Baby blankets in patchwork style (47 photos)

The term “Patchwork” for beginning needlewomen may seem complicated and incomprehensible. However, this type of art has been known for three hundred years and does not lose popularity among lovers of handicrafts.

Patchwork is a word of English origin and consists of two concepts “patch” - a flap, a piece of fabric and “work” - work. In Russian, this type of needlework is known as “patchwork” and was initially popular among poor people.

The official history of the emergence of patchwork as a separate direction of decorative and applied art is associated with Great Britain. In the 18th century, a variety of goods were imported from India to this European country. Among the imported products, cuts of fabric and finished products from them were especially popular.

Calico and silk bedspreads, scarves, and bedding were imported and sold in large quantities until the British authorities decided to develop their own fabric production. The cost of Indian textiles became very high; only wealthy Englishmen could afford to buy them.

Local needlewomen began to update and repair products on their own, cutting them into pieces and sewing them together. The imagination and ability of English craftswomen to create fabric appliqués made it possible to make patchwork a separate branch of needlework and prolong its popularity for centuries.

See also: what types of patchwork are there?

Patchwork is the creation of a single fabric from different pieces of fabric and the further production of a specific product from it. Using the patchwork technique, you can sew bedspreads, pillowcases, chair and stool seats, potholders, as well as bags and clothes. In addition to scraps of fabric, you can also use knitted elements, creating unique patterns and thematic ornaments. Each product made using the patchwork technique is unique.

If you are interested in this art, read on, we will tell you where to start and how to create a patchwork piece.

What is patchwork technique?

Patchwork is a type of needlework that is a patchwork: pieces of fabric of different sizes and colors are sewn together in the form of a mosaic, and the result is an original and bright design.

Patchwork has gained particular popularity only in the last few years, but this type of needlework cannot be called new, because it dates back to ancient times.
People made bedspreads, pillowcases, sheets, tablecloths and even clothes for themselves from expensive scraps.
In England and the USA, this type of needlework was called textile mosaic, which was classified as decorative and applied art.
The patchwork masters left us as a legacy an excellent technique for creativity. We can use it to decorate our homes and sew soft original blankets for our children.

How to work with this technique? Anyone who is interested in her needs to clearly understand that she loves neatness and precision, although “patchwork” does not require special labor or skills. There are only a few basic rules that should be followed when creating products using the patchwork technique:

It is necessary to think over a sketch of the future product. To sew the patches correctly, you need to at least imagine the end result in your head - what the final pattern should be on the blanket or sheet that we are sewing.

Choose the fabric that suits you. Handicraft masters recommend using:

Linen, which is very easy to cut and sew
Wool, which makes excellent covers and bedspreads (this fabric can be combined with any semi-synthetic textile)
Silk, from which you can make a very beautiful bedspread
Sintepon, which is used as the insulating part of the blanket

Fabric blanks must first be folded according to a template into a general pattern, and only then sewn together using a sewing needle, thread or sewing machine (this device will significantly speed up the process of creating a blanket or any other product that you want to make). As a rule, blanks are made according to three main schemes:

When the entire canvas consists of different flaps
When a pattern stripe is created in scraps on a single piece of any fabric
When the product is a kind of applique that is made without glue using fabrics and a needle and thread

Each piece of fabric used to create any product using the patchwork technique must be ironed so that the result is a perfectly smooth fabric without flaws.

All flaps must have a clear sequence - they need to be measured with graph paper, contours created with chalk, cut very evenly and leave allowances for creating seams.

Modern patchwork has many varieties:

Traditional - when pieces of fabric are sewn together in strict sequence;
“Crazy patch” - when patches of different sizes can be sewn together as desired and at the same time decorated with beads, rhinestones, and buttons;
Knitted - no different in technique from the traditional one, except that the flaps in this patchwork should not be sewn, but crocheted;

Japanese - products are sewn only from silk and stitches. The main pattern of any product is geometric shapes;
Quilting is when two sheets of any fabric, between which there is a warm lining, are sewn together with a machine stitch (quilted fabric). This technique is best suited for creating quilts and furniture decor;

Each piece of fabric can be prepared using a special technique. Your choice should be based on where you want your patchwork piece to be used. Let's name the most widely used techniques:

“Squares” - 4 fabrics are taken and cut into strips of the same size. You need to arrange two strips and sew them together. Then these strips need to be cut into squares, which can only be sewn together into a single piece.

“Watercolor” - you need to choose a fabric in 7 different shades (some of the fabrics may even have a light print), which will harmonize well with each other. From the squares of this fabric you need to fold a pattern.
“Strips” - this technique of sewing fabric is similar to the principle of folding parquet. The main thing is that all stripes are the same length and width (this will be more beautiful).
“Log cabin” - the basis of the future canvas is a large square of fabric with a pattern, which is trimmed in any shape with other scraps.
“Triangles” is exactly the same principle in stitching technique as “Squares”, only the blanks are made in a triangular shape.

