Our Hand Printed Quilt: Part 2

Making this quilt was so much fun! As I mentioned before, we handprinted most of the squares (read more here). Mallory stitched the triangles into a quilt. Here are her instructions... 

Elsie and I bought 1-2 yards of quilting cotton in 3 colors we loved as well as white.  For the back we chose a cozy flannel, and the batting is cotton in the crib size (45”x60”) which also works great for a lap size quilt (nobody's pregnant around here—we just like small quilts). We also bought three packs of quilt binding in bright pink to add a pop color.

 

1. If you plan to use your quilt every day, pre-wash the cotton before cutting it out. Otherwise handwash if the blanket gets dirty. I cut the solid fabrics into 8”x8” squares and we hand printed them. We also used some 8”x8” squares of the fabric Elsie designed and printed through Spoonflower. In addition, we supplemented with some basic, commercial black and white stripes and polka dots. There were around 60 squares total. 2. After all the squares were printed and cut, I spray starched the backs and gave them a good press. Some needed trimming. Then, I cut them on the diagonal to have about 120 triangles. 3. I laid them all down on the floor to find the best composition, to balance the colors and prints.  I laid my measuring tape down on the floor to make sure the end measurements would be close to the batting. Of course I also took out the quarter inch per each edge that would end up being seam allowance. Once I finally decided on the layout (after an hour of staring) I cut the triangles that stuck out on one edge in half to make the side straight. I used the discarded halves to fill in the gaps on the opposite side, straightening it out too. 4. I left the triangles lying on the floor and stacked up one row at a time to take it and sew it. Be very organized, so your row doesn’t get out of order or end up backwards. 5. After all of my rows were complete, I ironed the seam allowance (if possible iron it toward the darker triangles so it won’t show through). Once pressed I sewed all of the rows together to finish the front.  Then I ironed all of the new row seam allowance down in the same direction. 6. I laid my backing down, good side facing the floor or table. I then laid my batting on top.  The last layer was the quilt top facing up. I trimmed the layers to be the same size, and pinned it all over. 7. To quilt I stitched down each row then finished the quilt off using the pre-packaged binding! Note: If you prefer a tutorial with photos of each step check out Rachel's or Elise's. 

The back of the quilt is flannel, so it's really warm. It's the perfect cozy blanket for movies and popcorn on the couch. :) 

I am so pleased with the finished quilt. I love the bold mix of patterns and the pop of pink that the binding adds! This was my first quilting experience. Thank you, Mallory, for lending us your amazing sewing skills. 

Have you ever made a quilt? If you are considering trying one, we highly recommend this mini lap quilt size for your first time. It's small enough to complete in a weekend. xoxo. Elsie 

Comments

[Raquel]

So cool!! I really like the idea! You girls are so original :)

http://doitnaturalnow.blogspot.com.es/

[Ashleigh]

wow! this is turning out so great! i am hoping to make one next year...which isnt too far away :)

xx Ashleigh
www.ashflynn.blogspot

[Elisa]

This is really, really pretty! Love the clashing of prints and the hot pink border.

Elisa - Wandering Minds fashion
ourwanderingminds.com

[abby]

This is great! I've wanted to make my own quilt for a long time now, I really like the idea of using your own printed fabric shapes. It just makes it even more special! The flannel back is perfect - and the pink just sets it all off! Beautiful project, ladies :)

www.little-beast.blogspot.com

[Sarah]

LOVE!! Not bad for your first try!! Quilting has taken off in last couple of years, glad to see your on board!

[Courtney Howard]

I love it! Really think the hand printed fabrics add a sweet more personal touch! Great idea!

http://run2thewild.blogspot.com/

[The Domestic Fringe]

Love this. It really looks fabulous!

~FringeGirl
thedomesticfringe.com

[BeHappy]

Wow! This looks really really cool! I think I'm going to run to the market and buy some cotton. :)

Also it's really really pretty for Christmas.

[Samantha]

I love making quilts! Growing up, my mom/grandma/aunts always tied our quilts, which takes a loo-o-o-oong time, but was a good time just sitting around with all the women of the family and chatting. I remember lying down under the quilting frames and watching the needles poking through the fabric over and over again. Ah! Nostalgia.

[Lea]

This is so pretty, I'd definitely give this a go :)

Lea x

It's Such A Wonderful Life -
http://shebeginstosee.blogspot.com

Why not check out my Christmas Yankee Candle giveaway?

[katie]

LOVE the pink binding!

[Maria]

So beautiful. You girls really are too clever! I love your blog so much. Next time I am in the US I will be sure to stop by Red Velvet and say hi!
Please check out our blog-we are just starting out in the blogging game!

ohidoliketobe.blogspot.com

[Cathy]

I would love to make a quilt, was only looking at Rachel of Smile and Wave's one the other day!

Good job by the way, it looks amazing :)

Cathy
Turquoise Flamingo
http://www.turquoiseflamingo.com/

[Bri]

beautiful! looks like so much fun, you are so talented!

[Denisa]

Look really great but for me it is so hard. You are great. Have a nice day.

http://www.fashiondenis.com/

[sian]

i love this tutorial and have shared it with my quilting group on facebook. we have previously hand printed on fabric too. i love to quilt tho am pretty new at it...x

[Margherita]

Black and white plaid pattern: my fav!

[Jes]

My boyfriend has never had a quilt, so I'm hoping to make him one for Christmas (fingers crossed). I was wanting to add some more personal touches, so I might use your fabric painting idea. Thanks for the inspiration!

[rachael]

i love these prints! ma sister is making one right now out of her own old band t-shirts :)

[Eva]

Absolutely love this idea, great job!! xx

www.creativityandchocolate.blogspot.com