Patchwork is a fascinating textile technique that is always linked to skillful handwork. This technique creates wonderful and playful patterns that look individual and unique. Basically, pieces of the same size made from different fabrics, usually leftover fabrics, are sewn together. This means that old textiles, such as bed linen and tablecloths, can be wonderfully recycled. Various patterns and complicated motifs can be created using the module principle. A good place to start for beginners is to sew a simple patchwork quilt.
As a daybed cover or for children's rooms
A patchwork blanket is wonderful as a daybed or throw for the sofa, but one is particularly popular in the children's room. The patterned fabrics that a blanket of this type is made of fit wonderfully in the children's kingdom and delight with their colorful shape. If you can sew and have onesewing machinethen get to work and master a blanket using the two simple instructions we have chosen for you.
Firstly, you need for thatPatchworksuitable materials or leftover materials. Take the type of fiber and the color design into account. All fabrics used should have a similar structure, be colorful, but still be easy to combine with each other. Pay attention to the contents of the textiles - different fabrics have different properties and some shrink when washed.
Choose suitable fabrics
You decide how bright and colorful your blanket will be, depending on where you want to use it later. Finding the right fabrics can take some time. Make sure you have the same amount of each substance so that the end result appears balanced.
Sew the squares together
Cut the selected fabrics into geometric figures of the same size. For beginners, squares are a good choice. The size of the entire blanket is so easy to calculate and makes your work easier. Make a plan of what you want the blanket to look like and where you want to place which fabric. Arrange the elements in a varied way - each row should contain the same squares but be positioned differently.
Edge and safety seam
After you have sewn all the squares together, don't forget the safety seam. An overlock machine is best suited for this to prevent the pieces of fabric from fraying.
Patchwork blanket as a duvet cover
If you want to convert the blanket into a duvet cover, you should design it as a kind of bag. The patchwork side remains on top and a lower part made of bed linen fabric is sewn onto it. To insert a blanket, an opening is left in the lower area and is easily closed with snaps when needed.
Connect the two sides and sew them together
When sewing together, it is helpful to consider standard sizes of bed linen and covers. This allows you to calculate how large each element should be. For example, with a total size of 200 x 200 cm you will need 400 pieces of 10 x 10 cm each, i.e. 20 pieces per side. Please note that a few centimeters are still needed for the seams. In our example, it is advisable to cut the elements 11 x 11 cm or, instead of 20 x 20 squares per side, to expand them by one more (21 x 21 squares of 10 x 10 cm each).
If you have calculated and planned everything well, then the successful end result will be ensured. After a successful first blanket, you can move on to one that consists of different or different geometric figures.
Instructions for beginners
Here we offer a slightly more detailed overview of how sewing works in detail. The first time you try it, start with something smaller so you get used to the specific sewing technique.
Connect square elements together
You can first sew the squares together flush in rows. Try to keep the pre-planned margin (approx. 5mm) so that the elements end up being the same size. It can be helpful if you iron the pieces of fabric beforehand.
Choose colorful, cheerful, patterned fabrics
Then connect the rows into a whole patchwork product. Surround the edge with a safety seam or, if this function is not available, simply border it with tape. Textile ribbons cut from the same material or special ones that prevent fraying are suitable for this.
Don't forget the safety seam
If you want to sew a patchwork quilt that is not used as a duvet cover, you will need batting of any thickness. This is sewn on the bottom side of the patchwork - decorative stitching across the elements will add to the decorative appearance.
Sew a runner or small patchwork blanket
The bottom side is ultimately covered with suitable fabric and decoratively finished at the edges. First try to create smaller products using the patchwork technique so that you can improve your skills with a real patchwork quilt.
*Instructions for patchwork duvet covernThe DIY mommy
*Instructions for small patchwork runner by Mama Smiles