You Like to Create a Particular Mood
4 Drawstring Bag
Striped indigo and grey with triangle patchwork for a sharp, modern feel. Quilting along the inner edge of the triangles is easier when the needle is inserted on the outer section of the trimmed seam allowance.
• Instructions ∙∙∙ page 90
Triangle Quilt Block Lesson ∙∙∙ page 12
5 Drawstring Purse
The curved patchwork is versatile and depending on how the pieces are laid out, a variety of patterns can be achieved. For this purse, the pieces are arranged to create a floral motif in the center. The corners of the bag are rounded as well to mimic the patchwork. Please refer to page 14 for how to create a curved quilt block.
• Instructions ∙∙∙ pages 92–94
Curved Quilt Block Lesson ∙∙∙ page 14
For the Drawstring Bag (4) thread the string loops to face in opposite directions, which makes pulling them easier. For the Drawstring Purse (5), pulling the lower beaded strings opens the gathers of the bag in the Japanese “karakuri purse” style.
Add Piecework Flair to a Utilitarian Backpack with Matching Card & Coin Case
6 Light Backpack
The strings that gather the opening closed become the shoulder straps for this design. Depending on how they’re tied, the strap lengths are easily adjustable. If the contents are light, tie the two straps together and sling onto one shoulder. For heavier loads wear the straps like a traditional backpack.
• Instructions ∙∙∙ page 95
7 Matching Card & Coin Case
Ideal for a driver’s license and loose change, this case seamlessly matches the backpack in design 6. Because the backpack has a pocket and loop on the exterior, consider attaching the case and a key reel to the loop for quick access.
• Instructions ∙∙∙ page 98
Inside the pack, a pocket is positioned against the back, a perfect spot for valuables and a phone. By placing the rather large pocket towards the upper portion of the backpack, any extra weight from filling the pocket will not seem as heavy.
Basic Piecework Techniques
LESSON 1
Making a Simple Square Quilt Block
Using the “nine patch quilt” method of connecting nine squares, these instructions show you how to sew straight sides together, and cover the fundamentals of hand quilting, including pin basting and using the “backstitch” technique for securing the thread at the beginning and ending of piecework.
★ Refer to page 82 for drafting pattern pieces and marking.
★ For the lesson, colorful thread was used for better visibility. For your actual projects, coordinating thread is recommended. Hues of gray and beige tend to blend in well with most fabric colors.
★ Measurements are given in inches and metrics; the metric measurements are more precise.
1 Trace the pattern piece on the back of fabrics A and B. Add a ⅜ in (1 cm) seam allowance and cut (extra seam allowance will be trimmed later).
2 With right sides together and the markings aligned, insert pin at the corner of the marking from the fabric B side.
3 Hold the two fabrics in your left hand and insert pin along marked line on fabric A, pulling through to the marked line on the fabric B side.
4 Because the corner markings were aligned at the beginning insertion point, the markings on both sides match up perfectly.
5 Repeat above steps on other side.
6 Without knotting the end of the thread, sew one stitch on the line slightly away from the corner marking. Remove pin, and sew another stitch up to the corner.
7 Pull needle, leaving a thread tail about ⅜ in (1 cm) long. Stitch over the two previous “backstitches” to secure.
8 Place needle tip on marked line, and push through with the thimble on your right middle finger. Hold the fabric between your left thumb and index finger.
9 Hold the fabric and pin between left thumb and index. When you lift your left hand, the needle tip protrudes slightly to the back side; when the hand is lowered, the needle tip protrudes to the front side.
10 As you lower the left hand, gently push the needle with your right middle finger. Gather the fabric between your left thumb and index finger to continue pushing the needle through.
11 Repeat steps
