Patchwork for beginners: patterns and patterns of pillows and bedspreads, hand-sewn from jeans

What is Patchworking

Patchwork is the creation of things from fabric scraps. Initially, the pieces are connected into blocks that look like geometric shapes. After which they are used to sew blankets, pillows, shorts, dresses, chair covers, curtains and much more. For grandmothers, this type was economical. After all, he can give things a second life.

Now many people, using this style, make pillows, bedspreads and other household items with their own hands.

Reasons for doing patchwork:

Instead of spending money on decorative items, you can create them yourself.
The need to throw away damaged items and unusable pillowcases is completely eliminated.
Exclusive and original things are created.
While sewing, relaxation and rest from everyday work occurs.

Patchwork for beginners requires a certain set of tools. These include: needle, thread, fabric, cutting knife, measuring tape, chalk or pencil, pins, iron, fingertip, ruler, cardboard and mat. For a faster process, it is recommended to use a sewing machine.

Historians claim that this technique was used in ancient times.

To master this type of sewing as correctly as possible, you should listen to the following recommendations:

Try sewing from a ready-made kit - you can purchase a blank at any craft store. Next, all that remains is to connect all the elements. No cutting or cutting is required.
Starting with squares is the easiest and simplest option. Connecting them will not cause any difficulties. It is better to leave complex figures for later creation of masterpieces.
Sewing samples - before making a large product, it is recommended to practice on small pieces. This gives you the opportunity to take into account all the errors and learn how to correct them.
Use large-sized scraps - small pieces require a large number of stitches. You can quickly get tired of sewing and not finish the product. Thanks to large flaps, much less time will be spent on production.
Repeat after others - first you should fill your hand. That is, follow the step-by-step lessons that have already been presented. Firstly, you shouldn’t chase originality.
Learn to combine colors - on special websites they will teach you how to select shades that are in harmony with each other.

Additional Information! Most often, this type of sewing is used to make quilts. In the United States of America this technology is called quilting. Almost every American woman has homemade products.

Video

A detailed master class on sewing a pillowcase using the patchwork technique. For tips for beginners and those already with some sewing experience, watch this video.

Want to make a quilt but don't know where to start? Watch a detailed video on how to create a colorful patchwork quilt.

This video shows patchwork sewing from jeans. By cutting out squares from discarded denim and sewing them together, you'll get a stylish blanket your teens will love.

We looked at the basic techniques of patchwork needlework. Of course, it requires painstakingness, patience and attentiveness, but the result is worth it. By doing patchwork, you can transform your home, creating a warm and cozy interior. Share your creative ideas and finished works with us.

Schemes and templates for beginners

The template is a pattern made of cardboard or plastic. You can make it yourself or buy it at a specialty store. To create, you should draw the required element on a sheet of paper without any indentations intended for seams. Then make an indent of five millimeters on each side, then mark the second contour (seam allowance). Cut out both contours to make two blanks.

This needlework is simple, but if you don’t know the basics of patterns and sew the pieces of fabric incorrectly, you may end up with a vinaigrette rather than a patchwork.

The following schemes are suitable for beginners:

Square within a square – triangles, which are isosceles, are connected into individual blocks that have a square shape.
Russian square - stripes or triangles are sewn around the main figure.
American square - rectangular shapes of different lengths but the same width are sewn around the base figure.

After the needlewoman has determined a pattern suitable for herself, she can begin sewing. There are also more complex options. But for study, it is recommended to choose a lightweight design and use it in a more bulky product. It is also advised to start by repeating after others, that is, using ready-made hands.

It is best to use cotton fabric; it does not stretch and irons well.

Peculiarities

Patchwork pillow sewing was invented a long time ago; people resorted to it due to a shortage of material; at that time, any scrap was valuable. And they were sewn together in a chaotic manner, rarely paying attention to the combination and integrity of the composition. Contemporary art involves a skillful combination of different shapes, fabrics, sizes of pieces of material, as well as taking into account the compatibility of colors with each other.

A decorative product can fit into different styles. It is possible to purchase ready-made pillows and blankets. A wide range of textile products using similar techniques are on sale.

Specialized stores also sell ready-made scraps that fit in size and just need to be sewn together correctly. Therefore, if you don’t want to prepare the fabric, you can still create a patchwork pillow with your own hands.

How to make patchworking with your own hands

The patchwork technique will not cause any particular difficulties. The main thing is to choose the right material and tools. It is also desirable to have creative skills and imagination. In this case, you can create masterpieces that will inspire admiration among others. Moreover, production will take little time.

