● Piece
A “piece” can be defined as a single element, one sheet, or a fabric segment. It refers to the unit of triangular, square or any other shape of fabric to create a quilt.
● Piecework, piecing
The process of joining pieces to create quilt sections.
● Pattern
The layout design of the patchwork quilt.
● Quilt Top
The upper or top piece of a quilt, usually decorated with piecing, appliqué and/or embroidery.
● Batting
The padding inserted between the quilt top and backing. Also called wadding or stuffing, they are typically made out of synthetic fibers, cotton, or wool.
● Backing
The bottom or back layer of the quilt.
● Quilting
To stitch together three layers in the order of quilt top, batting and backing (or lining).
● Binding Strip, Bias Strip
Methods of finishing the raw edges of the quilt. Examples include folding over a section of the top or backing and hand stitching in place, or wrapping a separate strip of bias or binding fabric around the raw edges.
● One Patch
A pattern using only one shape such as a square, triangle or hexagon to construct the entire quilt.
Other Common Terms & Techniques
● Appliqué
Derived from the French word “Appliquer,” which means to apply or attach, appliqué involves sewing small pieces of fabric onto a foundation or background fabric in a decorative design. The design itself is also called appliqué.
● Stitch in the ditch
The technique of sewing along the seam lines created by the piecework and appliqué, which results in a quilting effect that echoes the shapes. Although the stitches will not be apparent, the designs will appear to be floating.
● Backstitching
To secure stitches, sew one stitch, then using your reversing mechanism, backstitch once. For patchwork, it is common to only backstitch once.
● Blind stitch
The blind stitch, also known as the blind hem stitch or hem stitch, is commonly used for appliqué and binding. This hand-stitching method results in small, nearly invisible stitches on the front.
● Trapunto
A quilt style or quilting method that adds extra dimension and texture. It is also called the “stuffing technique”and isolates certain parts of the design to give it a raised and puffy appearance.
● Whip Stitch
A stitching method of evenly wrapping the stitches over and around the fabric edge.
About Quilt Dimensions and Shrinkage
Even if the same paper patterns are used, the final dimensions may vary depending on the individual quilter. Factors such as the thickness of the pencil lead when transferring the patterns to the fabric or the particular piecework combination selected will contribute to this variation. So don’t worry too much if your quilt size is different from the listed dimensions. What’s important is to avoid fading and shrinkage when washing the quilt. Make sure to prepare all fabric by prewashing and pressing lightly with an iron.
About the Grain Line
All fabrics have grain lines, and you will see arrows on the patterns to indicate those lines. The direction parallel to the selvage is called straight grain and hardly stretches. The fabric direction perpendicular to the selvage (called cross grain) has more stretch. Keep these characteristics in mind as you cut your fabric. Piecework cut from the cross grain creates a more polished result, and curving appliqué elements like stems and basket handles are easier to manipulate when the fabric is cut in a diagonal grain direction called the bias.
Chapter 1
Basic Bags
Bags & Pouches
My thinking is that if I’m going to make a bag, I want it to be cute, practical and durable! With that in mind, I’d like to introduce you to my go-to bag design. You may be slightly intimidated by the zipper and gusset, but don’t worry. The detailed step-by-step instructions and helpful photos will gently guide you all the way through.
Make this versatile bag out of some of your favorite printed fabrics.
The Little Bird Bag
This bag was inspired by the idea of a playful birds frolicking in a garden abloom with flowers made from hexagon pieces (pattern sheet A). The roomy interior of the bigger bag holds file sizes up to A4. (a little larger than 8½ x 11 in / 21.6x28cm). For the bird motif, select hardy materials such as curtain fabric. The two-way zipper makes this bag extra convenient.
Production: Big Bag / Mayumi Honma Small Bag / Toshiko Ikeda
Process Assistance: Ritsuko Ariki, Mituko Furukawa, Yasuko Oya, Mieko Nishioka, Naoko Masuda, Emiko Matoba, Emiko Mori
Pattern Sheet A
1 By quilting along the owl’s outline, the motif looks charmingly fluffed.
2 Sew together small hexagons measuring 5/8 in (1.5cm) on each side for the flower pattern.
3 The back pattern pieces are joined together to create a single fabric piece (not including the corners). Change up the look by featuring varying parts of the fabric or by using different fabric for the handles.
4 The accommodating handles can be worn on the shoulder or carried by hand. The gusset provides enough room for a pouch.
5 Inserting yarn in the batting within the handles strengthens them and ups the comfort level.
Fabric and Materials Preparation
① Recommended foundation fabric: mid-weight cotton.
② Recommended patchwork fabric: 100% cotton flat weave.
③ Quilt batting: to be sandwiched between the outer and backing fabrics. Batting comes in assorted substrates, but the samples in the book are constructed with a ¼ in (5mm)-thick, 100% polyester fusible batting.
④ Quilt backing: lightweight white fabric.
⑤ Lining fabric.
⑥ Fabric for handles and corners.
⑦ Yarn: preferably