“Corners” is a technique that combines elements of the “Squares” and “Triangles” techniques. First, squares are cut out and folded diagonally into isosceles triangles. They are stitched together in any shape, forming a three-dimensional fabric.
"Chess" - when the squares are stitched together like diamonds in a checkerboard pattern.
“Russian square” - squares, triangles and strips are sewn together so that the base is a square, from the corner of which rays emanate from triangles located base down, and the sides are trimmed with rectangular pieces of fabric.
“Honeycomb” - scraps of fabric are cut into hexagons that need to be sewn together.

“Lyapochika” - you need to twist any strips of raw fabric into tubes (here you can even use old T-shirts), which are sewn together in any shape.

Using any of the above techniques and varieties of patchwork, you can sew a baby blanket with your own hands from padding polyester and any other natural fabric. We will present you several detailed master classes in the following sections.

This is interesting: Pattern Beautiful baby blanket made from scraps

Patchwork granny's garden or honeycomb

The block in the Grandma's Garden patchwork or honeycomb consists of regular hexagons and looks like a honeycomb - hence the name.

You need to start a block with a template. Your “honeycomb” can be either very small or large, but I suggest sewing a medium-sized honeycomb to start with - with a side of 5 cm.

Cut a square of cardboard with a side of 10 cm. Using a compass, draw a circle in it and divide it into 6 parts. Connect the dots - you will get an inscribed hexagon with a side of 5 cm, as shown in the photo.
Cut out 6 more of these hexagon templates from cardboard.

Use the following patchwork technique: Place the first template on the fabric for the center of the block and cut out a hexagon, taking into account the seam allowances. In the same way, cut out 6 more hexagons of different colors.
Then place the template on the wrong side of the piece, pin in the center and iron the seam allowances, folding them to the wrong side.
Pull the corners of the fabric on the wrong side with a needle and thread. To do this, first pin the corners together so they don't come apart, and then sew each corner together with a simple over-the-edge stitch.
All finished parts need to be assembled into a “flower”. Select the central hexagon and join it to the others using hand-blind stitches. On the sides of the honeycomb the seams remain open for now.30
Then carefully remove the template from the central part.

Sew the sides of the elements together using hidden stitches.

As you sew them together, carefully remove all the templates from the already sewn fragments.

You will have a ready-made honeycomb block. Then everything depends on your idea. You can continue sewing hexagons to create a larger fabric or sew your “flower” as a decorative element onto a bag or pillow, stitching it along the very edge along the entire perimeter of the product.

Finally, watch the basics of patchwork technique in the video, which demonstrates step by step all the stages of patchwork sewing:

Variety of styles

Chaotic patchwork also has its own directions. Not all of them are ideal for creating blankets using this technique. Styles are:

classical. The most suitable for sewing a blanket, as it easily fits into the selected dimensions and monotonous decor of the room. This style includes patches of equal size, often in two color schemes, which are placed in clear symmetry or in a checkerboard pattern;
Oriental. More suitable for decorative small blanket. The style is maintained in the use of flaps of different shapes and sizes, adding to them a variety of embroidery with threads, beads, beads, as well as zippers, buttons, chains and any other type of decorative design. However, unlike the next type, the eastern one adheres to a certain system and symmetry in stitching the flaps;
crazy patchwork is a “crazy” patchwork technique. The style, which is not limited in the shapes and placement of flaps, combines the chaotic clumsiness of the placement of parts and a mixture of color schemes. More suitable for blankets and bedspreads of outdoor garden decor.

Quilt patches come in many forms:

squares - simple stitching of square flaps of the same size;
stripes - flaps of stripes can be sewn either alternating or in a circle, into a spiral, decreasing their length as you work, using a template in the form of a lined square;
triangles - in order to achieve a smooth square canvas at the end, such flaps are cut in the form of isosceles triangles;
honeycombs - symmetrical hexagons, which are combined with triangular flaps along the edge;
lapachikha is a type of patchwork made from patches of different shapes, assembled into a specific pattern according to a pre-prepared template.

Patterns for patchwork

Let's learn some rules before making patchwork products ourselves.

Expert opinion

Mikhailov Ivan Maksimovich

Furniture maker. Work experience 3 years.

Sewing blocks from scraps is the key and most difficult stage in the creative process. Templates will come to your aid, thanks to which you will learn how to cut out and sew patches.

A template is a cardboard or plastic pattern of a piece of flap of the appropriate shape. Templates can be purchased at craft stores, or you can make them yourself.

In order to create a template for the required element, draw it on paper without any margins for the seams. Next, make an indent of 5 mm on all sides and mark the second outline - this is the seam allowance.

Cut out both of these outlines from thick cardboard and as a result you will get 2 blanks for each part.

Remember: the side that must exactly match the dimensions of the finished element of the product is called the inside and is the sewing line. The outer side is the cutting line, its size includes seam allowances

Especially for beginning needlewomen, we decided to publish on Krestik a selection of existing patchwork templates with examples of finished products.