Pillows and bedspreads

To create pillows and bedspreads with your own hands in the patchwork style, you will need scraps of any material. Next, they are laid out according to a certain pattern. To ensure that the drawing remains in its original form, it is recommended to number each piece. Two scraps are pinned together with the right side inward and stitched on a machine. This procedure should be done with all the pieces. The squares are connected into strips, and those, in turn, into a canvas.

The triangles are connected into squares and then into the main product.

From jeans

To work with jeans you need to have special skills. After all, this fabric is denser than cotton. At the same time, there is no need for a lining, which greatly facilitates the work. The methods for making things are no different from other options.

When using denim, be sure to use a thimble. Due to its density, it is difficult to pierce. You will also need an elastic needle, longer and thicker.

Old things are used as consumables: skirts, shorts, vests, etc.

Thanks to this method, you can not throw away your favorite clothes, but give them a new life, make something interesting and unusual out of them.

Patchwork

For this type, you should first decide on the material. Collect all the pieces of fabric that are available, sort them by color and structure. Then you can start drawing up the diagram itself. The joining procedure usually consists of several stages: stitching together individual fragments, combining blocks that are already ready, sewing elements to the finished product.

Even if there is a material of a different texture, the product must be assembled from textiles of the same quality.

Blocks for patchwork

A block represents a detail of a future thing. Some of them are very simple, others are more complex. Let's consider both options.

Jacob's Ladder is difficult - choosing fabric in contrasting colors (for example, blue and red). Make four strips of it measuring 35x7 centimeters and four squares - 13.5x13.5 centimeters. All pieces should be of different shades. Place squares right sides together and strips separately. Sew one of the strips along the long side. Lightly press the seams. Connect it to the other right sides, without separating, cut into pieces of about seven centimeters (you should get five pieces). Do not take the pieces apart, sew them together. You will end up with four squares. Cut large squares at the corners and draw a line diagonally. Make a line at a distance of five centimeters from the line on each side, cut diagonally, but not along the lines. Iron, cut off the resulting corners, do the layout, sew everything.

Templates for patchwork patterns are sold in special stores; you can make it yourself according to the pattern.

An ordinary square is considered simple. To do this, take a flap (you can from a kit or cut it yourself). On the inside, mark a seam allowance of approximately one centimeter. Fold the product in half with the front side inward. From the inside out, sew the two sides along the marks, you should get an envelope. Next, you should turn it out and flatten it to form a rhombus. Now take the filler, cut a square in it to the size of the envelope, leave one centimeter for allowances. Insert the filler into the product, straighten out any irregularities. The open edges of the diamond should be folded inward and pinned together so that they do not stick out in all directions. Begin stitching the folded corners, removing pins as you go.

Each item made in this style is unique, even changing the shade of one of the details transforms it in a new way.

Important! In patchwork, you should not only perform careful sewing, but also try to ensure that the created composition is harmonious. It is allowed to use fabrics with different textures. The choice depends on the flight of fancy of the craftswoman. This is also an excellent opportunity for self-realization and creative development.

General rules for needlework

In order for a thing to create a pleasant impression, it must be made accurately in geometric terms and be neat. To do this, you need to follow some rules:

To prevent an item processed using patchwork technology from shrinking after washing, the purchased fabric must be washed and ironed.
If a previously used fabric is used for work, it must be treated with a solution of water and starch and ironed.
To mark the fabric, use only soft crayons or, in extreme cases, a bar of soap. Ink pens and pencils will not work in this case.
The fabric should be cut in the direction of the grain thread. This will help avoid unwanted deformations when stitching.
To avoid deformation, strips and flaps of fabric must be smoothed across.
All patches with images must be ironed in the same direction.

If you plan to manufacture a large item, you should first create a smaller sample of it in order to correct all the shortcomings in advance and finalize the design.

Types of patchwork

Before you start sewing any product, you should familiarize yourself with the patterns and templates. The activity seems easy and simple only at first glance. In fact, it requires special care and scrupulousness.

The execution technique must be carefully and carefully followed, then you will be convinced of the charm of the product itself.

Japanese

This technique combines the traditions of the West and the East. Silk fabrics and stitches are actively used. Various geometric shapes serve as the basis: squares, triangles, rectangles, rhombuses. In addition to making decorative bedspreads, this type is suitable for panels.

The spread of patchwork in Japan was also caused by the economic situation.

