with a step-by-step description) and experienced craftswomen who can quickly navigate the instructions and save time. The finished size of the product is 1.2 x 1.3 m. The technique is also used for sewing bedspreads, only instead of the “charm pack” patchwork set, you need to take a “layer cake”, cutting parts measuring 11.2 x 12.5 cm. blankets or blankets with stitches of about half a centimeter. This master class uses fabric 112 cm wide.

Tools and materials:

• 80 patches 12.5 x 12.5 cm or 2 sets of “charm packs”.
• Plain fabric in two shades (light and dark) – 120 cm.
• The border of a suitable color is 45 cm.
• Textile for lining – 1.3 x 1.4 m.
• Sintepon – 1.4 x 1.3 m.
• Iron and sewing machine.
• Cutting mat, circular knife and measuring tape.
• Sewing accessories.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Cutting technique. From light plain fabric you need to cut 9 strips 6.25 cm in width and 80 pieces measuring 6.25 x 11.25 cm. From dark fabric - the same number of the same blanks. (The “charm pack” set – 160 pieces of the same size.) Prepare patterns from the fabric prepared for the border – 5 strips 5.6 cm in width. See diagrams.
2. Preparation of parts. Place scraps of printed fabric and plain fabric together and stitch along the long side. Prepare 160 rectangles in a similar way. Press the seams, folding the seams towards the printed fabric.
3. Top assembly technique. Lay out the rectangles so that the monochromatic halves lie in steps (right-left, etc. - like the diagrams in the photo). Assembly: alternating 2 fragments with a light border and 2 with a dark border, you need to form a row of 12 blocks.
4. In the next row We sew the first block, laying it so that the plain fabric is perpendicular (either on the side or on top). For the next block, the border should be chosen in a contrasting color.
5. Ironing. If you lay out all the details, taking into account the diagrams, you get 13 rows of 12 blocks. Iron the top first, and then the rest of the blanket.
6. Blanket assembly technique. Lay the lining on the floor with the wrong side up and secure it. Lay insulation and patchwork top sequentially on top. When the assembly is finished, pin everything together and sew 3 layers.
7. Stitch. You can quilt a blanket using either straight lines or random zig-zags, like the diagram in the photo. Using the “zig-zag” technique, in the second version it will be softer and acquire a cozy convexity.
8. Border. Sew all the border details in one strip, smooth the seams in different directions. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, right side out, and iron in 2 layers. In the middle of any side, you need to fasten the strip to the edge, leaving a tail of up to 30cm. It is advisable that the joints of the strips do not fall into the corners of the blanket. Sew the border around the perimeter (stitch width - half a centimeter). The edges of the layer can be processed with an overlocker, folded over the border and stitched on the other edge.

A master class for beginning needlewomen with detailed tips on how to design a patchwork quilt and assembly diagram can be seen in the following video.

DIY patchwork quilt (video)

We hope that the master classes offered by the crafts fair, photos and videos have inspired you to create your own patchwork masterpieces.

Happy product!

DIY patchwork quilt (photo)

The technique of sewing from pieces of fabric is called patchwork and is recognized as one of the types of decorative and applied art. It is no longer considered a purely utilitarian trend, when the poorer sections of society used waste material to make a patchwork quilt with their own hands or other necessary household items. Patchwork has turned into an art - it is used to make bedding and kitchen utensils, curtains, branded clothing and even colorful panels.

Quilting or patchwork

The technique of making things from scraps can be called quilting. Beginning craftswomen cannot always figure out how it differs from patchwork.

Although the techniques are similar, there are differences. Patchwork is a narrow concept; it implies patchwork sewing itself. Quilting literally translated from English means “stitching” (stitching). It combines two or more techniques, including embroidery. The products are voluminous thanks to the stitching. So a blanket sewn from pieces of fabric with your own hands, even the simplest one, is still made using the quilting technique, which includes patchwork.

You can sew anything from scraps of fabric, for example, extremely practical things, or realize your wildest ideas, letting your imagination fly free. One of the patchwork techniques is called “crazy” (“crazy”), however, it is too complicated for beginning craftswomen.

Sewing from scraps with your own hands is not easy. The work requires time, perseverance and accuracy.

Accessories and tools for needlework

Patchwork requires a certain set of tools. Below is a comprehensive list, there may be something you don't need:

Making patterns

It only seems so - we randomly cut pieces of fabric and sew anything from the scraps with our own hands. Patterns in patchwork play the same role as a pattern in creating clothes. It is with their production that work on the product begins.

The same templates can be used repeatedly, so to create them, use durable material, preferably transparent plastic, through which you can see the fabric pattern. First, the desired element is drawn (square, rhombus, triangle), then a seam allowance is added and a second contour is drawn.

The finished template looks like a frame. The details of the future product are cut out along its outer contour, and stitched along the inner contour.

