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| The photo above © Jordan Fabrics |
If you’re looking for a fun and festive quilting project, "Autumn in Flight" is the perfect choice! This delightful panel quilt combines seasonal charm with beginner-friendly techniques, making it an ideal project for quilters of all skill levels. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from preparing your materials to adding the final touches. Whether you’re making this quilt for the holidays or as a cozy winter decor piece, you’ll love the results!
Materials You’ll Need
Before we begin, gather the following supplies:
- Fabric Panel: A 24-inch panel (we’re using a reindeer-themed panel from Blank Quilting’s Holiday Style collection).
- Border Fabrics: Plaid gray, solid white, black snowflake, and red poinsettia prints.
- Quilting Pattern: The pattern used here is from Pine Tree Country Quilts.
- Basic Sewing Supplies: Iron, sewing machine, rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, pins, and thread.
Step 1: Preparing the Fabric Panel
The first step in any quilting project is preparing your fabric. Proper preparation ensures clean cuts and precise seams.
- Iron the Panel: Start by ironing your fabric panel to remove any wrinkles. This step is crucial for achieving accurate measurements.
- Trim the Panel: The panel measures approximately 24.5 inches, but we’ll trim it down to 21.5 inches. Use a rotary cutter and ruler to carefully cut off about 1.5 inches from each side. This removes the border and prepares the panel for the new borders we’ll add later.
- Measure and Fold: Fold the panel in half and measure 18.75 inches from the fold to trim the length to 37.5 inches. This ensures the panel is perfectly sized for the quilt design.
Step 2: Adding Borders
Borders frame your panel and add visual interest. For this project, we’ll use a combination of fabrics to create a layered effect.
- First Border (Solid White): Start by adding a solid white border around the trimmed panel. This creates a clean, crisp frame for the design.
- Second Border (Gray Plaid): Next, add the gray plaid fabric. This adds texture and complements the reindeer theme.
- Accent Borders: Use the black snowflake and red poinsettia prints to add pops of color and detail. These fabrics will be incorporated into the patchwork sections of the quilt.
Step 3: Creating the Strip Set
The strip set is a key component of the quilt’s design. It involves sewing together multiple fabric strips to create a cohesive pattern.
- Selecting Strips: For this project, we’ll use five strips: two gray plaids, one black snowflake, and two red poinsettia prints.
- Sewing the Strips: Carefully sew the strips together, ensuring they don’t stretch. Finger-press the seams as you go to keep them flat and stable. Once sewn, press the strip set with an iron to set the seams.
Step 4: Making Flying Geese Units
The flying geese units are a classic quilting block that adds movement and dimension to the design.
- Cutting the Sections: Subcut the strip set into 3.5-inch sections. These will be used to create the flying geese blocks.
- Drawing the Diagonal: On two squares of fabric, draw a diagonal line. These squares will serve as the background for the flying geese units.
- Sewing the Units: Place the squares on the strip set sections and sew along the diagonal line. Trim the excess fabric, leaving a ¼-inch seam allowance. Press the seams open to create crisp, clean blocks.
Step 5: Assembling the Quilt
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the quilt.
- Creating Rows: Arrange the flying geese blocks into rows. For this design, we’ll have one row with five flying geese, another with three, and a third with one. Sew these rows together, ensuring the seams align perfectly.
- Adding Borders: Attach the borders to the panel, starting with the top and bottom pieces. Then, add the side borders. Finally, frame the quilt with an outer border in the gray plaid fabric.
Step 6: Quilting and Finishing Touches
The final step is quilting the project to bring it all together.
- Choosing Thread Color: Select a thread color that complements the design. For this quilt, a silver thread was chosen to add subtle texture without overpowering the design.
- Quilting Pattern: Use a floral-inspired quilting pattern to echo the motifs in the panel. This adds a cohesive and elegant touch to the finished piece.
- Binding: Finish the quilt with binding in a coordinating fabric. This frames the quilt and gives it a polished look.
Why You’ll Love This Project
- Versatility: While this quilt has a holiday theme, it can be used throughout the winter season. The reindeer and snowflake motifs make it a festive yet timeless piece.
- Quick and Easy: This project can be completed in just a couple of days, making it perfect for last-minute gifts or a weekend sewing session.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out fabrics and colors to match your personal style or home decor.
Final Thoughts
Creating the "Autumn in Flight" quilt is a rewarding experience that combines creativity and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a beginner, this project offers a chance to explore new techniques and create something truly special.
Watch the Full Video Tutorial Here
Happy quilting!✨
