Embroidery Design Freebie

Almost nearing the end of this month here is an Embroidery design that I would be working on shortly.
The rose with stem, thorns and leaves along with some wild flowers would look beautiful with line stitches or with filling stitches.

Happy Stitching !!

Rail Fence Quilt Block and Rug

Long strips of fabric scrap can be sewn together to get a really mesmerizing quilt block. Rail Fence quilt block is an easy to make quilt block, at least that's what I thought until i started making it with the most primitive methods available.

Ideally the rail fence design is made by sewing together 3 long strips of different fabrics and then re-cutting this band into squares. These squares are then arranged such that the strips form beautiful pattern and then sewn together to make a block.


I made this rug using strips cut from cotton pants and not 'so' cotton pinafore of my daughter. So, after a long time some recycling going on ...

What made the work easier was the firmness of the cotton pant even though the pinafore material was not very easy to work with.

Only the top part is done but worth showing off......... 

  

One way of making the block is to cut individual strips( what I preferred) to make a block.

Another method is to sew together long strips and then cut off blocks from it.

 

   Piece measures 1x 5 inches without seam allowance  
 

 

5 " finished blocks that actually measure 5 1/2 inches

 

More blocks ready to be sewn together

 

Gearing up to finish it as soon as possible. 

Update :

Added up one more column to the rug as this was lacking 'something'

 So, now it looks like this...

  

I used an old towel to make the backing.  

Cutting the thick edges help in easier stitching while joining the top and the backing.

I then folded the towel so as to get enough length and breadth to match the quilt top. 
The edges are raw and the fabric doesn't seem to fray much, so, I just left it the way it is now.

12" Double Four Patch Square Block

Last two posts were about the  6 " Solid quilt block and the 6" Four Patch square block.
I joined the four blocks as shown down to make a 12 " block that is considered a variation of the Four Patch square block

 12 " finished block

The finished 12" block should actually measure 12 ¹⁄2" ( seam allowance included)

 Another finished 12 " Block

Coming up with more quilt blocks..........

Four Patch Square Quilt Block

After the 6" Solid Square Block, next in line is the 6 " Four Patch Square Quilt Block. 

In coordination with the Solid Block I have decided to make a finished 6" block

A 6 ½˝ Four patch square block 

 ( Ideally called as a finished 6" Four patch square block)

To get the correct measurements:

A Four patch Square Block can be divided into four smaller equal squares. So for a 6" finished square, each smaller finished square would be 3" .

• A square’s length and width are equal. 
• ¼˝ seam allowance should be added to both sides of the square’s width and length: 

¼˝ x 2 = ½˝. 

 
So the each squares will be 3˝ x 3˝ plus ½˝ for seam allowances = 3 ½˝

 Pieces joined using chain piecing method

 Ironing the pieces at seams is  really important after every sewing.

Alternative Easier method

When there is enough fabric to get longer strips, this easier method is used.
I know that the borders are not accurate.... but yes, the measurements are.

 

 Next step is to sew the pieces together.

Getting the centre point was quite tricky for me.

 

 The four patch square quilt block is ready.

 So, now I have solid blocks and four patch square blocks. Preparing for something more interesting.

After making these blocks, I am seriously thinking of investing in a rotary cutter and mat ( It does cost a lot ... )

  

Quilting : 6 inches Solid Square Block

 
 

 After My First Quilt I had planned to make another and a more tidier one with proper blocks. Having decided so I had great deal to learn before attempting patchwork to make a quilt top. 

Starting from planning the layout, choosing fabric to making beautiful quilt blocks; not to forget the measurements or maths involved in making accurate blocks - involved lots of research

The first thing I had to decide upon was the size of each quilt block. 
I chose to make  6 inches quilt blocks ( neither too small nor too large). 
The best way to start making quilt blocks is to make a solid quilt block.

• For a 6 " finished quilt block,  a 6" template out of cardboard is cut.

Using the template mark a 6" square on the desired fabric.
 

Using the scale measure, mark and cut 1/4 " seam allowance all around the 6" square, that makes it a 6 1/2" square.  

The inner marking works as a guide to sew over while joining the pieces.
Though My sewing machine has a guide to sew 1/4 " seam it is quite difficult for a beginner like me to get the right seam allowance. 
Yes, I need lots of practice..... 

 The 6 inches block ( in terms of finished block) is ready.

Bow Tie Quilt Block

 The  Classic Blocks: Fresh Fabric for January 2016  got me inspired to make this beautiful quilt block. I decide to make a 6 " block . The measurements for each square is shown in the picture below.  

Basic Embroidery Stitches : French Knot

One of the most basic and commonly used detached knot stitch is the French Knot.

The French knots can be stitched individually or for fillings or as lines. This stitch forms a raised dot.

An easy to make decorative knot that needs some practice enhances the beauty of the work.

My first project of this year has French knots in it