Deborah Chan
The Double Wedding Ring quilt is a romantic pattern featuring two interlocking rings, which first evolved in the 15th and 16th centuries. The pattern was first published by Capper's Weekly in 1928 and has been a popular choice for quilts ever since. The number of pieces in a quilt will depend on the size, with a double-size quilt requiring 1497 pieces, a queen-size quilt requiring 2032 pieces, and a king-size quilt requiring 2255 pieces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pattern | Interlocking matrimonial rings |
| Origin | Evolved from a very old design, possibly as early as the 4th century |
| First published | Capper's Weekly in 1928 |
| Number of pieces in a double-size quilt with 12" blocks | 1497 |
| Number of pieces in a queen-size quilt with 12" blocks | 2032 |
| Number of pieces in a king-size quilt with 12" blocks | 2255 |
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What You'll Learn
Double Wedding Ring quilt history
The Double Wedding Ring quilt is steeped in a rich history and has been a favourite in America for over a century. The quilt pattern is a symbol of love and romance, with its interlocking rings symbolising marriage. The design is thought to date back to the 15th century, reminiscent of the "Gimmal ring", a popular engagement ring where the betrothed couple each wore one ring during their engagement, and then the rings were interlocked during the wedding ceremony for the wife to wear. This motif has also been found on 4th-century Roman cups.
The Double Wedding Ring quilt was traditionally made by mothers and grandmothers for their children and given as wedding or anniversary gifts. It is said that a marriage was blessed if the couple spent their first night together under one of these quilts, and due to their popularity and romantic history, they are often passed down through generations. The pattern was especially popular during the Depression era as it could be created using scraps of fabric from other projects.
The first published mention of the Single Wedding Ring quilt pattern was on October 1, 1887, in Farm Life and Home, where it was also called Sawtooth and Odd Scraps Patchwork. The quilt was first referred to as the Double Wedding Ring in Capper’s Weekly on October 28, 1928. The pattern was first published in the United States in the early 1920s, but it can be found as early as the late 19th century.
The Double Wedding Ring quilt is a challenging pattern to create due to its intricate design and many moving parts. It is prized by collectors and esteemed by quilters, and its striking visual effect varies depending on the placement of colours within the interlocking rings. Many quilters use scraps to make the small angled patches in the rings, planning the placement of colours carefully to form alternating light and dark rings. The centres are traditionally done in a light-coloured fabric to accent the rings and show off the quilter's fine stitching.
Creating a Double Wedding Ring quilt is no easy feat, but the result is a beautiful and memorable gift for loved ones that will be cherished for years to come.
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Cutting pieces for the quilt
The Double Wedding Ring quilt is a classic pattern that has been around for centuries. It is a difficult quilt to make due to its curved piecing and all-over pattern. There are a few different ways to approach cutting the pieces for this quilt, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the tools you have available. Here is a step-by-step guide to cutting the pieces for your Double Wedding Ring quilt:
Choose Your Fabric
Before you start cutting, you will need to select the fabric for your quilt. You can use a variety of fabrics in different colours and patterns to create a scrappy look, or you can choose a few coordinating fabrics for a more cohesive design. Keep in mind that you will need enough fabric to cut all the pieces required for your desired quilt size.
Decide on Your Quilt Size
The number of pieces you will need to cut depends on the size of your quilt. A double-size Double Wedding Ring quilt with 12" blocks will require 1497 individual pieces of fabric, while a queen-size quilt has 2032 pieces and a king-size quilt has 2255 pieces. If you are making a smaller project like a bed runner, you will need far fewer pieces.
Gather Your Tools
There are a few different tools you can use to cut your fabric pieces. You can use acrylic templates, which are ideal for precise cutting of curved pieces. Alternatively, you can use rotary cutting rulers designed specifically for Double Wedding Ring quilts, which may include optional single arc pieces. If you want to cut your pieces by hand, you can use quilting templates for tracing and cutting.
Cut Your Fabric
Once you have your fabric, tools, and quilt size determined, you can begin cutting your fabric pieces. If you are using templates or rulers, carefully cut out each piece, making sure to add a seam allowance if necessary. For curved pieces, die cutting is a popular method that simplifies the process. You can also use pre-cut kits, which save time but may be more expensive.
Prepare for Sewing
After all your pieces are cut, you are ready to start sewing your Double Wedding Ring quilt! Take your time and carefully follow the pattern instructions to assemble your quilt top. Remember to refer to any sewing tutorials or resources you have if you need guidance during the sewing process.
Creating a Double Wedding Ring quilt requires patience and attention to detail, but the final result will be a beautiful and romantic heirloom. By carefully cutting your fabric pieces and choosing the right tools, you can ensure a precise and efficient process as you bring your quilt to life.
