Several have asked me questions of making the Celtic block and I am posting a short How to here. If I have left something out or others have suggestions please feel free to add...


This is what I did:

The background block was cut at 15" square.

The bias was cut from a fat quarter.. folded on the bias... I cut 1 1/4" strips and then ironed them into thirds.. making the bias strips 3/8".
*What I did because I didn't have the medal or plastic bars for making bias... I cut a strip from the fat quarter cardboard at 3/8" *
Then using my mini iron I placed the strip in the middle of the bias cut strip on wrong side and folded one side over and then the other and pressed as I went along. That seemed easiest for me. I could sit using a small ironing board (or you can make something that will allow you to press on) set up on a TV tray.

Once I pressed one strip.. I wrapped it onto a empty paper towel tube or you could use toilet paper tube as well. Stuck a pin at the end to keep it on. Continued on using the biggest to the smallest ... you will not need all the bias cuttings, I just did them because I was not sure.

After you have gotten all your bias pieces pressed and rolled onto a tube, you trace out the pattern onto your 15" block. You can use a light box or tape the pattern to your window and put your material up and trace it that way.

Then the fun part starts! Placing the bias onto the design! I found small applique needles worked well.

*I was told to have the bias raw edge (looking from the
backside)at the top , not the folded edge.*

I started in the center where a crossover would be, leaving a 1/4" that would be under the crossover piece once there.

You will want to place your bias strip along the pattern to see how far it will go, as you want to stop only where there is a crossover that will hide the ends where you stop. Again leaving 1/4" extra for the crossover to cover.

What I found worked for me was ... once I got to a crossover (pinning across the strip as I went along) I would then baste that part using a thread you can see. take out the pins and continue on the next bias strip... continuing this way until all of the design is placed with bias.

Next, and I was told this was important as well, to start appliqueing in the inside of the design all the way around.... then after... sew the outside edge all the way around.

I used YLI silk thread #100 and it was great! Try to find a color that is near to your bias as possible or a little darker.. you will be amazed at how it blends should you not catch it just right.

I hope this is clear and a help.

Sharon

This block is so beautiful....Saw a celtic pattern on here a few days ago that I think I'm going to try.

Beautiful!

Thanks for the tute. I would really like to try that.

What a gorgeous block. Thanks for the tute. This is something I want to do at some point in the future.

For those who want to make bias for a project like this and don't have the bias tape maker, you can mark the width you want the bias strips on your ironing board, then insert a straight pin into and out of one side, the into and out of the other side and fold your bias strip into thirds and slip it under the pin. Then as you pull the strip out from under the pin you can iron it and will have bias strips just like you would if you used a bias tape maker - and lots cheaper.

Oooh Sharon-saw your posting earlier and thought what a great March doll quilt and Irish to boot. Thanks for sharing.

Gorgeous work. Thanks a million for the instructions.

Fascinating technique! I'd like to try it some day. There is one thing in your tute I cannot figure out:

*I was told to have the bias raw edge (looking from the
backside)at the top , not the folded edge.*

Can you explain in more detail? Or, better yet, with a photo?

That is so KOOL!! can't wait to try it. Thanks a bunch for tute.

Gorgeous! I tried it once, it isn't as easy (or at least wasn't for me!) as it looks. I might try it again, though with your information/instructions.

thanks!!

Truly Beautiful. I may have to try one. After I finish up my ongoing projectssss.

Beautiful block--thanks for the lesson!

Thanks for explaining the process. Your block is gorgeous.

That is stunning. I think I would get confused at all the cross-over and under fabric. Your pictures and tutorial help. Thanks.

*I was told to have the bias raw edge (looking from the
backside)at the top , not the folded edge.*

The block is beautiful, and I would like to try it, but I am unsure of this part that I quoted. If both sides are folded over what raw edge? The end? And why is that important?

Sorry, newbie here. lol

Thanks! I was wondering how you got that beautiful block so perfect.

I love celtic blocks, gotta try this.

Thanks so much for the details. Your block is beautiful and my question is what is a good source for the designs?

an easy way to mark your over/under placement is to mark the overs with an X and leave the unders unmarked...thats the only way I could keep track...love the block

Beautiful. I would like to try that someday...

I figured this might be a bit confusing! I will take a picture with the bias against the fabric and try and show you that way. Be back as soon as I take some pictures!

That's a beautiful knot. Gotta try one.

Where do you get the design? Or do you just kind of wing it and hope they are all alike? Yours is beautiful. Can you use the fusible tape?

WOW that is beautiful

I am making a Celtic knot table runner. I am about 1/2 way through the applique process. It's fun.

I was given a photo copy of the design by a lady in my Friday quilt gathering. I don't use fusible tape but have heard that could be used. Another idea I heard was using a glue stick to place it down.

What I do is pin somewhat close, about 3/4" apart until I get to a place where I have to end (under a crossover). Then I baste that section to the fabric and remove the pins and continue on doing the same until all the design is covered.


I do hope all this is helpful... any additions or questions please feel free to add here.

Sharon

I am in the process of finding a couple of books. I have a couple earmarked to get... One is by Philomena Durcan Celtic Quilting Designs ll Children of Lir and another Celtic book by Beth Ann Williams.

The Celtic block is beautiful. Can't say anything more sincerely. Beautiful.

Thanks so much for this tutorial!! I have it bookmarked for a future project.

Thank you so much for the additional photos. I understand now!!!

Good job on the tute Sharon.

I'm bookmarking this great tute. Thanks so much.

WOW - great tutorial

Thanks! I would like to try this some day.

This is beautiful. Another thing for my to do list/

I have a soft cover book,"Celtic Quilt Designs", copyright 1980 by Walter and Philemena Wiechec. Publishers - Celtic Design Co. 19170 Portos Dr. Saratoga, Ca. 95070. It has 20 very traceable designs and instructions for doing the assembly. Very good book. I have used it many time to make sofa pillow covers. No, I do not want to part with the book, but maybe you could find a copy, or contact the company, if still in existance. Price in 1980 was $7.95.

Been thinking of making a Celtic quilt...your tute is helpful. Thanks :lol:

Yes, this is a great book. Alibris.com is a really nice resource for finding those out of print books. They have vendors from all over the world.

You can do a WWW.BING.COM search in images - celtic symbols

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...l&sp=1&sc=8-13
Above is what I came up with

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.