Selection and preparation of fabric

It is not necessary to use a special patchwork fabric for needlework - any fabric you like will do. Perhaps the necessary materials can be found at home - pieces left over from sewing clothes or old, but not dilapidated things. Each fabric its features:

Synthetic padding or batting is used as a gasket (middle layer).

Any fabric need to be prepared before cutting, otherwise during operation the product may fade, shrink, or warp:

1. Old items are ripped open, all seams are cut off, and the hem on new fabric is cut off.
2. The next stage is washing. If this is not a problem with cotton and denim, then wool and silk are laid out in one layer on a wet sheet or towel, rolled into a roll and left for 2-3 hours.
3. It is advisable to starch thin material.
4. The damp fabric is ironed from the inside out along the grain thread. It is better to use an iron with a steam generator.

Rules for creating products from scraps

Patchwork is a rather complex art. Here you can’t “take it and do it.” You need to plan everything clearly, follow the sequence of actions and not break the rules. Interestingly, it is better to start with making large things. Sewing a bedspread is much easier than, say, an oven mitt, and the work will take the same amount of time.

Idea and sketch

There are patchwork kits on sale, consisting of a minimal set of tools, pieces of fabric, ready-made patterns and detailed instructions. But they are expensive, and coming up with a pattern yourself is much more interesting. If you don’t use ready-made kits, you can get an exclusive item while simultaneously relieving your house of unnecessary scraps and old clothes.

There are many techniques patchwork, for example:

• with simple blocks - English Park, Quick Squares, Butter Dish;
• sewing according to a pattern - Solomon's Riddle;
• based on Monkey's tail, Russian square;
• crazy;
• blooper or yo-yo.

You can come up with ideas yourself, look at them while working on the Internet or with photographs. The easiest way to make a blanket from scraps is to make it yourself. In addition, it will be useful in the household, will amaze others, and the craftswoman will be able to understand whether it is worth doing patchwork or whether it is better to switch to something else.

First you need to create a sketch. A color wheel can help with color selection. At first, it is better to choose a simple pattern of squares and use fabrics of the same texture in several prints. It is best to cut out one block of scraps, lay them out on a white sheet and check that the colors match harmoniously.

Then a diagram is drawn on which the shape and dimensions of the parts will be indicated, and the numbers assigned to each group of patches will be indicated. Based on this, the number of parts is calculated.

Correct cut

It will be easiest for beginning craftswomen to sew a patchwork quilt from elements that are the same in shape and size - squares, rectangles, triangles. In order for the product to look neat, all fragments must be equal in size. This is what templates are for.

The pattern is applied to the fabric, the boundaries are outlined with chalk or soap. You need to cut the part along the outer edge and sew along the inner edge.

The amount of seam allowance depends on the type of fabric - the denser it is (fine wool, jeans) or more complex in the cut (silk), the larger the indentation is needed. Drape and thick wool are cut immediately along the inner edge of the template. If you sew the parts together, you will end up with a thickening that can spoil the appearance of the finished product. This fabric is stitched end-to-end in a zigzag pattern, but it is better to first “plant” the fragments on pieces of non-woven fabric and stitch the edges.

When cutting, the direction of the grain thread must be taken into account - for squares it should be parallel to one of the sides, for triangles it should be perpendicular to the base. If you neglect this requirement, the finished product will warp.

Assembly sequence

The assembly of complex products must be carried out as follows: first, small parts are sewn on, then large ones. This will preserve the pattern and avoid distortions and deformation.

Most crafts using the patchwork technique consist of blocks. For example, in a blanket made of squares or triangles, the fragments are first sewn together in stripes, and then they are combined into a large product.

Patch to patch is basted along the inner edge of the marking with threads or fastened with pins. The pieces are then sewn together by machine. After this, the allowances are ironed. Only then are the blocks sewn into a single fabric.

Ironing the product

Ironing the sewn fragments is the most important stage of assembly., neglecting it means ruining the product:

• iron preferably on the front side;
• the seam is ironed under a fragment of dark color;
• all allowances of one block are smoothed in one direction, the next - in the opposite direction;
• to avoid distortions, the strips are ironed lengthwise;
• For problematic fabrics, use a steamer.

A hot iron will damage the padding polyester. It is ironed at low temperature using a steam generator or a damp cloth.

Quilting Basics

The final stage when sewing bulky items that require lining and insulation is stitching. It firmly connects the three layers of the product, does not allow it to warp during washing or cleaning, or the batting or padding polyester to get lost. Stitch patterns can be very complex and made with multi-colored threads.

The lining and insulation are cut out, if possible, from a single piece of fabric, adding about 5 cm from each edge to the size of the front fabric. First, the top and inside parts are quilted, then connected to the back. This is done in order to avoid deformation of the finished product.

You can quilt by machine or by hand in this sequence:

• smooth the fabric with your hands from the middle to the edges on a flat surface;
• the layers are fastened with pins;
• sew the corners of the canvases;
• always quilt from the middle to the periphery;
• The edge of the blanket is edged with fabric or ribbon.

