Measure Once Mini Quilt pattern release

Little did I know that quite a number of years ago when I designed the "When Life gives your Scraps" mini Quilt that this would start the series of well loved Sewing quote Mini Quilts.  Today I am adding number 7 to the collection....

Introducing the Measure Once Mini Quilt.

This new fun to make, play on words Measure Once Mini Quilt is all about the pitfalls most of make at sometime in our sewing projects.  Now I know most people know the saying as "Measure Twice, Cut Once" but as I said this was a play on words and just as true!

This applique quilt features a pennant style shape that you can add to any sewing space, make for your friends or create for a Mini Quilt swap project.

There are options in this design as well to customise it to your preferences.  If you don't like the word - "cuss" you can use "cut", maybe you prefer scissors to make it for a garment making friend - well these are also included.  You can of course also place the wording in the more traditional order.  It's up to you.

I made this mini quilt using Tula Pink's Tiny Beasts collection.  It is a great scrap buster or for smaller pieces you have in your stash.  Applique it by hand or machine.

If you are new to Applique or would love some tips then you can head here to my blog post that has all my favourite and best Applique Tips and Tricks.

The second version I made with Tilda's latest collection - Hometown.  You can see in this version how I changed out the wording and the notions.  So fun to make this design your own.  

You can get the Measure Once Mini Quilt pattern here

For wholesale customers you can purchase the Mini Quilt through Creative Abundance here.

I hope you enjoy making this mini quilt and adding it to your collection.

Happy Quilting

Jemima x x

Applique Tips and Tricks

When it comes to Applique there are a few simple things you can do to really help ensure your project comes together very professionally and easily.  The process is very much step by step and preparation is one of they factors for success.

With the right tools and some simple tips you will be setting yourself up for not only an enjoyable time sewing but be so thrilled with your results.

Tools for Applique

Fusible Web – Heat and Bond Lite or Flexi Fuse are my preference

Mechanical Pencil – gives for a more accurate drawn line

Best Press (starch spray)

Threads in different varieties – I like Robison-Anton Rayon Embroidery Thread for its sheen.  Aurifil 28wt is also great.

Universal Needles – Size 80/12

Open Toe Sewing Machine Foot

Paper and fabric scissors

Stabilizing your Applique for Sewing

When it comes to sewing your Applique, there are many options to stabilize your fabrics to make it easier to sew onto the Applique.  There are different types of stabilizers you can use on the back of your fabric like “Stitch and Tear”, “Shape-Well” some of which you fuse to the back of the background fabric and some which come away after sewing.  It really can be a personal preference.

I like to stabilize my Applique by spraying “Best Press” onto the Applique shapes till damp, then iron dry.  

Tips

• Use a matching coloured cotton thread in your bobbin to your choice of Top-Stitching thread.  This saves any tension issues and while it may take longer to change these – it will result in a more professional finish.

• Sew all of the same colour pieces at the same time – sew all the red, then all the blue etc...  

• A fresh needle will make a big difference to your Applique.

• I like to use Heat and Bond or Flexi Fuse when only working with one layer of Applique as it is heavier and sturdier for sewing onto.  If you are using multiple layers of Fusible Web, then Vliesofix works well in this situation.

• Cut your block a little bigger than the size required – this means you can square it up later after you have finished your sewing incase of any fraying or distortion.

 

Which Stitch??

Don’t just think that when it comes to sewing Applique, you have to use Blanket stitch.  Whether sewing by machine or hand there are so many choices you can make for stitches.  

Some of my favourites are:

Blanket Stitch – this is great when you are making a quilt that will need lots of durability.  I tend to use this a lot of kids quilts as it withstands washing well.

Triple Stitch – this is a stitch on your sewing machine you may not have known you had.  Just as the name suggests each stitch goes – Forward, Back Forward creating a bolder stitch. I like to use this on more decorative pieces – so when I know it is not going to be washed or handled a lot – e.g., Mini Quilts, Wall Hanging’s.

Raw-Edge Applique – is when you stitch around the Applique shape, stitching just inside the raw edge, using a smaller stitch length to go around the shape.  Quite often you will go around the shape twice and is often done in a contrasting colour thread to the fabric. 

Looking for Inspiration

Check out these Tied with a Ribbon patterns if you are looking for some great, beginner friendly Applique Mini Quilts, Quilts and Pillows. You can see my entire range of Applique Patterns here.

Just Sew Happy Mini Quilt

Unicorn Dreams Pillow Set

Trinket Box Quilt

Happy Quilting

Jemima x 

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