Helen Philipps - Pretty Patchwork Gifts: Over 25 Simple Sewing Projects Combining Patchwork, Applique and Embroidery

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Patchwork can be modern, fresh, contemporary, vintage, whimsical, subtle, bright, colourful, floral, or whatever you wish it to be. In this book I present my own take on making pretty patchwork projects, both for the home and as gifts, and each chapter features full instructions and illustrations in addition to templates and tips. I would like these ideas to be used as a starting point for your own interpretation and to inspire your own creativity.

For me, patchwork is about fabric, colour and pattern. It isnt just about making quilts; its about creating smaller projects too and playing with leftover scraps of fabric to make something pretty to treasure. Patchwork can be used for making or decorating all kinds of items and this book has a tempting range of projects; from appliqu and log cabin cushions, hand-pieced dolls quilts, pretty birdhouses, brooches, boxes and bags to fabric sweets, flower garlands, dolls and even soft toy rabbits in pretty patched frocks.

I have always loved patchwork, ever since I discovered it in my school days from a friends older sister. We made paper hexagons, covered them with fabric and pieced them together and from that moment I was hooked. Whatever other art and crafts I might be working on, I would always have a patchwork project going on as well. My interest in the craft has continued to grow year by year, especially as there are now so many wonderful quilting fabric ranges produced each season.

I hope you enjoy using this book, buying some gorgeous new fabrics and dipping into your stash to make something new and exciting and that you have a happy, crafty time whilst doing so.

This bright and fresh patchwork cushion is made using scraps of my favourite floral prints, which look so colourful and vibrant against the contrasting white patches. The appliqu hearts are so easy to create using simple templates and Bondaweb (iron-on interfacing). The cushion cover is an envelope type, where two pieces of fabric overlap at the centre of the cover along the length of the cushion back. You can have fun adding bold and unusual buttons to the back of the cushion as a little surprise for when it is turned over.

18 pieces of assorted floral fabrics, 7.5cm (3in) square plus seam allowance

18 pieces of white fabric, 7.5cm (3in) square plus seam allowance

18 small pieces of floral fabric for the hearts, at least 4cm (112in) square

Bondaweb (iron-on interfacing)

Red embroidery cotton

Coloured embroidery cotton to match the heart fabrics

Two pieces of floral fabric, one 47 21cm (1812 814in) plus seam allowance and one 47 31cm (1812 1214in) plus seam allowance

Cushion pad, 46cm (18in) square

Three decorative buttons (optional)

1 Take the 18 pieces of assorted floral fabrics and 18 pieces of white fabric, each measuring 7.5cm (3in) square. Lay out the patchwork squares, alternating between the floral and white fabrics until you are happy with your arrangement.

2 Join up the squares in rows beginning with the first pair, taking care to line the edges up carefully (a). Stitch with a 6mm (14in) seam allowance using matching embroidery cotton.

a

3 Join the rows together, placing a pin between the corners of each square and the next to align the squares correctly (b). Press the patchwork carefully.

b

1 Copy a variety of heart shapes (see Templates) onto card. You will need 18 hearts of varying shapes and sizes.

2 Take the small pieces of floral fabric that you wish to use for the hearts and apply Bondaweb (iron-on interfacing) onto the back of each scrap. Place the heart templates on the back of each fabric scrap and draw around with a pencil.

3 Cut out a heart shape and place on one of the white fabric squares. Iron in place and sew around with blanket stitch using matching embroidery cotton. Repeat for each appliqu heart.

4 Finish off the decoration by stitching a row of running stitch around each heart using two strands of red embroidery cotton. Press the patchwork carefully.

1 Take the piece of backing fabric measuring 47 31cm (1812 1212in) plus seam allowance, fold one long side in by 6mm (14in) and hem. Press and place over the smaller piece of backing fabric, aligning the edges carefully. Pin in place (c).

c

2 Place the backing fabric pieces and the patchwork front piece right sides together and pin in place (d). Sew around all four sides of the cushion.

3 Trim the seams and clip the corners to reduce thickness. Remove the pins holding the two back pieces in place along the centre back.

4 Turn the cushion right way out and press the seams. Fold the centre back pieces neatly and add three buttons for decoration along the fold line. Insert a 46cm (18in) square cushion pad into the opening on the back of the cushion.

d

This homely design featuring a pretty polka dot house surrounded by flowers is created using log cabin effect patchwork and appliqu techniques. The patchwork method is surprisingly simple to achieve and by using different coloured strips of floral fabric, the pillow is given a contemporary twist that suitably frames the charming house design within it. This delightful pillow would make the perfect housewarming gift for a friend, or why not keep it for yourself and use it to brighten up a corner of your own home?