Hand Piecing: A Must-Try Trend
This month, we’re going to try hand piecing, which was how quilters made quilts before the invention of the sewing machine and is still one of the most versatile, portable, and relaxing ways to piece a quilt today.
Essentials:
Sharp needles are medium in length, slim, and, as the name implies, sharp. Add-A-Quarter or a Quilter’s Select 2u2033 x 8u2033 Non-Slip Ruler are both excellent choices.
Luxuries:
Thimbles aren’t for everyone, so experiment with different types until you find one that fits your hand.
Let’s Piece a Block
In this tutorial, we’ll piece the Connecticut state block from Quilt Across the US using Foundation Paper Piecing templates. The templates are designed for piecing, but you can easily convert them to hand piecing templates by cutting the pattern apart on the solid lines.
Template Cutting
Using a ruler and soft-leaded pencil, trace 1/4u2033 around the template and cut out on the outer marked line. Repeat to cut all the pieces you need, using double-sided tape to keep the template from shifting between sides of fabric.
Quilter’s Knot
Cutting a length of thread about 18u2033 and threading a Sharp needle, wrap the thread around the needle 3-5 times, then pinch the wraps with your thumb and index finger, is a great option for securing the beginning of a seam.
Start Stitching
Place two pieces of fabric right sides together, aligning the seam lines and pinning them in place. Thread a needle through both layers of the fabric at the seam’s beginning intersection and pull it through.
Tying Off Hand Piecing
Do not use an iron at this step; instead, open the fabric layers and press the fabric flat at the seam line with your fingers or a seam presser. Cut the thread, leaving a 1/4u2033 tail, and secure it with a securing knot.
Sewing Through Seam Intersections
Sew a half-square triangle to two quarter-square triangles right sides together, align and pin as before, and sew until you reach the previously sewn seam, then push your needle through the seam where the beginning stitch of that seam was taken.
Hand Piecing Benefits
It’s as simple as lining up the seams and stitching the Connecticut block together; there’s no stitching in the seam allowances, so you can experiment with which direction you’d like the seams to press after the whole block is pieced before heat setting it with an iron.
Pack Piecing To Go
The best part about hand sewing is that it can go wherever you need it to. Pack your cutting tools and fabric in a project bag, then resealable bags to keep it clean.
Members Get Even More
Check out our AQS Member Area Hand Piecing Pattern of the Month for July, as well as the Borealis and In The Sun patterns.
Can you make a quilt without a sewing machine?
Fact: hand-sewing your quilt (or a smaller project like pillow tops and table runners) results in a soft finish that machines simply can’t match, and there’s nothing quite like the zen of sewing with needle and thread.
Can you make a patchwork quilt by hand?
Sew patchwork pieces together with a quarter-inch seam allowance by hand or machine, then press the seams open. Sew with the two pieces of fabric right sides together, with the edges traveling just under the edge of the right-hand side of the presser foot.
How big should hand quilting stitches be?
Thimble: This finger cover relieves the pressure required to push a needle through several layers of fabric and batting; size 8 is best for beginners. Thread: Quilting thread, including the preferred 100% cotton variety, is stronger than sewing thread.
Is quilting an expensive hobby?
It’s no secret that quilting can be costly; however, there are several budget-friendly options available. I have a saying that goes, “I used to sew to save money; now, I have to sew to save money.”
What is the easiest quilt pattern for a beginner?
A square patchwork quilt, made from fabric squares sewn together in a simple grid pattern, is one of the easiest quilts for a beginner to make. You can cut squares from your own fabrics or start with a precut fabric bundle called a “charm pack” or “layer cake.”
Can you machine quilt without a walking foot?
Can I machine quilt without a walking foot? You should be able to machine quilt without a walking foot if you have a darning foot. Some quilters prefer to safety-pin baste the layers together when machine quilting.
Is it hard to make a quilt?
If it seems overwhelming, remember that you’re just sewing small pieces of fabric together… it’s not that difficult! Accurate cutting requires the use of a quilt ruler, a rotary cutter, and a self-healing mat. Sewing the block pieces together is simple, even if you’ve never used a sewing machine before.
Is sewing by hand better than machine?
Faster: Sewing by machine takes far less time than sewing by hand, and you can complete machine sewn seams in seconds. While hand sewing is better for small precise projects like buttons, machine sewing will give you the most exact straight line possible.
Do fat quarters need to be prewashed?
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When hand quilting Where do you start?
If you don’t want your fabric to bubble, start by piercing it from the center with your needle, popping some stitches along the way and aiming for six stitches per inch.
Should I hand quilt or machine quilt?
Machine quilting is the better option for quilts that will be used and laundered frequently; while hand stitching allows you to express your creativity and give it a more authentic look, machine quilting is actually stronger and is frequently the choice for functional quilts.
What type of thread is best for hand quilting?
We recommend 100% cotton thread for hand quilting, mercerized and made from long staple cotton fibres, as it is difficult to stitch with an inferior quality thread that runs thick and thin down its length.