At first, do not take complex designs such as circular patterns, patterns with rounded edges. In patchwork, it is easier for beginning craftswomen to cope with simple shapes: square and triangle.

Making a Patchwork Quilt

Making a blanket using the patchwork technique differs from other types of sewing blankets only by working on the front part. For a blanket in a classic patchwork style you will need:

scraps of fabric measuring 25x25 cm, 20 pieces;
filler 130×130 cm;
fabric for the back 130×130 cm;
fabric for the canvas seal 130×130 cm;
sewing machine, needle and thread, scissors.

The first step is to lay out the flaps in the required order.

The second stage involves connecting the flaps together into strips.

The third step will be to connect the strips into one canvas.

The fabric should be ironed well, after which the appropriate part should be cut out of the seal according to its size.

After this, you should cut out a piece of the appropriate size from the backing fabric or filler. We lay out the parts in the following order: seal, filler, canvas, wrong side to the filler, wrong side, right side to the canvas.

Please note that, if desired, the filling can be inserted into an already sewn blanket after turning it inside out.

All parts need to be sewn together, leaving a 10-15 cm hole for turning inside out.

Having removed the protruding corners and uneven edges, turn the blanket inside out and sew up the hole.

The blanket is ready. According to the described size, it is more suitable for a child, but the size of the fabrics and the number of flaps can always be changed to suit your own preferences.

To create a more complex blanket pattern, you can use the following patterns:

Patchwork block - funny triangles

The triangle block in patchwork is one of the basic ones; it is also called funny triangles. The cutting technology will allow you to get four triangles from two squares at once, from which you can then assemble a large number of original patterns.

To perform this technique, you will need two different colors of fabric.

Cut out 2 squares with a side of 15 cm from different fabrics.

Place them right sides together, align the edges and pin them together. Draw a diagonal line. To the right and left of it, draw another line at a distance of 6 mm and lay lines along them.

Cut the piece along the center line.
Expand each resulting triangle. Press the seams from the wrong side to the darker side (if you press to the light side, the seams will be visible on the right side of the light fabric). Align the edges. The result was squares with a side of 15 cm.

Thus, for beginners in the patchwork technique, you can make the required number of triangles from different fabrics, from which you will later assemble numerous patterns (hence the name “fun triangles”). You can learn more about this technique on the “mill” block, where the triangles are arranged in a pattern reminiscent of the wings of a mill.

Fabric for making a patchwork blanket

Patchwork is patchwork sewing from fabric of various household and decorative items - beds, blankets, bags, clothes, tablecloths, kitchen utensils, etc. The technique, known for thousands of years, is popular all over the world. Skilled craftswomen create all sorts of outlandish works of art using the patchwork method. And novice needlewomen are advised to start with wide blankets made from “quick squares”. Such products are practical and aesthetic, and are also optimally suited for mastering such a delicate science.

Today, patchwork is considered one of the most popular patchwork techniques. It consists of stitching together various pieces of fabric according to the mosaic principle. In the hands of experienced needlewomen, bright pieces of material are transformed into luxurious products that surprise and delight. But not all fabrics are equally good for patchwork patchwork.

To choose the right material for creating a patchwork quilt, you can follow the traditions of our grandmothers: simply save all the scraps and leftovers from sewing clothes or bed linen. From such different-sized shreds you will certainly get a motley blanket. Or you can do it much simpler - purchase a set of fabrics for patchwork at any specialized store. Since the most difficult process in the patchwork technique is working with the material, the fabric must certainly not only be beautiful in appearance, but also of sufficient quality.

Cotton fabrics are considered the ideal material for patchwork because they meet all the important requirements:

Do not wrinkle;
Don't rush;
Do not shrink;
They do not shed;
Easy to cut.

Linen, silk, viscose and wool are used a little less often in patchwork, since such materials are more capricious and always require special care in work. Craftswomen with experience begin to use complex fabrics; for beginners, there is nothing better than cotton!

Sewing material stores offer customers a huge selection of cotton fabrics of different colors and densities. But, unfortunately, they are not always suitable for patchwork. Some options fray too much when cut, others are hard to iron or sag after washing. It is, however, recommended to buy special fabrics for patchwork that have undergone special pre-treatment. This material is very easy for beginners to work with.

Patchwork (patchwork)
Patchwork or patchwork, patchwork mosaic is a type of needlework in which, according to the mosaic principle, a whole product is sewn together from pieces of fabric (rags). In the process of work, a canvas is created with a new color scheme, pattern, and sometimes texture. Modern craftsmen also create three-dimensional compositions using the patchwork technique. All stitching seams in a patchwork fabric are on its reverse side. In Russia, the patchwork technique has long been used, in particular for the manufacture of quilts (patchwork quilts) and other products.

Cutting rules

Before the cutting step, keep the following things in mind:

1. Before cutting, new fabric must be washed and then steamed with an iron. This is done in order to prevent possible shrinkage and discoloration of the fabric after washing the finished product.

