Quilting Question?

Question

This is my first time making a quilt so I have a question. Okay, I'm wanting to make a quilt that has me and my fiancee's name on it and I've been looking around for some ideas on how to do it. I need a website with some designs or patterns so that I can get an idea of how to do this.

Answer 1

You have several options. For a more modern looking quilt, you can make blocks in the shape of letters. Even that has several options - paper piecing (once you learn the technique it's the most accurate), regular piecing, or applique. In applique you cut out the shapes then sew them to the background. You can do needle turn applique (turning the edges under and sewing by hand), machine applique (using a decorative stitch to cover the edge of the fabric), raw edge applique (stitch with a machine about 1/2" from the edge, leaving the raw applique edge exposed). I'm sure there are several other methods.

If you don't want to create the letters in fabric, you could print the words onto specially treated fabric using your inkjet printer. You can buy packaged "sheets" at most fabric and craft stores. Read the instructions carefully - you want to be sure it's going to be permanent in your application. Some require heat setting, some are not washable. Do NOT use iron on transfer paper - it will fade.

For something more subtle, choose a regular quilt block and then put your names in the center of one block. You can do this with embroidery (hand or machine) or permanent fabric markers. Try Sakura Pigma Micron Pen - but be sure to test the pens on your fabric first. You'll probably have to pre-wash the fabric to remove the sizing, and then iron it to heat set the ink before washing. Iron the fabric to some freezer paper to make it easier to write on.

The website "Quilter's Cache" has many (MANY!) free patterns with very clear, illustrated instructions. Search through their list by name and find a block that is both easy (one pin) and related to your theme. For example, try Lover's Knot or Crown of Thorns (also known as Single Wedding Ring) or Wedding Rings or Steps to the Altar (either version).

Another alternative is to quilt your names into the entire quilt. Instead of a general free motion design, try "writing" your names with the machine. You can get motifs from one of the links below and transfer them to your quilt with special chalks, pens or pencils that wash out, then trace them as you quilt. If you send it out to be quilted, ask your quilter to do this.

Answer 2

just put in the following in a web search, free quilt patterns, you will find many, anything with a area that has plain fabric, like the center of wedding ring quilt patterns, you can use a washable marking pen like a Micron, to write your names, or you can embroider your names in those areas. there are lots of patterns you could addapt to this idea.

Answer 3

Okay, I one time made some handkerchiefs with my grandpa's initials on them. You can usually go to a craft store and find iron-on transfers that are letters and you can iron on you and your fiance's name and then embroider it onto your quilt. Iron-on transfers are great not only just for names and letters but for pictures as well. Hope you find what you need.