The Art Of Crafting A Double Wedding Ring Quilt

Double wedding ring quilts are beautiful, classic quilts that can be passed down for generations. They are, however, notoriously difficult to make. The quilts are made up of many curved seams, which can be challenging for even the most experienced quilters. In addition, the quilts are labour-intensive and difficult to cut. Many quilters opt to use templates and acrylic rulers to help with the process. There are also several methods for piecing the quilts together, including English Paper Piecing and foundation paper piecing.

Choosing a template

Difficulty and Time Commitment

Double wedding ring quilts are known for being labour-intensive and challenging, especially for beginners. If you're a novice quilter, consider choosing a template that simplifies the process and reduces the time commitment. Some templates use a quilt-as-you-go method, which can make the project more manageable.

Curved vs Straight Edges

Most double wedding ring quilt templates feature a combination of curved and straight edges. However, some templates have more straight edges, making cutting and sewing easier. For example, the Matilda's Own template has mostly straight edges, while the Creative Grid Rulers template has more curved pieces.

Template Material and Durability

The material of the template can impact its durability and ease of use. Some templates are made from thin cardboard, which may not be as durable or easy to work with. Acrylic templates, on the other hand, are known for making the cutting process easier.

Additional Tools and Techniques

Different templates may require different tools and techniques. For example, some templates use a foundation paper piecing method, which involves sewing fabric onto paper templates. Other templates use applique methods or require the use of a die-cutting machine. Consider which techniques you're comfortable with and what tools you have access to.

Size and Shape of Quilt

The size and shape of your desired quilt should also influence your template choice. Some templates are designed for specific quilt sizes, such as queen or king. Additionally, some templates allow for square corners, while others have rounded binding. If you have a specific quilt size or shape in mind, ensure that the template you choose can accommodate that.

Reviews and Recommendations

Before purchasing a template, it's a good idea to read reviews from other quilters who have used the product. Look for reviews that mention the ease of use, durability, and overall experience with the template. You can find reviews on online retailers' websites, quilting forums, or quilting blogs.

Remember, the right template for you will depend on your skill level, the amount of time you want to invest, and the specific design you have in mind. Taking the time to research and compare different templates will help ensure that you choose the best option for your double wedding ring quilt project.

Cutting the fabric

Choosing the Right Tools

Before you start cutting, it's important to select the appropriate tools to ensure accuracy and ease of use. Many quilters recommend using templates or dies specifically designed for the double wedding ring pattern, such as the Matilda's Own template or the GO! Double Wedding Ring die set. These tools provide precise shapes and specialized notches that make cutting and piecing your fabric much easier.

Preparing Your Fabric

When cutting your fabric, it's important to work with neatly fan-folded fabric strips. Position the fabric on the lengthwise grain (straight of grain) as it goes under the roller of your cutting tool. This helps ensure that your cuts are straight and accurate. For different shapes, you'll need to cut strips of different widths. For example, cut 9 3/4" strips for the centre shape, 3" strips for corner squares and middle arcs, 7 1/2" strips for the football shape, and 4" strips for the total arc.

Cutting the Shapes

Using your chosen template or die set, carefully cut out the required shapes for your quilt. Pay close attention to the number of each shape you need. For instance, you'll need four centre shapes from each 9 3/4" strip, 13 corner squares or middle arcs from each 3" strip, 13 football shapes from each 7 1/2" strip, and eight total arcs from each 4" strip. Cut the fabric pieces slowly and accurately to ensure they fit together smoothly when pieced.

Additional Tips

• If you're a beginner, consider starting with a small version of the quilt, such as a table runner or a wall hanging, before tackling a full-size bed quilt.
• Take your time and cut carefully. Accurate cutting will make piecing your quilt top much easier.
• Consider using a rotary cutter and cutting mat for straight cuts, and scissors for any curved cuts.
• Always test cut one shape before cutting multiple pieces to ensure your fabric orientation is correct.
• Keep your cutting tools sharp and clean to ensure precise cuts.

Remember, cutting is just the first step in creating your double wedding ring quilt. Once you have all your fabric pieces cut, you'll move on to piecing them together to form the distinctive rings of the quilt pattern.

Sewing the pieces together

Prepare your fabric pieces:

Before you begin sewing, ensure you have accurately cut out all the required fabric pieces using a template or pattern of your choice. You will need a variety of shapes, including arcs, melons, and centre curvy hourglass pieces. It is important to take your time during this step to ensure your pieces are the correct size and shape.