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Sewing the pieces together
Sewing the pieces of a Double Wedding Ring quilt together can be a challenging task, as the quilt's pattern consists of interlocking rings. This pattern, symbolising matrimonial rings, dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, and quilts featuring this design first emerged in the early 20th century.
There are several methods for sewing the pieces of a Double Wedding Ring quilt together. One approach is to sew the individual pieces of the rings together and then appliqué them onto a solid fabric sheet. Another technique is to piece the quilt together, which involves sewing the pieces directly to each other without using a backing fabric. This method creates a more intricate design but requires precise piecing to ensure the curves of the rings align perfectly.
To achieve the precise piecing required for the Double Wedding Ring quilt, quilters often use acrylic templates. These templates provide the necessary accuracy for the quilt's curved pieces. Additionally, some quilters utilise die-cutting techniques, employing specialised dies designed specifically for Double Wedding Ring quilts.
When assembling the quilt, it is essential to consider the quilt's size and the corresponding number of fabric pieces needed. For example, a double-size quilt with 12" blocks will measure 78" x 90" and require 1497 individual fabric pieces. The number of pieces increases for larger quilt sizes, with a queen-size quilt requiring 2032 pieces and a king-size quilt needing 2255 pieces.
Preparing the fabric pieces for sewing is also crucial. Quilters can choose from various cutting methods, including rotary cutting rulers, traditional hand-cutting with templates, or die-cutting for a faster and more precise option. Once the pieces are cut, quilters can refer to tutorials and instructions specifically designed for sewing the Double Wedding Ring quilt to guide them through the sewing process.
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Fabric requirements
The number of fabric pieces required for a Double Wedding Ring quilt depends on the quilt size. A double-size quilt with 12" blocks will measure 78" x 90" and requires 1497 individual fabric pieces. A queen-size quilt requires 2032 pieces, while a king-size quilt needs 2255 pieces.
There are various methods to cut the fabric pieces for a Double Wedding Ring quilt. One popular method is die cutting, which is especially useful for curved piecing. Several companies offer Double Wedding Ring dies for their die cutters. Another option is to use rotary cutting rulers, which are available from various companies. These rulers may include an optional single arc piece that can be substituted for pieced arcs.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, quilting templates can be used for tracing and hand cutting. Acrylic templates are recommended for precise piecing, as the quilt's curves require accurate cutting. Pre-cut fabric kits are also available, saving time on cutting individual pieces. These kits can be purchased from various companies, such as John Flynn and Fons & Porter.
When planning the fabric requirements for a Double Wedding Ring quilt, it is essential to consider the desired quilt size and the chosen cutting method. The number of fabric pieces required can vary significantly between different quilt sizes, so calculating the required fabric yardage accordingly is important. Additionally, the chosen cutting method, whether it be die cutting, rotary cutting, or hand cutting with templates, will influence the efficiency of fabric utilisation.
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Quilt sizes
Quilts come in all shapes and sizes, and there is no "right" size. Some are square, some rectangular, and some even end up rhombus-shaped! However, if you are trying to cover a mattress with a quilt, the dimensions of your quilt will be more standard. These sizes are approximate and can vary from 4" to 8". It's always good to measure the bed you wish to cover so you don't have to guess. Remember to add length for the quilt to hang off the edges of the mattress.
For example, a crib quilt is usually 36" x 52". A double-size Double Wedding Ring quilt with 12" blocks will measure 78" x 90" and has 1497 individual pieces of fabric. A queen-size quilt will have 2032 pieces, while a king-size quilt has 2255 pieces.
The finished size of the quilt is based on a 12" block, so if your block is a different size, your quilt will be proportionally bigger or smaller.
When making a quilt, you can either buy a large amount of fabric and cut it down to the size you need, or you can purchase pre-cut fabric that comes in set standard sizes. However, sometimes pre-cut fabric is not large enough for proper overhang. If you baste and quilt it yourself, a couple of extra inches of overhang on each side is adequate. If you're using a long-arm quilter, a 4" overhang for both batting and backing on each side is the standard.
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Frequently asked questions
A double-size double wedding ring quilt with 12″ blocks has 1497 individual pieces of fabric. A queen-size quilt has 2032 pieces, and a king-size quilt has 2255 pieces.
Die cutting is a popular method for cutting pieces for quilts, especially for curved piecing. There are also quilting templates available for tracing and cutting by hand.
The double wedding ring quilt pattern is thought to have evolved from interlocking matrimonial rings in 15th and 16th century Europe. The motif of two interlocking rings can be traced back to Roman cups in the 4th century. The pattern was first published by Capper's Weekly in 1928.
Yes, there are pre-cut kits available that can save time. For example, John Flynn offers a laser-cut double wedding ring kit, and Fons & Porter advertise a scrappy DWR kit.
The pieces of the rings are typically sewn together and then appliqued onto solid fabric. More recently, quilters have also been sewing the pieces together to create a pieced quilt.