2. The flaps that have already been used before need to be starched and ironed.

3. It is recommended to draw fabric with a pencil, chalk or soap, but not with pens (ballpoint or gel), since traces of them may appear on the back of the fabric and cannot be removed from the finished product.

4. It is always customary to cut in the direction of the grain thread, then during stitching the patchwork parts will not warp.

5. When using new fabric, use its edge as a guide.

6. In order to cut out the desired element, attach a template with indents to the back side of the fabric, outline it with chalk, then attach the template on top without allowances and trace it again along the contour.

7. After you have cut out all the necessary parts, you can sew them according to the chosen patchwork pattern.

Types of patchwork

Traditional

Refers to the Anglo-American type of needlework. Its main goal is to create a whole canvas from scraps. This creates geometric patterns. For this patchwork you need diagrams, templates and large-scale patterns, for example, blankets. It's the big pieces that look best. Often a lining is used here on the wrong side.

Crazy patches

The material used is fabric scraps of different sizes and geometric shapes. Curved stripes, appliqués, irregular shapes. The seams are masked using braid or embroidery. An indispensable attribute is the generous decoration of the product.

Knitted

In the knitted style, the pieces are sewn together using a crochet hook. It is this patchwork technique that is embodied in bedspreads.

Japanese style

He combined Eastern and Western motifs. This style uses stitches and silk as the fabric. In addition to practical bedspreads or clothing, this type of sewing is often used in decorative panels. The composition is based on geometric shapes - rhombus, triangle, corner, square.

5.Watercolor

A popular technique, it can also use squares that are sewn into blocks and formed into a canvas. The main feature is the correct selection of the color palette of the patches.

Stripe to stripe

In this style, strips of fabric of different colors and even textures are used. You can combine the stripes however you like. From such strips you can create a unique palette and even patterns. For example, classic parquet, herringbone, wells.

Log hut

The style involves the formation of a pattern of stripes around a central element - a square. They are arranged in a spiral. There are variations of this technique - moving the square to the corner.

Magic triangle

This is the most common pattern in patchwork; in particular, such patterns, patterns and templates are used to create pillows, potholders, and bedspreads. In addition to the magical power of this figure, which many people believe in, the triangle is also easy to use. With it you can create a variety of shapes, including complex stars and simple squares. Using this technique, interesting combinations can be achieved.

Corners

The main difference between the style is that the corners are not made from cut-out blanks, but are formed from pieces of fabric of different shapes. The resulting strips are sewn into fabrics. The result is a voluminous canvas.

Chess

The main element is small squares or diamonds. They are arranged in a checkerboard pattern of contrasting colors.

Russian square

The central part of the canvas is assembled from squares, and the perimeter is sheathed with isosceles triangles. There is also alternate sewing - squares, triangles - stripes.

Honeycomb or grandma's garden

The basis of the canvas is formed by hexagonal blanks.

Why do you need patterns in patchwork?

If you start using the patchwork technique and need to create colored or textured blocks, then for this you will need to prepare a special template that will help you cut out small details faster. It is from small elements with certain sizes and configurations that blocks are formed.

The template is prepared for the part taking into account seam allowances. If you have not purchased a special ruler for patchwork, then you will have to use a template, and the seam allowance is usually set to one size from 5 to 7 mm. The template for working with patterns is conveniently made of cardboard or plastic.

Popular types and patterns of patchwork

The patchwork style is a wide field for ideas and experiments, which has no boundaries in combinations of shapes, colors, and types of material. Here, any creative idea of the author can be brought to life. Fancy patterns, applications with animals and flowers, geometric mosaics and other equally interesting options can easily be folded into a warm bedspread or comfortable blanket.

Of course, you can create a diagram for a product with your own hands, armed with imagination and a sharp pencil. Or you can use ready-made ones, of which there are hundreds of thousands, depending on the types of patchwork.

Let's look at the most popular types of patchwork:

Classic English
. In this version of patchwork, all parts of the same shape and size are used, usually in two primary colors. Patterns for English patchwork are very primitive. For example, squares of two shades arranged in a checkerboard pattern, or symmetrically stitched triangles.
Eastern patchwork
. The manufacturing principle is similar to the classic one, but differs in the use of various decorative elements - ribbons, beads, zippers, etc. Most patterns for oriental patchwork products allow greater freedom in the shapes and sizes of parts. For example, these can be arched and wavy patches, connected and decorated with satin ribbons.
Crazy patchwork
. The most “free” look. Characterized by its aesthetics and attractiveness. As a rule, the shape, color and size of parts are not limited by anything other than the pattern used. And the designs can be incredibly diverse: images of nature or flowers, floral or geometric patterns, complete abstraction.

This is interesting: Pattern Cool children's hoodie

Types of patchwork

Various types of patchwork sewing have been recognized through centuries of experience. The techniques and techniques with pieces of fabric are surprising and allow you to create unique products with your own hands. Consider the following types of popular patchwork.

