Sewing a patchwork quilt with your own hands

In stores, you can often see items made using patchwork technique. But they are quite expensive. The cost depends on the fabric itself, the complexity of the color and the pattern. This article tells you how to sew a patchwork bedspread with your own hands and what you need for this.

Necessary materials and tools

List of basic tools for patchwork bedspread:

• material. For this technique, you need to have as many scraps as possible. For a classic blanket format - 1.5 x 2.3 meters - you need square pieces of fabric with sides of 23 cm. If desired, you need to prepare a filler, it can be synthetic padding or synthetic fluff;
• the yarn should be selected in accordance with the color of the backing material and the tone of the patches, which will be the most numerous in the product. Therefore, at least three colors of thread will be needed;
• overlock or needles and threads for handwork;
• fabric roller.

The calculation of the material is carried out according to the dimensions of the bed or sofa on which the finished product must be placed.

Selection of fabric pieces

The unique appearance of the blanket is very similar to the construction of a mosaic, when colored fabric patches, each with their own ornament or pattern, are combined into a single whole canvas.

The most popular fabric for this type of activity is rightfully considered to be cotton, because:

• has a medium density;
• the fabric does not fray, so the edges do not need to be processed with an overlock machine;
• the fabric is light and pleasant to the touch;
• keeps its shape and hardly wrinkles;
• easy to stitch;
• does not shine;
• does not shrink when washed;
• completely natural material, so it will not cause allergic reactions.

Direct weaving of threads in cotton fabric is the best option for patchwork sewing. In addition to a blanket, cotton can be used to make kitchen towels or potholders.

Sometimes silk is used for handicrafts, it looks luxurious, but is not comfortable. Silk items or bedspreads look very beautiful, but unfortunately, the service life of such products is short. Especially if they need to be washed often (for example, curtains or blankets).

Some pieces of fabric can be taken from old items, robes or blankets. If desired, each piece can have a short fringe. It is important that all the pieces are made of the same material, then the product will look really good and not be a dazzler.

Selection of parts by color

Color selection is a very important stage in patchwork technique. If the colors do not harmonize or have a high contrast, then the eyes will get tired, and such a product will not fit into the interior of the house.

It is necessary to follow the instructions for combining shades. Beginner craftswomen can use the technique of three colors and three patterns. In this case, contrasting shades maintain dynamics if the main canvas is not a bright color.

Requirements for choosing a design:

• To begin with, you can make a template of the product to have a visual idea of ​​the future work;
• there should not be too small and bright patterns, otherwise the eyes will start to dazzle;
• for a complex design, it is advisable to experiment through shades rather than through the drawing of small elements;
• it is advisable to choose large designs in a bright, single-color shade rather than many small ones with their own patterns;
• Lay the scraps out on the floor and stand back to make sure the colors are correct.

Also, if this process is difficult for a person, then you can use a special program on the Internet. It automatically selects colors that go well together. Below is a detailed description of how to sew a patchwork blanket.

Creation technique

The easiest option is to sew a patchwork item from identical pieces of squares. In this case, the work process will be very easy and will suit beginner needlewomen.

How to sew a patchwork blanket with your own hands, step-by-step instructions:

1. from the pieces it is necessary to cut out as many identical squares as possible - it is advisable to use a centimeter to get the exact dimensions;
2. working on a machine will save a lot of time, but it is also possible to do it by hand quite quickly. Sew the squares in rows, and then stitch the rows themselves. When the product is ready, it must be ironed from the inside to smooth out the seams;
3. Next, you need to measure the bedspread in order to make the inner lining. You need to attach the bedspread to the lining material with the front side up;
4. Next, you need to cut a square out of denim or any other material - this will be the inside of the blanket. Now place the denim face down on the stack of lining and coverlet;
5. it is necessary to stitch this stack. It is necessary to remember that a hole is left in the blanket so that it can be turned inside out later;
6. If the work is done correctly, then on one side there will be denim material, on the other side - the outer side of the blanket made of pieces, and on the inside - lining;
7. Sew up the hole with a hidden seam and iron the finished product well.

The blanket is ready, now it needs to be washed and ironed.

The size of the product is selected depending on the wishes of the person, mainly made for a double bed. Jeans or fleece can be used as a lining. Below is a patchwork sewing of a bedspread, beautiful and easy for beginners.

Sewing patterns used

This is a DIY patchwork quilt technique for beginners:

• the diagram is the simplest, shown in Figure 4;
• Material of different sizes and colors will do, but not too colorful;
• Place the pieces on a piece of fabric of the required size of the finished bedspread. The pattern is chosen at will, or without it;
• add a layer of tulle on top;
• iron at 70 degrees;
• sew a blanket on a machine.

In various master classes you can see even more simple patterns and blocks that are perfect for a beginner. The best site for handicrafts is Postila and Lifehacker. They contain many works from professional craftsmen with comments.

Quilting technique

It is better to use your fingers for this work. Place the index finger of your left hand under the flap exactly where the first puncture will be.

When placing your fingers, remember that the sewing should be done in the direction towards you.

Insert the needle into the product at a distance of 0.5 centimeters from the required thread exit mark and pass it perpendicular to the blanket through all several layers of the product.

The needle must be moved with the index finger of the right hand until its end touches the index finger of the left hand on the wrong side of the blanket.

This will create a small fold on the product, through which you need to pass the needle and thread. This is how you get a quilted stitch. You need to check that it goes through all the layers of the blanket. When you see that the thread is running out, you need to leave a piece of about five centimeters, fix it by the outer stitch, insert the needle again through two layers of the blanket - the bottom and the lining, then pull it out to the outside and cut the thread near the surface. After this, you can continue quilting the blanket.

You can wash items made using this technique, but you must follow the temperature regime.

It is advisable to use only liquid powders and conditioners so that particles of the product do not get stuck inside the filler. If possible, it is better not to iron the product, but to steam it. Dry only indoors, as direct sunlight can partially burn the fabric. It is advisable to have a duvet cover for such a product so that it gets less dirty. It is advisable to sew it using the same technique. If desired, you can decorate it with embroidery using the Bargello technique.

Thus, the patchwork technique, although it appeared relatively recently, has already managed to win the love of craftswomen. Its huge advantage is that even people who do not have much experience in needlework can create beautiful products. It is only important to choose the right colors and cut out the patches. A patchwork bedspread made by yourself will significantly save money, since in stores prices start from 2,000 rubles* for a standard size.

*The prices indicated are valid as of October 2019.