Creating A Bali Wedding Star Quilt: Step-By-Step Guide

The Bali Wedding Star Quilt is a detailed and intricate quilt for advanced quilters. The pattern was designed by Bradley and Judy Niemeyer in 1996 and has since been redesigned several times. The quilt measures 80 x 80 and can be purchased as a kit or pattern. The kit includes all the fabric needed to complete the top, as well as the pattern, while the pattern can be purchased separately and includes instructions, cover sheets, foundation papers, and yardage information. This quilt is created using foundation paper piecing and strip piecing techniques, resulting in a perfect piecing outcome.

Cutting and preparing foundation papers

The Bali Wedding Star Quilt is a detailed and intricate quilt for advanced quilters, utilising foundation paper piecing and strip piecing techniques. The pattern was designed by Bradley and Judy Niemeyer in 1996 and has been updated several times since. The finished quilt has a size of 80" x 80".

To cut and prepare the foundation papers for the Bali Wedding Star Quilt, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, gather the necessary materials. Foundation paper, often called "newsprint", is available from quilting suppliers. You will also need a sharp craft knife, a metal ruler, and a cutting mat.

Next, using the craft knife, metal ruler, and cutting mat, carefully cut the foundation paper to the required size. The size will depend on the specific block you are working on, but the Bali Wedding Star Quilt typically uses 2-1/2″ strips to create Ring Sets. Ensure you have the correct size by referring to the pattern instructions or a specialised ruler, such as the Creative Grids ruler, which is available for this pattern.

Once the foundation paper is cut to size, you will need to prepare it for piecing. This involves tracing the pattern onto the paper, including any necessary markings such as seam allowances and stitching lines. It is important to use a pencil or fine-tipped marker that will not bleed or smudge, as this will ensure accurate piecing.

After tracing the pattern, cut out any notches or markings that will help with block construction. These notches will help you align the fabric correctly during the piecing process. It is important to be precise when cutting these notches, as they play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of your quilt blocks.

Finally, before beginning the piecing process, review the foundation paper to ensure all markings are clear and easy to follow. Double-check that the pattern is facing the correct direction and that all necessary notches and markings are present. This will help prevent any mistakes during piecing and ensure a smooth construction process.

By carefully cutting and preparing your foundation papers, you will be well on your way to creating a beautiful and accurate Bali Wedding Star Quilt.

Inverted gooseneck binding

The inverted gooseneck binding is a technique used in quilting to create a smooth and flat finish on the corners of a quilt. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this technique:

Step 1: Match the Thread to the Binding

Choose a thread colour that blends seamlessly with your binding fabric. This will help create a cohesive and elegant look for your quilt.

Step 2: Prepare the Binding

Cut your binding fabric on the bias, miter the edges together, and press it in half with the wrong sides facing each other. If you are unfamiliar with this process, refer to a quality quilt-making manual for guidance.

Step 3: Sew the Binding to the Front

Attach the binding to the front side of your quilt. As you approach each valley, shorten your stitch length to approximately 1/2 inch away from it. This will help you navigate the curves smoothly.

Step 4: Clip and Fold

When you reach each valley, make a small clip in the quilt to ease the transition to the next section. Then, fold each scallop in half and carefully trim away the excess fabric from the valley to reduce bulk.

Step 5: Press and Mark

Finger-press the binding up, and place your binding tool on top. Align the 'V' of the tool with the valley of the scallop. Mark the 'V' from the tool, and you're ready to sew.

Step 6: Sew and Finish

Using a small stitch, sew along the marked line, ensuring your thread matches the binding fabric. Admire your handiwork! You've now mastered the inverted gooseneck binding technique.

The Bali Wedding Star quilt is a beautiful and intricate pattern that utilises foundation paper piecing and strip piecing techniques. It is designed for advanced quilters and measures 80 inches by 80 inches when completed. With its stunning design and intricate details, the Bali Wedding Star quilt is a challenging yet rewarding project for any quilter.

Paper piecing tutorial

Paper piecing is a quilting technique that involves sewing fabric to a paper foundation. This method is often used for intricate quilt designs, like the Bali Wedding Star quilt, to achieve perfect piecing. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to paper piece the Bali Wedding Star quilt:

Gather Your Supplies:

You will need the Bali Wedding Star quilt pattern, which includes foundation papers, fabric, a sewing machine, and other basic quilting supplies. The foundation papers provide a stable base for sewing and help to create the precise shapes needed for the quilt design.

Prepare Your Fabric:

Before you begin sewing, cut your fabric into 2-1/2″ strips. This is the width required for creating the Ring Sets, which form the star points and curved sections of the Bali Wedding Star design. Choose fabrics in colours and patterns that appeal to you and complement each other.

