Patchwork quilts

Since ancient times, mothers and grandmothers made their own blankets from rags, which had incredibly beautiful patterns and colors. This skill has survived to this day. Today, in order to independently make a patchwork blanket, it does not take a lot of effort, since there are sewing machines and special devices, so they take a minimum of time to make them, and the result is simply incredible.

For those who like to do needlework and make things with their own hands, there are always pieces of fabric that are a pity to throw away, and in order to sew something out of them, there is not enough of the same material. But do not be upset, there is an opportunity to create a beautiful and unique blanket-bedspread in the style called patchwork.

This applied art has existed since the times of ancient Egypt, women took scraps and created something beautiful with their own hands. Some scholars argue that this style of sewing appeared much earlier in the East and in Japan. There were found leather and fabric products dating back to the 9th century BC. NS.

Later in Europe, this direction in sewing was "reborn". When the time of the Crusades began, with the help of patches, canvases and flags were created, which were so necessary. But most of all, the patchwork style was appreciated by the residents of the UK, as it helped to save on material, and in the end it turned out to be a decent product. Plus, British craftswomen were able to come up with a wide variety of patterns and ornaments that are embroidered to this day.

Such blankets and bedspreads, as mentioned earlier, have been sewn since very ancient times, due to the lack of an alternative. To create them, you can take solid or multi-colored pieces of materials. Sewn together, they create a unique pattern that will add comfort and good mood to every day.

The peculiarities of this product is that it consists of different-colored fabric cuts that have the same shape and are sewn together. Thus, a large canvas is created with which you can hide or decorate the room.

Patchwork style canvas has a number of advantages:

• Its creation does not require extra spending or large investments. Any leftover fabric or old T-shirts and jeans will do.
• Absolutely the same patchwork quilt you will not meet or see from anyone, we can say with confidence that this is a designer item in a single copy.

• In the process of making it, you calm down and enjoy the work, which always has a beneficial effect on your mood and inner state.
• The created blanket will be no worse than a store blanket, it will always warm you perfectly, and will also be an excellent bedspread for your bed.
• Such a patchwork quilt can be made in any size, which greatly simplifies the situation when, for example, there is a large non-standard sofa, and it is very expensive to sew a custom-made bedspread.

From fabric cuts, you can sew not only a high-quality and warm blanket, but also many other things that can decorate the house, as well as make the interior unique and unforgettable.Often, if the craftswomen make a blanket, then they make a whole set with pillows. Thus, the room is filled with coziness, home simplicity and softness.

By itself, such a product can have many purposes, so many varieties appear.

For example, if a patchwork quilt is intended for decorative purposes (serve as a bedspread on a sofa or bed), then it can have a very unusual applique, which is made based on a fairy tale or a beautiful story.

For children's rooms, they often make thematic drawings in the patchwork style, for example, for a boy's bedroom - it can be a boat, a horse, a car, and for girls - flowers, dolls, kittens, etc.

Plus, mothers make soft bedside rugs for their children so that they can get up comfortably in the morning. And for very little children, interactive patchwork carpets with paths, stones, flowers and a lake are made. Thus, a whole playing field is created, which is sometimes interesting to play for adults themselves.

Very often they make a double-sided blanket, which, on the one hand, can have winter motives and colors, and on the other hand, summer ones. So, depending on the season, you can change the atmosphere in the room.

As a rule, a patchwork quilt can perform not only a decorative function, but also a practical one. Very often, needlewomen make a rather simple, warm and voluminous blanket that will warm you even on very cold winter nights.

Not only blankets and pillows are made in the patchwork style, but also many other amazing things. For example, avid lovers of sewing something on their own make envelopes of incredible beauty for discharge from the hospital. For a girl, it can be made in pink, peach colors, and for a boy in blue or green. This is not the end of the fantasy. Various napkins, cup holders, even curtains for the windows are made from rags.

In this style, you can do not only things, but also decorate the wall. There are a large number of patterns for sewing panels or envelopes for newspapers or magazines.

Some patchwork lovers make their own clothes using this technique (skirts, pants, T-shirts).

