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

The Double Wedding Ring Quilt is a classic quilt pattern, often given as a wedding gift. It is not a quilt for beginners, as it involves sewing many curves. However, with the right templates and careful piecing, it is possible to make a beautiful and successful Double Wedding Ring Quilt. This quilt is typically sewn in rows, not block by block, and there are several methods for assembling the rows. Some quilters recommend avoiding pressing the seams until the quilt top is finished, as this helps to maintain flexibility. There are also different ways to attach the melon pieces to the centre curvy hourglass piece, and then to the background fabric. It is important to ensure that the background piece is correctly positioned and manipulated during sewing to avoid puckers.

Choose a variety of fabrics for the small pieces and the C shape

When choosing fabrics for the small pieces and the C shape, it is important to remember that this quilt is not just for weddings. It can be used for a multitude of purposes and adapted to suit your needs.

For the small pieces, you will need a variety of fabrics in different colours and patterns. The small pieces form the arches of the quilt, so you will want to select fabrics that complement each other and create a cohesive design. Consider the overall colour scheme you want to achieve, and choose fabrics that fall within that palette. You can use a die-cutting machine to cut out the small pieces, which will give you a large number of pieces to work with.

For the C shape, you will need to select a fabric that contrasts with the small pieces to create a striking visual effect. The C shape is the centre of the quilt block, so it should stand out. You can use a solid colour or a patterned fabric for the C shape, depending on your preference and the overall design of your quilt.

When choosing fabrics, consider the scale of the patterns. Smaller-scale patterns will give you more flexibility in cutting and placing the pieces, as you can cut the fabric in multiple ways and still have the pattern visible. Larger-scale patterns may require more careful cutting and placement to ensure that the design is not lost or distorted.

Remember to choose high-quality quilting fabric that will withstand the test of time. Pre-wash your fabrics to remove any excess dyes and prevent colour bleeding. This will also help to soften the fabric and make it easier to work with.

Once you have selected your fabrics, take some time to lay out the pieces and experiment with different combinations. This will help you visualise how the quilt will come together and ensure that you are happy with the overall design before you start sewing.

Cut the fabric using a die cutter or template

To cut the fabric for a wedding ring quilt, you can use a die cutter or template. Using a die cutter like the Accuquilt Go Big or a Brother Dreamweaver XE can make the process faster and easier, but it is also possible to cut the fabric by hand using a template.

If using a die cutter, place the fabric over the desired shape on the die and roll it through the cutter. This will allow you to cut out the individual pieces needed for the quilt, such as the A shape, B shape, C shape, and so on. It is important to label the shapes accordingly. You can also use a variety of fabrics to add colour and pattern to your quilt.

If using a template, there are several options available, including the Matilda's Own template, Creative Grid Rulers, and templates from Amazon. These templates provide different shapes and sizes for the quilt pieces. Some templates may require foundation paper piecing, so it is important to review the instructions before beginning.

Once the fabric is cut, you can begin piecing the blocks together to form the arches and melons of the wedding ring quilt. This process can be challenging, but with patience and practice, it is possible to create a beautiful and intricate design.

Piece the arcs

Piecing the arcs is a challenging but rewarding part of making a wedding ring quilt. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, you will need to cut your fabric into the required shapes. Using a variety of fabrics, cut out pieces for the small sections of the arcs, as well as the C shape. You won't need the F shape if you are piecing the arcs, but cut one to use as a tip later on.

Next, 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 these pieces together using an accurate 1/4" seam, pressing all seams in one direction. You should make two of these units.

Now, grab two B shapes and mark 1/4" points at each corner. Pin these B shapes to one of the arcs you just pieced and start and stop stitching at the 1/4" markings. Press the seams towards the squares.

For the next step, mark 1/4" points on the C shape and pin it to the pieced arc without the attached B squares. Match the 1/4" points and notches, and start and stop sewing at these points. Press the seam towards the C shape.

Then, 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 one combined arc unit to shape A, matching notches and 1/4" points.

And there you have it! You've pieced your first arc. Now you just need to repeat these steps for as many arcs as your quilt requires. Remember to take your time and don't be afraid to refer back to these instructions if you get stuck. Happy quilting!

Sew the pieces together

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

Firstly, you need to sew the arches to the melon-shaped piece. Iron the seams towards the centre. Then, sew another arch, this time adding two extra pieces to each end of the arch. Find the middle of both the arch and the melon, and pin them together. Sew from edge to edge, and then press towards the centre melon. At this stage, you should put your iron away and refrain from pressing any more seams until the quilt top is finished.

Next, make two pieced melons and place them right sides together. Pin at the first intersection, then stitch from the edge to almost the pin—around one or two stitches before it. Do not press the seams. Instead, find the middle of the melon and the background piece, and pin them together. Work with the melon at the top, and sew from the seam line of the left pin around to the right pin, stopping at the seam. Ensure you reposition the background piece as you sew to avoid puckers.

Now, sew the other side of the melon to the background piece. Find the middle of both the free melon and the background fabric, and work to position the background piece properly. Pin it down and sew like the previous side. Again, do not press the seams.

At this stage, you have created a double wedding ring block. To make the row, manipulate the blocks so that one has an inny and the next has an outy. Sew the blocks together, and then sew the rows together.

Finally, sew the columns together with one long seam that goes from top to bottom in a gentle curve. Ensure you match up the centre of each four-patch and the block centres with the pieced arc centres, just as you did with the individual blocks.

Press seams in one direction

Pressing seams in one direction is an important step in the double wedding ring quilt-making process. This step ensures that your quilt comes together neatly and accurately. Here is a detailed guide on how to approach it:

Firstly, understand that the direction you press your seams in is entirely up to you. The key is to be consistent throughout the entire quilt. This consistency will ensure that your seams line up correctly when you start sewing your pieces together.

Now, let's get into the process. After you have sewn each of the pieces of your arcs together, it's time to press those seams. Using an iron, press all seams in the same direction. You can choose to press them towards the darker fabric if you are using different fabrics, or you can simply choose a direction and stick to it. It is important to note that you should not press the seams open, as this may affect the structure of your quilt.

Once you have pressed the seams of your arcs, you will move on to attaching the B and C shapes. After sewing these pieces to your arcs, you will again press the seams towards the squares or in the direction you have chosen, maintaining consistency.

As you continue constructing your quilt, remember to press each new seam in the same direction as the previous seams. This will ensure that your quilt comes together neatly and accurately, and your interlocking rings will be beautifully formed.

Take your time, and enjoy the process of creating your double wedding ring quilt!

Frequently asked questions