Knitted

Most needlewomen are familiar with it. The difference from traditional patchwork is that the patches are not sewn together, but are knitted or crocheted together. In this case, both fabric and knitting threads are used. The most popular accessory of this type is a woman's bag or a large bedspread.

It is almost universal - any product can be knitted using this technique.

Mill

It is considered the most common option. Consists of two pieces of fabric with contrasting colors. Provides the opportunity to create various figures and achieve original combinations.

Usually made from two fabrics in contrasting colors.

Log hut

The formation of patterns is done from stripes around the main element. Most often square. Laying occurs in a spiral. Another variation of this technique is to move the square into a corner.

You can also find another name for it – “Well”. In the English version it is called Log Cabin.

Note! In order for the pattern to be as clear as possible, the pattern must be assembled from strips of the same color. The collection takes place in pairs. It is worth remembering that everything should be in harmony with each other in color.

Crazy patchwork

Translated it means “crazy shred.” The main feature is the use of figures of various shapes. It may be irregular, crooked, or have the appearance of a non-standard appliqué. The seams are masked using braid or special embroidery. The product itself is decorated with various decorative details: beads, buttons or metal pendants.

Crazy – translated from English means crazy”, “crazy”.

Patchwork bedspread

A bedspread, unlike a blanket, is thinner and has greater functionality. It is used as a blanket to cover or wrap up while sitting in a chair or on a sofa, and also as a cape to cover bedding or upholstery. Like a blanket, it consists of 3 layers, only instead of bulky insulating pads when sewing bedspreads, non-woven fabric or thin padding polyester is used, which does not create a large volume. For the details of the top, when sewing it, denser materials are used - linen, jacquard, tapestry, mixed fabrics. Since the bedspread often plays an aesthetic role in the interior, more complex and interesting patterns and designs are chosen for sewing it.

Master class on patchwork for beginners

For this type of sewing, fabrics with bright and colorful colors are used. Before you start cutting, it is recommended to iron and wash it.

An interesting variation of patchwork, which implies the absence of any order in creating the finished fabric.

Step-by-step pattern in patchwork style for beginners - pillowcase with a rose:

First of all, square-shaped flaps are prepared. The more blanks, the greater the parameters of the finished product.
Cut a circle from the fabric. Place a bulk filler or piece of material in the center. Fix using machine stitching. The middle of the future masterpiece is ready.
Fold the square pieces diagonally. Take approximately three to five blanks and sew them to the resulting product (around its middle).
Now you should choose pieces of a different color and larger size. Continue sewing them until the desired size flower is formed.
Cut the petals that were sewn in a circle.
Roses are distributed over the pillowcase and secured with a zigzag or tight stitch. The result was an applique called “voluminous rose”.
As an addition, you can use a leaf made of fabric of the appropriate color.

Patchworking style gives old items the opportunity to get a completely new look. Any beginning needlewoman can master the technique.

Techniques for sewing patchwork quilts from squares

The easiest patchwork quilt to make for a beginning needlewoman is a quilt made from squares.

To sew a quilt using squares, you should know the following:

When the square has a side of more than 5 cm, then cutting is carried out along the grain thread.
The square blanks are sewn into long strips in accordance with the prepared pattern or scattered.
The rectangles are sewn together with their short sides.
The sewing technique is as follows: the first square is placed with the front part facing the second, then both are stitched along the allowance line. The rib is ironed and ironed to the side of the square made of darker fabric.
After sewing the third square, it is folded with the front side facing the second and done the same as in the previous paragraph.
The squares are stitched one after another, resulting in stripes. They are stitched along the seam allowance line and ironed in one direction.

Pillowcase with rose

An original gift with a voluminous rose in the center will delight any woman. A pillowcase with a flower for the New Year will delight your mother or friend.

Master Class:

Cut the base of the pillow from any material.
Cut the pieces into square shapes, with a side of 21 cm. Fold them in half twice. For volume, you can combine them with non-woven fabric.
Sew the first piece of fabric into the center of the flower. It is better if it has the shape of an irregular hexagon. It will be easier to turn the fabric.
Sew the next piece of fabric, but of a different color, to one of the edges of the polyhedron face to face.
Make a small increase on the seam, sew, bend, iron. Just like in the crazy technique.
Sew another piece to the next edge of the polyhedron and to the side of the already sewn piece.
Moving from side to side of the polygon, selecting shades, fill the entire base.

Then sew the other side of the product, fill it with any filling and give it as a gift.

The charming Christmas tree is quick to make and looks very beautiful.