Creating Double Wedding Ring Quilts: Template Guide

how to use a double wedding ring quilt templates

Double wedding ring quilts are beautiful but challenging to make. They are not impossible, however, and can be achieved with some patience and the right tools. One of the most important tools for this project is a template, which can be made from scratch or bought as part of a set. Templates can be made from acrylic or paper, with the former being easier to use than the latter. Once you have your template, you can start cutting your fabric and sewing the pieces together. This is a complex process that involves sewing arcs and curves, but there are many tutorials and videos online that can guide you through it step by step.

Characteristics Values
Templates Acrylic, paper, or cardboard
Sewing Sew squares with exact 1/4" seam, sew arcs to two sides, then sew remaining two sides
Fabric Hello Darling fabric fat eighths bundle by Bonnie and Camille
Techniques Die-cutting machine, dual feed foot, rotary cutter
Tips Use match points on Template A and pieced arc unit, mark match points in the centre of each piece, watch videos for guidance

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Sewing Template A to pieced arc units

Firstly, ensure that you have accurately trimmed the pieced arc units as per the pattern instructions. This step is crucial as it provides a foundation for the rest of the process. Next, identify the match points on both Template A and the pieced arc unit. These match points will serve as reference points for aligning the pieces. Using a see-through acrylic ruler, create crosshairs in each corner by drawing a short line that is 1/4" away from each raw edge. This measurement is essential to maintain consistency and accuracy.

Additionally, to mark the centre match point, fold both pieces lengthwise and widthwise, and then mark a point 1/4" from the edge in the middle of each side. By creating these match points, you will be able to align Template A and the pieced arc unit with precision. Once the match points are established, carefully line up Template A and the pieced arc unit, ensuring that they align perfectly at the centre and the ends.

It is important to note that the Double Wedding Ring Quilt pattern features curved piecing and interlocking shapes, which contribute to its unique and intricate design. Sewing Template A to the pieced arc units is a fundamental step in creating the beautiful and symbolic quilt pattern. Remember to take your time, double-check your measurements, and refer to the pattern instructions as needed.

If you encounter any difficulties or have specific questions during the process, there are many online resources, such as quilting blogs and forums, where experienced quilters share their tips and tricks for tackling challenging aspects of quilt-making, including the Double Wedding Ring Quilt pattern.

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Using an acrylic template

If you're new to curves, it's a good idea to start with a practice project to get comfortable with the technique. You can find acrylic templates in various sizes, such as the 15-inch circles created by Shar, which can be used to make a queen-size quilt. Alternatively, you can find a 21-inch ring template by Victoria Findlay Wolfe Quilts.

When using an acrylic template, accuracy is crucial, especially for large quilts, as any imprecision can quickly lead to a wonky final product. It's essential to carefully follow the instructions provided with your template. For example, you may need to trim the pieced arc units and mark match points to ensure accurate sewing.

Some template sets also come with comprehensive instructions and additional resources. For instance, Shar's template set includes 25 pages of easy-to-follow graphics and colour instructions, a complete materials list, fabric selection guidance, and a yardage chart. Similarly, Jordan Fabrics offers a tutorial video to accompany their acrylic template set.

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Piecing the melons to the centre

Firstly, decide on your preferred construction method. The traditional method involves attaching the melons to curved background diamonds, ensuring no seams cross the large diamonds for a smooth finish. Alternatively, the second method, similar to a Drunkard's Path block, involves sewing two background corners to each melon, creating more straight seams.

Now, let's begin piecing the melons. Sew the bottom arc of the first melon along the curve of the background oval, being careful not to extend the seam into the square ends of the arc. Next, sew the squares to each end of the top arc of the same melon. Attach this 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 additional melon sections as needed for your quilt design. Arrange four melon sections with one background diamond to form the desired ring pattern. Sew the first melon section to the background diamond along the curve, ensuring the seam only follows the curve and does not extend into the squares.

Continue piecing the rows together, and soon you will find a rhythm and the process will become more straightforward. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of creating your Double Wedding Ring quilt!

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Sewing arcs to sides

Sewing arcs to the sides of a double wedding ring quilt can be a challenging process, but with careful preparation and the right tools, it can be done successfully. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you sew arcs to the sides:

  • Prepare your templates: Using templates specifically designed for double wedding ring quilts will make the process easier. You can purchase templates or create your own using poster board, large paper, or cardboard from cereal boxes. Ensure your templates include the arc section, oval, and centre, with the centre being either a curved or quarter-curved diamond.
  • Cut your fabric: Cut out the fabric pieces for your arcs, following the templates. Most of the sewing in a double wedding ring quilt involves curves, so take your time and consider using a die-cutting machine for more precise cuts.
  • Sew the arcs: Sew the arcs to the sides of your quilt blocks. You may find it helpful to mark match points on both the template and the fabric pieces to ensure accurate sewing. Use a see-through acrylic ruler to make crosshairs in each corner, drawing a short line a 1/4" from each raw edge. Then, mark the match point in the centre by folding the fabric lengthwise and widthwise, marking a point 1/4" from the edge in the middle of each side.
  • Arrange the blocks: Once you have sewn arcs to two sides of each block, it's time to arrange them into rows. Place the blocks with light-coloured arcs on one side and blocks with dark-coloured arcs on the other, creating a pattern.
  • Sew the remaining arcs: Sew the remaining two arcs to one of the blocks, which will become the bottom right block of your quilt. This block will have all four arcs sewn to it before being attached to the other blocks.
  • Sew the blocks into columns: After arranging the blocks, sew them into vertical columns. The seam joining the columns will be a gently curving seam.
  • Complete the quilt top: Sew the columns together with one long seam from top to bottom, following the gentle curve of the arcs.

By following these steps, you will successfully sew arcs to the sides of your double wedding ring quilt, creating a beautiful and unique design. Remember to take your time, especially when working with curves, and always double-check your measurements and seam allowances.

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Using paper templates

Choosing the Right Templates

Firstly, select a paper template set specifically designed for double wedding ring quilts. These templates will help you understand the different pieces you need to cut and sew together. You can purchase template sets or download them online. Some quilters even create their own templates using poster board or large paper.

Cutting the Fabric

When using paper templates, accuracy is crucial. Carefully cut out each template, ensuring the pieces have more straight edges than curved ones, as they are easier to sew. If you're creating your own templates, draw the shapes onto the paper, adding a 1/4-inch seam allowance around each piece. This allowance is essential for sewing the pieces together.

Sewing the Pieces Together

Now, it's time to sew the pieces together. Follow the instructions provided with your chosen template set, or refer to online tutorials for guidance. The process typically involves sewing the curved pieces together to form arcs, and then joining these arcs to create the distinctive ring pattern. Take your time with this step, as sewing the curves can be tricky.

Completing the Quilt

Once all the pieces are sewn together, you'll have a beautiful quilt top ready for basting. This is the stage where you add the batting and backing fabric to your quilt sandwich. After basting, you can proceed with quilting, binding, and any other finishing touches to complete your double wedding ring quilt.

Frequently asked questions

Sew the blocks into vertical columns, then sew the columns together with one long seam from top to bottom.

You can use a pre-made acrylic template or create your own template using poster board or cardboard.

Mark the fabric through the holes in the template to mark the centre of the curved sides, then cut the curves with a 45 or 60mm rotary cutter.

Sew an exact 1/4" seam allowance.

Make sure you have trimmed the pieced arc units as described in the pattern. Mark match points on both Template A and the pieced arc unit, then line them up at the centre and the ends.

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