The simplest master class

To make your first quilting item, you can use a master class with step-by-step instructions. The easiest way to sew a patchwork quilt with your own hands is using the quick squares technique. The finished product will have a size of 220x200 cm, repeat - 20x20 cm, material - chintz.

1. We do the calculations. We will need 110 squares, add 0.5 cm to the seams on each side. Each piece will have a size of 21X21 cm. Naturally, the canvas is not dimensionless. Chintz is produced in different widths, the most convenient to use is 150 cm. You will need 16 strips 21 cm long, 7 squares can be cut from each (2 will remain extra).
2. For convenience and less fabric consumption, we will use 4 different prints - 4 stripes each 84 cm long. Taking into account shrinkage, we need to take more material.
3. Wash, starch and iron the fabric.
4. Using a template, mark the material and cut along the outer edge.
5. We lay out the parts on a white sheet and come up with a sequence for connecting them into a pattern.
6. We sweep the squares exactly according to the internal markings and sew them on a machine.
7. Iron the seams.
8. We assemble the front part of the blanket by sewing the blocks together.
9. Remove the basting and iron it.
10. We cut out insulation from batting, and from calico - the purl is tight. On each side we leave an allowance of 3-5 cm.
11. We connect the batting and the patchwork fabric, sew the corners, baste, starting from the middle.
12. If your machine does not have a quilting foot, use a zigzag stitch. The seams can be placed on top of or near the joints of the squares. We sew in the direction from the middle of the blanket to the edges.
13. Separately fasten the lining.
14. We process the edge of the blanket. You can use one of the fabrics used or a contrasting tape. Its width should be equal to twice the seam allowance of the backing fabric and interfacing plus 1 cm.
15. We fix the corners of the product manually or with a machine.

The blanket is ready!

Quilts: photo gallery

It often happens that we feel sorry for throwing away old clothes that we don’t wear, although they haven’t worn out yet, and we don’t want to store them, because they take up a lot of space. Far-sighted housewives solve this problem very simply: they use this fabric for patchwork and make a patchwork quilt from it.

Peculiarities

Patchwork is a trend in needlework in which various things are created from scraps and multi-colored scraps of fabric, ranging from small crafts and decorative pillows to blankets and ottomans. The name of this type of needlework speaks for itself: it comes from the English word “patchwork”, where “patch” is a patch, “work” is work.

The patchwork quilt is the most popular patchwork product, especially for beginners and craft enthusiasts. A blanket in this style can have various patterns and ornaments or depict specific objects, it all depends on the technique and imagination of the master.

Now patchwork has turned into a whole stylistic trend, within which professional apartment designers also work. And yet, the best works in patchwork belong to amateur craftsmen who made this activity their hobby and breathed life and love into it.

The patchwork culture is so original that it is suitable for decorating rooms with interiors that are completely different in style, and not just for rooms in a rustic or country style, as ordinary people usually think. Patchwork quilts and pillows will harmoniously complement designs in the High-Tech and Loft styles.

The undoubted advantage of patchwork blankets is their availability. You can often find them in stores, and if necessary, you can sew them yourself. The materials are very simple and affordable, they can be found in any home - just look in the closet and sort through old things. For the rest, the housewife will need a couple of simple patchwork techniques, a sewing machine and a bit of imagination.

Technicians

The creation of any patchwork product involves the step-by-step execution of an algorithm, which depends on a particular technique. The technique determines which templates and patterns the master will need to use to sew the product:

• Traditional patchwork – This is the most common technique for creating large pieces. First, you need to sew a single solid fabric from many scraps, and then use stuffing to form a blanket from it. The patch pattern is usually located only on the top of the future blanket, but there are also double-sided models where the pattern is located on both sides of the product. The traditional technique uses only rectangular or square flaps.

A variation of traditional patchwork is the “American square” technique. Rectangular and square fabric shapes are also used here, but they are arranged according to a specific pattern.

• Sometimes the color of the squares is arranged in rows from dark to light, forming gradient. This technique is called “watercolor”. This technique uses pastel colors as a basis.
• The next technique is called "crazy patchwork" or crazy shreds. The sewing principle is the same as in traditional patchwork. The only difference is that this technique uses shreds of completely different shapes and sizes. They can be crooked, small, large, have many angles or none at all. Blankets using this technique can be decorated with additional embroidery, ribbons, sequins, buttons, beads, beads or braid, which is usually placed over the seams to hide them.
• Products created using technology knitted patchwork, or crocheted patchwork, are very similar in appearance to the traditional technique, if not for one difference. In this type of patchwork, scraps and flaps are not sewn to each other by machine, but are tied manually with threads. This is more painstaking work. Some housewives create blankets entirely from stitched knitted scraps.

