What is patchwork and how to master it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Lifehacker has prepared tips for beginners, a selection of master classes and links to useful resources.

What is patchwork and why you should do it

Patchwork is a technique for sewing items from scraps of fabric. The pieces are first connected into small blocks in the form of different geometric shapes. Then they sew blankets, potholders, curtains, chair covers, needle cushions, rugs and much more. Our grandmothers used this kind of needlework out of economy: this way they gave a second life to old, worn clothes.

I started sewing from shreds at the age of 10. Then I still did not understand very well what it was and how it could be useful. But over time, I liked the needlework more and more.

I love patchwork for its variety: a huge number of patterns, styles, techniques and fabrics provide a wide scope for creativity. Even the same blocks always look different depending on the color combinations. You can sew anything from scraps: from a simple potholder to a wall picture. And patchwork also helps me to get rid of the routine and create a homey feel.

There are several reasons to start quilting:

• You save. Instead of buying decorative pillowcases, doormats, towels, or mug coasters, you can make your own from old items.
• You care about the environment. You turn spoiled clothes into decorative items, and do not throw them away.
• You create exclusive gizmos that no one else has.
• You rest, relax and recharge yourself with a good mood while sewing.

What tools and materials are needed for patchwork

You can buy them at craft and art stores, or online. You will need:

• multi-colored fabric;
• threads;
• sewing needle;
• cutting mat;
• roller knife for cutting;
• scissors;
• sewing pins;
• pencil or chalk;
• measuring tape;
• ruler;
• iron;
• cardboard;
• thimble.

If you want to speed up your work, you need a sewing machine. But you can do without it.

How to master patchwork sewing

1. Try to sew a thing from a ready-made set

Craft and craft stores sell sets of cut pieces of various shapes and sizes. For the first time, you can buy such blanks. You just have to sew the details. Nothing needs to be cut and cut. You will immediately see the result of your work, so interest in patchwork will not disappear after the first difficulties.

2. Start with squares

This is the easiest thing to do from a piece of fabric. And they are sewn together very easily. Leave complex geometric shapes for later: they need skill, because it is more difficult to connect them together. Their edges are often misaligned: one mistake - and you have to rip open the seam to fix it.

3. Sew patterns

If you are going to sew a large product, first make a block sample to check the accuracy of the cut, to see errors and inaccuracies. According to Anna Dieva, this will save you time and effort, because it is difficult to remove an oversight in a large product.

4. Use large flaps

The smaller the pieces of fabric, the more seams will have to be made, which will increase the number of errors. Plus, you will quickly get tired of sewing and will probably give up halfway through. And if you take large rags, then the first thing will not take long.

5. Repeat the work of others

Anna Dieva advises beginners not to pursue originality at first. It is much better to fill your hand first, creating things according to someone else's step-by-step lessons. And over time, each master will develop his own style. If you do not want to completely copy someone's product, change the simplest thing - the colors of the fabrics.

6. Learn to match colors

For this you will need services like ColorScheme.ru and DesignSeeds.com. On the sites, you can choose a palette of shades that will be well combined with each other.

A bad color combination can ruin the whole work.

Anna Dieva textile designer

How to make a simple patchwork block without a sewing machine

This step will help you master quilting. From ready-made blocks, you can easily make a pillowcase, potholder, hot stand or something else.

A block is a detail of a future thing. The simplest is a square piece of fabric, which is then sewn with the same pieces to form a canvas. More complex options can be triangular, semicircular, diamond-shaped, or rectangular.

What you need for one block

• A piece of fabric measuring 16 x 16 cm;
• roller knife;
• cutting mat;
• ruler;
• pencil or chalk;
• spool of thread;
• sewing needle;
• filler - synthetic winterizer, old blanket or blanket;
• sewing pins.

How to stitch a block

1. The flap for the block can be taken from a special patchwork kit, in which there will be ready-made squares, or you can make it yourself using a roller knife. Don't forget to put a cutting mat on the table before cutting, so you won't ruin the table and will be able to see how long the pieces are. Rugs usually have markings.

2. Arm yourself with a ruler and a simple pencil or chalk. On the wrong side of the square, mark a 1cm seam allowance on each side. Fold the square in half, right side inward.

3. Thread the needle and tie a tight knot at the end. From the inside, sew the two sides of the resulting rectangle with a stitch, as shown in the figure. Sew small stitches while pulling the thread tightly. Do not touch the last side yet. Get an envelope.

YouTube channel "Patchwork sewing"

4. Turn the envelope right side out. Pull the sides of the envelope with your thumbs as shown in the photo.

5. Press the top and bottom of the envelope with your hands to form a diamond.

6. Take a filler - synthetic winterizer or an old unnecessary blanket. Cut a square out of it with a roller knife to the size of the resulting envelope, that is, 14 x 14 cm - we left 1 centimeter for allowances. Insert the filler into the envelope. Use your hands to gently smooth out any irregularities.

7. Bend the open edges of the diamond inward so that they do not stick out. Pin them with sewing pins at the ends and in the middle, then they will not bloom.

8. Take a needle and thread it with the same or similar color as the flap. Stick the needle into the corner of the square and tie a knot. Begin sewing the folded edges with a stitch without touching the filler and removing the pins along the way so as not to get in the way. Try to keep the stitches small and neat. You can lay the fabric on the mat and hold it with your fingers for a smooth seam. At the end, tie a knot and thread it into the corner of the product with a needle so that the thread does not stick out.

9. The square is ready. Sew a few more exactly the same, but from a fabric of a different color. Then all you have to do is just join them together to create a simple rug or chair mat. Watch the video to see the process of creating a blank and a few more ideas for simple blocks.

A few more master classes

Watch this short video to see how to cut the fabric into flaps correctly.

Simple quilting lesson on a sewing machine.

Examples of simple patchwork blocks that will suit even beginners.

A patchwork tutorial to help you sew a simple pillowcase with a sewing machine.

See how to sew a needle bar without a sewing machine.

Useful patchwork resources

Websites:

• Natrukodel.ru. A site about needlework, in the "Patchwork" section you will find step-by-step instructions and ideas for crafts.
• Livemaster.ru. A paradise for needlewomen. A huge number of master classes, simple instructions, ideas and patchwork techniques from different craftsmen.
• Nacrestike.ru. Online magazine for needlework. In the "Patchwork" rubric there are step-by-step master classes on patchwork sewing in various techniques.
• Homeli.ru. Tutorials and helpful articles about patchwork.

YouTube channels:

• I love patchwork. Here you will find master classes, ideas and secrets of patchwork, interviews with patchwork masters.
• Patchwork melody. Easy video tutorials, detailed parsing of blocks.
• My flap. Channel with master classes and descriptions of sewing different patchwork schemes.
• Patchwork Academy. There are a lot of interesting author's lessons on patchwork sewing for beginners and advanced craftsmen.
• Mein Haus. Basics and tricks of patchwork for beginners, block ideas, master classes on sewing decor items.
• Aurora Sew. Channel with video tutorials on sewing on a sewing machine, reviews of patchwork tools, and helpful tips.

Communities:

• MyQuilt Patchwork, quilting, patchwork. Group "VKontakte", where they publish schemes of patchwork sewing, video tutorials, little tricks, reviews of tools and sewing machines.
• LoskutBox - patchwork, patchwork and quilting. Another VKontakte community. Here you can see the work of other participants, get new ideas, find interesting schemes and blocks for crafts.