Stitching A Wedding Band Quilt

Wedding quilts are cherished heirlooms that symbolise the life a couple will share together. The Double Wedding Ring quilt is a popular pattern that represents the bond of marriage with interlocking rings. This quilt is usually made as a gift for newlyweds or to commemorate a wedding anniversary.

Characteristics of Sewing a Wedding Band Quilt

Choosing a pattern: Double Wedding Ring, Bridal Garden, or Modern Wedding Ring

When it comes to choosing a pattern for a wedding band quilt, there are several options to consider, each with its own unique design and level of difficulty. Here are some popular choices:

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

The Double Wedding Ring quilt pattern is a classic choice, featuring interlocking rings that symbolise the union of two individuals during a wedding ceremony. This pattern dates back to the mid-to-late 1800s and has been a popular gift for newlyweds and anniversaries. It typically consists of 20 wedding rings arranged in a traditional quilt setting, representing the devotion between the couple. This pattern is not suitable for beginners as it involves intricate curves and pieces.

Bridal Garden Quilt

The Bridal Garden quilt pattern offers a bright and cheerful design with a floral theme. It is built around simple pieced blocks with a touch of applique. This pattern features 42 trellis quilt blocks, resulting in a large and stunning quilt. The Bridal Garden quilt is perfect for those who want to add a unique and colourful touch to their project.

Modern Wedding Ring Quilt

For a more contemporary option, the Modern Wedding Ring quilt pattern combines easy strip-piecing with fast stitch-and-flip triangles. It is composed of 41 frame blocks and 40 snowball blocks, making it simple to put together. This pattern allows for easy customisation by using different quilting fabrics, such as fat quarters. The Modern Wedding Ring quilt is ideal for quilters who want a quick and stylish project.

Other Variations

There are also several other variations of the wedding band quilt pattern, including:

• Little House on the Prairie Quilt: A multicoloured quilt that embodies the radiance of two people in love.
• To Have and To Hold Quilt: A modern wedding ring quilt perfect for cuddly nights, suitable for advanced quilters.
• Garden Rings: A quilt inspired by infinity and flowers, representing everlasting love, suitable for advanced quilters.
• Lovey Dovey: A quilt that depicts a picturesque view of mountains and fields of blooming flowers, sparking joy for any couple.
• A Graceful Wedding: A straightforward and charming quilt that adds a touch of modernity, suitable for quilters of all levels.

Selecting fabric colours and types

Selecting the fabric colours and types for your wedding band quilt is an important step in the quilt-making process. Here are some tips to help you choose the right fabrics:

Start with a Focus Fabric:

If you're making a multicoloured quilt, choose a focus fabric with at least three colours, but four or more is ideal. This fabric will be your inspiration, and you can pull out colours from it to use in the rest of your quilt. The other fabric colours don't have to match exactly, but they should coordinate with the focus fabric.

Consider Colour Combinations:

There are a few ways to approach colour combinations for your quilt:

• Monochromatic: Choose different shades of the same colour for a subtle, elegant look.
• Analogous Colours: Select colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel for a harmonious palette.
• Complementary Colours: Go for colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel for a vibrant, contrasting effect.
• Neutrals: Include light and dark neutrals, such as white, beige, or grey, to "beef up" your fabric selection without overwhelming the main colours.

Think About Scale and Texture:

Vary the scale of your fabric prints to create visual interest and contrast. Combine large-scale prints with smaller, more subtle patterns to give your eye a place to rest. You can also add different textures, such as woven or linen fabrics, to create even more depth and interest.

Add a "Zinger" Fabric:

Include a fabric that is a little unexpected or "off" in colour or pattern. This "zinger" fabric will make your quilt stand out and give it a unique twist.

Practice and Experiment:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different fabric combinations. Quilting is a creative process, and there is no single right answer. If you're unsure, start with a pre-curated fabric collection, or ask for help at your local quilt shop. Remember, you can always adjust and tweak your fabric choices as you go.

Cutting fabric to size

The first step in creating a wedding band quilt is to cut your fabric to size. This process will vary depending on the specific pattern and design you have chosen, but there are some general guidelines you can follow.