• Blankets in Japanese patchwork technique usually quilted, and the patches are cut from silk fabric. The pattern into which the flaps are folded is based on geometry: rhombuses, squares, rectangles and corners. Sometimes the patches are cut in the shape of a honeycomb.
• “Well” technique also called the “log hut,” involves combining spiraling rectangular pieces around a square that occupies the center of the blanket.

• At the core "Chess" techniques there are small squares arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Typically, when creating such a blanket, contrasting colors are used.
• A technique called “Russian square” to some extent repeats the national pattern. In the center of the quilt there are several small squares sewn together, flanked by triangles of different colors. Closer to the periphery of the product, squares begin to be used again.

More experienced needlewomen are not limited to the listed techniques and come up with their own. The scraps can be combined in absolutely any order, so there are no clear laws or prohibitions for this type of needlework. You can create as you please!

For different styles

It is believed that patchwork items are used in simple styles like Provence. However, an interior with accents on textiles made from scraps can be made not only in rustic, but also in a number of modern styles such as Loft, Country, Art Deco, Marine or ethno. Patchwork items will not simplify them, but, on the contrary, will soften them and become a bright accent that gives comfort.

For ordinary people, a patchwork quilt is associated with something Russian and simple, but this is a deep misconception. The patchwork pattern can be built in the form of a mosaic or appliqué. In addition, patchwork quilts can repeat not only the Russian national ornament, but also the ethno-patterns of different peoples of the world.

Suitable materials

In patchwork there are no specific guidelines regarding the choice of fabric. Initially, this type of needlework was conceived as a way to practically use old things. Therefore, in one product you can combine fabrics of different textures and shapes - this will only add originality to it. So when creating a quilt from scraps, you can use scraps of any fabric that you like.

Another thing is that not every fabric is pliable to use. Patchwork masters are sure: the best material for a patchwork quilt is chintz. This is because cotton fabric is easier to cut, there will be no threads sticking out on the sides of the chintz pieces, it is difficult to put a tie on such fabric, and it is easy to iron. The machine stitching on such fabric will not creep and will come out smooth.

You can choose scraps from any old things:

• From jeans the most original models are obtained. Especially if you take denim in different shades - from light blue to deep blue. You can arrange the pieces in any order, or you can make a gradient out of them.
• A combination of scraps will help you achieve an original pattern. from knitwear or children's clothes. As a rule, things for children are made from colorful, bright fabrics. They often have a fun and unique pattern, and such prints are perfect for a bright patchwork quilt. This is exactly what is obtained from knitted fabrics.

• A rather bold option is to use materials such as silk, organza and staple. These capricious fabrics require some skill, so it is not recommended for beginners to work with them. However, an experienced master can create a miracle out of them. For example, any patchwork quilt will sparkle in a new way if you layer organza as an additional fabric on top of a bright material.

A quilt should not only be beautiful, but also warm. Especially if it is used not as a bedspread, but as a full-fledged blanket. In this case, the material should be warm and pleasant to the touch. Wool and drape have these characteristics:

• Maybe, wool It is not so rich in the choice of colors and looks massive, but it is warm and soft. A wool patchwork blanket is usually created for practical purposes - to keep warm in cold weather, so it will come in handy in cold weather. In addition, six is ​​easy to operate. It does not wrinkle and hardly gets dirty, and therefore will always look well-groomed. The wool blanket holds its shape well, and the material itself is very durable and will therefore last for many years.
• Drape It may well replace wool, since it has almost the same features. This material also holds its shape well, so you can cover any bed with it, and the blanket will look very neat. The drape wears out for a long time and does not wrinkle. It holds color for a very long time and does not fade. Finally, drape is as warm as wool, so it will be indispensable in cold weather.

Fillers, insulation

A patchwork quilt can be either thin, more like a blanket, or insulated. It’s easy to create a warm blanket - the main thing is to find and sew a warming material between the outer and lower patchwork parts of the future product. By the way, there may be several such materials:

• For example, many needlewomen use thinly sliced loose foam. It holds its shape well, does not roll up in clumps inside the blanket, is elastic and durable. Foam rubber has low wear and tear, so a blanket with such padding will last longer.

• Sintepon is also a good option for stuffing blankets. This is a hypoallergenic elastic material with a good heat-saving effect. It retains heat better than foam rubber, which is why it is often used when sewing winter clothes. In addition, things made from padding polyester are usually very soft and light. This material will add volume to the blanket, giving it a cozy look. However, it is better to stuff quilts with padding polyester, otherwise the material may roll up over time and be distributed unevenly inside the product.
• Sometimes used as blanket stuffing batting. This is a non-woven material made from shredded and pressed fabric scraps. Batting is considered quite warm and pleasant to the touch, but unlike padding polyester and foam rubber, it wears out quite quickly.

