Читать книгу Cathedral Window Quilts - Lynne Edwards - Страница 36

5 Take the squares to be used in the top row of the design. Arrange them in a line as in Fig 20. If you need to check how they will look finally, pin the corners of each block into its centre as described in the tip above.

Fig 20

6 Take the first two blocks in the row to be joined together. They will be stitched together along the marked lines indicated in Fig 21. Place the two squares together with the unmarked sides facing and the two marked stitching lines positioned on top of each other. Match the marked mid-line points at either end of the stitching lines exactly and pin together (Fig 22). The corners of the blocks should also match each other, but this is less important – don’t worry too much if they don’t. Pin through all layers in two more places, checking that the marked lines are exactly matched.

Fig 21

Fig 22

7 Use a thread on the machine that matches as closely as possible the fabric of the folded squares. If the two squares to be joined are different colours, use a matching thread for the top square of the layer and a different colour thread in the bobbin to match the bottom square of fabric. Fiddly, I know, but necessary if the stitching is to remain unseen in the final design.

8 It is the stitching at either end of the marked lines that is the most visible in the finished design, so it is best not to start and finish stitching at these places. I begin about ¹⁄₄in (6mm) from the end of the marked line and stitch towards the outer edge (Fig 23). At the end of the marked line, absolutely on the edge of the fold, I sink the needle into the fabric, lift the pressure foot of the machine and turn the fabric round through 180°. Then I stitch along the marked line until I get to the other end. Again, I stop right on the folded edge, lift the foot, turn the work through 180° and stitch back along the line for about ¹⁄₄in (6mm) before finishing and cutting the threads.

Fig 23

9 Repeat this to join the next fabric square to the joined pair. Continue to pin and stitch the whole row of squares together to make the top row of the design.

10 Pin and stitch the design in horizontal rows. Press the corners of the stitched seams to the centre of each block and pin in place (Fig 24).

Fig 24

‘I thought the stage of joining the rows by machine was going to be really tricky, but it proved to be surprisingly easy.’