Patchwork und quilting

From colourful blankets to unique items of clothing; you can use patchwork to transform old or leftover bits of fabric into unique works of art. It's not only sustainable, but also a great hobby that allows you to get creative. We'll show you what you need to consider when patchworking and quilting and which fabrics are suitable. We will also give you some patchwork ideas for beginners that you can make with leftover fabric.

Quilting for beginners: what is patchwork?

Patchwork is a traditional handicraft technique in which lots of smaller pieces of fabric (sometimes with different patterns) are joined together to form a larger work of art. These pieces of fabric are often combined in a certain way and formed into different shapes (square, triangle, hexagon, etc.) to create a beautiful work of art.

Different fabrics can be combined with each other to create a unique mix of colours, patterns and textures. Patchwork is also an excellent way to use leftover bits of fabric or to give old textiles a second chance.

Quilting for beginners: what is the difference between patchwork and quilting?

The terms patchwork and quilting are often used interchangeably, but these two techniques have distinct differences and steps that you need to follow.

• Patchwork is a fabric craft than involves sewing together small pieces of fabric to create a larger, colourful piece of fabric. The aim here is to combine different colours and patterns creatively to create unique works of art.

• Quilting, on the other hand, is the next step in the process. A finished patchwork is joined together with a filling and a backing fabric using quilting seams. These seams give the patchwork its stability and are also a special feature of a patchwork. The result is usually a blanket or another kind of sewing project that consist of three layers. This makes it thicker and, depending on how thick the filling is, warmer than a sheer patchwork.

Patchwork fabrics: what you should know

To ensure the success of your project, it is important for beginners to choose the correct type of fabric. Hard-wearing fabrics that don't move around too much when you are sewing and keep their shape are good choices. These include cotton, linen, viscose or blended fabrics with these components. 100% pure cotton is ideal for beginners as it is easy to work with and is used in a lot of patchwork templates.

However, you can also use other fabrics for your patchwork project. For example, you can upcycle fabric leftovers, old bed sheets, tablecloths and old clothing to create an interesting mix of materials. Make sure that the fabrics you choose are similar in terms of strength and texture, as different fabrics have different properties. Not only do they change when you sew them, but they can also warp when you wash them.

Tip: Wash all the fabrics you want to use before you start. This way, you can get rid of any excess fabric dye from new pieces of fabric and freshen up old pieces.

Patchwork and quilting for beginners: tips and tricks

When you are starting out, it is a good idea to start patchworking with patterns and instructions that are suitable for beginners. You can use books, blogs, online tutorials, videos or even attend patchwork courses. We will show you the basics that you will need to know in order to successfully create your first patchwork designs.

We have listed a number of helpful tips for your first patchwork project:

• It is a good idea to sort your bits of fabric according to how light or dark they are. This gives you the opportunity to create highlights in the pattern later on.

• A sharp rotary cutter, a cutting mat and a ruler are essential for precise work. A sewing machine makes sewing easier, but you can also achieve beautiful results if you sew by hand.

• Take the time to iron your fabrics before cutting and sewing. This will ensure accurate results when you cut your bits of fabric to size.

• Cut your fabrics according to the instructions and don't forget to leave room for the seams.

• First sew a sample. This way you can find out how the fabric moves when you sew it and make sure that your measurements are correct.

• Once you have finished sewing together all the blocks, it is worth laying out the pattern you want to create on the floor. This is a great way to try out different designs. Once you are happy with your design, you can number the individual blocks with sticky notes and photograph everything just in case.

• It is a good idea to sew chains. This means that you sew all the individual pieces together one after the other without cutting the thread in between.

• You should also choose a suitable backing fabric for your quilt. You can either buy extra wide fabrics or sew your own patchwork backing.

• You can use fleece as a filling. Synthetic fleece, cotton fleece and woollen fleece are all great choices. Depending on the thickness and type of fleece, it will have different properties and must be quilted accordingly. Wool fleece keeps you nice and warm and can be used for blankets, but this type of fleece needs to be densely quilted. On the other hand, a thin synthetic batting is suitable for placemats and table runners and only needs to be lightly quilted so that it does not become too rigid.

• Before you sew the layers of fabric together, you should carefully baste them together so that nothing slips. You can use bent safety pins or spray glue for this.

Patchwork tips for beginners: what can you make from leftover bits of fabric?

If you already have some sewing experience, then it may be easy for you to get started with patchworking. However, even if you have no previous experience, you can start quilting and learn to sew at the same time. There are a lot of patchwork techniques that are suitable for beginners and that you can use to work your way up to more challenging patterns. As a patchwork beginner, you can start with projects such as cushion covers and blankets made from simple squares. This will give you a feel for patchworking.

Once you have sewn your first samples, these patchwork ideas for beginners may also be suitable for you:

Conclusion: patchwork and quilting for beginners – getting started

Patchwork and quilting offer beginners a creative and fulfilling way to create unique textile art and make good use of leftover fabric and old clothing. With a little patience and a few tries, you are sure to be able to create impressive works of art. Start with simple designs and gradually work your way up to more complicated patterns. Patchworking will quickly become a rewarding and relaxing hobby.

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References and further information

https://www.gathered.how/sewing-and-quilting/quilting/quilting-for-beginners-guide
(Last accessed on 27.05.2024)

https://www.patchwork-europe.eu/en/the-patchwork/what-is-patchwork/
(Last accessed on 27.05.2024)

https://thefabricfox.co.uk/blog/patchwork-vs-quilting-what-is-the-difference/
(Last accessed on 27.05.2024)

https://weallsew.com/how-to-make-a-quilt/
(Last accessed on 27.05.2024)

The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: Marushka Volkova – stock.adobe.com
1. Image in text: iStock.com/Epiximages
2. – 8. Image in text: C&A
9. Image in text: Marushka Volkova – stock.adobe.com
10. Image in text: Marushka Volkova – stock.adobe.com
11. Image in text: Marushka Volkova – stock.adobe.com