Patchwork Blankets / Quilts

Hi everyone
because I just saw this in Monika’s patterns at https://www.crazypatterns.net/de/store/kreativwerkst:
I think patchwork blankets and quilts are absolutely beautiful, but I’m a total beginner.
I don’t think I’m ready to tackle a whole blanket yet—maybe just a mini blanket (about the size of a magazine, perhaps) to practice with.
Is this even something for beginners, or do you need to have a fair amount of knowledge, skills, and practice already?
I don’t have a sewing machine—can you do this by hand?

Best regards for now
muetzekatze

 

Hello Mützekatze,
even the pros were beginners once!!!
A typical beginner's project is cushion covers, but of course you can also make a small wall hanging, and of course it can be done by hand (-:
I'd be happy to help you with that!

Best wishes
Faltenstirn

Thanks, Faltenstirn :)

My dream would be to make my own throw for the bed or sofa someday, but I’ve still got a long way to go.
Is it actually uncomfortable to use as a pillowcase with all those seams running across the pillow cover?
It wouldn’t be very comfortable to rest your head on it, would it?
I guess those are more like decorative pillows?

So would you explain to me how to do that?
That’s really sweet of you :)
Thanks :)

I think other people would be interested in this, too!
If you put together a sort of “how-to” guide here for making patchwork-style pillowcases, that would also be good publicity for your other handmade items, and maybe you’d even find some buyers—I could see that happening.

Hi Muetzekatze and everyone else interested—I’d be happy to help with your first attempts at patchwork.
I’ll take a look in my archives to see what “easy” patterns I have and try to post them.

First, a few general tips.

If possible, “real” patchwork fabrics or dirndl fabrics—but in any case, woven cotton fabrics—work best.
The fabrics should be pre-washed to prevent uneven shrinkage or bleeding later on.
Always pay attention to the grainline when cutting.
I use a rotary cutter—it’s more precise—but for now, a pair of scissors will definitely do.

HELP!!
I’d love to add some photos—how do I do that???
I’ll post it on Facebook for now, just to get you guys excited about patchwork ((-:

Hi Faltenstirn
I don’t think you can upload photos directly here. But with an account on Picasa or something similar, you can easily link to them.
I haven’t quite figured out how Picasa works myself yet, though.

I’d love it if you could manage to upload some simple patterns for patchwork blankets.
If you want to sell the patterns, you upload them as a ZIP archive.

Are “real” patchwork fabrics actually sold as such in stores? I’ve never really looked for them before.
Can you actually wash a patchwork quilt once it’s all sewn together, or is it better to avoid that?
Is patchwork actually the same thing as a quilt?
Where can you get a rotary cutter? Is it expensive?

I’ll check Facebook to see if I can find your photos :)
Thanks for your tips :)

Hi everyone :) Uploading photos will be possible soon. The feature is currently being developed. Please wait another 1–2 days.

Continuing with patchwork  ((-:

I now buy my fabrics almost exclusively online; unfortunately, there isn’t a patchwork shop near me anymore.
Large fabric stores often have a small selection of “real” patchwork fabrics.
What’s important is that they have good “body” (not warped).
If I ever want to use a rather soft fabric, I starch it before cutting, or if it’s a stretch fabric, I’ve also applied thin iron-on interfacing before. - That makes it easier to work more accurately ((-:


A blanket for snuggling can of course also be washed; I think that makes it even cozier, but I wouldn’t do it with wall hangings.

A QUILT consists of three layers: the top, the backing, and the batting in between.
These three layers are joined together—either by hand or by machine—that’s called QUILTING.
Patchwork means small pieces that are sewn together and very often form the top of the quilt.

Rotary cutters / cutters / rotary knives cost about €15.00 and have the advantage that several layers can be cut at the same time (the blades are replaceable); for that you’ll also need a ruler, which also costs about €15.00.
That’s basically the basic equipment.
(Both can of course also be used for other crafts; only the blade, like good dressmaking shears, should be reserved for FABRIC only.)

I’d say the easiest form is the strip technique, where, as the name suggests, strips are joined together.
But this version really does need very special fabrics or colors.
It gets a bit more difficult with squares, because the intersections should line up exactly.
The next level  - triangles - is where you especially have to make sure on the bias edges that the seam doesn’t “pull.”

Well, I hope I haven’t completely confused you all now and that you can make sense of my Austrian German ((-:
see you soon, your Faltenstirn

Hope the thing with the photos works soon  - Thanks Operator




 

@Faltenstirn
Thanks for the details :)
You write:
A QUILT consists of three layers: the top, the backing, and the batting in between.
These three layers are joined together—either by hand or by machine—that’s called QUILTING.

What does a quilt need batting for?

Hi Sundown,
well, since quilts were originally made as blankets, I’d say so they’re nice and warm (-:

But the thicker areas where the seam allowances are get hidden in the soft batting, and depending on the thickness of the batting, a textured surface also forms. And depending on how the piece will be used, I use batting of varying thicknesses—synthetic fiber, wool, or cotton.
 

@Faltenstirn
Too bad you haven’t been online in ages. I always found your posts very informative.
If you happen to be reading this, what kind of batting do you use for blankets that shouldn’t be too warm in the summer?

In most cases, batting is used as the interlayer (or filling), and it comes in different thicknesses. That way, you can choose the thickness yourself. I’m sitting here right now with a blanket draped over my legs that was made as a play mat for one of my kids (not by me—sewing machines are like aliens to me). So it’s not exactly the thinnest batting, but thanks to the cotton, it’s still not too warm.

thanks @MOsMaschen

For a lightweight summer blanket, you can also use molton very well; it's made of cotton and should be about 300 grams per square meter so the blanket becomes a bit sturdier. Be sure to prewash it, otherwise the blanket will warp later!

I saw a pack of fabric pieces and a pattern for beginners at the newsagent's today.
I can't really help otherwise; I tried it once, but it's not for me.
Buttinette has lots of beautiful pre-cut fabrics and supplies. I hope it's okay for me to post this here as a tip?

Here is another way to sew wonderful patchwork projects WITHOUT a sewing machine. It’s a lot of work, but I once sewed a pillow this way and had great fun doing it:
http://www.patchwork-quilt-forum.de/anleitung-sechseck-t3036.html

@Bastelhilde
I think everyone knows Butinette anyway. You just can’t avoid them if you’re interested in crafts.

@osaki
That’s a nice idea, doing patchwork without a sewing machine. I haven’t quite figured out the blind stitch yet, but I assume it’s just a matter of practice to get it so that you can barely see it on the right side?
Thanks for the link
—the user who put that together over on the other forum really deserves a lot of praise.

Yeah, you’re right—I actually went shopping there once. Good thing it’s far away.

Hey everyone, what a surprise—I haven’t heard from you guys in six months ((-:

The question about batting has already been answered sufficiently, right?

@Faltenstirn
Glad you made it in :)
The batting question has been answered, yes.
What kind of crafts are you working on right now?