Thursday, December 11, 2008

All different sizes quilt completed!

Remember this post? Well it is finished.

all done


I think I need to rename this quilt as the if it can go wrong it will quilt. Everything was great when I put together the top of the quilt but once I started putting it all together (batting and bottom of quilt) things kept going wrong. I had to un-pick so much of it because of bobbin problems and because I put on the walking foot on wrong, I didn't realize it until I had done alot of the "quilting". I broke 4 needles while "quilting" this quilt (I have NEVER broken needles)I can be so dumb sometimes, I admit it. But after having my sewing machine in the shop for almost a week, I think that I finished this quilt in great time, it ended up being 44 x 64.

Another issue that I did not think about was the binding. Can you see in the picture how the dots show and then it is plain red?? That was not supposed to happen, but I kinda like it.

the binding


My favorite part is the back, I love the black & white dots!

polka dot back


This quilt is for me so it is ok that it is not perfect. I really had a hard time with sewing the binding on this quilt, I don't know why. I am so glad it is done, actually all 3 of my quilts are done now, time for the next one huh?

close up of quilt


I did want to finish my tutorial. I did this continuous bias binding and it was really the easiest way to do it. Here is how you do it.

Step 1: Determine how much fabric you need for your binding strip. Measure the perimeter of your quilt and add 12". Divide this number by 42 (assuming about 42" of usable fabric on a 44/45" wide fabric) and round up to an even number. Then multiply this number by your strip width (including seam allowances). This final number is the length of the rectangle needed to make your continuous bias binding strip. Here's an example:

* Quilt measures 71" x 90"
* Perimeter = 71+90+71+90 = 322 and add 12" for a total of 334"
* 334/42 = 7.95 Round up to 8
* 8 x 3 (for 3" binding strip width) = 24
* You'll need 24" x 42" piece of fabric for the binding

Step 2: After cutting the rectangle to size, fold down one corner of the fabric to create a right triangle (A) and cut along fold.



Step 3: Sew A to B using a 1/4" seam allowance and press the seam open.



Step 4: On the wrong side of your fabric, mark cutting lines parallel to the bias edge that are the width of your binding strip (e.g., 2.5" in the above example).



Step 5: Cut 6" down the line at the "pointy" end of your fabric. Then fold the fabric into a tube (approximately in thirds) so that the * and all of your marked lines are aligned. Pin if needed, and then sew a 1/4" seam to create a long tube. Press seam open.



Step 6: Continue cutting the fabric along your marked line, which will now be a spiral running the complete length of your fabric. Be careful to only cut one thickness of fabric at a time. This will result in one long bias strip of fabric, with all of your seams perfectly aligned!

13 comments:

Kami said...

Oh it looks soooo great!!!! You are an amazing quilt maker, congrats on finishing it!!!

Sara said...

This is beautiful! When I am ready we will sit down and have some fun!

karin said...

It turned out great. The fabrics are very you.

Kerr Family said...

It turned out really cute. I love the back too. Great job. I didn't really read through your tutorial...but I do want to make a quilt for myself too so when I do I'll read over your notes. Thanks for the tips!

Rachel Gillie said...

great job

Unknown said...

Thanks for the tutorial! I really need to get on the ball and start my quilt...Love the pic of Gwenie for the header! Way cool. Love the color.

Unknown said...

oh great job on the quilt by the way!

Darci said...

Thanks everyone, I am really happy with it, even though it was kinda of frustrating in the end.

Kimberly said...

The quilt really turned out so cute! I am so impressed. Also, looks like your reunion with friends was fun...I think it's awesome you've all kept in touch and known each other for so long.

Scott and Meaghan said...

Darci,this is absolutely beautiful!! I would totally buy this quilt if I saw it in a store. You should think about selling them. Great work!

pitbull said...

I love your quilt!!! And all the mistakes and troubles only make it more special to you. Is this the beginning of a new "home business"? Hope you have a good holiday!

Unknown said...

Well, no one is more proud of your accomplishments than your MOM and DAD!! It is amazing how you just pressed on and knew exactly what you wanted and did it!! &...all done with a baby in the house, too!!. Great Job.

RETTJ16 said...

Cute!!!!! You would be so proud...i bought a sewing machine the other day. I need to go get some fabric and then i will do a post! Finally!:)