Revisiting improv patchwork tutorials

A series of blocks and mini quilts made using improvisation techniques.

The techniques do not belong to any book. I just use my scissors and a vague idea in my mind of what I want to achieve which does not always correspond with what the final block looks like, but that’s where the fun is. I try to use 1/4 inch seams but sometimes the seams turn out slightly wider or narrower. I tend to press to the side the seam goes naturally though I also press open where there is a lot of bulk.

The process to create the blocks are demonstrated using lots of pictures.

1. Free form, free motion patchwork
2. Free form patchwork mini quilt – visual creative process
3. improv / free form quilt block number 1
4. Improv / free form quilt block number 2
5. Improv / free form quilt block number 3
6. Improv / free form quilt block number 4
7. Improv / free form quilt block number 5
8. Improv / free form quilt block number 6
9. Improv / free form patchwork headboard cover
10. Reversible tray cover

Foundation piecing teapot potholder pattern

Materials

• Scrap fabrics
• Batting
• Ric rac

Pattern

• Download teapot foundation piecing (pdf) pattern.

Using the pattern you will obtain this teapot block. Note: the handle made of appliquéd bias tape. The bias tape is 7/8 in wide before folding.

Make a quilt sandwich and quilt the pot holder any way you like.

Then trim the square.

Add rid rac

Place the ric rac to the edge of the quilted pot holder and stitch leaving a 1/8 seam allowance.

Add binding by machine

To stitch the binding by machine, stitch first the bias tape to the back of the quilt sandwich as per picture.

Iron the bias tape from the back.

Then make a fold on the bias tape and iron (see picture) to make it easier to pin.

Pin binding to front making sure the ric rac is visible.

Top stitch.

Done!

Wonky log cabin tutorial

Materials

Front

• Scrap fabrics
• Cream fabric for sashing

Back

• Scrap fabrics
• Cream fabric for sashing
• 1 yard of matching fabric

Wonky log cabin block construction

The final block size is 9 inches.

Cut a wonky piece of fabric for the centre piece.

Cut two more wonky pieces to attach to the side of the centre.

Cut both pieces slightly larger than the sides of the centre square.

Sew and square sides.

Repeat with the other two sides.

Square sides again.

Calculate how much fabric is needed in the last border to complete a 9 inch block.

Repeat as for previous steps cutting and attaching the pieces around the centre.

Cut strips long enough so that some fabric is left over around, particularly for very wonky blocks.

Square finished and ironed block to 9 inches and cut.

Sashing

Cut 24 2 1/2 x 9 inch strips
Cut 12 x 2 1/2 squares scrap fabric photos
Construct quilt as per photo

Back of quilt

Materials

• 30 4 inch squares
• 4 x 1 1/2 inch strips cut along the whole width of the fabric in cream for the sashing
• 2 x 2 1/2 inch strips cut along the whole width of the fabric in cream for the sashing and a bit more for the short sides of the grid

Assemble as per photo.

Quilt as per your choice.