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

how to do a double wedding ring quilt

The double wedding ring quilt is a beautiful and classic pattern that many people want to create. There are many online tutorials and tips available to help guide you through the process. The quilt is made up of blocks with arcs sewn to two sides, which are then arranged into rows. The process involves a lot of sewing and can be confusing, but there are some shortcuts to make it easier, such as using preprinted fusible material or an acrylic template.

Characteristics Values
Sewing The quilt involves a lot of sewing, with some users commenting that they found the process confusing.
Templates Some users recommend buying templates, such as the Quilter's Paradise template set, or using pre-printed fusible fabric.
Size It is recommended to start with a small version of the quilt to practice, before moving on to larger sizes.
Tutorials There are various tutorials available online, including video tutorials, and a book by Cheryl Phillips called "Rings That Bind".

shunbridal

Using templates

Some quilters have used acrylic templates, which they say make the process much easier. You can buy the Jordan Fabrics template set, which is used in a tutorial on their YouTube channel. You can also buy templates from Creative Grids, which are easy to read and come with fully illustrated step-by-step instructions.

You can also make your own templates. One quilter used graph paper to draw out their template in one colour of pencil, then added a 1/4 inch seam allowance in another colour. They added a border to make the edges straight rather than curved.

Another quilter used pre-printed fusible from Quilt In A Day, but treated it like a paper piece pattern and cut their fabric into strips.

Tara Faugnan has a machine-pieced pattern that uses freezer paper piecing for the arcs and templates for the corners and wedges.

shunbridal

Sewing arcs to sides

Sewing arcs to the sides of a double wedding ring quilt can be a tricky process, but with careful planning and execution, it can be done successfully. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Prepare the Fabric:

Before you begin sewing, it's important to have your fabric cut and ready. You can use a pre-printed fusible fabric, like the one offered by Quilt In A Day, or create your own template using paper piecing patterns or acrylic templates. Ensure your fabric is cut into strips that are easy to manage and handle.

Sewing Technique:

When sewing the arcs to the sides, you can use a machine-pieced pattern or opt for hand sewing. Tara Faugnan's method, which uses freezer paper piecing for arcs and templates for corners and wedges, is a popular choice. Alternatively, you can explore John Flynn's book, which offers templates and methods for creating beautiful double wedding ring quilts.

Seam Allowance:

Pay close attention to your seam allowance. A consistent seam allowance of 1/4" is essential for the arcs to fit together perfectly. You may need to adjust your seam slightly if you find that your blocks are not aligning correctly. This issue is common, and minor adjustments can make a significant difference in the overall fit.

Block Arrangement:

Once you have sewn arcs to two sides of your double wedding ring blocks, it's time to arrange them into rows. Place the blocks with light-colored arcs on the right side in the first row and those with light-colored arcs on the left side in the second row. This step may seem unusual, but it is necessary for the overall design.

Sew the Remaining Sides:

After arranging the blocks, sew the remaining two arcs to one of the blocks. This block will become the bottom right block of your quilt and the only one with all four arcs sewn before being attached to the other blocks. This step ensures that your quilt maintains its structure and stability.

By following these steps and taking your time, you can successfully sew arcs to the sides of your double wedding ring quilt. Remember to refer to tutorials and guides for additional support throughout the process.

shunbridal

Fabric cutting

First, it is essential to decide on the desired size of the quilt. A small version with 9 rings can be a good starting point, as a larger quilt can be quite challenging, especially for beginners. It is also important to choose the right tools for cutting, such as acrylic templates, a rotating mat, and a rotary cutter. These tools will help ensure precise and consistent cuts.

Next, the fabric needs to be cut into strips. The width of the strips may vary depending on the specific quilt pattern and personal preferences. Some quilters choose to cut their fabric following a paper piece pattern, while others use cutting templates provided by companies like Quilt In A Day or create their own using freezer paper piecing for arcs and templates for corners and wedges.

It is important to note that the seam allowance should be considered when cutting fabric strips. An uneven seam allowance can result in blocks of varying sizes, as mentioned by a quilter on Reddit. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain consistency in the seam allowance throughout the cutting process.

Additionally, some quilters choose to add a bit of extra fabric during the cutting stage, intending to trim it down to the correct size after piecing the block. This method ensures accuracy and allows for any minor adjustments that may be needed during the quilting process.

Finally, it is recommended to start with a small quilt or even a sample block to familiarise yourself with the fabric-cutting process and the chosen method. This will help build confidence and ensure a better understanding of the techniques involved in creating a double wedding ring quilt.

shunbridal

Machine-pieced patterns

Machine piecing is a popular method for making a Double Wedding Ring quilt. This quilt pattern, with its interlocking rings, symbolises love and unity, making it a thoughtful gift for newlyweds. The pattern first became popular in the 1920s and has evolved over the years, with many modern takes on the design now available.

There are two main machine piecing methods. Both involve piecing arcs of fabric and sewing these to a background oval to make a melon-shaped piece. The first method is more traditional and involves building up the quilt by adding the melons to curved background diamonds. The second method is less conventional and involves sewing the melons to a centre curvy hourglass piece.

To use the first method, you will need a set of templates, including the arc section, oval and centre. The centre template may be a curved diamond or a quarter-curved diamond. The set should also include information on what size squares to cut for the ends of the arcs.

For the second method, you will only need to make one long arc with the end pieces as they will share this end piece and form a full melon. This method is challenging, but the finish is worth it.

There are several templates available for machine piecing a Double Wedding Ring quilt. Darlene Zimmerman’s Simpli-EZ Double Wedding Ring Template is a good option, with only three template pieces. If you are using templates, a smaller rotary cutter (18mm or 28mm) and a spinning mat are recommended. You can also make your own templates using poster board or large paper.

shunbridal

Quilt assembly

First, decide on the size of your quilt. You can make a small version with 9 rings to get a feel for the process, or go straight for a bed-sized quilt. If you're short on time, consider making a smaller quilt, as a larger one will take significantly longer to assemble.

Next, gather your materials. You can use pre-printed fusible material, or cut your fabric into strips. Using a template can make the process easier, especially for beginners. Acrylic templates, such as the ones provided by Jordan Fabrics, can help ensure your quilt blocks are evenly sized. Alternatively, you can use a template set, such as the Quilter's Paradise template, which can be cheaper when purchased directly from the manufacturer.

Once you have your templates and fabric, it's time to start piecing the blocks. Sew the arcs to two sides of each block. Tara Faugnan's method involves using freezer paper piecing for the arcs and templates for the corners and wedges. You can then arrange the blocks into rows, alternating the placement of the light-colored arcs to create a pleasing pattern.

Finally, sew the remaining two sides of one block to the other blocks, creating a chain of blocks. This will be the bottom row of your quilt. Repeat this process until all your blocks are sewn together, and your quilt top is complete.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful double wedding ring quilt.

Wedding Rings: Are They All the Same?

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

The easiest way to sew a double wedding ring quilt is to use a method with no set-in seams.

You can use the pre-printed fusible from Quilt In A Day, or the Quilter's Paradise template set. You can also buy the acrylic template that Jordan Fabrics uses.

Tara Faugnan has a great machine-pieced pattern that uses freezer paper piecing for the arcs and templates for the corners and wedges. You can also use the pattern from Cheryl Phillips' book "Rings That Bind".

First, sew arcs onto two sides of the double wedding ring blocks. Arrange the blocks into rows, with the light-colored arcs on one side. Sew the remaining two sides to one of the blocks, which will become the bottom block on the right side of the quilt.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment