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

The Double Wedding Ring quilt is a classic quilt pattern, often given as a wedding gift, that features interlocking circles. It is not a quilt for beginners, as it involves sewing many curves and can be tricky to assemble. However, with the right templates, careful cutting, and precise sewing, it is possible to create a beautiful and challenging quilt.

Choose a template and cut your fabric

Wedding ring quilts are not for the faint of heart. They are a challenge, but the finish is so worth it!

Choose a template

There are many wedding ring quilt templates available to buy online. You can find them on Amazon, or try an Australian brand like Matilda's Own. The latter is the template used by the creator of the Little Mushroom Cap blog, who has posted a video of her process.

When choosing a template, consider the simplicity of the shapes, and whether the quilt is easier to sew and cut. Some templates have more straight edges than curved ones, which can make the process easier.

Cut your fabric

You will need a variety of fabrics to cover the small pieces and the C shape. You can piece the arcs, but if you prefer not to, you will also need fabric for the F shape. Place the mat over the die and roll through the cutter.

Place fabric over the A shape and place the mat on top of the die. Roll through the cutter and slide the mat off the die to reveal your centre.

Now you can lay out your pieces for the first arc. Use D shapes for the three middle pieces and E shapes for the end pieces. Sew each of the pieces together. Press all seams in one direction—it doesn't matter which, but be consistent! Sew two units in this way.

Tips for cutting and sewing

• While we aren't using the F shape from the die board, you can use it to make sure your seam allowance is correct. Lay your pieced arc over the F shape to check.
• Mark 1/4" points at each corner of the B shape. Pin the B shapes to each side of one of the arcs. Start and stop stitching at the 1/4" markings. Press the seams toward the squares.
• Mark 1/4" points on the C shape. Pin the C shape to the pieced arc without the B squares attached, matching the 1/4" points and notches. Be sure to stop and start sewing at the 1/4" points. Press the seam towards the C shape.
• Pin and sew one combined arc with corner squares to a combined arc with shape C. Start and stop stitching at 1/4" points of square B. Press seams towards shape C.
• Mark 1/4" points on the tips of shape A. Pin and sew one combined arc unit to one shape A, matching notches and 1/4" points.

Sew the pieces together to form an arch

Sewing the pieces together to form an arch is a crucial step in creating a beautiful and well-constructed wedding ring quilt. Here is a detailed guide to help you through this process:

Firstly, lay out your pieces for the first arch. You will need three middle pieces and two end pieces for each arch. Using a consistent seam allowance, sew each of the pieces together. Press all seams in one direction – it doesn't matter which direction you choose, as long as you maintain consistency throughout. Create two of these arch units.

Next, grab two B-shaped pieces and mark 1/4" points at each corner. Carefully pin these B shapes to either side of one of the arch units you just created. Start and stop your stitching at the 1/4" markings to ensure accuracy. Press the seams towards the squares.

Now, take your C shape and mark 1/4" points on it. Pin this piece to the arch unit without the attached B squares. Ensure you match the 1/4" points and notches for a precise fit. Again, be sure to start and stop sewing at the 1/4" points. Press the seam towards the C shape.

At this stage, you can pin and sew one combined arch with corner squares to the combined arch with the C shape. As before, start and stop stitching at the 1/4" points of square B. Press seams towards the C shape.

Finally, mark 1/4" points on the tips of shape A. Pin and sew one combined arch unit to shape A, ensuring you match the notches and 1/4" points.

By following these steps, you will successfully create a beautifully arched section for your wedding ring quilt. Remember to take your time, double-check your measurements, and maintain consistent seam allowances throughout. Happy quilting!

Sew the arch to the melon

Sewing the arch to the melon is a crucial step in creating a Double Wedding Ring quilt. This step involves attaching the curved arch to the melon shape, forming the distinctive interlocking rings that symbolise love and unity. Here's a detailed guide on how to sew the arch to the melon:

Preparation:

Before you begin sewing, it is essential to have your templates and fabric pieces ready. You will need a set of templates, including the arch, oval, and centre shapes. Cut your fabric pieces according to the template instructions, ensuring you have enough arcs and melon segments for your desired quilt size.