Even at the stage of conceiving and planning a future patchwork product, it is necessary to think over its dimensions, as well as the style in which the work will be performed. This is very important, as a conflict of patterns and textures can result. Patchwork products are most often suitable for rooms made in Provence, country or Scandinavian style, but with the right choice of colors, material and ornament, such a patchwork quilt can successfully fit into the minimalism and high-tech style.

Today, there is a wide variety of directions and themes in the design and manufacture of patchwork blankets. As a rule, each style adheres to a certain idea and color scheme.

Basically, there are classic, oriental, custom and knitted styles.

In the classical direction, it is necessary to observe the clarity of forms and a calm, and even in some details conservative approach to the choice of color. There is not much emotionality and a riot of shades and colors here, very often this combination is from 2 to 5 colors no more. As a rule, the shape of the flaps is square or triangular.

In a non-standard or crazy direction, there is a whole variety of ideas, as well as an abundance of decorative elements. The patches can be of different shapes and sizes, very often beads, beads or buttons are sewn. It may seem that this is a rather chaotically made product without observing the rules on color compatibility, but often with the help of decorative elements, the general idea or pattern is visible.

For example, for a little boy in a crib, an excellent solution would be to make a patchwork quilt in a nautical style, where blue-green shades will dominate, as well as the shape of an anchor, maybe even a ship. It is always interesting for a child to look at such a blanket, as well as touch the sewn buttons or decorative knots.

In this style, you can make a "rustic" patchwork. It is sometimes distinguished by inconsistency of colors or the dominance of green, earthy or red-burgundy shades. Moreover, the pattern on the patches themselves can be either ordinary peas or "Indian cucumber".

The eastern direction in the patchwork style is due to the presence of more refined fabrics (silk, satin), and also has a certain similarity with the classical direction. There are golden, ocher, silver and metallic shades here. There is also a fringe around the perimeter of the edge or tassels at the corners.

As for the ornament, small details and small patterns on the fabric itself prevail. Most often, not only blankets are made in this style, but also napkins, pillows. They complement the interior very beautifully, making it more refined and sophisticated.

Knitted patchwork is a very original style, as it combines simplicity of shape and soft texture. Craftswomen who know how to knit and crochet are advised to take a thread of acrylic and wool, mixed with each other by half, and also so that it is the same thickness. Such a product is unpretentious to use and clean. It will be very voluminous and warm.

Experienced craftsmen know how to knit various motifs on separate squares, for example, New Year's or dedicated to Valentine's Day, Easter, etc. These can be all kinds of snowflakes, deer, hearts of different colors, angels, cakes and much more.

Today there are a huge number of ways to create patchwork quilts and more:

Perhaps the most common and simplest option is the technique of stitching long strips of equal width. Such a blanket will resemble a cobbled fence, especially if you choose the color.

One of the old techniques for creating a unique pattern is the American square or well. This style of tailoring was very popular two centuries ago in America and, accordingly, in Europe. This ornament is based on a square, which is sewn from stripes that gradually increase in length. Thus, the illusion of a well of logs is created when viewed from top to bottom.

There are several options for creating such a picture.

• At its base and beginning there is a square, which is trimmed with a strip of fabric from each edge, and each subsequent "log" is sewn overlapping each other in a circle. The stripes can increase in width or remain the same, the main thing is to change the shades of the tiers so that there is a volumetric well effect. You can also make a dark middle, and closer to the edge, sew on lighter patches.

• The second technique for creating the American square is also based on the square, which is the core and base. Pre-cut and processed flaps are sewn on each side like a ladder. It turns out that the cuts of each side touch each other at the corners. Here, too, it is worth remembering about the color transition in order to maintain the visual effect.

One of the oldest and easiest ways to create a patchwork quilt is by stitching squares.They can be large, medium-sized, or up to 1-4 cm in area. The main visibility of the pattern is created by the color and sewing sequence of the patches. The ornament can have 2 colors and resemble a chessboard, but the version with a wide variety of color palette looks more interesting. Some artists are adept at creating portraits from rectangular cuts, reminiscent of a pixel photograph.

