Patchwork, quilting, patchwork ... Once the do not call this kind of needlework. By the way, why is quilting generally called patchwork as such, but in fact this is just a special technique to work with cloth. "Quilt" in translation from English means "quilting" (the product). And the word "quilting" is the process of production of quilted products. The needlework patchwork quilting acts independent and self-sufficient appliances. This craft is popular in many countries, but Americans claim to authorship.
From the history of quilting
For patchwork and quilting fits the definition of "patchwork". But these words are not synonyms, as many believe. Patchwork (as a technique) is officially recognized by the British invention, although patchwork existed in almost all nations. Founder quilting believe America. However, critics argue that the first three-layer quilted stitching clothes started in China and Japan. In Europe, it came during the Crusades, when the knights wore heavy armor under the quilted jacket. In the fifteenth century Italy emerged like a quilting technique called "trapunkto." But in the sixteenth century in England first appeared colorful Indian fabrics, that was the beginning of the birth of patchwork.
After selling imported fabrics it was banned in England, they have become incredibly expensive, and treats them started very carefully, using a sewing even cutting expensive material. At the same time it begins colonization of the Americas by Europeans, and together with the first settlers to the New World moves and patchwork. This is the time considered to be the time of occurrence of quilting. The Americans called quilting their folk art, because it is they themselves credited with inventing ways to connect patchwork and stitching.
Sewing quilts in America was a traditional occupation and mass, a kind of picnic, where you can combine business with pleasure. The upper part of the patchwork quilt sewn winter and spring were going for stitches. Also useful in everyday things and clothes sewn quilts and special landmark. For example, at its twenty-fifth man she received as a gift "Freedom Quilt" (blanket for travel), which for a sister or mother sewed from patches on their dresses. Quilting improved, supplemented applique, and from the middle of the nineteenth century, patchwork quilts were virtually forced out monochrome, which became the main decoration of the stitch.
Quilting Equipment
Traditional quilt combines patchwork and quilting, but made in this technique the product can also be single-colored or decorated with applique. It is also possible the combination of patchwork and applique. One of the main distinguishing features of the quilt (along with the stitches) - layering. The product is made from two tissue webs (person and wrong side) and gaskets or batting padding polyester, which makes quilt volume. Stitch is on polyether fiber (batting) makes such a product from a volume in relief.
The front side of the quilt sew like a patchwork (patchwork), and monochromatic, made from a single piece of fabric. Wrong side of the quilt often make one-color, but it can also sew from various scraps. Usually bilateral quilt obtained as quilted fabric from the inside also looks quite aesthetically pleasing due to the bizarre convex pattern. Administration is also sure to quilt stitching, making a relief image.
Stitch quilting is done by hand, and on the sewing machine. The main condition for a beautiful quilt - the same amount of stitches. Figure to be quilted on the product, usually applied to the canvas, and then he makes the contour stitches. However, quilted patchwork paintings often enough already established patchwork pattern boundary that make stitches. Sometimes lash patchwork quilt seam to seam, imposing new lines at the seams connecting the flaps.
Making quilt
The process of making the quilt is much like a traditional patchwork, but also supplemented by stitches. To begin with choosing a drawing for a one-color fabric and sew patchwork top. We also need fabric for the wrong side, which, however, can also be made patchwork. And please be synthetic padding or quilt batting for installation.
Now you need to select a picture and put the marks on the front of the quilt. The markup is applied to a pencil or markers (markers), water-based. Just before drawing on the canvas pencil check on unnecessary patches. Figure apply for a pre-made template, encircling his thin and light line. And another important point: the ironed fabric before applying the markings on it. Otherwise, under the hot iron on the trail of a pencil can vestsya firmly into the fabric.
For contour (simple) stitches for drawing straight linyami markings do not need. For a quilted pattern layout can be done in several ways: by moving pattern on the fabric and the pattern or directly, by attaching it to the fabric pins, or baste with a pencil. Stitch finishing, gently pull the paper.
Stitch on a typewriter
General rules for working with a sewing machine in the process of applying stitches.
The layers of the quilt better shear pins, as a thread of pre gumption can get stuck in the machine seam.
That part of the quilt that you want to stick under the foot of the sewing machine, the roll up and fasten it with sewing pins or clips.
Convenient folding fabric hangs down on his knees, and for coming out of the machine under the presser foot fabric is better to substitute a large table (to the left of the machine).
Stitch start from the center of the web in the first place prostegivaya the longest lines of the drawing, and then continue the stitches from the center to the edges.
Places with a lot of stitches stitching last.
During the stitches need to ensure that the fabric is not hung and did not fall, or may move the quilt layers.
Each line of stitches to be fixed by making a short seam ago.
After each line quilting thread tail tucked into the seam, stretch to the center and cut.
In addition to the basic rules of the beginner quilter stitches should be familiar with its views. The main types of stitches, using kvilltinge it straight stitch stack on a contour, the curved stitch, stitch seam, stitch the broken, loose stitch quilted grill.
Straight Stitch
Running machine darning foot to avoid creases and wrinkles on the strip. First, make a few stitches in the same place, securing the start line, and then continue to stitch along the marked lines of the drawing.
Stitch loop
It is at a distance of seven and a half millimeters from the seam. This clearly highlights the stitch pattern in the border patchwork canvas, and the elements are less prominent. Contour stitches marking tape is convenient to lay the necessary width, along which line do.
Stitch "seam in seam"
Is laid along the existing lines of stitches on one side of the cloth with no allowances. It is the most convenient form for inexperienced quilter stitches, because it allows to hide the seams. This may be performed as a stitch on the sewing machine, or manually.
Quilted grill
Stitch to fill large parts of patchwork fabric. In this method vystrachivaetsya rectilinear geometric pattern - grating consisting of squares or lozenges.
Curved Stitch
Running for repetitive lines or fill the background. It looks very impressive and allows you to create drawings in the form of twisted patterns or feathers.
Stitch Free
Convenient for quilting curved lines and is suitable for the most complex designs.
Dashed Stitch
Used for stitches abstract patterns or elements of arbitrary shape. In this method, a line is in all directions smaller stitches. Stitches are placed very close to each other, which makes the figure more relief.
Rather simple at first glance, quilting technique actually is complex. From the masters sometimes it requires pinpoint accuracy and absolute perfection. But always start with something you need, even if the development of such a complex craft. Experience comes with time, and only in the course of work. So start still need (if you want), but you need to take for the simplest elementary quilt patterns.
After a successful start, you can try your hand at more complex products. In this technique of patchwork made not only the traditional blankets and bedspreads, but also paintings, rugs and even clothing. Skill comes with experience. Be creative in your pleasure, gain experience, and all of you must come out!
We strongly recommend to read: How to sew a patchwork quilt