Sewing the Arch to the Melon:

• Arrange your fabric pieces: Place one arch and two squares at the ends of the arch, with the background oval piece in the centre.
• Sew the arch to the oval: Start by sewing the bottom arch to the oval, creating a smooth curve.
• Attach the squares: Sew the squares to each end of the top arch. Then, attach this arch to the top of the oval, aligning the seams of the squares with the points of the oval.
• Press the seams: Press the seams towards the centre of the melon to create a neat finish.
• Repeat the process: Continue assembling melon sections until you have enough for your quilt.
• Create the ring sections: Arrange four melon sections with one background diamond. Sew the melon sections to the background diamond, aligning the seams carefully.
• Build the columns: Sew two melons to each remaining background diamond. Arrange these columns to form the quilt layout.
• Fill in the edges: Sew the melon sections to the sides and bottom edges of the quilt layout.
• Join the columns: Sew the long seams between the columns to complete the quilt top.

Tips for Sewing the Arch to the Melon:

• Precision is key: Ensure your seams are accurate and consistent throughout the project. Use a 1/4" seam allowance unless specified otherwise in your template instructions.
• Press seams carefully: Press seams in the direction specified in your instructions. Avoid excessive pressing, as it can reduce flexibility and make the fabric more difficult to work with.
• Take your time: Sewing the arch to the melon can be challenging, so don't rush. Go slowly and adjust the fabric as needed to ensure accurate seams.
• Choose your construction method: There are different methods for piecing the quilt, such as traditional machine piecing or block-based machine piecing. Select the method that suits your preferences and skill level.

Press seams towards the centre

Pressing seams in quilting is an important step that can make or break your design. Pressing seams towards the centre is a common instruction in quilting, and it is especially important when creating a Double Wedding Ring quilt. Here is a detailed explanation:

The Double Wedding Ring quilt is a classic pattern that features interlocking circles, symbolising love and unity. It gained popularity in the 1920s and is often given as a cherished family gift for weddings or anniversaries. The design consists of arcs of fabric sewn together to form melon-shaped pieces, which are then attached to a background oval.

When pressing seams towards the centre, you are flattening and shaping the seams of your quilt to create a neat and precise finish. Here are the steps to achieve this:

• After sewing the individual pieces of the arc together, press all seams in one direction. It doesn't matter which direction you choose, but it is crucial to be consistent throughout.
• Next, attach the corner squares to the ends of the arc. Press the seams towards these squares, away from the arc.
• Now, sew the arc with corner squares to the background oval. Again, press the seams towards the oval, away from the arc.
• Continue this process, attaching the remaining arcs and pressing seams towards the centre, which is the oval, creating a neat and flat appearance.

Pressing seams towards the centre in a Double Wedding Ring quilt ensures that your seams are aligned and reduces bulkiness. This technique enhances the overall appearance of your quilt and makes it easier to sew the pieces together accurately.

Sew the melons together

Sewing the melons together is the most challenging part of making a wedding ring quilt. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, piece the segments together to form an arch, and sew this arch to one side of a melon. Iron the seams towards the centre of the melon. Repeat this process to create another arch with two extra pieces at each end. The middle of the arch should align with the middle of the melon. Sew the second arch to the other side of the melon, and iron the seams towards the centre again.

Now, you should have two pieced melons. Place them right sides together and pin them at the first intersection. Stitch from the edge to almost the pin, stopping one or two stitches before you reach it. Do not press the seams yet, as this will reduce flexibility.

Next, find the middle of one of your pieced melons and the background piece. Place them right sides together and pin in place, ensuring the background piece is correctly positioned. Sew from the seam line of the left pin to the right pin, again stopping just before you reach the pin.

You can now sew the other side of the melon to the background piece. Find the middle of the free melon and the background fabric, and work to ensure the background piece is positioned properly. Pin it down and sew as before.

At this stage, you should have a double wedding ring block. To sew the blocks together, manipulate the blocks so that the curves of the melons fit together. Sew the blocks into rows, and then sew the rows together.

Congratulations! You have now completed the most challenging part of making a wedding ring quilt.

Frequently asked questions