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| Photos above © Jordan Fabrics |
Ready to embark on a quilting adventure? In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating the beautiful Carpenter's Wheel quilt, led by the talented Donna Jordan from Jordan Fabrics. With a FREE PATTERN included, you’ll have everything you need to craft this eye-catching quilt.
What is the Carpenter's Wheel Quilt?
The Carpenter's Wheel quilt features a captivating design of diamond shapes arranged in a circular pattern, creating a stunning visual effect. This full-size version expands on Donna's previous smaller wall hanging, offering you the opportunity to create a more impactful piece for your home.
Essential Materials
Before you get started, gather these materials to ensure a smooth quilting experience:
- Fabric: Half a yard each of six different fabrics for the diamond shapes. Choose fabrics that complement one another and provide good contrast against the background.
- Background Fabric: Approximately 2.5 yards of fabric that coordinates with your color choices.
- Cutting Tools: A rotary cutter, scissors, and a cutting mat for precise measurements.
- Iron: For pressing your fabric flat.
Fabric Recommendations
While Donna demonstrates using dark jewel tones, feel free to adapt the quilt to your personal style. Consider these options:
- A vibrant rainbow of colors for a lively quilt.
- Different shades of a single color for a monochromatic look.
- Unique prints to add character to your quilt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Fabrics
Start by ironing your fabrics to eliminate wrinkles. A smooth surface is crucial for accurate cutting.
2. Cut the Fabric
For the diamond shapes:
- Cut 6.625-inch squares from each of your colored fabrics.
- Cut the background fabric into squares of two sizes: 6.625 inches and 6.25 inches.
3. Label Your Fabrics
To avoid confusion during assembly, label each fabric with letters (A to F). This will help you keep track of your pieces and their arrangement.
4. Create Half Square Triangles
Using the squares you cut:
- Mark a diagonal line on the back of each background square.
- Place the colored square on top, ensuring perfect alignment.
- Sew a quarter inch from each side of the marked line.
- Cut along the diagonal to create two half square triangles.
5. Assemble the Quilt Top
Once your half square triangles are completed, it’s time to lay out your quilt:
- Use the labeled diagram to arrange the pieces.
- Focus on one quadrant at a time, placing the blocks in their designated spots.
- Stitch the blocks together, alternating seam allowances to ensure they nest nicely.
6. Final Assembly
After constructing all four quadrants, sew them together to complete the quilt top. Press the seams to eliminate any bulk and ensure a flat finish.
7. Adding Borders
For a polished look, add pieced borders using the extra fabric strips you cut earlier. Donna will provide instructions for creating these borders in her free pattern.
Quilting and Finishing Touches
Once your quilt top is complete, you can decide how to quilt it. Donna recommends using a quilting pattern that complements the sharp angles of the Carpenter's Wheel.
Thread Selection
Carefully choose a thread color that matches or contrasts beautifully with your quilt. Consider these options:
- Deep purple for a striking appearance.
- Dusty lavender for a softer touch.
The Carpenter's Wheel quilt is a fulfilling project that can enhance your quilting skills. With Donna’s clear instructions and the free pattern provided, you can create a stunning quilt that showcases your creativity and craftsmanship.
