Creating A Wedding Quilt: A Guide To Getting Started

Wedding quilts are a thoughtful gift for newlyweds, often becoming their first family heirloom. They are usually symbolic of the life the couple will share and can adorn their new home. Wedding quilts can be crafted from simple quilt blocks, quilted applique, or with overlapping rings to symbolise enduring love and devotion. There are many patterns to choose from, including the traditional double wedding ring quilt, flower quilt patterns, scrap quilt patterns, and creative quilt block patterns.

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

The Double Wedding Ring Quilt is a traditional quilt pattern that has been used for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic occasions. The pattern is designed to resemble two interlocking wedding rings and is said to have originated from Germanic people settling in Pennsylvania in the 17th century. This style of ring was also seen on other decorative objects like coverlets and ceramics in early America.

To make a Double Wedding Ring Quilt, you will need to cut out fabric pieces in the shape of arcs or "footballs" and four-patch squares. The number of pieces will depend on the size of the quilt you want to make. Sew the arcs to two sides of each block, and then arrange the blocks into rows, alternating the placement of the light and dark arcs. Sew the blocks into vertical columns, and then sew the columns together with a long seam that goes from top to bottom in a gentle curve.

For a simpler assembly, only one block should have all four arcs sewn to it before joining the blocks together. Once the blocks are arranged, sew a third arc section to each of the block centres located at the edges of the quilt. Then, sew the blocks into columns and join the columns with a gently curving seam to avoid set-in seams.

The Double Wedding Ring Quilt pattern can be used for various projects, from pillows to wall hangings and, of course, quilts of any size.

Modern Drunkard's Path Quilt

The Drunkard's Path Quilt block is a versatile pattern that can be adapted in many ways to create a modern quilt. It is a traditional block that features a curved seam, which can be intimidating for some quilters. However, with a few tips and some practice, it is a technique that can be mastered.

To begin, you will need a template. You can use a paper or plastic template, or print your own using a PDF template that you can find online. Once you have your template, cut your fabric into squares slightly larger than the template size. For a 3-1/2" Drunkard's Path unit, cut 4" fabric squares.

Next, align the square edges of the template with the fabric edges and draw around the remaining template edges. Cut out the shapes and fold each piece in half, pressing a crease in the middle. For the Template A piece, press so that the right sides of the fabric are together. For the Template B piece, press so that the wrong sides are together. This will allow the creases to nest together when pinning.

Now you are ready to pin the two pieces together. Align the creases and then line up and pin one straight short end of the Template B background piece with the corner of the Template A inside piece. It will look like the pieces do not align, but this is correct. Pin the other corner in the same way, and the unit will curl up at the corners. Continue pinning along the curved edge, easing the fabric so that it is bunched away from the pins.

When you are ready to sew, go slowly, using a 1/4" seam allowance and removing the pins as you get to them. Keep an eye on the gathers in the Template B background fabric, adjusting it so that the gathers are away from the needle and stitching to avoid puckers and wrinkles in your seam.

Most Drunkard's Path templates are slightly oversized, so you can trim the block down to the perfect size after sewing. Square up the unit to 3-1/2" x 3-1/2", ensuring that the 1/4" marks on your ruler align with the ends of the curve.

Now your Drunkard's Path unit is complete, and you can start thinking about your design!

Bridal Garden Quilt

The Bridal Garden Quilt is a bright and cheerful quilt pattern featuring beautiful floral fabrics across the quilt top. Small quilting applique details, like green flower stems and leaves, make this floral quilt unique. It is composed of 42 trellis quilt blocks and is a large quilt that is sure to impress when completed.

This quilt is built around simple quilt blocks and a touch of applique. The Bridal Garden Quilt is perfect for those looking to create quilts filled with memories, or as a precious memento for a new couple. It is also a great pattern for those who want to experiment with different quilting techniques.

The Bridal Garden Quilt is a valued part of the Quilting Daily family. This free eBook download includes a free e-newsletter, insider information about new features, access to free quilt patterns, ideas, and free tips and quilting techniques.

Get started on your Bridal Garden Quilt today!

Modern Wedding Ring Quilt

The Double Wedding Ring Quilt is a classic quilt block that has long been associated with love and romance. The interlocking circles of this quilt type have been found on pottery as far back as the ancient Roman Empire, and the first published pattern for it was released in the 1920s. This type of quilt is usually given as a wedding present, but it also makes a beautiful quilt for a multitude of uses.

To make a Modern Wedding Ring Quilt, you will need to cut out and piece together fabric shapes. You can use a die-cutting machine to cut out the fabric pieces, or you can cut them out by hand. The shapes you will need are:

• A: the centre of the ring
• B: squares that will be attached to the sides of the arcs
• C: the end of the alternating arc
• D: the three middle pieces of the first arc
• E: the end pieces of the first arc
• F: this shape is not necessary, but you can use it to check that your seam allowance is correct

Once you have cut out your shapes, you can begin piecing them together. Sew each of the pieces of the first arc (D and E) together using a 1/4" seam. Press all seams in one direction and sew two units like this. Then, grab two B shapes and mark 1/4" points at each corner. Pin the B shapes to each side of one of the arcs and sew them together. Press the seams towards the squares. Next, mark 1/4" points on the C shape and pin it to the pieced arc without the B squares attached. Sew these together and press the seam towards the C shape. Now, pin and sew one combined arc with corner squares to a combined arc with shape C. Start and stop stitching at the 1/4" points of square B and press seams towards shape C. Finally, mark 1/4" points on the tips of shape A and pin and sew a combined arc unit to it, matching notches and 1/4" points.

Once you have pieced together all your arcs and centres, you can start assembling your quilt. Arrange the blocks with the light-coloured arcs on the right side in the first row and the ones with the light-coloured arcs on the left side in the second row. Sew the blocks into vertical columns, then sew the columns together with one long seam that goes from top to bottom in a gentle curve. Make sure to match up the centres of each block as you sew. And that's it! Your Modern Wedding Ring Quilt is now ready to be quilted.

Photo Block Quilt

A photo block quilt is a great way to commemorate a wedding or any other memorable occasion. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create one:

Preparing the Fabric:

• Choose a fabric that is suitable for printing, such as cotton or polyester.
• Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to prepare the fabric for printing. This may involve pre-treating the fabric with a solution or using a specific type of ink.

Printing Photos on Fabric:

• Select the photos you want to use. They can be personal pictures, collages, or any other design that holds special meaning.
• Ensure the photos are of high quality and have a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for the best results.
• Use a printer that can handle fabric sheets, or consider using a service that specialises in printing photos on fabric.
• Carefully follow the printing instructions to avoid smudging or other issues.

Creating the Quilt Blocks:

• Cut the printed fabric into blocks of your desired size, such as 4x6 or 5x7 inches.
• If needed, you can add borders or sashing to the blocks to enhance their appearance and create a cohesive look.

Assembling the Quilt:

• Piece together the photo blocks to form the quilt top. You can arrange them in a pattern or layout that is visually appealing.
• Add batting and backing fabric to create a quilt sandwich.
• Quilt the layers together using a technique of your choice, such as hand quilting, machine quilting, or tie quilting.
• Finish the quilt by binding the edges to enclose the raw edges and give it a neat appearance.

Care and Maintenance:

• Follow the care instructions provided by the fabric and ink manufacturers to ensure the longevity of your photo block quilt.
• Consider using a mild detergent and cold water when washing, and avoid harsh chemicals that may fade the printed photos.
• Store the quilt in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent discolouration or damage.

A photo block quilt is a wonderful way to preserve memories and can be a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Frequently asked questions