All about patchwork and quilting

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sashiko denim bag

By Hatun Comak → Friday, August 30, 2019

Learn how to make a sashiko denim tote bag using scraps of denim left from previous projects.
I like how sashiko bags look and making them are all fun. You play with fabric and stitches. Though it is a slow process, you will enjoy making it since it is one of these projects that make you relax.
I like working with denim and for such projects I recycle the jeans that aren't used anymore. This sashiko denim tote bag is also good for recycling your old jeans.
I like the look and texture of the method of Japanese sashiko technique.

How to make the bag:
Lay out pieces of denim in a design that looks good to you. You can use larger or smaller size pieces. It is all up to you. Make sure that your design is about 43x47 cm.

Use pins to hold the pieces together before starting stitching. In order to make stitching easier, I basted the pieces together.

Next step is just making lines of running stitch through all the layers to hold every piece together. Before starting stitching it may be a good idea to mark the fabric and then start runnning stitch. I didn't mark the fabric, through. I made the progress randomly. I made vertical and diagonal stitches.

As I have mentioned, it is a slow process but an ideal activity for an evening where you sit on your comfortable coach and watch your favourite film or series.

Here how it looks when I finished stitching.

If you are satisfied with how it looks, this means that it is ready now to make the bag.

At this point I ironed the rectangle and folded it in half seaming down both sides and pinching the corners in order to create a boxed bag shape. I added cotton lining.

For the handle I used leather straps from an old bag. And it is ready to use.

snails's trail quilt pattern block

snail's trail quilt pattern

By Hatun Comak → Saturday, August 24, 2019

Snail's trail is a traditional pattern with a lot of fun in it. At first look it seems a bit tricky to construct due to its spiral pattern. It also looks hard but it actually isn't. Snail's trail quilt can also be foundation pieced, if you prefer but I think there is no need for this pattern. This quilt block lets you do many things considering fabric placement and color choices. You can make it scrappy and it is also ideal for charm packs.

These blocks I have made are 12" x 12". The snail's trail block is absolutely one of my favourites. You need at least two different fabrics and it is important to pay attention to the contrast in value. I made this block with two fabrics. 1/4" seam allowance is used for all the seams.

Cutting instructions

Cut 6 7/8" squares from each of your fabrics ( one light fabric and one dark fabric square)
Cut 5 1/4 " squares from each of your fabrics
Cut 3 7/8" squares from each of your fabrics.
Cut two 2 5/8" squares from each of your fabrics; you will have four squares of that size.

For each of your squares, except 2 5/8" squares, cut in half diagonally to get two half square triangles. (You will have twelve half square triangles in the end.

Sewing instructions

Before starting sewing, it may be a good idea to arrange the pieces to form the pattern, so you can easily follow the sewing process.

Firstly, sew your 2 5/8" squares into a four patch as in the photo below:

Press seams open. Take the finished four patch. Sew the lighter fabrics to either sides first. You need to position the triangle for sewing; match up the point of the triangle to the center seam of the four patch. The photo below will help you figure out. Sew along and press the seams open.

Repeat the same process for the darker fabrics as mentioned above. And you have a square.

Trim your block 1/4" away from the corners of the four patch and square it up. (This part is important).

Start sewing on your second round of triangles. Again match the point of the triangle to the center of the four patch, pin it, sew and press. Do the same for four of the triangles. Trim 1/4" away fromthe points again as you did before.

Now sew the final round of triangles. Follow the same process of pinning, sewing, pressing and trimming.

And you finish up with this 12" snail's trail quilt pattern. I've enjoyed making it. Hope you enjoy yours, too!

free pattern and tutorial

card trick quilt block tutorial

By Hatun Comak → Monday, August 19, 2019

A card trick quilt block is made of half and quarter square triangles. Card trick quilt block is a bit tricky if you are new to quilting when it is made with all triangles. There is an another method of making card trick quilt using squares and rectangles, which is easier to make, but it does not give the same effect. So I prefer making the block with half and quarter square triangles.

I also prepared the tutorial, keeping it as simple and clear as possible. With this tutorial learn how to sew a card trick quilt block. It isn't as tricky as you think now!

Instructions

You will need four different fabrics and a background fabric.Choose your fabrics, pay attention to the colour contrasts for it to give the right effect. I chose bright colours for card trick quilt block.
Cut your pieces; - 5 1/4" square from each of the card fabrics and the background fabric (total 5 pieces)

- 4 7/8" square from each of the card fabrics and two squares from the background fabric (total 6 pieces)

Cut through 5 1/4" squares twice diagonally so you will have four sets of triangles.
Cut through 4 7/8" squares once diagonally so you will have two sets of triangles.

Lay out the pieces in the position so that you do not get anything mixed up. You can use the photo below as a guide. (You will have some triangles left, they can be used for a future poject.)

Now it is time to stitch the triangles together.

Start sewing with the center triangles, that they will make a square as in the photo below. Do not forget to press and trim off the points.

After the center square, continue with the larger triangles in the corners. Stitch the background triangles to the card triangles. In the photo below they are marked.