You might assume sewing, especially hand stitching, is good for your wellbeing, but that doesn’t mean the sewing machine should be banished to the cupboard. Sometimes it is just as relaxing to find some time to yourself, set up your sewing things, and lose yourself in a project. When you’ve finished and you’re the proud owner of this gorgeous quilt, you will be very pleased with yourself and hopefully super relaxed too!
You will need
Six pieces of fabric (see step 1)
Scissors
Pins
Sewing machine
One piece of backing fabric measuring 401⁄4 x 60 in. (102 x 152 cm) - you could repurpose an old duvet cover or sheet
One piece of thin wadding the same size as your backing fabric
1. You can have any combination of squares for your quilt you like, but if you want to follow my layout cut six sections measuring 13 x 20½ in. (32 x 52 cm), five sections measuring 8¾ x 20½ in. (22 x 52 cm), one section measuring 8¾ x 13 in. (22 x 32 cm), and one section measuring 8¾ x 8¾ in. (22 x 22 cm).
2. Start with the two smaller pieces: pin the two pieces together and stitch with a ½ in. (1 cm) seam allowance, then press the seam flat.
3. You are making up six squares, each containing one large rectangle and one slightly narrower rectangle (the one you have just sewn is a narrower rectangle). Pair the piece made in step 2 with a 13 x 20½ in. (32 x 52 cm) piece. Then pair up the remaining pieces. You can place the squares vertically or horizontally. Move the pieces around until you are happy with the arrangement.
4. Stitch one square at a time—with right sides together, pin the two rectangles together to form a square, then sew together with a ½ in. (1 cm) seam allowance and press flat. Continue until you have made up all the squares.
5. Take three of the squares and with right sides together, pin them together to make a row. Sew the two seams with a ½ in. (1 cm) seam allowance. Repeat this step with the three remaining squares to make another row. Press all the seams flat.
6. Pin the two rows, with right sides together, down the long length. Sew together and press the seams open.
7. Lay the quilted piece out on the floor, right side up. Place the backing fabric on top, with right sides together, and then position the wadding on top, making sure all the edges are aligned. Sew all around the sides with a ½ in. (1 cm) seam allowance, leaving a gap of about 16 in. (40 cm) in one side.
8. Turn the quilt the right way out through the opening, then fold in the raw edges at the opening and sew it closed with small stitches.
9. Sew a row of stitching across the width of the quilt at different points—don’t worry about making the lines of stitching equally spaced apart. I made five lines, using the blocks of fabric as a guide. Press the quilt to finish.
This project is from The Mindful Maker by Clare Youngs. To get more fab blog posts like this one - direct to your inbox - be sure to sign up to our mailing list here.