Sew the patchwork arcs:

The patchwork arcs are created by piecing together several fabric shapes. Using a template, such as the Matilda's Own template, you will typically need two shapes for the basic arc. Cut four similar pieces using template D, and then add a C shape to all arcs and an E shape for the end of alternating arcs. You will also need to create one long arc with end pieces that will form a full melon.

Sew the melons to the centre curvy hourglass piece:

This step can be tricky, as it involves sewing curves. Take your time and carefully align the pieces, using specialized dog-ears and matching notches on curved seams for easier piecing. Once you get the hang of it, the process will become faster and more straightforward.

Piece the rows together:

After you have sewn all the individual components, it's time to assemble the rows. Depending on your preferred design, you may piece the rows together on point, creating various-sized rows that stretch from one corner of the quilt to the other. This step will bring your quilt top closer to completion.

Finishing touches:

Before you baste and quilt your project, take a moment to admire your handiwork! The double wedding ring quilt pattern is a classic and challenging design, and sewing the pieces together is a significant milestone. You can now move on to the final steps of quilting and binding, using the techniques that suit your preferences and skill level.

Binding the quilt

Binding a quilt is the final step in the quilt-making process. It is the process of finishing the edges of the quilt to give it a neat and tidy look. Here are some detailed instructions on how to bind a double wedding ring quilt:

Preparing the Binding Strips:

Before you begin binding your quilt, you will need to prepare your binding strips. Cut your binding fabric on the diagonal, or bias, to give it flexibility. For a queen-sized quilt, you will typically need about 3/4 yards of fabric. Cut your fabric into strips, usually 2 1/2" strips, and sew them together. Press the seams and then press the binding in half.

Attaching the Binding Strips:

When attaching the binding strips to your quilt, start by pinning the binding to the quilt. Work slowly and use lots of pins, especially when binding curves. Follow the curve of the scallop and pivot at the inside of the scallop to straighten out the curve. Continue pinning and sewing, pivoting and straightening as you go.

Trimming and Finishing:

Once you have sewn all the binding strips in place, it's time to trim and finish the binding. Clip the inside of the scallop, cutting through the binding, batting, and backing fabric. You can then hand sew or machine sew the binding down. If you are machine sewing, use a slow and steady pace to ease the binding around the curves.

Tips for Binding a Double Wedding Ring Quilt:

• Take your time and work slowly, especially when binding curves.
• Use lots of pins to secure the binding in place before sewing.
• When sewing curves, pivot at the inside of the curve and straighten the fabric as you go.
• Consider using a binding tool, such as the Third Hand Binding Tool, to help with the binding process.
• If you are hand sewing the binding, use small, even stitches for a neat finish.

Quilting techniques

Quilting a double wedding ring is a complex and time-consuming process, but the finish is worth it! Here are some quilting techniques to help you get started:

Choose Your Template

The first step is to select a suitable template for your quilt. There are various templates available, such as the Michele Martenelli template set, the Creative Grids ruler template set, the CutRite Slit 'N Sew template, and the Matilda's Own template. Each template has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose one that suits your skill level and preferences.

Fabric Selection and Cutting

Once you have your template, it's time to select your fabric. Consider the colour scheme and the type of fabric you want to use. You will need to cut the fabric into strips and fanfold them to the required widths. The specific measurements will depend on the template you are using. For example, the GO! Double Wedding Ring die set recommends cutting 9 3/4" strips for the centre shape and 3" strips for the corner squares and middle arc shapes.

Piecing the Blocks

The next step is to piece the blocks together. This can be a challenging process due to the curved seams. Take your time and use plenty of pins to ease the binding in the curves. Chain piecing can be helpful to speed up the process. You will need to piece the melons (arcs) to the centre curvy hourglass piece. Once you get the hang of it, the blocks will come together quickly.

Assembling the Rows

After you have pieced all the blocks, it's time to assemble the rows. You can choose to piece the rows on point, creating various-sized rows. This adds interest and dimension to your quilt. Again, take your time and ensure that your seams are aligned correctly.

Quilting and Binding

Finally, you will need to quilt and bind your quilt. You can choose to hand quilt or send it to a long-arm quilter, depending on your preference and skill level. Binding the curved edges can be intimidating, but with slow stitching and lots of pins, it is achievable. You can also consider adding a regular border to avoid binding the curved edges.

Frequently asked questions