This project is written by sewing author Laura Strutt who blogs at http://www.madepeachy.com/
Small children love the tactile qualities of ribbons and this mini quilt is a perfect little comfort blanket. The fabric bundle used for this project gives it a cool and contemporary feel.
Fat Quarter bundle (7 co-ordinating fat quarters)
Quilt wadding, 18in x 20in
Selection of ribbons in contrasting colours and range of finishes
Rotary cutter, mat and ruler
Pins
Fabric shears
Needle and thread
Finished Quilt measures 17.5in x 19.5in
This quilt is cut to the size of a fat quarter, so not only is it quick and easy to make, it will help you to get the most out of your fabric bundle!
Cut the fabric strips
Set one fat quarter from the bundle aside to create the backing of the quilt. Working with the remaining fabrics, trim into 2.5 ichn strips. Trim the strips into blocks for the chevrons by trimming each edge into 45 degree angles, the parallel upper and lower sides will measure 5 inches and the shorter ends will measure 3.5 inches. Cut 24 chevron blocks slanting in one direction, then cut a further 24 with the block slanting in the opposite direction.
Create half a chevron strip
Lay out the fabrics out so it measures eight chevron blocks down by six chevron blocks across. When you are happy with the placement of the fabrics, begin to sew together working on vertical strips. Working from the top on the vertical strip downwards, place the chevron blocks together along the the long sides and off set by 1/4 inch, pin in place and then stitch with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Complete the strip
Continue in the same manner to join all the chevron blocks together to create a single strip. Press the seams to neatly to in the same direction.
Create the second half of the chevron strip
Working with the next vertical row of chevron blocks, pin and join together the second half of the chevron block using the pieces angled in the opposite direction and taking a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Neatly press the seams to lay in the same direction.
Complete the chevron strip
Place the two halves of the chevron strip together with the right sides facing. Pin in place, aligning the joins in fabrics along both of the strips. Sew together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. The block will align along the centre seam and will create the chevron motif. Repeat to create three completed chevron strips in total.
Create the quilt top
Working with each completed chevron strip in turn position together with right sides facing. Align the joins in fabrics along the strips and pin in place. Join together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance and press the seams neatly to one side.
Trim the quilt top
Neatly press the quilt top and using the rotary cutter, cutting mat and ruler trim to 18 inches x 20 inches. Trim the remaining fat quarter and quilt wadding to the same measurements.
Add the ribbons
Trim a selection of ribbons to 3 inches and fold in half. Position the folded ribbons around the outer edge of the quilt top, aligning the raw edges of the ribbon and the raw edges of the quilt top and pin in place. Secure the ribbons with a line of stitches work 1/4 inch from the outer edge of the quilt top.
Alternating between grosgrain and satin ribbon give a lovely sensory touch to this quilt. Why not work with ribbons in varying widths for a different look?
Layer the quilt
Place the quilt top on a flat surface with the right sides facing uppermost, position the backing piece on top so that the right sides are facing and finally add the piece of batting to the top of the cotton. Neatly align all the raw edges and pin in place.
Join the quilt
Working with a 1/2in seam allowance, work around the outer edge of the quilt to join the three layers together. Create neat corners by stopping the machine with the needle in the down position, lift the presser foot and pivoting the fabrics to work the next side. Leave 5-6 inches of the seam unstitched to allow to turn through. Clip the seam allowance on the corners.
Complete the quilt
Turn the quilt through to the right side, neatly pushing out the corners. Press the seam allowance in along the gap and hand slip stitch closed. Work around the outer edge with neat top stitching 1/2 inch from the outer edge and finish by quilting the design as desired.
This mini quilt can be hand or machine quilted to finish, I code to really play up the chevron motif by working a machine stitch-in-the-ditch quilting across the whole quilt.
Laura Strutt is the author of The Sewing Manual, Haynes, £21.99 www.haynes.co.uk and The DIY Wedding Manual £18.99 www.haynes.co.uk she can also be found blogging daily at www.madepeachy.com