Classical

Classic or traditional patchwork is the easiest way to create large items. By the way, he came just from England. To complete it, you need to sew a whole fabric of squares, most often in a checkerboard pattern.

This is the oldest style, which previously involved the use of triangles, stripes, and often completely shapeless elements. The most common techniques include watercolor and checkerboard.

Crazy

You're probably wondering what type of patchwork uses irregular shapes. After all, you really want to stand out and create something unique.

Crazy style is intended for those who do not like rules, but love extravagance. The essence of this technique is precisely permissiveness. Here you can combine various colors, techniques, textures along with applications, rhinestones and other decorations. Complete revelry of crazy imagination!

Vosto

personal

Eastern style combines classicism and freedom, rigor and smoothness, brightness and restraint. In this style, you can create not only ornaments and drawings, but also entire paintings. Most often, oriental patchwork is made from thick fabrics or expensive silk. It is very important to show status through rich decor and careful embroidery. A bag in this style will definitely become a sight for passers-by on the street.

Japanese

Unusual works with Japanese designs and paintings are called quilts. Different types of patchwork have come to us from all over the world. The Japanese are no exception. Japanese patchwork became a kind of response to the ancient ban on commoners wearing bright clothes.

The extreme poverty of the lower classes forced them to think creatively. So the poor people became sophisticated, turning scraps of fabric into warm jackets, and cheap dark clothes into art. Technology advanced and the art of quilting emerged.

Knitted

If you were wondering what type of patchwork uses contrasting thread, then here it is, knitted patchwork.

In knitted patchwork, fragments of fabric are combined with a crochet hook. All the necessary parts are knitted by hand from yarn. It's actually a combination of sewing and hand knitting.

This blanket, made using the patchwork technique, will warm you with coolness in the fall.

Patchwork with knitting needles allows you to create original socks, jumpers, mittens and vests. You can also knit blankets, rugs, and pillowcases in pieces. The knitting needle, which acts as the main tool, helps to realize the most complex ideas. Inexperienced needlewomen sometimes have to use knitting patterns.

Many people liked this type of patchwork. It helps turn fantasies into reality. After all, knitted items made from yarn are not only warm and comfortable. They also create an atmosphere of prosperity and wealth. And what housewife doesn’t dream about this?

Patchwork helps give the interior a special charm. Do-it-yourself interior toys serve the same purpose. We offer a tutorial on sewing a brownie: “A brownie doll - how to sew Kuzya with your own hands.”

Peculiarities

Patchwork is an ancient skill that can be traced back to the invention of fabrics themselves. The thrifty housewife did not throw away precious scraps of material, but sewed them into linens for further use. Museums around the world have historical exhibits that confirm the interest of our ancestors in quilting. A carpet made from fragments of pilgrims’ clothes was discovered in the Cave of a Thousand Buddhas; it dates back to the 10th century. One of the museums in Egypt displays a canvas made from pieces of leather, the appearance of which dates back to 980 BC.

The peculiarity of patchwork art lies in its uniqueness . It is impossible to make two identical blankets from the many scraps, so each product is exclusive. There are other advantages of the patchwork technique:

Only threads are used to create the product, and the canvas itself is assembled from scraps;
by piecing together scraps, you can sew blankets of different sizes, even for non-standard children's beds;
during work, any fantasies are realized, and the more original they are, the more the craftswoman will be able to surprise with the final result.

The colorful pattern of the paintings adds mood, it brings comfort to any home. A patchwork-style blanket can be supported by a mosaic pattern on the wall, a bedside rug made from pieces of fabric, or an equally colorful lampshade. The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the original interior will turn into a tacky and tasteless environment.

To prevent the blanket from looking haphazard, craftswomen put a certain logic into the selection of patterns and colors . For example, the entire ornament is built around a central plot appliqué, or patches are selected that match the dominant shade of the children's room. The pattern of the blanket should not put pressure on the eyesight or create an imbalance in the interior, so designers recommend choosing several primary colors and 2-3 background shades to create it. Variegation and many small details are allowed in small children's rooms.

A blanket for a large room is formed from large patches connected by a common storyline or making up a common ornament.

Blanket Making Tips for Beginners

Nowadays, patchwork creations have become more popular than ever. In between the noisy bustle and tiring workdays, you really want to touch something warm and cozy. Even those women who have never thought about needlework before begin to confidently master patchwork. Decorative sofa pillows, aprons, coasters, colorful panels, curtains for a country house, ultra-modern bags and many other things can be created by experienced craftswomen.

Beginning needlewomen should pay attention to a few useful tips:

Before using new fabric, it must be washed, ironed and only then cut. This will prevent accidental shrinkage, loss of color, or other problems.
The color of the thread used should match the color of the shred or differ by a couple of tones.
For drawing, use a pencil or soap. It is prohibited to use a pen.
Cutting is done along the shared thread. In this case, the part will not warp.
When cutting, leave a 1 cm indent on all sides. If the fabric is loose - 1.5 cm.
Ideal templates are made of plastic.
Without a ruler, patchwork is impossible.
The resulting fragment must be ironed after each line.

