Have you seen my latest patterns? This is one of them – a simple folding technique that textures fabric beautifully.
But how to quilt these textured blocks?
First thing first: always think about the size of the block, how the piece will be used, who will use it, how often, in what way, and how often it will be washed.
If you want to preserve the look above, then you should do a minimal quilting and the piece could be finished as a wall hanging. You don’t touch it often, you don’t wash it, so the blocks will stay in good shape for a long time.
I finished my blocks into a pillow that will be used and washed a lot; so I stitched this quilting. Someone on Facebook commented that the excessive quilting kills the 3D effect of the block.
In this case, it kills SOME of the 3D effect, but there are other advantages that I consider more important: the blocks stay safely in place, you can easily wash and press the piece and the blocks will not end up distorted. Plus- the quilting is beautiful.
How about these pretty little bags? I made them for my nieces – 4 and 7 years old.
Look at the unquilted and quilted piece. A busy mother of two probably prefers the second panel.
One of my testers, a friend of mine, made this pouch. I loved it and I thought that will make one, but…
… using faux leather instead of quilt weight cotton- more durable and easier to take care of.
Here is my (short) experience with textured faux leather.
I stitched those seams to keep the folds in place but I forgot that when working with faux leather you can’t press the seams open.
So when I joined the blocks, I had to stitch the seam allowances down and I ended up with doubled seams …
Otherwise, texturing faux leather is absolutely fabulous!
You have to use a faux leather that is easily pliable, is flexible, and not too thick.
This technique has so much potential, I will work more on it!
But first I have to finish this – made with the second Textured Bliss pattern.
Do you have any experience with textured blocks? How would you quilt your blocks?
Happy sewing!
At first, upon seeing the fabric I was unsure. But as soon as the project unfolded, it changed the look dramatically. I love this technique and especially seeing the projects. I love the purses.
If you are sending your quilt with the 3D blocks or if you are worried about flipping the fold, I have a suggestion. Use water soluble Thread in the bobbin ( regular thread on top) & a zig zag stitch wide enough to secure the fold down. Stitch the fold. Do this before you layer the quilt. After it is quilted spray the folds with water. The bobbin thread will dissolve. Then all you have to do is pull the top thread away.
What a fabulous idea- so useful, thank you for sharing!
Hi is there a tutorial on how to fold the blocks please
Yes! Exactly! Where is the tutorial to fold the blocks?
Pattern for these blocks here:
https://www.getasquiltingstudio.com/fabric-folding-fun-new-quilt-patterns
I don’t understand the person who said “the excessive quilting kills the 3D effect.” Sure, if you’d quilted on top of the squares, but you quilted around the squares, which made the 3D boxes appear even more. Second point: I know you can’t press open seams in leather, but did you think of using a bit of glue to hold the seams open? I’ve seen this done with garments sewn with leather and I’ve used it successfully also. I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU DO! So thorough and loads of pictures! THANKS!
That’s a great idea – using glue to keep the seam allowances in place. I must be a strong glue – will have to buy.