Free form Quilt with Curves...How?
 

I want to make a free form wall hanging with curves that begin from a hole in the middle....The picture in my head looks better than it sounds.

I don't want to use fuseable, I'd like to actually piece the entire thing.
However, I have no idea how to piece those curves together.

I've attached a quick sketch....any ideas on how to piece intersecting curves like that?

Thanks!

Watson

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Number each piece. Trace each piece separately, then add 1/4" all the way around. I like to truncate the points to 1/4" away from the points. Add registration lines or dots, in 2 places along each side. Transfer these onto the fabric with a disappearing pen. Use these to match the pieces together.

Thanks, quiltedsunshine, but how do you make it so there are no raw edges? (Except the outside edge.)

Watson

You've added in your 1/4 inch seam, and that's what you're sewing on, so the raw edges are in the seam allowance, except in the center. You could use a facing there.

check out Jean Well's improv quilting--this reminds me of her stuff a little.

Agree with QuiltedSunshine, on the basic How To!
As to your further question, Watson .... you would still be sewing seam allowances, just a bit trickier than straight seams, as you have the challenge of getting it to lay flat.

Have you ever done an Apple Core quilt block(s) .... curved seams galore!
Doing a few of those, may help you get a sense of the how to.
I did a large runner, and amazingly got them joined "right" with the finished piece nice and flat.

The secret was a lot of patience!!
...... and unless I was in the right zone, I knew to just stay clear and not let it frustrate me!

Here's one way how!
 

I'd do it similar to how I do the curved parts for the Dogwood Blossom quilt I'm working on. It's a combination of EPP and Piece-lique, Sharon Schamber's circle technique. (See here: http://www.sewmuchlikemom.com/2013/0...ards-path.html )

Herewith an explanation of how I combined the two.

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1. The piece
2. Piece without seam allowances, cut from freezer paper, shiny side up.
3. Press seam allowance over edge of freezer paper. It will stick. (This is something I do different than Sharon Schamber. She uses spray starch to glue it down. I think this works better.)
4. I pressed every other one so you can see that the inside curves need to be snipped so the seam allowance lies flat against the paper. This is important for when you stitch it.
5. Glue stick for sticking pieces together in the next step.
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6. Place outer and inner pieces on template as shown. Apply glue stick to seam allowances on back of center piece. (I used blue pieces so it would show up better, then sewed in the white piece that actually goes there, in case the change of color is confusing for anyone.)

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7. Press to dry glue stick. Pieces should be well attached to each other.

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8. Slide tool between fabric and freezer paper to separate them. Using a sharp pencil, mark along stitching line. (This is optional. I do it so I know I'm stitching where I want to be. For more advanced sewists, this step can probably be skipped.) See the little pencil lines? After you draw the lines, remove the freezer paper.

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9. Sew the parts together. I use a zipper foot instead of a 1/4" foot because it is easier for me to see what I am doing. (And truthfully because I'm not that experienced at piecing curve. I could just as easily title this "Every crutch I know for piecing curves!" Lol, keepin' it real.) I have the piece pulled away from the foot to show you the pencil line, that's not how I sew.

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10. This shows the piece where it would go in the block.

I would have done it with your sketch, but my printer is out of magenta and the one we ordered said it would fit, but it was all lies, lies, lies. So, printer is a doorstop. Maybe next week...

Anyway, I hope this is helpful and the pictures aren't too gigantic and weird.

Extra observance points for those who can tell which machine I'm using just from the parts that show in that post.

Isn't that just always the way it is? Where's the Vulcan Mind Meld when we really need it!

I think you need a more free form method. Check out Caryl Bryer Fallert's applipiecing method on her website.

Wow, thanks everyone for all the ideas and especially themadpatter for the tutorial!

I have a bunch of not-so-favourite fabrics that I'm going to try these ideas out on.

Watson

Cbman, thanks so much for showing us this site. I feel like I learned something very valuable today. And welcome to the board. Man, if this is only your second post, I can't wait to see the next ones!!!

Watson, I was going through some of my books yesterday and I think this book would be a great book for you to look at if you can find it in your library or on-line. It is a C&T Publishing book.
“Curves in Motion—-Quilt Designs & Techniques” by Judy B. Dales. Pub. 1998

Her piecing is similar to what you have described/drawn in your example.

Ellen1...Amazon.ca had that one for only $10. so I bought it. It looks like it may be just what I'm looking for! We'll see on Tuesday.

Watson

Oh good, I’m glad you found it. At a good price too. Very nice book. I wanted to post some photos so you could see, but decided that would not be acceptable on the board. I also think this book and her technique is what you are looking for. I hope it works for you. Ellen