How to make a Patchwork Quilt Step By Step 2/3

Now you're ready to start sewing all your squares together! This stage involves forming the front and the back of the quilt and attaching them together...

Take your first set of ten squares from your pile.

Take the top square from your pile and lay it right side up.

Pick up the second square from your pile and lay it right side down on top of the other square. Line up the edges and pin along the right side. The two patterned sides of fabric will be facing each other.

Begin to sew along the right edge. Make sure you backstitch as you cast on. You should aim to be as close to the edge as possible, I would advise about half an inch.

Finish the line and cut the threads. When you fold out the seam it will be invisible and neat and the fabrics will look like this.

Do the same with the next square, make sure you are attaching it to the right square.

Sew along the edge.

Do the same for the rest of your first batch of ten squares. When you have finished you will end up with a row that looks something like this one above.

Do the same for all your batches of ten squares. You will end up with several long rows of attached squares. Lay them next to one and other and check that you are happy with your final pattern of squares. It isn't too late at this point to rearrange your rows.

Pick up row one and row two. Place row two ride side down on top of the right side up of row one. The patterned sides should be touching. Try to line up the seams like the picture above.

At this point it is a good idea to cut the excess threads on each seam you line up. There will be quite a few and it is easier to cut them now to prevent them being trapped in the seam.

Pin the rows together with the seams in line.

In the same way as you sewed the individual squares, begin to sew down the ride side leaving approximately half an inch seam allowance.

Unfold the seam and you will have another invisible seam.

Grab the next row (row three) and pin it in the same way to row two. Stitch down the seam. Do the same for all the rows. You will end up with the basis for your top side of quilt.

Iron the top side flat. You can part the seams from the inside to make the side extra flat. It isn't 100% necessary, however, it does look neater from the topside.

Do the same for the bottom side.

Lie the bottom side on the floor pattern side up.

Lie the squared side on the top so that the patterned sides are facing each other.

Pin each edge and then sew along the sides. Leave half an inch to an inch seam allowance and make sure you ONLY sew THREE SIDES! This is so you still have one open edge for adding the wadding.

Turn the quilt the right way out (it will be inside out by the time you have finished sewing the three sides. And now... make yourself a big cup of coffee ready for the next stage! ...

RKG