Creating A Double Wedding Ring Quilt Pattern

The double wedding ring quilt is a notoriously challenging pattern, with its intricate curves and tedious template cutting. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can simplify the process and achieve stunning results. One essential tool is the use of acrylic templates, which provide accurate cutting guidelines and make it easier to visualise the final design. Additionally, paper piecing is a beginner-friendly technique that simplifies the ring-making process by allowing you to cut fabric squares in bulk rather than tracing and cutting individual stencil shapes. To further streamline the assembly, consider using a block-based approach, which is less complicated to track than the traditional quilt-top assembly method. While the double wedding ring quilt demands time and effort, these tips will help you tackle it with confidence and create a family heirloom that will be cherished for generations.

Paper piecing

Not everyone enjoys paper piecing, as it can be a little confusing (which side is the right side again?). It is not recommended to attempt paper piecing for the first time when making a double wedding ring quilt.

Quilting templates

First, select the appropriate template for the wedding ring quilt pattern. There are several options available, such as the Matilda's Own template, which offers a simple design with mostly straight edges, making it easier to sew and cut the pieces. Other alternatives include templates with all the pieces needed for the patchwork arc version, but these may differ slightly in the corner shapes.

When using templates, pay close attention to the match points. These are crucial for aligning the seams correctly. Mark the match points on the wrong side of the corners of both Template A and the pieced arc unit. Use a see-through acrylic ruler to create crosshairs by drawing a short line 1/4" from each raw edge at the corner. Additionally, fold the pieces lengthwise and widthwise to mark the centre match points.

Before sewing, ensure that your foundations are copied correctly and are the appropriate size. Trim the foundations as per the pattern instructions. Verify that the fabric strips and squares are of the right size to avoid any fitting issues.

When piecing together the patchwork arcs, maintain symmetry and be mindful of the number of pieces. Using a portable design board can help you arrange the pieces in rows for chain piecing. The Matilda's Own template, for instance, features two basic shapes for the arc: four similar pieces using template D, and the addition of a C shape to all arcs and an E shape for the alternating arc ends.

Finally, take on the challenging part of attaching the melons to the centre curvy hourglass piece. While it may seem daunting, with practice and patience, you'll get the hang of it. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of creating your double wedding ring quilt!

Fabric requirements

The fabric requirements for a double wedding ring quilt will depend on the size of the quilt you want to make. For example, the number of rings needed for a king-size quilt is 36 for a 6 rings x 6 rings layout.

The pattern of the quilt will also determine the fabric requirements. For example, the fabric requirements for a traditional double wedding ring quilt will be different from those of a modern double wedding ring quilt.

• For a traditional double wedding ring quilt, where the fabrics are coordinated and each pieced arc uses the same six fabrics pieced in the same order, you will need fabric for the following:
• Two end pieces of the pieced arc which are mirror images of each other
• Four identical wedge shapes which are sewn between the two mirror-image end pieces
• Eight four-patch squares (this is for a 12" block that uses 3" squares to make up the four-patch blocks in between the arcs)
• The inside section of the arc
• The centre section of the block
• For a more modern double wedding ring quilt, where the main background fabric is black, and the pieced arcs use solid fabrics, you will need fabric for the following:
• Arches in a watercolour floral pattern
• Background in cream
• Two connecting squares between arcs in pink and blue solid colours
• Binding in a colour of your choice
• For a modern Christmas double wedding ring quilt, you will need fabric with Christmas-themed patterns or colours.
• Using solids instead of pieced wedges for the arches does not save much fabric, as cutting them wastes chunks due to the shape.
• The background is very efficient in terms of fabric use. You can cut 5 x 8" squares from each 8" strip of WOF (width of fabric). Each block uses 4 of the 8" squares, so for a 6-block by 7-block quilt, you need 34 strips, which is just over 7.5 yards of fabric.
• If you are using the Slit N Sew template, each block is 16", not 12".

Assembly methods

There are two main machine piecing methods for assembling a double wedding ring quilt. Both involve piecing arcs of fabric and then sewing these to a background oval to make a melon-shaped piece.

The first, more traditional method involves building up the quilt by adding the melons to curved background diamonds. The second method involves sewing two background corners to each melon, similar to a Drunkard's Path block, to make the blocks.

The first method is preferable if you want to avoid seams across the large background diamonds or would like a curved outer edge for your quilt. The second method is preferable if you want to do more straight seam piecing.

As a third option, you can use English Paper Piecing (EPP) to hand-stitch all the arcs and applique them to the background fabric.

Using the first method, arrange four melon sections with one background diamond. Sew the first melon in place along the curve. Note that the seam will not extend into the squares of this melon. Sew the next section, aligning the squares at the top. Sew the third section, aligning the square at the side. Then 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 any size quilt, but remember that you will not add four melons to each background section, as they are shared between rings. To sew lots of 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.

Using the second method, prepare your melon sections as above. Cut your background sections using a quarter diamond template. If your template is a larger curved diamond piece, 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, making sure to turn the units to make the ring pattern. Sew the units in rows, then sew the rows together. Note that four blocks are used for each ring.

Once you have your quilt blocks, you can start arranging them into rows. Sew the remaining two sides to one of the blocks. This will become the bottom block on the right side of the quilt and is the only block that has all four arcs sewn to it before it is sewn to the other blocks. Now that the blocks are all arranged, and the complete block is placed at the bottom right of the quilt, start sewing a third arc section to each of the block centres located at the edges of the quilt.

Sew the blocks into vertical columns. Notice that the seam that will be sewn to join these two columns together will be one gently curving seam. Next, sew the columns together with one long seam that goes from top to bottom in a gentle curve. Make sure to match up the centre of each four-patch and the block centres with the pieced arc centres the same way as the individual blocks were pieced.

Finally, piece the rows together.

Finishing techniques

Finishing a double wedding ring quilt is the final step in a long process. There are two options for how to finish this style of quilt, each with its own unique look.

The first option is to finish the quilt with a scalloped edge that runs along the outside edge of the rings. This option is more difficult to execute and requires a bias binding due to the curvature of the edge. However, it gives the quilt a timeless and classic finish that is well worth the effort.

The second option is to add a simple border around the outside of the rings, allowing the quilt to have a straight edge like a traditional quilt. This method brings a modern look to a classic quilt design and makes it easier to make the quilt larger without creating more rings.

Both options provide beautiful finishes to a double wedding ring quilt, and the choice depends on the quilter's preference and level of difficulty they are comfortable with.

Some additional tips for finishing a double wedding ring quilt include using glue basting for curved piecing, paper piecing the rings to simplify the process, and avoiding getting too Type-A scrappy with fabric placement.

Frequently asked questions