Where to begin

Undoubtedly, starting something new, completely unusual is always a little scary. A few useful tips will help beginners in patchwork sewing overcome this threshold, get involved in the work and truly enjoy it.

Choose a suitable fabric that is easy to work with. Beginners should not learn from fabrics that are expensive, complex in texture and weave. The most beautiful things are made from chintz or any other cotton fabric. And it will be comfortable to work with, since such shreds practically do not fray and do not stretch in different directions, the seams are smooth, and the joints are precise. A patchwork made of denim looks great and stylish, but it should be taken into account that denim is a dense material, not every machine will accept a combination of several such patches.
You can ignore the color scheme of the patches at first; later you will learn to select harmonious combinations for different schemes.
Before work, prepare the selected fabric: wash it and iron it. This way you will prevent shrinkage and deformation of the finished product later.
You should have the necessary tools at hand: scissors, threads, needles, tailor's pins, a sewing machine, tailor's chalk or cutting scraps, patterns for patchwork products, synthetic padding, a tailor's ruler or a measuring tape. Over time, if patchwork really excites you, you can purchase a special cutting knife: a rotating blade allows you to simultaneously cut several layers of fabric.

A lot depends on the choice of fabric, so be careful at this stage: let the time spent on work not be in vain. Watch the following video, which explains the basic principles of choosing fabrics for patchwork:

Do not immediately take on complex patterns and large products; look for designs with detailed instructions, for example, for a patchwork pillow. A master class on creating geometric or square appliques will explain to you the basics of patchwork, after mastering which you can move on to the next, more complex level. Working with irregularly shaped elements (with curves, sharp corners, fancy joints) requires certain skills.

Panel made from patches

Patterns for making a blanket using the patchwork technique

Depending on the chosen patchwork technique, the needlewoman may need one or another pattern pattern:

Square technique
. It involves creating a product from square patches or square blocks of different colors. In this case, a pattern in the form of a regular square or a pattern of strips from which a square block will be made will be useful.
Strip technique
. This is parallel or circular stitching of strips of different colors and lengths. To create a product using this technique, you will need to cut out different strips.
Triangle technique
. In many ways similar to squares. Most often, patterns of isosceles triangles, identical in size, but different in color, are used for it. Parts can be sewn along a short edge to form a strip, 4 pieces to form a square or in the shape of a star.
Honeycomb technique
. It got its name thanks to the end result. Upon completion of the work, the design of the product will resemble the pattern of a honeycomb. For production, patterns of symmetrical hexagons are used.
Lapachikha technique
. It is considered the most interesting and at the same time difficult. Pieces of fabric with raw edges are attached to the canvas, thereby forming a three-dimensional drawing of a certain pattern or a chaotic image of a three-dimensional abstraction. If a specific pattern is chosen for the product (bird, animal, flower, etc.), patterns for each part will be needed. If you plan to randomly sew on different patches, you can do without patterns altogether.

How to make a patchwork blanket - watch the video:

Products made using the patchwork technique are not only beautiful and cozy home decorations, but also positive emotions from the process of making them. Agree, a few pieces of fabric, a sewing machine and imagination in combination can work wonders.

Patchwork technique for beginners

The pattern can be created based on one repeating figure, for which paper templates are cut out for each part and a flap is basted to it. The seam allowance is folded over the edge and basted again. This is a traditional English technique.

The block technique is more modern: pieces of triangular or square-shaped fabric are sewn into blocks, creating a geometric pattern. A simple block can be made from a small number of large parts. This kind of work takes less effort and time. It is often used by video lessons and MK.

The strip patchwork technique is also known. It differs from the previous version in that the fragments are collected into strips, then they are combined into a canvas. The block technique is convenient because the flaps are sewn together directly on a machine.

In crazy patchwork, the flaps are sewn on according to the applique type: individual flaps of arbitrary shape are beautifully placed on the canvas and sewn. Potholders, blankets, covers come out in two layers.

What are they?

Patchwork blankets for children are especially varied . They are rich in color, contain applications, thematic images based on the plots of your favorite cartoons. In addition, products can be for a boy or a girl, intended for a newborn baby, or sewn in certain sizes, especially for a baby’s crib. Children of any age – from toddlers to teenagers – can appreciate these funny blankets.

We invite you to look at a selection of children's blankets to understand how beautiful, original they are, and made with great love for little users.

When creating a blanket for boys, they often resort to a marine theme. Here you can use white and all shades of blue. The younger the child, the weaker the tonality and the more delicate blue is present in the product. Marine themes with other shades are used much less frequently; they are used when it is necessary to maintain the overall color of the interior.

Kids especially like blankets with a large pattern in the center ; it can be viewed as a picture, including imagination and inventing adventures for their favorite characters.

Look how lovingly you can completely decorate a baby’s crib in patchwork style. The sheet, blanket, pillow and even the sides are made of bright patches. A variety of funny bunnies will hold the baby’s gaze for a long time, because they are not repeated, but you want to look at each one.

