Handicraft in the UK

Quilting

This technique can be as easy or as complicated as

you wish. You can make cushions, wall hangings, bed

covers, table mats, tea cosies and clothes.

You will need

squares of fabric in different colours 12cms x 12cms)

Fabric pens (optional)

Iron-on crayons (optional)

Wadding or filler cut to the size of your quilt

Cotton backing material cut to the size of your quilt

We looked at tessellating patterns. We explored differ-

ent shapes and found those that were suitable for a

quilting pattern. We used pre-printed paper to look at

using light and dark colours in the design pattern. We

arranged 2-d shapes to make pictures and patterns.

We used a shape we had designed ourselves and

made a tessellating pattern. We used a computer pro-

gram to create patterns quickly.

Before making a quilt the design and colour effects

have to be planned carefully. We all tried different ways

of planning. Some of us used planning boards. Others

used paper and glue to plan their design. We also

looked a placing different patterns and colours together

to see the effect.

Once the design is ready, lots of preparation is needed.

First, all material has to be cut to the right size and can

be decorated with paint or crayons especially made for

fabric. They are then pinned together and stitched in

place.

Once all the shapes have been stitched together, you can

then add extra shapes onto the design and make a more in-

teresting texture. Cut out the shapes you would like to have

standing out from the main quilt. Stitch two identical shapes

together and stuff with wadding material then stitch onto the

quilt.