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

[Tatiana]

This looks fantastic! Great job, ladies! :)

[Megan {a ray of sun}]

I love this idea. It looks like it took a lot of work to hand stamp the fabric but in the end it was totally worth it! The finished product is so cute and functional!
xoxo
Megan
www.arayofsunblog.com

[Cassie M]

this is such a great idea!i would love to make this my new years project ;D
Thank you for sharing this :)

[Vicki]

I love it!

My aunt just finished her quilt and she was so proud :) She would really like this too.

[Jeanine]

Gorgeous! Happy belated Birthday Elsie from Jamaica!!

[Louisa]

It looks so pretty and cosy! I definitely want to try this my next weekend off.

[Jess]

This is adorable! Your blog never ever disappoints!

mintclothingcompany.blogspot.com

Xx,
Jess

[Sara Al Kiyumi]

A beautiful mess! :) so beautiful and thoughtful. always looking forward for your projects!

[Femke]

Wow, it's beautiful! Well done!

xoxo, Femke
http://buttonsbybutton.blogspot.com

[kendra genevieve rose.]

So cute!!

X

http://kendra-genevieve-rose.blogspot.ca

[Sydney]

Beautiful quilt! Well done.

[Laura Knight]

I LOVEEEEEEE this quilt so much!!! ive been planning one for ages and between u and rachel denbow, ive got some pretty amazing ideas!!!

can I JUST ASK WHAT SEWING MACHINE YOU USED TO MAKE THIS QUILT as im looking for a new one xxxx

[Margot]

Thank you for this! I am going to make this a mother- daughter project in the New Year! I have never really quilted before, except a pot holder in junior high school, and then we used squares not triangles. Can you clarify the part where you said you sewed up the rows? Did you hand stitch any of these first? Did you sew one side of the triangle to the next and so on, and then add them to the next row? Thanks for the clarification!
We have made many of your DIY, and have great success!

[Flor D.]

The color scheme is fantastic. I wish I had the patience and dedication for such a big project!

[Alice Barton]

such an amazing proyect! xx
Alice Barton ♥ The Mow Way

[Julia]

It looks amazing! I'm in awe and I'm really inspired to make one right now.

[Tiffany Harris]

What a beautiful quilt! Great job!

[s t e f a n i a]

Very beautiful, both for the dessins and the triangular shapes. Good also the finishing touch in strong pink. One of the best quilts I have seen ! Well done girls.

[Abi]

love it!

[Debie Grace]

Pretty!! I'm going to try this, too :D