• Another non-woven material suitable for stuffing blankets is holofiber. It appeared not so long ago, but has already firmly taken its place in the stuffing of various products. In its appearance and properties, holofiber is very similar to synthetic padding polyester, although their production technologies are significantly different. Holofiber is considered an environmentally friendly product for health. It is resistant to washing and various types of deformation, and does not accumulate dust. This material allows air to pass through well, but at the same time retains heat. Under a holofiber blanket it will not be cold in winter, and not hot in summer.

In some cases, the choice of padding depends on the type of outer material of the blankets. For example, for thinner and more stubborn materials such as silk, thin foam rubber or batting is more suitable, because they are made in layers, which means they will add thickness and shape to a shapeless product.

Dimensions

The dimensions of any (including patchwork) quilt are determined based on the size of the sleeping place, the parameters of its owner, his activity during sleep and personal preferences.

So, the calculation of the size grid of a blanket for a single bed will vary from 180-190 cm in length and up to 130 cm in width. For children's beds, the length of the blanket will reach no more than 160 cm.

For single beds, both large and medium sizes of blankets are suitable. It all depends on the needs of the person. The length of a blanket for a semi-truck also remains within the range of 190-200 cm, while the width ranges from 140 to 180 cm. There will be so much space under such a blanket that you can wrap yourself entirely in it.

The specificity of double beds and king size beds is their huge dimensions. A good solution for such beds would be a voluminous patchwork blanket, significantly larger than the standard dimensions. The length of such blankets can reach 200 cm or more, and the width can be from 2 to 4 meters.

There are non-standard bed sizes, the blanket for which can reach 5 meters. However, there are relatively few such models, so bed linen and blankets for them are usually made to order.

Colors and designs

The traditional and at the same time the most common pattern for patchwork products in the patchwork style is geometry. Typically, classic patchwork patterns are divided into two categories:

• Products made from squares. The square is the primary element, which is often the center of the composition. Even the simplest bedspread, made only from square scraps, will decorate any bed.
• From triangles. A triangular pattern on a quilt appears smaller and more mottled than a square one. More often than not, multi-colored triangles are arranged in such an order that they form a square. A pattern based on alternating shapes will look great on any quilt.

Various patterns of regular squares, rectangles, diamonds, triangles and polygonal shapes are very popular, but there are other options for quilt patterns.

Patchwork does not limit craftsmen in choosing a pattern. In addition to the usual geometry, you can create entire applications from fabric. For example, you can place images of characters from your favorite books and films on a blanket. For children's blankets, you can use images of any cartoon characters. The child will certainly like such a creative canvas.

A good gift would be a patchwork blanket created in the form of a mosaic or collage with photographs. Such a blanket will definitely lift the mood of its owner, because pictures dear to the heart will always be before your eyes.

You can get creative with your quilt and make it themed. For example, in the applique you can use New Year or Christmas motifs, depicting an elegant tree with a star on the top. You can also time the theme of the canvas to coincide with your birthday or Valentine's Day. You can fantasize about Halloween or Easter. If desired, any idea can be translated into patchwork.

There are no rules about the color palette: you can use any shades of any color. These can be colorful synthetic shreds with different prints and colors, or they can be plain scraps in pastel colors.

Plain and variegated fabrics can be alternated with each other, so the overall appearance of the blanket will become even more original.

Children's

Quilts for children are made according to the same principle as for adults. Only the sizes will differ: for children's bedrooms, blankets up to 140 cm in length and up to 100 cm in width are chosen. For teenagers, sizes will be larger.

Patchwork can be used to make blankets for newborns and small children up to 2 years old. Envelopes made from scraps for discharge will look beautiful. Such products always look very cute.

If you decide to sew a bedspread from pieces of fabric, acting as a designer, cutter and seamstress, we will support you in this endeavor with valuable advice. We'll tell you in detail how to sew a patchwork quilt, offer options for patchwork patterns, and show you a master class with step-by-step instructions and photos.

Patchwork is a special type of needlework, which, unfortunately, has been forgotten in our country, and once upon a time in every family, the bed was covered with a bright bedspread made of small pieces of fabric. Abroad, blankets made from handmade scraps of fabric are in demand and people buy them with pleasure.

Patchwork has many names - patchwork technique, textile mosaic and patchwork ( in translation - patch and mosaic work).

Patchwork style bedspreads and blankets are made of three layers:

• The front side is made using patchwork technique
• middle - a layer of batting, cotton wool, padding polyester, non-woven fabric
• the back side is made of scraps of fabric or a whole piece of fabric.

If three layers of a blanket are stitched through, this work is called quilting, A quilted products. The older generation remembers their mothers and grandmothers making beautiful quilts with bright, cheerful designs from scraps of fabric.

Today, an elegant patchwork quilt is again in fashion, which can become a design solution for a room in country, minimalism, Provence or hi-tech style.

Where to start sewing a quilt?

To sew a patchwork quilt you need to have on hand:

• needles, pins, threads
• scissors or a special roller knife
• iron to press seams
• a sewing machine, knitting needles or a crochet hook if we are knitting scraps from leftover threads
• pieces of fabric for a quilt or special kits for making blocks

You can use old items for a quilt if you tear them apart and wash them. The material should not be dilapidated and, most importantly, should not fade.

