| Before embroidering a project, most designers will make test stitch-out
to make sure that everything is alright with the design and that the threads,
needles and settings of the machine have been set correctly. In a short
time, these test stitch-outs pile up, take up space and gather dust. The
idea of this project was to show how we can use the test stitch-outs to
make small and cute quilts to hang up around the house or to give away
as charming gifts.
This project is also a great exercise to hone your skills in free-motion
quilting. |
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| The finished size of the Iris quilt is 11" x 12 1/2". You quilt maybe
a little bit larger or smaller, depending on your preference. |
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| We started with a stitch-out of the Iris
design. Then we selected scraps of violet, lilac and green fabrics. We
cut them into 3/4" wide strips. Working with one strip at a time, place
it face-down across the base fabric with the embroidery. Stitch the strip
to the fabric, giving it a seam allowance of 1/4". Fold the strip to cover
the seam. Press. Fold the raw edge of the strip under the strip. Press.
Top-stitch in place. |
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| In this way, attach several strips of different colors. When you are
finished, press the working piece. Make a sandwich out the backing, batting
and top. Start quilting. |
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| We quilted in a free-motion style, using lilac, yellow and green
threads. |
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| Square the piece and finish the raw edges either with binding or with
satin-stitch over the edge. |
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| For the second, rose quilt, we used a stitch-out of the Queen
Mary Rose and strips of pink and green fabrics of various widths and
lengths. Its finished size is 11" x 12 1/2". |
| Attach the first piece. Seeam allowance is 1/4". |
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| Fold it back and press. |
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| Place the second strip so that it covers one of the raw edges of the
first strip. Attach in the same manner. Fold back and press. |
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| Go on until you have borders around the embroidery. Add a second row,
if you wish. When you like the composition, square the piece. Add batting
and backing and quilt. You have a small "crazy" quilt.You can either free-motion
it or, using decorative stitches from your machine, top-stitch along the
seams. |
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| We hope that you liked our idea and will come up with many of your
own. |
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