Sew Fabric to Foundation Paper:

Place the fabric strips onto the foundation paper, following the marked lines and numbers on the paper. Sew along the lines to secure the fabric to the paper. The fabric will overlap the lines, creating a seam allowance. Repeat this process until all the sections of the foundation paper are covered in fabric.

Trim and Press:

Once the fabric is sewn to the foundation paper, carefully trim the seam allowances to about 1/4″. This will reduce bulk and create crisp edges. Use a small pair of scissors or a rotary cutter for this step. After trimming, press the fabric with an iron to create flat, crisp sections.

Assemble the Quilt Blocks:

Now that your fabric is securely attached to the foundation paper, you can assemble the quilt blocks. Match up the sections of the foundation paper, ensuring that the fabric patterns align correctly. Sew along the connecting lines to join the sections together. Remove the paper from the wrong side of the fabric once the block is complete.

Repeat and Create Multiple Blocks:

The Bali Wedding Star quilt consists of multiple blocks arranged to form a larger star pattern. Repeat the paper piecing process to create enough blocks for your desired quilt size. The standard pattern creates an 80″ x 80″ quilt, but you can adjust the size by adding or removing blocks.

Paper piecing the Bali Wedding Star quilt requires precision and patience. Take your time, especially when aligning and sewing the fabric to the foundation paper. With careful work, you will achieve the perfect piecing that this technique is known for.

Tools for paper pieced quilting

Paper piecing is a quilting technique that involves using paper to stabilise fabric and create intricate designs. Here are the essential tools you will need for paper piecing a quilt:

Foundation Paper

Foundation paper is a stabiliser that serves as the foundation for your quilt block. It is a temporary framework that helps you accurately piece together fabric scraps to create complex designs. Foundation paper is available in various sizes and can be purchased from quilting suppliers. You can also use regular printer paper, tracing paper, or vellum paper.

Fabric

For paper piecing, you will need a variety of fabric scraps in different colours and patterns. Choose fabrics that complement each other and suit the overall design of your quilt. Consider the size of your quilt and the complexity of the pattern when selecting your fabric.

Sewing Machine

A sewing machine is essential for paper piecing. It helps you achieve precise seams and makes the process faster and more efficient. Ensure your sewing machine is in good working condition and that you have the appropriate needles and thread for the job.

Rotary Cutter and Mat

A rotary cutter and self-healing mat are useful for quickly and accurately cutting fabric into the required shapes and sizes. The mat provides a stable cutting surface, while the rotary cutter allows you to make straight and curved cuts with ease.

Acrylic Rulers

Acrylic rulers are essential for measuring and cutting fabric accurately. They are durable and provide a clear view of the fabric beneath, making it easier to line up your cuts. Acrylic rulers come in various sizes and shapes, including specialty rulers designed specifically for quilting.

Iron and Ironing Board

An iron and ironing board are necessary for creating crisp seams and pressing your fabric pieces flat. Set up your ironing board near your work area to easily switch between sewing and pressing.

Other Tools

Other useful tools for paper piecing include fabric scissors, a seam ripper, pins or fabric clips, a fabric marker or pencil, and a good pair of sewing needles for any hand stitching you may need to do.

Updated yardage information

The Quiltworx Bali Wedding Star quilt requires a significant amount of fabric and preparation. The finished quilt measures 80" x 80", and the pattern includes instructions, a cover sheet, foundation papers, and yardage information. It is important to note that the kit does not include fabric for the backing, binding, or batting. These materials need to be purchased separately.

When selecting fabric, it is recommended to choose a variety of colours and patterns to create a vibrant and eye-catching design. The fabric should be of high quality, made from cotton or a similar breathable material, to ensure the quilt is comfortable and durable.

The yardage requirements for the quilt top are approximately 13 yards of fabric, plus two strip sets. This allows for the creation of the intricate patterns and designs that characterise the Bali Wedding Star quilt. It is always a good idea to have a little extra fabric on hand to allow for any mistakes or adjustments that may be needed during the quilting process.

The background fabric, which provides the base for the star pattern, should be a neutral colour such as white, cream, or beige. This allows the vibrant colours of the star to stand out. The binding and backing fabric can be chosen to complement the colours used in the star pattern, creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.

It is important to carefully plan and measure the fabric requirements before cutting, to ensure efficient use of the fabric and minimise waste. Cutting tools such as rotary cutters and mats can help achieve precise and straight edges, ensuring that the final quilt comes together smoothly.

Frequently asked questions