Best suited for patchwork:

• cotton
• chintz
• satin

1. The fabric for the bedspread can be plain or patterned.
2. We select fabric for patchwork that is similar in color, for example, delicate pastel colors in the Provence style, or bright with a pattern or ornament in the country style.
3. Black and white material looks good when finishing.
4. Almost all designs are made from scraps of geometric shapes, cut according to patterns or special templates.
5. We make the back side of the blanket using the patchwork technique or take a whole piece of fabric that matches the face of the product.
6. We select threads to match the fabric or contrasting colors.

Sew a patchwork quilt with your own hands: step-by-step instructions

We invite you to sew a blanket with a New Year's mood, made from alternately arranged bright decorative patterns (blocks) on a white background. The first block is made in the original and very expressive “Ohio Star” technique, the second is a simple cut of small squares. The size of the patchwork blocks is the same, the number depends on the size of the blanket you are going to sew.

• The back side of the blanket is a piece of fabric matched to the front side

Cut:

• We select 13 pieces of fabric and divide them into squares and stripes

• Strips of four, six and eight squares with a side of 5 cm
• Squares with a side of 10 cm, assembled from 4 small squares with a side of 5 cm

Let's execute the first block:

We will need:

• 5 squares of different colors, with a side of 10 cm
• 8 squares with a side of 10 cm of white fabric
• strips of 8 and 4 squares with a side of 5 cm

Completing of the work:

• Divide the square into 2 triangles
• Take a triangle and apply it to a white square

• Sew the triangle to the white square, departing 2 cm from the corner

• Bend the triangle and smooth it out

• Cut off a piece of white square under the triangle

• Take a triangle from the next square of a contrasting color and apply it to the white square

• Sew on the second triangle, it partially covers the first one, smooth it out

• Cut off a piece of white fabric and a corner of the first triangle

• We get an uneven square, cut off the excess so that all sides become 10 cm again

• Let's make 4 blanks from four types of fabric

• We laid out all the elements of the block into a single composition, using the four remaining white squares

• We connect all the details, we get a star on a white background

• We take pre-prepared strips of squares, each with a side of 5 cm
• Place strips of four squares vertically
• Stripes of 8 squares horizontally

• First we sew the vertical stripes, then the horizontal ones.

Executing the second block

To work you need to take:

• strips of white fabric 3 cm and 4 cm long, 5 cm wide
• strips of 4 and 6 squares, with a side of 5 cm
• central square with side 10 cm

We do the work:

• We take a ready-made square consisting of four smaller squares
• We put white stripes on it
• Vertical - 5 cm wide, 10 cm long
• Horizontal - 5 cm wide, 20 cm long

• Sew the strips, starting with the vertical ones

• Apply strips of squares to the resulting square
• Horizontally from 6, vertically from 4 squares, each width 5 cm

• Sew in the same sequence - first vertical stripes, then horizontal

• Sew white stripes to the resulting square with a side width of 3 cm.
• Vertical strips 3 cm long are sewn first
• Sew horizontal stripes 4 cm long after the vertical ones.

• Let's lay out the square blocks on the floor, they must fit together exactly, you determine the quantity yourself

• Let's take a padding polyester the same size with a patchwork top
• The back side is cut from fabric 5 cm larger in width and length than the top of the blanket
• Using pins, we connect three layers and stitch them on a machine.
• Quilting a blanket
• We sew the edging strip, apply it with the right side to the front side of the blanket
• Fold to the wrong side and sew with a hidden seam

If you look at the finished blanket, it seems that it is very difficult to make, but it is not. Be patient, the blanket consists of many small pieces, but the result is worth your effort.

Instructions on how to sew a patchwork baby blanket

A great option for beginners is to sew a simple patchwork quilt from squares for a child's room that you can take with you on a picnic.

For a blanket 130 cm x 150 cm we will need:

• 4 pieces of natural cotton fabric of different colors 60 cm x 120 cm
• fabric on the back side with a margin of 130 cm x 170 cm
• bright fabric for edging edges 7 m with a width of 8 cm
• applique 6 pieces
• filler according to bedspread size
• white fabric for the circles to which we glue the applique

If we use a blanket for walking, it is best to use nylon or waterproof fabric for the back side so that it can be spread on the ground.

We do the work:

• We cut out squares from each type of fabric, size 15 x 15 cm
• Arrange in piles of 30 pieces each
• There were 120 square patches in total.

• We make the pattern according to this scheme: 13 squares horizontally, 9 squares vertically

• Sew the squares together, right sides facing each other.
• Iron the seam in the center, leaving a 1 cm allowance for each square

• We sew two strips together, placing the right sides on top of each other

• Sew squares gathered into ribbons
• In the second row, the last one will take the place of the first one, etc.

