Supplies:
fabric for top and backing and batting (18.5 by 18.5 square of each minimum)
basting thread
Quilting thread (may be matching or contrasting to fabrics)
scissors
#9 or #10 quilting needles
thimble (should have a metal ridge around the top and should snuggly fit the second finger of the hand that you write with)
quilting frame or hoop if desired, not required. See below for instructions on building your own "C" clamp frame.
Before the meeting:
1. Cut 1 square of a cotton or cotton blend fabric. 18.5 by 18.5 inches for the top. Cut another square slightly larger than 18.5 by 18.5 for the back (note you want to cut the back a little larger so you'll have a little "wiggle" room in case anything slips when you are working on the block. You can always trim it off later, you can't add more fabric once it's cut.)
2. Cut a piece of batting at least 18.5 by 18.5 inches, preferably the batting will also be slightly larger in case of slippage while quilting.
3. Choose one of the patterns below, download the pdf file of the pattern and print it out.
4. Tape the pattern together.
5. Transfer the pattern to the top. Place the pattern under the fabric for the top. Trace the design lightly on the fabric using a #2 pencil or a washable fabric marking pen. Whatever you use it needs to be something that will wash out. Please test on a scrap of the fabric before tracing the design.
Watch a You Tube video on how to mark a quilt top.
6. Bring the top, bottom and batting squares for the block to the meeting. Also bring: quilting thread, scrap thread for basting, scissors, #9 or #10 quilting needles, thimble, hoop or quilting frame if desired.
At the meeting:
7. Baste the 3 layers together.
Watch a You Tube video on Hand Basting A Quilt pt 1
Watch Part 2 of Hand Basting A Quilt
*Note - These blocks are quite small and using a board as they show on this video is not really necessary, just lay out the block on a flat surface and baste as shown in the video.
8. hand quilt the design.
Watch a You Tube video on Hand Quilting
Watch another You Tube video on Hand Quilting
Other useful videos online:
How to Tie a Knot in Thread
What the Left Hand is Doing under the Quilt when Hand Quilting
Layering Your Quilt for Basting
Hiding the End Knot in Quilting
Patterns for Block 1
Right click on the picture of the block pattern you want to download. Choose "save link as" and save the file to your computer.
Building a "C" Clamp Lap Frame
1. Go to the lumber/hardware store and buy 4 pieces of wood, 2 feet long by 2-3 inches wide and 1/4 or 1/2 inches thick. Also buy 4 "C" Clamps large enough to hold 2 of the boards overlapped together.
2. Cut a heavy scrap fabric or a denim into 3-4 inch wide strips. You will need 4 strips about 2 feet long.
3. Fold the strips of fabric in half and using a staple gun, brads or tacks, attach the raw edge of one of the strips to the edge of one of the boards. The fold of the fabric should hang off the edge of the board at least 1 inch.
4. Lay the boards so that the ends overlap and form a square. Place a "C" Clamp at each corner to hold the frame together.
5. Pin the block to 2 opposite sides of the square, adjusting the "C" Clamps as needed. Stretching the block so that it has no puckers or waves and has moderate tension and you're ready to sew.
For more information email the Page Owner