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

Wedding ring quilts are a daunting task for even the most experienced quilters. The quilts are made up of many curves and arches, which can be confusing and time-consuming to piece together. However, the end result is a beautiful, classic pattern that is often passed down as a family heirloom. There are a variety of templates available to help with the cutting and sewing process, and many quilters recommend using acrylic templates as they are easier to work with than paper templates. In addition to templates, there are also many online tutorials and videos that can guide you through the process of making a wedding ring quilt.

Using acrylic templates

When using acrylic templates, it is important to first remove the protective film that covers the template. This film, which can be made of either clear plastic or paper, ensures that the template arrives scratch-free. Once the film is removed, you can begin using the template.

Some acrylic templates come with non-slip grips, which prevent the template from sliding while cutting. If your template does not have these grips, you can purchase non-skid felt stickies separately and attach them to the corners of your template.

When cutting your fabric, ensure that you follow the seam allowance indicated on the template. Most templates have a 1/4" seam allowance, but it is always good to double-check.

Finally, when using acrylic templates, be sure to follow the instructions and diagrams provided. These will guide you through the process of cutting and sewing your fabric to create a beautiful wedding ring quilt pattern.

Sewing the melons to the centre piece

Sewing the melons to the centrepiece is the most challenging part of making a wedding ring quilt. In this step, you will be piecing together curves, which can be tricky. Take your time and go slowly to ensure that your seams are correctly aligned.

First, prepare your melons. Using the template of your choice, cut out hundreds of melon shapes from your chosen fabric. You can use a variety of fabrics in different colours and patterns to create a unique and vibrant quilt.

Next, you will need to sew the melons together to form arcs. This is done by adding a C-shaped piece to all arcs and an E-shaped piece to the end of alternating arcs. 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.

Once you have your arcs, it's time to attach them to the centrepiece. The centrepiece is a curvy hourglass shape. Carefully line up the edges of the arcs with the edges of the centrepiece, pinning them in place as you go. Start sewing the melons to the centrepiece, taking your time to ensure that the curves match up perfectly.

As you work, you may find it helpful to use a portable design board to lay out all the pieces in rows and keep them organised. This will make it easier to chain piece as you go. Remember to take breaks and give yourself plenty of time to complete this step, as it can be challenging.

Once you have sewn all the melons to the centrepiece, give yourself a pat on the back! The hardest part of making your wedding ring quilt is now behind you, and the rest of the process should be smoother sailing.

Fabric requirements

The fabric requirements for a wedding ring quilt depend on the size of the quilt and the complexity of the pattern. For a 10" finished wedding rings quilt block, you will need the following fabric requirements:

• Light/White: 8 - 3" squares, and 5 - 2.5" squares
• Medium/Blue: 4 - 2.5" squares
• Medium/Pink: 4 - 3" squares
• Dark/Blue: 4 - 3" squares

These fabrics can be used to create the Half-Square Triangle units and the remaining squares.

If you are creating a double wedding ring quilt, you may want to use acrylic templates or paper piecing templates to make the cutting and sewing process easier. These templates are available online or can be drafted yourself using graph paper and a compass.

For a queen or king-size double wedding ring quilt, the fabric requirements will be significantly larger, and you may need to create multiple blocks to achieve the desired size. It is recommended to plan out the number of blocks needed and the corresponding fabric requirements before starting the quilt.

Paper piecing

You can find foundation piecing patterns for Double Wedding Ring quilts online. You can print them out or photocopy them onto printer paper, or use a specialised, printer-friendly foundation paper. There are also manufacturers that produce leave-in or wash-away foundations that are pre-printed with a Double Wedding Ring design, so you don't have to tear out the paper and put stress on your seams.

If you're new to paper piecing, it can be a little confusing at first. You'll need to do some mental re-jiggering to figure out which is the right side and which is the wrong side. If you need a refresher, there are tutorials available that can help. It is not recommended to try foundation piecing for the first time with a Double Wedding Ring quilt.

Quilting templates

Choosing the Right Templates

First, you'll need to select the appropriate templates for the wedding ring quilt pattern. You can find various templates specifically designed for this pattern online, such as the "Double Wedding Ring Book & Template Set" by Quilting from the Heartland, which includes step-by-step instructions and eight transparent acrylic cutting templates. Other options include the "Quilter's Paradise Slit N Sew Double Wedding Ring Set Templates" and the "Creative Grids Double Wedding Ring Templates Quilt Ruler."

Understanding Template Markings

When working with quilting templates, familiarise yourself with the various lines and markings on them. These markings indicate cutting lines, seam allowances, and match points. For example, a 1/4" seam allowance is commonly included with quilting templates, which is essential to consider when cutting and sewing your fabric pieces together.

Cutting Fabric with Templates

Place the template on the fabric and ensure it doesn't shift while cutting. Some templates come with quick grips to prevent sliding. Cut along the outer edges of the template, adding the required seam allowance if it's not already included. If your template has specific markings for match points, transfer these markings to your fabric pieces using a see-through acrylic ruler. These match points will help you align the pieces accurately during sewing.

Sewing with Templates

When sewing the template pieces together, follow the instructions provided with your chosen template set. Match the corresponding notches and lines on the template pieces, pinning them in place before stitching. This process will ensure that your seams align correctly, creating a neat and precise wedding ring pattern.

Troubleshooting and Tips

When attaching template pieces to completed arc units, ensure that you've trimmed the arc units as instructed in the pattern. Additionally, double-check that your fabric strips and squares are the correct size to avoid issues with the fit of the arcs and squares. Finally, remember to sew an exact 1/4" seam, as even slight deviations can affect the overall fit of your quilt pattern.

Using quilting templates for your wedding ring quilt pattern ensures accuracy and consistency in your project. Take your time, follow the instructions, and you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and intricate quilt design.

Frequently asked questions