For the little princess choose light and delicate colors . A large number of pillows made from pieces of fabric, bows and lace sit on top of a quilt with appliqués.

Boys prefer products with pictures of cars . For a baby, a calm background is selected, and an older child can be offered a riot of colors. The colorful canvas with pictures is impressive and delights children.

Stories are also being developed for animal lovers. For example, a teenager can be offered a beautiful canvas depicting African wild animals (safari). And for a little one, a plot with mischievous dogs, or kind pets that he saw in the village with his grandmother (farm theme) is more suitable.

Your teen will appreciate a blanket with photos of family memories . The canvas is sewn from squares containing non-repeating plots.

For kids, each square can become their favorite frame from a cartoon.

When creating children's blankets, they often resort to appliqués ; they neutralize the diversity of the patches and interest children in a specific topic, as they often depict animals, favorite equipment, or cartoon characters.

A complex blanket for a girl was made with extraordinary love, using many techniques. It does not contain a specific plot, but shows good taste and high skill of the author.

Overview of techniques

Over the millennia of its development, patchwork has developed different techniques for making canvases from pieces of fabric. There are so many of them that it is impossible to cover them all in one article. Let's look at the most popular of them.

From the stripes

This type is considered the simplest technique, since sewing identical strips together is easy even for a novice craftswoman. For the strip stitching technique, the material is prepared in advance. They cut out identical elements in the form of elongated rectangles from pieces of fabrics of different colors and structures, and then sew them together. You can place a large square with appliqués in the center of such a blanket.

From squares

Blankets made from squares are just as easy to create as from stripes. This technique is one of the most ancient . But this applies to flaps of the same size. If the product uses squares of different sizes, you will need a diagram with which to lay out the working material. The pattern is chosen by the craftswoman according to her taste: it can resemble a chessboard, alternate colors in rows, or look chaotic.

The squares are sewn side by side to each other, or a more complex stepwise stitching design is chosen, when one flap begins to be sewn from the middle of the edge of the second. The pattern in this case resembles the laying of ceramic tiles. A similar stitching technique can be used to create a fabric of triangles or rectangles . In the first case, it is better to choose isosceles figures . High-class craftswomen, using geometric rags, are able to create “pixelated” portraits that look like photographs.

"Well"

The beautiful, unique “well” style is also called “American square” ; it was very popular in America several centuries ago. Europeans also made him famous by borrowing equipment from overseas. The basis of the product is a small square located in the center of the blanket, around which larger squares are gradually built up, sewn together in size in ascending order. If you look at the canvas from above, it creates the illusion of a well made of logs.

This technique gives visual volume and depth to the picture, especially if you use color effects correctly.

Watercolor

In this technique, it is the color, not the shape of the flaps, that is important. A watercolor blanket may consist of squares, stripes or shapeless segments, but they are all united by one color scheme, as if painted in watercolor and created with an artist’s brush.

From hexagons

The blanket is sewn from hexagons of the same size, cut from scraps . If you introduce shades of honey color into the canvas, it will begin to resemble a honeycomb. But most often a harmonious hexagon is used to create a flower or star blanket; other artistic images are created less often.

"Lyapochika"

The most beautiful and voluminous technique, used for many years in Russia . The “frog” blanket is made up of tiny scraps, the free end hanging from the canvas. Even more volume is provided by pieces of fabric rolled into a tube. Creating such a product is hard, painstaking work, as you have to work with a large number of small parts. Thanks to the selection of various shades, you can create paintings from scraps. They, like canvases painted with oil paints, look amazingly beautiful if you move away from them.

Patchwork: master class for beginners

Special comfort in the interior is created by handmade items, in particular, beautiful and comfortable pillows. Let's try to sew a decorative pillowcase with a voluminous "Rose" application using MK. You can take any scraps for work, the main thing is that they match well in color. Don't forget to prepare the fabric - wash it, iron it.

Master class “Pillow with applique”

Step-by-step instruction .

It’s convenient to start by preparing squares. Their number and size determine the size of the pillow.
Then you need to cut a circle out of the fabric. In the middle, put a piece of fabric and some filler for volume (cotton wool, padding polyester). Secure in a circle using a machine stitch. The middle is ready.
Fold the squares from the flaps diagonally, as in the photo, sew around the middle piece in a circle - 3-5 pieces.
For the next round you need to prepare large squares of the corresponding color. Continue until the end of the intended flower size.
The sewn petals must be trimmed in a circle.
The finished roses are beautifully distributed on a pillowcase and secured to the product with a zig-zag seam and a wide, dense stitch. The rosette has the appearance of a three-dimensional appliqué.
If desired, the bouquet can be supplemented with leaves cut from scraps of a suitable color. Look at the photo for a step-by-step master class. The blanket in MK is made using the “crazy patchwork” technique (you can watch video tutorials), and it consists of 30x30 cm squares. For a single blanket you need 24 pieces, for a double blanket – 36. Let’s say the pattern will be made up of 4 types of fabric.