• We look carefully to ensure that the squares match in size.

• We smooth out the seams, on the reverse side the fabric looks like this:

• From white fabric we cut out 6 circles onto which we transfer the applique

• Through gauze or paper, using a hot iron, transfer the design to the fabric

• We sew the circles with a “narrow zigzag” stitch, we get a fun addition to a children’s blanket

• Lay out the blanket on the floor or wide table, alternating layers: patchwork fabric on top, then filler, third layer face down

• We get a “layer cake” - the future blanket

• Using fixing needles, we grab three layers of material along the edge along the entire perimeter

• We manually sew the edging to the front edge of the bedspread, fold it in half, connecting all the layers, and stitch it with a beautiful seam.

• We put on the machine a special foot for patchwork with a side guide
• We sew three layers together for reliability, making a line around the perimeter of the red squares, departing 1 cm from the edge

• As a result, we get a beautiful and even stitch

Anyone can make a colorful and comfortable walking quilt. It is possible to experiment with the color and pattern of the fabric, choose a different arrangement of squares and the size of the product, it all depends on your imagination. Working on a bedspread will not take much time; it can be made from leftover fabric and old unnecessary things.

How to sew a quilt with the seam facing out?

The original function of patchwork needlework is to recycle old items or pieces of fabric left over after sewing clothes and linen. One option for patchwork quilts is one with an outward seam made from denim.

A lot of denim clothes accumulate in my wardrobe. Instead of sending once-loved, but already worn or out of fashion items to a landfill, skillful housewives turn them into useful, beautiful and original bedspreads

The process of making patchwork fabric with an external seam differs from the traditional method:

1. We sew squares, triangles, stripes, applying them to each other not with the front side, but with the wrong side. We also sew ribbons.
2. Using scissors, we make cuts along the edges of the seams and comb them with a metal brush (for denim), choosing threads so that the edge resembles a pile.
3. Shake the blanket well to remove any remaining threads and wash it in the machine.
4. The back side can be covered with fabric, and the middle can be insulated with centipon.
5. We sew an edging strip of fabric along the edge or sew on lace or a frill. Denim goes well with cotton and linen.

• This blanket is good to use for outdoor recreation; for the reverse side we choose nylon fabric

• A patchwork quilt with an outward seam can be sewn from any fabric; the main task is to cut the edge and remove the cross threads

The outer seam makes the blanket fluffy and soft; this product is suitable for a children's room and walks with a child in nature.

How to sew a patchwork quilt for a newborn?

Patchwork quilt made using the “biscuit” technique (“ottoman”, “bombon”)

• Blanket size: 130 x 130 cm
• Pattern of squares 9.5 x 9.5 cm (5 mm allowance)
• Fabric, American cotton

You will need 5 pieces of fabric, cut into squares, in various shades of pink, with a pattern:

• bright pink squares with hearts 141 pieces
• with cartoon pattern 205 squares
• soft pink 63 squares
• flowered 66 squares
• polka dots 28 square
• with ladybugs 70 squares
• nonwoven bag

Baby blanket - back side:

We do the work:

• It is better to start a pattern of pads from the middle, in this case there is less chance of confusion, it will be clearly visible

• Sew the pads by hand, starting from the middle, using a hidden seam
• We choose strong threads so as not to break

• A gentle, light and warm blanket is ready, it can be washed, it will not bunch up into separate lumps

• A blanket made according to the same pattern, we sew a frill along the edge, and the size of the sides of the squares was made 8 cm

• A light blanket made of fabric with a floral pattern and a frill for a newborn, can be completed with an elastic band with a bow

If you don’t know how to sew a voluminous patchwork quilt, then the option of individual pillows should appeal not only to beginners, but also to experienced needlewomen.

Patchwork sewing technique

To make a pattern from pieces of fabric, they need to be assembled into patchwork blocks of triangles, squares and hexagons and other geometric shapes. There are many techniques to perform this or that pattern.

How to sew a patchwork quilt from squares?

If you are a beginner, it is better to start with a bedspread made using the square technique.

To do this you need to know:

1. If the side of the square exceeds 5 cm, the fabric must be cut along the lobar.
2. The squares are sewn into long stripes according to the intended pattern or randomly.
3. We sew the rectangles to each other along the short side.
4. We sew the first square to the second, folding them with their right sides facing each other, stitching along the allowance line.
5. Iron it on the edge, and then iron it towards the darker square.
6. We sew on the third square, fold it facing the second one and repeat the same as in the first case.
7. We sew strips of squares together, sew them along the seam allowance line, and iron them on one side.

The simplest, fundamental basis of patchwork needlework is the square-based technique.

Technique "Quick squares"»

Laying out a mosaic of squares is easy, the main thing is to choose the right fabric. We cut out the scraps from pieces of fabric in the form of geometric shapes. To form blocks, we sort them by color, pattern, texture.