Any geometric figure, for example, a triangle, can be taken as the basis of the pattern to be sewn. It is very easy to work with it, since you can make a rectangle from it, the same square, and even a circle or rhombus.

The most common ornaments made from this figure are "mill", "star", "flower".

The watercolor technique is very creative. The product can be made from patches of different shapes (squares, rectangles, etc.), but the most important thing is the color. The cuts are selected in such a way that the tones are approximately in the same color scheme. In the finished, sewn form, this canvas resembles a canvas on which they painted with watercolors. These blankets look very delicate and airy.

The honeycomb technique is very close to nature. To do this, hexagons are cut out and stitched together, moreover, most often, the entire blanket is made of beige or light patches, and only some hexagons are made honey or yellow, so as not to look too clumsy. You can sew small bees on top for a more atmospheric product. But such a figure is not always used to imitate a honeycomb, very often hexagons can be multi-colored and lay out a whole, bright product.

One of the most beautiful and voluminous patchwork sewing techniques is called "Lyapochikha". If a very impressive amount of old and unnecessary knitted T-shirts or T-shirts has accumulated, then an amazing patchwork quilt can be made of them. First you need to buy a fabric on which everything will be sewn. Then things are cut into pieces (preferably rectangular) and, without processing the edge, sewn layer by layer onto the base.

If you disassemble the cut pieces of fabric by color, then you can lay out a drawing or pattern. Most often they make flowers or imitation of sheep's wool or fish scales.

All other techniques for creating ornaments are based on the above. Weaving and stitching of the flaps alternate, resulting in a colorful and original design.

An interesting solution would be to make a plaid or blanket crocheted in a patchwork style. Thus, a very beautiful ornament can be knitted using many colors. Usually, threads made of wool, acrylic, or a mixture of these are used. But the most interesting thing is that thinly cut and fastened remnants of fabrics can be used as a thread. For this kind of knitting, you will have to use a larger crochet hook.

In order to sew a high-quality patchwork quilt that will last for many years, you need to think in advance about which material to use. Usually, craftswomen take leftovers from past projects and tailoring, thereby saving money and time to find fabric. These can be scraps from old jeans or from children's things, from which the child has already grown.

But you should be aware that not all fabrics are suitable for sewing together. For example, if you sew a blanket from cotton and knitted patches, it will be inconvenient, since the knitwear stretches a lot and the seams may be beveled.

Fabrics are divided into artificial and natural.

Of course, it is always better to give preference to high-quality linen, cotton or silk, but these materials are not cheap, therefore they are very often replaced with synthetic cuts.

Recently, you can find in the store special patches for patchwork. They are usually made from 100% cotton. Such matter will not fade, wrinkle and "shrink" from washing. It also comes in polyester or synthetic fibers.

In order for the patchwork quilt to be warmer, airy and textured, craftsmen use a special cushioning material between the upper and lower layers of the patches. It is also called insulation or filler.

It is easy to find such insulation in fabric stores, rolled into rolls. Like regular canvas, it is also sold by meter.

The filler is made from various materials that have special characteristics:

• If it is made of cotton, then after washing, wrinkles may appear on the already sewn blanket. But its advantage will be its ability to "breathe" and pass air, which means that moisture will not linger inside.
• There is an improved option - a blend of polyester and cotton. Such a layer sits well without pulling the material, and keeps heat well, which is very necessary in winter.

• Pure polyester lining is a readily available material that is not attacked by moths or mildew. Due to the fact that it is an artificially created fiber, it is impermeable to air and at the same time very resilient and light in weight.
• Flannel is often bought as insulation. This is a fairly thin and durable material that has poor elasticity, which makes it difficult to sew a patchwork quilt for inexperienced and novice craftswomen.

If it was conceived to sew a sufficiently warm blanket, then it is better to purchase a woolen filler. The product will be slightly voluminous, but thanks to this, it will be very warm and comfortable under such a blanket. Also, it is easy and comfortable to work with such a filler both by hand and on a sewing machine.

