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

The Double Wedding Ring quilt is a thoughtful and special gift for newlyweds. The pattern became popular in the 1920s during the Great Depression as it could be easily made from small scraps. It features curved piecing and interlocking shapes, and there are two main methods for piecing the arcs of fabric: the first, more traditional method involves building up the quilt by adding the melons to curved background diamonds, while the second method involves sewing two background corners to each melon, similar to a Drunkard's Path block. Alternatively, you can use English Paper Piecing to hand stitch all the arcs and applique them to the background fabric.

Choose a template and cut your fabric pieces

The first step in making a Double Wedding Ring quilt is to choose a template. You can either buy a template or make your own. If you're making your own, you'll need to draw out the individual pieces of the quilt and then cut them out.

Once you have your template, it's time to start cutting your fabric. Decide on the size of your quilt and then cut out the required number of pieces for each of the two arcs. You will also need to cut out pieces for the background oval and centre. The number of pieces you need will depend on the size of your quilt. For example, a double-size Double Wedding Ring quilt with 12" blocks will require 1497 individual pieces of fabric, while a queen-size quilt will need 2032 pieces.

When cutting your fabric, precision is key. Take your time and cut carefully to ensure that all your pieces are the same size and shape. This will make assembling your quilt much easier.

Fabric choices

The fabric you choose for your Double Wedding Ring quilt will depend on your personal preference and the intended recipient. Traditionally, these quilts feature white or light-coloured fabric to symbolise the wedding dress, with a variety of colours used for the arcs. However, feel free to get creative and choose fabrics that reflect the style or colour scheme of the couple you're making it for.

Some quilters like to use a different fabric for each arc, while others prefer to use the same fabric for all the arcs and vary the background fabric. You can also use different fabrics for the centre and background pieces to create a unique look.

Cutting tips

• Use a rotary cutter and self-healing mat for straight cuts.
• For curved cuts, consider using scissors or a rotary cutter with a curved blade.
• Cut your fabric on a flat surface to ensure accurate cuts.
• Always cut away from your body to avoid accidents.
• Take your time and cut slowly to avoid mistakes.

Once you have all your fabric pieces cut out, you're ready to start assembling your Double Wedding Ring quilt!

Sew the arcs of fabric together

Sewing the arcs of fabric together is a crucial step in creating a Double Wedding Ring quilt. Here's a detailed guide on how to approach this stage:

Traditional Machine Piecing:

Firstly, decide on the construction method. The traditional machine piecing technique involves attaching the arcs or "melons" to curved background diamonds. This approach ensures that there are no seams across the large background diamonds, resulting in a smooth finish.

To begin, arrange four melon sections with one background diamond, as shown in Figure 3. Sew the first melon along the curve, ensuring the seam doesn't extend into the squares of this melon. Continue by sewing the next melon section, aligning the squares at the top. Repeat this process, sewing the third and fourth melon sections while aligning the squares accordingly. This will complete one ring section, as illustrated in Figure 5.

You can expand your quilt by adding more sections to this initial ring. However, remember that each background section typically shares melons between rings, so you won't add four melons to every background section.

For larger quilts, it's more manageable to assemble columns. Sew two melons to each remaining background diamond. Arrange these columns as shown in Figure 6, filling in the side and bottom edges. Finally, sew the columns together with long seams, as demonstrated in Figure 7.

Block-Based Machine Piecing:

Alternatively, you can opt for the block-based machine piecing method. This approach involves sewing two background corners to each melon, creating blocks reminiscent of a Drunkard's Path block. This technique is preferable if you want to minimise curved seams.

To start, prepare your melon sections as previously described. Cut your background sections using a quarter diamond template or trim a square along one curved edge of a larger curved diamond template. Sew a quarter diamond piece to each side of every melon section, as shown in Figure 8.

Arrange these completed squares in rows, ensuring you turn the units to form the ring pattern, as illustrated in Figure 9. Sew the units in rows and then sew the rows together. Remember, each ring will consist of four blocks.

Tips for Success:

• Press seams open unless otherwise instructed. This helps reduce bulk and improve accuracy.
• When sewing long seams between columns, stop frequently with your needle down to adjust the fabric and maintain precision.
• If you're using a template, ensure it includes seam allowances where necessary. This will help you cut and sew with consistency.
• Take your time and don't rush the process. Double Wedding Ring quilts can be challenging, so patience is key!

