Creative combination of unusual fabrics, colors and patterns allows to create unique designs that will decorate any room. Find out what exactly patchwork is!
Sewing method is based on combining scraps of different materials into one whole. Fabrics can be selected by color, geometric or combined in seemingly chaotic combinations. Patchwork is an activity that stimulates creativity, and the completed works can decorate any interior. Style of sewing also allows the use of special techniques that enhance the aesthetic value of the work done. One of such elements is quilting, or placing additional stitches on the material.
Possibilities in patchwork are endless – it concerns both choice of materials (from cotton to jeans), the ways of their connection and projects which can be created from them. Those who begin their adventure with this artistic activity quickly get involved in sewing and systematically develop their skills.
Today it is time for another upcycling inspiration? Although it is getting warmer outside and the weather does not encourage to sit in…
Published by Zero Waste Lublin Monday, 19 April 2021
In the past, patchwork was used mainly to create objects of everyday use, which were missing in the household equipment. These were usually pillows, blankets, warm clothes or bedspreads. Currently, this method can be sewn virtually any dreamed decorations or objects. Stitched pieces of fabric can be placed on a specific item, such as a vase, thus completely changing its appearance.
The Internet is filled with instructional videos, which show how to create a project step by step. The most popular patchwork works nowadays include: decorative pillows, plaids, bedspreads, table covers, blankets, sheets, covers, carpets, clothes or their decorative fragments, pet seat, lampshade, curtains or towels. The final effect depends on the selected material, chosen patchwork pattern and creativity of the person who makes material work.
Before you begin the sewing process, you need to carefully design the size and appearance of the final object. Dimensions must be adjusted to the number of blocks and scraps of fabric to be used in sewing. The next step is to choose a layout. There are several possibilities, and each of them depends on the size and number of blocks. The most popular models are: interlocking tiled layout, block separated by separators, interblocks, blocks with interblocks, plaid, hurdle, sampler and antique tile.
Each composition gives the whole project a different character, so you should carefully check the available designs and choose the one that will look the best. The easiest projects dedicated to beginner tailors consist mainly of square or rectangular-shaped materials. As your skills increase, you can try sewing triangular fabrics or combining shapes in non-obvious ways.
Basic equipment for patchwork is sewing machine. The best model will work here multifunctional model, which, thanks to interchangeable feet, will allow you not only to combine fabrics, but also decorative quilting project. For detailed parameters of equipment, types of feet and how to use them during work, you should look at one of the numerous websites about patchwork. This hobby is very popular and allowed to create in Poland an active network of community, which shares experience and advises how to sew effectively.
For the stage of designing and selecting scraps of material will be useful tailor’s chalk, tape measure, scissors, colored thread, pins, needles, safety pins and templates, which will facilitate designing for those who begin their adventure with patchwork. Iron can also be a useful accessory, which allows you to press fragments of material while sewing.
Featured photo: pixnio.com
