15 Complete.
Basic Piecework Techniques
LESSON 3
Making a Hexagon Quilt Block
This basic pattern involves joining seven hexagons. Other than the first and last pieces, the pieces are joined by layering and sewing two sides without cutting the thread. To join the hexagon rows, repeat steps 2 and 3. To fill the spaces between the hexagons with triangles, refer to steps 4–7.
★ Refer to page 82 for drafting pattern pieces and marking.
★ Refer to page 10 for pin basting, backstitching and piecework sewing basics.
1 Trace the pattern piece on the wrong side of fabrics A and B. Add ⅜ in (1 cm) seam allowance and cut (seam allowance will be trimmed later).
2 Place right sides of fabic A (this will be A-1) and the center fabric piece (B) together. Align the markings, then pin diagonally on two sides as shown.
3 Sew from the beginning to the end of the marking on one side. Backstitch (2 stitches). Trim seam allowance ¼ in (0.6cm) from stitch line.
4 Press open the piece from step 3, place A-1 and A-2 right sides together and pin.
5 Sew from the right edge of A-2 in the same way as step 3. Stop sewing about one stitch shy of the left edge, then pull needle through the corner marking (where the pin was positioned).
6 Place B and A-2 right sides together (A-1 will be folded in half on the right side). Align the sides.
7 Pin from the left corner marking at an angle. Stitch along the top horizontal marking.
8 Sew up to the corner marking, then backstitch (2 stitches) and cut thread. Shown: three pieces joined.
9 A close up of corner section. Arrange the seam allowances in an overlapping windmill formation. Press the other seam allowances to one side.
10 Front. To join the remaining four A pieces, repeat steps 4–7 (place an A piece on sewn A piece with right sides together, and sew one side. Then place the new A piece on B with right sides together and sew one side).
11 Finally, sew the side of A-1 and A-6 in the way shown in step 3.
Dealing with Seam Allowances
Press the seam allowances to the side that best allows the front to appear smooth and even. Where the seam allowances gather at the corners, fan them out in a windmill formation and press. When rows are joined, some corner seam allowances may get twisted and difficult to fan out. In such cases press down as close to the corner and trim any bulky parts of the seam allowance.
Basic Piecework Techniques
LESSON 4
Making a Quilt Block with Curved Pieces
Joining curved pieces is easier with smaller seam allowances. Remember to add the markings where pieces will be joined. To press the seam allowances of silk pieces (as well as wool fabrics), instead of using the iron with the steam function on, place the piece on a barely damp towel and use a dry iron.
★ Refer to page 82 for drafting pattern pieces and marking.
★ Refer to page 10 for pin basting, backstitching and piecework sewing basics.
1 Trace A and B pattern pieces onto the back of the fabric (make sure to add marks where A and B will be joined). Add seam allowances: ⅛ in (0.3 cm) for the curved section and ¼ in (0.7 cm) for the rest of the piece
2 Place A and B right sides together. At the center of the marking on the curved section of A, insert pin and push through the same spot on B.
3 Align the pieces with the right angles facing the same direction, then position the pin from the previous step with the tip facing the corner and pin in place.
4 Insert a pin in the curved corner marking of A to the curved corner marking of B.
5 Align the straight side markings of A and B, then insert the pin along the marking on B to the marking on A.
6 Curved corner pinning complete. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for other corner.
7 Add two more pins as shown (①~⑤ indicates pinning order).
8 With A facing up, sew along curved marking (placing the convex side of the curve towards you may make sewing easier). Use backstitching with two stitches instead of a knot.
9 Sewing of curve complete. When smoothing out the fabric with your fingers after stitching, take care not to stretch out the curved section.
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