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The complexity of the ornament depends on the experience and skills of patchwork sewing

Master class “Patchwork for beginners - blanket”

Tools and materials:

1 m of fabric of each color (width 220 cm) - 6 or 9 squares 45x45 cm;
For the lining - 170 cm or 220 cm (the margin at the bottom goes away after the blanket is quilted);
Sintepon of similar sizes;

A blanket or bedspread can be sewn from simple squares or complex pieces

Step-by-step instructions for MK:

Cut into squares and stack, alternating colors.
Cut this layer cake diagonally or randomly. It is convenient to cut with a roller knife.
Take the part from above and move it down under a stack of similar elements. In a cut stack there will be 1 piece of the 1st color on top and 1 piece of the 2nd color.
Machine sew all the squares along the cut line.
On an ironing board, carefully press the seams to one side or press them flat.
Fold the blanks into a neat stack in the same order - squares of the 1st and 2nd tones on top.
Using a ruler and a knife, cut the entire stack again along any line (you can cross the first seam).
Move one of the top fragments down under the stack. Sew and press, remembering to fold in order - now it’s better to match the seams.
The operation is repeated until the last detail. The optimal number of seams is 6-10 horizontally and vertically.
After ironing the seams, you need to trim the squares to get a figure with a side of 32 cm.
You can assemble the blanket in different ways: first assemble the front part, then quilt it with padding polyester and lining. It's difficult on a typewriter. Or quilt each square separately, cutting padding and lining.
Gather the quilted squares together, trim and cover the seams with narrow tape or strips of fabric. It is convenient to assemble according to the scheme: ribbons of 4-6 squares, then sew the strips.
Along the edge of the blanket, you also need to trim it with an edging made of plain fabric or pieces of rags, as in the MK photo.

Congratulations on your new look!

Materials

For the patchwork style there are no restrictions in the selection of material, the main thing is harmony in the combination of texture and color . As for children's blankets, there are certain recommendations for the use of fabrics. For small users, natural products are predominantly chosen, soft, tactilely pleasant, with environmentally friendly dyes, ensuring complete safety for children. The following fabrics can be used to decorate children's bedrooms.

Cotton . Durable and natural material, it makes durable and beautiful blankets. Many types of fabrics are produced from cotton.
Flannel . Soft, pleasant to the touch fabric made from cotton threads. Often used in products for newborns.
Linen . Dense, rough material with a high degree of hygroscopicity. Suitable for summer blankets in country and ethno style.
Kulirka . The thinnest and smoothest cotton jersey, the touch of which children really like.
Silk . Natural silk is beautiful, but very expensive, even scraps are rarely found. Its sliding texture is not to everyone's taste. But silk is ideal for oriental styles. The same characteristics apply to satin products.
Fleece . The fabric is synthetic, but soft and light, pleasant to the touch, and does not require complex care. The bottom layer of the blanket can be made from natural material, and the top layer from fleece patches.
Chintz . Durable cotton fabric in a variety of, mostly bright colors. The bedspreads are inexpensive and elegant.

In addition to fabrics, knitted fabric made in the form of colorful fragments is used to create children's blankets in the patchwork style.

Dimensions

Baby blanket sizes vary. The patchwork technique allows you to make products of any parameters, from envelopes for newborns to teenage bedspreads for a single or single bed. To ensure that the blanket matches the size of the rest of the bedding, there are still certain standards.

Single products - 110x140 cm. For the little ones, square options are made 110x110, 120x120, 130x130 cm.
One-and-a-half blankets – 135x200 cm or 140x210 cm.

As for European standards, another 10 or 15 cm should be added to the above parameters. Many craftswomen prefer to sew non-standard blankets that are comfortable for a particular child and designed for his sleeping place.

Patchwork equipment

Patchwork has become so widespread that in many handicraft stores you can see and purchase patchwork kit But for those who are not going to do such handicrafts all the time and do not want to spend money on purchasing such a set, tools that can be found at home for free are suitable.

Tools

To create a patchwork masterpiece you will need:

scissors or roller cutter
needles
threads
pencil
pins
centimeter
chalk
paper
sewing machine (if there is a lot of sewing to do)

Textile

In addition, you need materials that can also be purchased at the store or searched for at home. To create a beautiful multi-colored craft, you will need colorful pieces of fabric and lining - all this can be cut from unusable old clothes, bed linen, scarves, curtains and other unused household items.

Video

Little patchwork tricks: Where to start? Fabric cutting

Patchwork for beginners: 4 ways to turn squares into an hourglass block using the accelerated method

Patchwork for beginners: What does a beginner need?

Patchwork for beginners: How to cut fabric for patchwork?

PATCH BUILT FROM OLD CLOTHING: The easiest classic method for beginners/Master class

VERY SIMPLE AND AFFORDABLE

Patchwork for beginners: Assembling rows

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