Patchwork
Blocks: What Is The Significance Of Patchwork
Quilting Blocks?
Author: Allan Wilson
Article:
There is a lot of controversy regarding the
significance of patchwork quilt block in
quilting. Recent views do show the importance
of the quilt block sizes in order to accurately
draft and finish a quilt. A few points will
make this issue clear.
Simplifying quilting:
Quilting can be very easy to
accomplish if you understand appropriately the
way a patchwork quilt block works. Quilt block
grids simplifies your work to a large extent by
enabling you to plan out the size, and your
design, specially if you are working with
different grids.
Many quilters also agree
that by understanding the definite technique of
quilt blocks, it is easier for them on the
whole to arrange the overall design. Quilt
block construction also helps you plot your
block sizes. Besides these obvious advantages,
patchwork quilt block helps with the
measurements regarding the fabrics
accurately.
It makes sense, to choose a
block size, which can be easily measured with
rotary rulers. Block dimensions can also be
accurately determined while planning your
quilt. These dimensions can be either in whole
number or otherwise. Usually, fractions, which
can be accurately measured with rotary rulers,
can be chosen as block dimensions in your
design.
Quilt block sizes:
Quilt block sizes or
patchwork quilt blocks come in variety of
blocks. You can have either the one patch quilt
block, or else you can have the multiple quilt
blocks. The four-patch quilt block and nine
patch quilt blocks are amongst the most popular
because of their simplicity.
However, the five-patch
quilt blocks and seven-patch quilt blocks can
be challenging to draft for novices. Thus, the
type of patchwork quilt block you want to draft
depends upon your level of expertise. Patchwork
quilt block helps one to determine the finished
size for the unit.
For instance, a five-patch
block can be planned in terms of the number of
up girds and down grids by dividing the blocks
in ten.
Patchwork quilt blocks therefore do matter when
you wish to organize your quilt better and add
your final finishing touches to perfection.
How to cut patchwork shapes
for quilting:
Cutting patchwork shapes can
be a huge challenge for beginners.
The intricacies involved are likely to stump
even the most creative of all quilters.
However, cutting patchwork shapes can be made
simple, if not enjoyable if you follow a few
basic guidelines.
Tips for cutting patchwork
shapes:
The way you need to cut your
patchwork shapes depends a lot on the shapes
involved. Figures like squares; triangles, and
bars are most commonly used in patchwork
quilts. Some important guidelines can be
followed while cutting each of these shapes or
patterns. Let us take the case of an
equilateral triangle. Here, You need to first
measure the distance of the finished size from
midpoint of its base to the tip of the top.
Then rotar ruler needs to be used for aligning
the fabric appropriately.
The first cut can be made
here by cutting along the right edge of the
ruler. The same procedure needs to be followed
after rotating the ruler along the bottom edge
of the strip. This will give you your triangle;
with equal measurements. With the same
technique, you can cut as many triangles as you
want, to finish your design. As it can be seen,
accurate measurements are required to cut the
shapes perfectly. Like the equilateral
triangles, you can cut many shapes like squares
and rectangles.
However, since such shapes have four sides, the
technique of cutting here, varies
significantly.
A few precautions:
While cutting shapes, you
need to follow a few precautions. You need to
place your fabrics on a good foundation. Avoid
placing your fabric on very smooth surfaces.
Mostly rotary cutters are used for cutting such
shapes. Ensure that their blades are sharp.
Sharp blades prevent the shapes from getting
ragged edges. You also need to avoid
generalizing your cutting script.
Add your own innovative ideas to create new and
improved shapes.
Thus, you can also be an
expert quilter by learning to cut patchwork
shapes accurately. All you need to get going is
a bit of skill and a whole lot of practice.
.
About the author:
Allan Wilson owns and operates http://www.fab-quilting.com
where you can find lots of quilting
information. http://www.fab-quilting.com">Quilting
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