This type of blanket is made quickly, especially if you do not need to follow the sequence of placement of the flaps. We sew the squares into ribbons, and connect the ribbons together.

Technique "Chess"

We alternate two colors, like on a chessboard, and get a beautiful pattern. It is good to use fabric with the same pattern, but different colors. Combinations of squares with a stripe pattern look original; some are placed horizontally, others vertically.

The pattern is simple and can be done by a beginning needlewoman. The main thing is not to make a mistake with the choice of material and carefully connect the squares into a single chess plot.

Watercolor technique

The bedspread consists of squares arranged in a certain sequence, resulting in a floral pattern. If you choose the right color and pattern, the patchwork bedspread will complement the interior in the Provence, rustic, Empire, and Baroque styles.

Skillful hands of craftsmen create blankets-pictures from squares in the form of flowers, sea and natural landscapes.

"Diamond" technique»

The intricate pattern of a square within a square is called "Diamond", often used as an element in the ancient techniques of "Russian square" or "Pineapple". The pattern is simple and easy to do:

1. Take two pieces of fabric and cut out squares - two from the same fabric, and one from a fabric of a different color
2. Cut two identical squares in half diagonally
3. We apply the isosceles triangle with its large side to the square and sew it
4. Seam allowance 0.5 - 0.75 mm.

There is no clear line between the techniques using squares, triangles and stripes in patterns; there are products made with all three shapes.

How to sew a patchwork quilt from strips?

Strips of fabric from which craftsmen sew a patchwork fabric - an ancient technique. An excellent option for those who are taking their first steps in needlework.

1. We cut strips of various sizes - these can be tiny scraps of fabric 5 cm wide, this technique is called “Stamping”
2. You can use strips made from solid pieces of fabric, wide and long, selected by color and texture
3. Stripes are sewn into large blocks along the edge of a smaller size

Stripes are a popular patchwork technique for quilts and bedspreads.

Technique "Izba"

If you come across the names “American Square”, “Firewood”, “Well”, “Izba” in the literature on patchwork sewing - it’s the same technique.

We do the work:

• In the center of the block we place a piece of fabric, symbolizing a hearth, made of orange, red or yellow material.
• We sew strips around in a spiral - hut logs, light-colored fabric is often used.
• The block is necessarily divided into a darker and lighter side.

The smaller the size of the stripes and the greater their number, the more interesting the “Hut” pattern.

How to Sew a Triangle Quilt

Triangles are present in almost all patchwork patterns. The technique using triangles is popular among Russian needlewomen who work with patchwork.

We make two or more triangles from squares or cut them out of pieces of fabric according to a template.

1. The direction of the fabric's share line should coincide with the smaller side of the triangle.
2. Sew the triangles along the long side.
3. If you need a lot of triangles of two colors, cut out squares with seam allowance:

• fold two different squares right sides together
• make two lines, departing from the diagonal line by 5 mm
• cut in the middle
• we get two squares with triangles of different colors

Card trick technique

The trick of the pattern is that we see squares, in fact the pattern consists of triangles of different sizes

1. We take 4 pieces of different fabric (excluding the background pattern)
2. Divide diagonally 2 times, we get 4 triangles from each square
3. From the resulting triangles we sew squares according to the pattern

The trick is revealed - there is nothing complicated in the pattern!

"Russian Square"

Traditional Russian northern pattern. The basis is small squares and triangles, which were left with our ancestors when cutting a straight suit. Initially, pieces of material were distributed chaotically, and then they began to be collected into blocks with small patterns. All elements were sewn by hand.

1. The center of the pattern is a square, to which we sew isosceles triangles
2. We take dark fabric for triangles, light and bright fabric for squares and stripes
3. The size of the pattern depends on the central square
4. To work, you need to make a life-size diagram of the pattern, otherwise the drawing will not be even.

For beginning needlewomen, this pattern is complex and requires patchwork skills.

Technique "Star of Ohio"

Despite the apparent complexity, even a novice needlewoman can make this pattern if she is patient, careful and attentive.

You will find a step-by-step description of how to assemble the Ohio Star quilt block at the beginning of the article in the step-by-step instructions for a DIY quilt.

Crazy technique»

Free theme for your creativity. Whatever geometric pieces of fabric fall under your hands will find a place in a fantastic extravaganza of scraps.

1. We select fabric of the same texture
2. In the center we place the brightest piece, most often triangular in shape - the “pupil”
3. We sew triangles around, regular and irregular shapes
4. Quadrangles can complement a composition on a free theme made from patches

Agree, there is beauty in this mess:

Patchwork is a pleasure for a creative person, an opportunity to show your imagination and realize ideas. A patchwork quilt is a vintage element in a modern interior, creating a special atmosphere and comfort in your bedroom and children's room. The main thing is that for work you don’t need anything except threads, needles, a sewing machine and pieces of fabric that can always be found in your home.

Video: “How to sew a patchwork quilt with padding polyester and a voluminous rim”