Sew the arcs to the background oval to make a melon shape

Sewing the arcs to the background oval to make a melon shape is a crucial step in creating a Double Wedding Ring quilt. This process involves carefully attaching the curved pieces to the oval centre, forming the distinctive melon shape that gives the quilt its name. Here's a detailed guide to help you through this step:

Traditional Method:

• Sew the bottom arc to the background oval, ensuring the seam extends only along the curve and not into the square ends of the arc.
• Sew the squares to each end of the top arc.
• Attach the top arc to the top of the oval, aligning the seams of the squares with the points of the oval. This completes one melon section.
• Repeat this process to create as many melon sections as needed for your quilt design.
• Arrange four melon sections with one background diamond, placing them in a way that creates the desired ring pattern.
• Sew the first melon section to the background diamond along the curve.
• Sew the next melon section, aligning the squares at the top.
• Continue sewing the remaining melon sections, ensuring the squares align at the sides and ends. This completes one ring section.
• To expand the quilt, add more melon sections to this ring, remembering that each background diamond shares melons with adjacent rings.
• To assemble the quilt, sew two melons to each remaining background diamond.
• Arrange the columns, filling in the side and bottom edges.
• Sew the columns together with long seams, stopping frequently to adjust the fabric for a smooth finish.

Block-Based Method:

• Follow steps 1-5 from the traditional method to create your melon sections.
• Cut your background sections using a quarter diamond template or trim a square along one curved edge of a larger curved diamond template.
• Sew a quarter diamond piece to each side of every melon section.
• Arrange the completed squares in rows, ensuring the units are oriented to form the ring pattern.
• Sew the units together in rows and then sew the rows together. Remember, four blocks are required for each ring.

English Paper Piecing (EPP):

If you prefer hand stitching, you can use English Paper Piecing (EPP) to create the arcs and then applique them to the background fabric. This method allows for precise stitching and can be a relaxing way to construct your quilt.

Sew the melon shapes to the background diamond

Sewing the melon shapes to the background diamond is a tricky part of making a double wedding ring quilt. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, arrange four melon sections with one background diamond. Sew the first melon in place along the curve, noting that the seam will not extend into the squares of this melon. Next, sew the subsequent sections, aligning the squares at the top, and then at the side. Sew the final section, aligning the squares at both ends. This completes one ring section.

You can continue adding sections to make a larger quilt, but remember that you will not add four melons to each background section, as they are shared between rings. To sew multiple sections together, assemble them into columns. Sew two melons to each remaining background diamond.

Arrange the columns with the melon sections at the sides and bottom, and then sew these in place before sewing the columns together. When sewing the long seams between columns, remember to stop often with your needle down to adjust the fabric.

Now, prepare your melon sections as before. Cut your background sections using a quarter diamond template. If your template is a larger curved diamond, use one curved edge to trim a square. Sew a quarter diamond piece to each side of each melon section.

Arrange the completed squares in rows, ensuring that you turn the units to create the ring pattern. Sew the units into rows, and then sew the rows together. Note that four blocks are used for each ring.

• Use a template to cut the required number of pieces for each of the two arcs, and then sew them together. Press the seams open to reduce bulk and improve accuracy.
• When sewing the long seams between columns, make sure to stop often and adjust the fabric as necessary.
• You can sew the melon sections to the background diamond in rows, rather than block by block.
• Avoid pressing the fabric after sewing each section; this will make the fabric less flexible and more difficult to work with.

Sew the columns of melon shapes together

To sew the columns of melon shapes together, you will need to follow a few steps.

Firstly, arrange four melon sections with one background diamond. Sew the first melon in place along the curve, noting that the seam will not extend into the squares of this melon. Next, sew the second section, aligning the squares at the top. Then, sew the third section, aligning the square at the side. Finally, sew the last section, aligning the squares at both ends. This completes one ring section.

You can continue adding sections to this first one to make a larger quilt, but remember that you will not add four melons to each background section as they are shared between rings.

To sew multiple sections together, the easiest way is to assemble columns. Sew two melons to each remaining background diamond. Arrange the columns and fill in the side and bottom edges by sewing those melon sections in place before sewing into columns. Sew the long seams between the columns to finish.

When sewing these long seams, make sure to stop often with your needle down to adjust the fabric as necessary.

Frequently asked questions