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| The photo above © Zhadra Sheralina |
Welcome to our sewing adventure! Today, we’ll be crafting a vibrant mosaic block using colorful fabric scraps. This project not only helps you make t
he most of leftover fabric but also allows you to showcase your personal style through color and design choices. Follow along as we detail the materials needed and the step-by-step process to create your unique patchwork mosaic block.
Materials Needed
Before diving into the project, gather the following materials:
- Cotton Fabric for Lining: One square piece measuring 20 cm x 20 cm. Choose a non-elastic fabric for the best results.
- Center Fabric (Eye): A royal velor square measuring 5 cm x 5 cm.
- Fabric Strips: Various strips of fabric in different colors, each measuring 3 cm in width. Feel free to use velor, cotton, or any fabric that inspires you.
- Sewing Machine: An essential tool for stitching your pieces together.
- Iron: For pressing seams and ensuring a polished finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Center of Your Block
Begin by placing the royal velor square (the "eye") in the center of the cotton lining. Ensure it is perfectly centered, as this will become the focal point of your mosaic block.
2. Mark the Corners
Using a fabric marker, draw diagonal lines from corner to corner on the lining. These lines will serve as guides to help you accurately position the fabric strips.
3. Start Sewing the Fabric Strips
Select your first fabric strip; let’s start with a green one. Position it along one side of the center square and sew it in place. Use a seam allowance of about 7-8 mm, which corresponds to the width of the foot on your sewing machine.
4. Continue Adding Strips
Next, choose a strip of a different color—such as red—and place it on the opposite side of the center square. Sew it on in the same manner. Continue adding fabric strips: place a purple strip on the third side and a blue strip on the fourth side. Ensure each color complements the others for a harmonious look.
5. Build the Mosaic Pattern
With your first layer complete, it’s time to add a second layer. Start with the same color sequence; for instance, if you began with green, continue using green for the next strip. This repetition will create a cohesive and attractive design as you build your mosaic.
6. Repeat the Process
Keep adding strips in the same manner until you reach the edge of the lining. You’ll end up with a beautifully layered patchwork block that showcases depth and dimension.
7. Finalize the Block
Once all strips are sewn, sew along the edge of the block, leaving about 2-3 mm for the seam. Trim any excess fabric along the edges to ensure a clean and professional finish.
8. Press the Block
Iron the patchwork block from the wrong side to flatten the seams and enhance its appearance. This step is essential for achieving a polished final product.
Assembling Your Pillowcase
To create a small pillowcase, you’ll need four patchwork blocks, each measuring 18.5 cm x 18.5 cm. The arrangement of colors can vary in each block, enhancing the overall mosaic effect.
1. Sew the Blocks Together
Pair your blocks into two sets and sew them together. This will create two larger sections. Next, sew these sections together to form the complete front of your pillowcase.
2. Final Dimensions
Your finished patchwork piece will measure 36 cm x 36 cm, making it suitable for a 40 cm x 40 cm pillow insert. Feel free to adjust the size based on your preferences.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully crafted a beautiful patchwork mosaic block from fabric scraps. This project not only minimizes waste but also allows you to create stunning items for your home.
Thank you for joining me on this creative journey! Happy sewing!