For a double wedding ring quilt, you will need to cut out several pieces in different shapes and sizes. The number of pieces will depend on the size and complexity of your quilt. You will typically need a combination of arc sections, ovals, and centres, as well as squares for the ends of the arcs. You can use templates to ensure that all your pieces are the correct size and shape.

When cutting your fabric, it is important to allow for a seam allowance. A typical seam allowance is 1/4 inch, but always follow the instructions provided by your chosen pattern. You will also need to consider the grain of the fabric and cut your pieces accordingly. Try to be as precise as possible when cutting, as this will make assembling your quilt much easier.

If you are using a strip-piecing technique, such as for the Modern Wedding Ring quilt pattern, you will need to cut strips of fabric to the required width. You can then sew these strips together to create the desired effect. For this method, it is helpful to use a rotary cutter and self-healing cutting mat to ensure straight and accurate cuts.

Remember to choose high-quality fabric that is suitable for quilting. Cotton is a popular choice, as it is breathable and easy to work with. You may also want to pre-wash your fabric to remove any excess dye and prevent shrinkage after your quilt is complete.

Sewing the quilt together

Firstly, you will need to cut your fabric into strips. The number of strips will depend on the size and design of your quilt. For a wedding band quilt, you will typically need several strips to create the interlocking ring pattern. Pair two strips of fabric with their right sides facing each other and raw edges aligned. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, stitch the strips together and press them flat to set the stitches. This will create one band.

Repeat this process to create multiple bands, and then join these bands together to form a longer strip. It is important to ensure that the seams between the strips are pressed open and that the band remains straight and undistorted.

Once you have created the desired number of bands and joined them together, you can move on to the next step.

Now, you will add a third strip to complete the band. Press this strip as you did with the previous ones. It is important to measure the height of the band at this point to ensure it matches the required measurements for your quilt.

Using a ruler, align the horizontal lines with the long edge and seam lines of the strip set. Trim the uneven end of the strip set to create a straight edge. Keep the horizontal lines on the ruler aligned with the band, and cut the required width segments.

If your quilt design requires more than three strips per band, join the strips in pairs first, and then sew the pairs together. This will make it easier to handle and ensure precise seams.

For more complex designs with multiple bands, such as a Nine-Patch block, press the seams in alternating directions to "nest" them together. This will create a beautiful, intricate pattern in your quilt.

By following these steps, you will be able to sew together a wedding band quilt top, creating a symbolic and thoughtful gift for newlyweds or a cherished family heirloom.

Binding the quilt

Binding a quilt involves sewing a strip of fabric around its edges to give it a finished look and ensure that it does not unravel. Binding a quilt can be done in several ways, but here is a simple method to achieve a neat finish:

Firstly, cut your binding fabric into strips of the desired width. The standard width for binding strips is 2 to 2.5 inches, but you can adjust this according to your preference. The length of the strips will depend on the size of your quilt, as you will need enough fabric to cover all four sides. It is recommended to have a few extra inches to account for any potential errors.

Once you have cut your strips, join them together at a 45-degree angle to create one long strip. To do this, place two strips right sides together, sew along the edge at a diagonal, and then trim the excess fabric, leaving about a ¼ inch seam allowance. Press the seams open to create a neat finish. Repeat this process until all strips are joined.

Next, press the entire strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. This will create a crisp edge that will be easier to sew onto your quilt.

Now, it's time to attach the binding to the quilt. Starting in the middle of one side of the quilt, pin the binding strip to the front, aligning the raw edges. Sew the binding to the quilt with a ¼ inch seam allowance, stopping about a ¼ inch before you reach the first corner.

To create a mitered corner, fold the binding strip up and away from the quilt at a 45-degree angle, then fold it back down, aligning the raw edges with the next side of the quilt. This will create a crisp corner. Secure the corner with a pin, and continue sewing the binding to the next side, repeating the process for all corners.

When you reach the point where you started, join the ends of the binding strip with a diagonal seam, ensuring a few inches of overlap. Trim the excess fabric and press the seam open. Fold the binding over the edge of the quilt, and hand stitch it in place along the back of the quilt for a neat finish.

Your wedding band quilt is now bound and ready to be gifted or displayed!

Frequently asked questions