Blankets for beds come in completely different sizes, but there are standards, just like sheets and duvet covers. There are children, one-and-a-half blankets, double blankets (there is a kind of euro - double blankets) and non-standard blankets that are sewn and made to order:

• Usually, blankets for children are 110 cm wide and 140 cm long, and for newborns they are usually square - 120 by 120 cm or 140 by 140 cm.
• One-and-a-half blankets can be 135-140 cm wide and 200-210 cm long. This option is suitable for one person or for a couple sleeping on a small sofa. As for the Euro version, each parameter is increased by 10-15 cm.
• Double models have dimensions of 170 by 200 cm or according to the European standard 200 by 220 cm. As for large and non-standard blankets, then sizes can start from 220 cm in width and 250 in length.

Based on the required size of the future product, it is necessary to calculate the number and parameters of the flaps, as well as their shape. Do not forget that the finer the stitched cuts, the harder the patchwork quilt will be, and vice versa. Of course, a medium-sized square or triangle will look more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing on a large product, and it will also save time on its production.

As a rule, a patchwork-style blanket is distinguished by its clumsy, and sometimes excessive riot of colors.Therefore, in order for the finished product to look aesthetically pleasing, you must first select a pattern in which the meaning will be seen, as well as select the necessary colors. Experienced craftswomen in the industry choose colors intuitively, find the right shades and correctly combine them with each other. Of course, everything comes with experience, but where do you start?

After all, it is the color, first of all, that conveys the general mood of the originally conceived creative drawing. If the palette of materials is chosen incorrectly, you may end up with an overly multi-colored blanket, which will irritate over time. There should be harmony in the color choice.

The most important thing is not to overdo it with the color variety, it is best if 1 or 2 main colors are chosen for the main ornament or pattern, and the remaining 2 or 3 colors will be background and less bright compared to the dominant ones.

Drawings on the product can be either with a conventional geometric ornament or with a solid plot.

Most often they sew from square, triangular or polygonal patches, since this method is much easier. With the help of such figures, you can make a blanket with stars, with multi-colored flowers, rhombuses, or simply - in the form of a checkerboard.

Recently, schemes with animals, birds, and fish have been gaining popularity. If a patchwork quilt is made for an exhibition or as a decoration for a home, then whole plots from fairy tales or favorite books, as well as ancient mosaic layout of ancient times, can be taken as a basis.

High-level craftsmen can carry out works of a complex order, so you can find products in the patchwork style on a religious theme. These can be various faces of Christian saints or ancient gods. It looks very beautiful, and most importantly, such a masterpiece will decorate any room.

The main thing is to be patient and do everything carefully step by step, then each finished work will delight you not only with its beauty, but also with warmth for many years.

Of course, a patchwork quilt is one of the decor elements in the room, so you should be careful when sewing it, choosing the optimal colors and materials.

For small rooms, patchwork blankets made in light, light colors are suitable, so the sleeping place will not seem large, but, on the contrary, very compact. An excellent addition to the interior will be the same pillows and chair covers, if they are in the room. Often they make bean bags from scraps, they look very interesting in the room, and also delight with their practicality and softness.

If it was decided to make a bedspread from scraps to the living room, then here you need to proceed from the general atmosphere. For example, a room is decorated in the Provence style and has enough free space, then you can create a voluminous bedspread in turquoise-pink tones, as well as make the same pillows that can be laid out on free-standing chairs, creating a complete picture. The blanket can also be made using the watercolor or checkerboard technique.

As you can see from the interior of this bright room, a knitted patchwork bedspread perfectly complements the space, and it does not at all distract unnecessary attention to itself, leaving the room very calm and harmonious.

Despite the large abundance of colors in the patchwork quilt, they are very harmoniously combined with the overall environment. The room is conducive to complete relaxation and wonderful sleep.

This example shows that the sleeping place is overflowing with bright and catchy colors, so it will be difficult to calm down and fall asleep here.

An incredible sense of style is shown here.The duvet is sewn in such a way that it blends in with the whole decor in the room, and there are also curtains made in the same style. Despite the fact that there are a lot of patchwork items in the room, it does not seem pretentious. This is achieved due to the color and texture of the fabric itself.

To learn how to sew a random color patchwork quilt in 30 minutes, see the following video