Creating A Double Wedding Ring Quilt: Step-By-Step Guide

how do I make a double wedding ring quilt

Double wedding ring quilts are a vintage quilt pattern that can be made by even novice quilters. The process involves sewing together blocks with arcs and squares to form rings, which are then arranged into rows and columns. While it is a time-consuming process, it is not a difficult one, and can be made easier with the use of a sewing machine such as the Brother Dreamweaver XE.

Characteristics Values
Difficulty Not for beginners
Sewing technique Sew columns together with one long seam from top to bottom in a gentle curve
Number of rings for a king-size quilt 36 rings for a 6x6 layout (100" x 100")
Number of rings for a queen-size quilt Not specified, but one user made a 5x6 quilt
Template Available for download from Quilting Daily
Sewing machine Brother Dreamweaver XE recommended

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Sewing the arcs to the squares

First, ensure that your foundations are copied correctly and are the right size. Refer to the pattern and trim the foundations accordingly. Double-check that your fabric strips are the correct size by measuring each section of an unsewn arc and comparing it to the size of the sewn arc. Verify that your squares are the appropriate size as well. It is important to be precise during this step to ensure that your arcs and squares fit together correctly.

Next, prepare your squares for sewing. Mark the match points on the wrong side of the corners of both Template A and the pieced arc unit. Utilise a see-through acrylic ruler to create crosshairs in each corner by drawing a short line a quarter of an inch from each raw edge. To mark the centre match point, fold both pieces lengthwise and widthwise, and mark a quarter of an inch from the edge in the middle of each side. This will ensure that your arcs and squares align accurately during sewing.

Now, you are ready to begin sewing the arcs to the squares. Sew with an exact quarter-inch seam allowance, carefully aligning the match points and following the recommendations for sewing arcs. Take your time during this step to ensure accuracy and avoid any puckering or gathering of the fabric.

Once you have sewn the arcs to the squares, press the seams toward the arcs. This will help to create a neat finish and ensure that your seams lie flat. You may also choose to grade your seams or use another method to reduce bulk, especially if you are working with thicker fabrics.

Finally, repeat this process for each arc and square combination in your quilt pattern. Remember to refer to your pattern or template for the correct placement of the arcs and squares, as the arrangement may vary depending on the design you have chosen.

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Using templates

When using templates, it's important to carefully follow the instructions and markings provided. For example, the Creative Grids template has easy-to-read black and white markings that show you where to cut and how to piece the fabric together. The template also comes with a QR code that links to a how-to video, which can be very helpful for beginners.

Another popular template option is the acrylic template set by Shar, which includes 8 acrylic templates and 25 pages of easy-to-follow graphics and instructions. This template set also provides a materials list and fabric selection guidance, which can be very helpful for those new to quilting.

Some quilters also choose to make their own templates. For example, one quilter on Reddit shared that they drafted their own template by drawing it out on graph paper and adding a 1/4 inch seam allowance. They then used this paper pattern to cut their fabric. Making your own template can be a good option if you want a custom size or shape for your quilt.

Whether you choose to use a pre-made template or create your own, templates can be a helpful tool for making a double wedding ring quilt. They can provide structure and guidance, making it easier to cut and piece the fabric accurately.

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Choosing a size

When it comes to choosing a size for your double wedding ring quilt, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the intended use of the quilt. Do you plan to use it as a bed runner or a table mat? Or do you want a larger quilt to sleep under every night? The size you choose will depend on its intended purpose.

For a smaller project, you can create a single block or a table mat. A quilt with 9 rings is a good option for a smaller version, allowing you to test the pattern and see if you like it before committing to a larger size.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can go for a bigger quilt. A queen-sized or king-sized quilt will require more rings and fabric. For a queen-sized quilt, you can refer to online resources for guidance on dimensions and fabric requirements. For a king-sized quilt, you will need 36 rings for a 6 rings by 6 rings layout, resulting in a quilt that measures 100" by 100".

Additionally, consider the size of the individual blocks that make up the quilt. The size of the blocks will impact the overall dimensions of the quilt. For example, a 12" block may use 3" squares to create the four-patch blocks in between the arcs.

Finally, think about any borders you want to add to your quilt. You can adjust the width of the border to achieve your desired final size. For instance, you can extend the outer edge templates to make a 1.5-inch border.

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Cutting the fabric

First, decide on the size and shape of the quilt centre and blocks. This will help determine the required size and number of fabric pieces. For example, a 12" block may use 3" squares for the four-patch blocks in between the arcs. You can cut the pieces individually or cut them larger to speed up the process.

Next, gather your chosen fabric and cut the pieces according to your quilt pattern. Ensure the fabric strips are the correct size by measuring each section of an unsewn arc and comparing it to the sewn arc. This attention to detail will ensure your arcs fit together correctly.

When cutting the fabric, consider using templates or creating your own. You can use poster board, large paper, or a makeshift compass to draw circles and create template pieces with seam allowances. For a more cost-effective approach, use thin cardboard from cereal boxes and laminate them with packing tape. Alternatively, pre-made template sets are available for wedding ring quilts, providing guidance on the different pieces needed.

As you cut the fabric, remember to allow for seam allowances. For accurate piecing, sew an exact 1/4" seam, and refer to the pattern instructions for specific recommendations on sewing arcs. Additionally, trim the pieced arc units as described in the pattern, and mark match points on both Template A and the pieced arc unit for easier alignment during sewing.

Finally, double-check that your fabric pieces are the correct size and shape before proceeding to the next step. By taking your time with the fabric cutting process, you'll set yourself up for success in assembling your double wedding ring quilt.

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Quilting techniques

Quilting a double wedding ring is not a simple task and is not recommended for beginners. It is a vintage quilt pattern that involves intricate pieces and a lot of sewing. Here are some quilting techniques to help you get started:

Firstly, decide on the size of your quilt. For a king-size quilt, you will need 36 rings, while a queen-size quilt will be smaller. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with a smaller quilt or even a single block to use as a table mat.

Next, gather your materials. You will need a variety of fabrics in different colours, a sewing machine, and, optionally, a template and acrylic ruler. If you don't want to buy a template, you can make your own using poster board, large paper, or a large box. Use a makeshift compass to draw circles, then create your template pieces with a seam allowance included.

Once you have your materials, you can start cutting your fabric pieces. The number of pieces you need will depend on the size of your quilt. You will need squares and arcs, and possibly other shapes for the centre of the rings. Cut your fabric pieces individually or use a fabric cutter to speed up the process.

After cutting your fabric, it's time to start sewing. Sew the arcs to the squares, ensuring that your seams are an exact 1/4". Then, sew the blocks together. One recommended method is to sew the columns together with one long seam from top to bottom in a gentle curve, matching up the centres of each patch as you go.

Finally, once all your blocks are sewn together, you can quilt your project by hand or send it to a long-arm quilter to finish it off.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended that beginners start with a smaller version, such as a 9-ring quilt, to get a feel for the process before moving on to larger bed-sized quilts.

The easiest way to assemble a double wedding ring quilt is to sew the columns together with one long seam that goes from top to bottom in a gentle curve. This method avoids the need to deal with set-in seams.

For a king-size quilt, you will need 36 rings for a 6 rings by 6 rings layout, resulting in a quilt that measures 100" by 100".

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