Other than my sewing machine, these are the tools that I use. A self-healing cutting mat, a rotary cutter, a quilters ruler, a permanent black marker and a glue stick. And of course, an iron and ironing board.
The first thing I do, is to mark off my fabric. The center lines are where the fabrics will be sewn. It's also the sewing line. This tells me how far I can go with the beading. I piece my fabrics to the outside border. This is because the block will shift a bit when adding stitching and beading. It allows for that shifting and helps to give a little extra room for squaring off the block later.
Once you have your block marked, you can choose your fabrics:
These are the fabrics I used on my Marie Antoinette quilt. If you're like me, you have way more fabric than you'll ever use! I always seem to be like a chipmunk stocking up for Winter. Like I'll never find another piece of fabric, bead, button, piece of lace and so on, ever again! LOL!!
Anyway, choose your fabrics and cut 2 pieces to start with. I use what's called the "Sew & Flip" method.
Now, just sew your seam.
Flip the top piece open and press with your iron.
I will explain how I do curves in my next article. For now, turn your block to the backside. You'll be able to see the marker lines. Sew on the outside line all the way around the block. This holds the fabrics down along the outside edge.
Before stitching (and working on the back side of the block) run a basting stitch (by hand) on the inside line. That's how far you can take the beads! Don't put beads beyond the inside line.
I will write an article on preparing a block for finishing down the road. In the meantime, I thought anyone new to crazy quilting might find my process helpful. If you have any questions, please leave me a comment and I will gladly reply.
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10 comments:
Thanks so much for this article. I am a fairly new follower and am enjoying reading your previous posts and articles. Your work is beautiful and your other articles are very informative as well. Have a great day!
Hugs,
Robin
Great pictures and a great tutorial. Somehow this technique just needs photos to go along with it. It gets very confusing otherwise. As much Crazy Quilting as you do, you must buy medium weight muslin by the bolt!
Debbie
Another excellent tutorial, Pam - thank you! It's been a while since I've done any CQ, as I've done more on the applique side of patchwork this year, but I'm looking forward to playing with CQ again when I've finished some of those dratted UFOs ;-)
Your post has whetted my appetite for a new CQ project!
Wow, very helpful. Thanks for this. What is the glue stick for? :)
This is super helpful. I read that you start with a 5 sided piece of fabric and then thats where it keep getting confusing for. Also, with that long piece of pink fabric in the beginning of tutorial, how do you attach there...is it two triangles? or do you cut it down? Also, I have not tried using a muslin back or beadline that is news to me. SUPER helpful. Thank you.
This is very helpful. I often wondered how you even began something like that! One day, when I work less hours, I want to make a few throw pillows for my lounge and bedroom, using this technique, so thank you so much for the tips!
Thank you so much for sharing!! As a newer CQ'er that helps a bunch... love the trick with the marker and lines! Great idea that :)
Thanks Pam. It is so nice of you to share your tips with us newbies. Connie
This is so helpful! I'm a fairly newbie and love your tutorials!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Take care, Karen
I haven't been drawing the "double" lines and DID get in trouble with my beading. Thanks for the tutorial. I shall be drawing these lines from now on.
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