The passion for quilting goes beyond stockpiling material for a fabric stash. Collecting other items such as thimbles, lapel pins and historical pieces is quite common. Squirrelling out vintage patterns is another.
It is the early published designs that are of interest, here. Often patterns that were available in the 1950's, 60's and 70's originated much earlier. Each telling their own story within the design.
Many of the works of art showcased have been around forever. Proof is depicted in history books that reveal pictures of handmade pieces. A lot of these patterns use some form of templates in cutting the required pieces.
The tradition of templates need not stand in the way of resurrecting art from another era. History can be brought back to life. Convert time honoured template patterns to modern quick cut and sew patterns in a few easy steps.
For the first time fabric converter follow these basic guidelines. They will provide the necessary steps in making the vintage quilt pattern a reality.
The adaptation method used here, is based on the following scenario.
1. A portion of the pattern requires 142 rectangles.
2. Each rectangle is 4 1/2” long and 2 1/2” wide.
3. The total rectangles needed are to be made equally of two different colours of fabric.
4. The pattern asks for two yards of each colour of material. It does not state if this is all to be used for these rectangles or how much will be left over for use in the construction of the quilt.
All this information should be taken into account when using the conversion guidelines.
Conversion Guideline
1. Seventy-one (71) pieces multiplied by 4 1/2” equals 319 1/2” inches of material required of one colour.
2. Three Hundred Nineteen and a Half (319 1/2”) divided by 40 equals 8 strips - rounded up - of material needed. NOTE - Assuming the number 40 is based on the average fabric bolt width.
3. Eight (8) strips multiplied by the width of each strip (2 1/2”) equals 20".
4. Always round the numbers up.
From the calculations, the result shows that 20" of each of the two colours is required to make 142 rectangles. The balance will be used to cut other pieces used to make up the quilt.
This method of calculation may also simplify the understanding of other quilt patterns if the fabric and cutting instructions are unclear.
Converting an old pattern, can be time consuming. But, the end result gives us the opportunity to bring history to life.
Download a FREE conversion chart from our store. Offer good until April 30, 2016.
It is the early published designs that are of interest, here. Often patterns that were available in the 1950's, 60's and 70's originated much earlier. Each telling their own story within the design.
Many of the works of art showcased have been around forever. Proof is depicted in history books that reveal pictures of handmade pieces. A lot of these patterns use some form of templates in cutting the required pieces.
The tradition of templates need not stand in the way of resurrecting art from another era. History can be brought back to life. Convert time honoured template patterns to modern quick cut and sew patterns in a few easy steps.
For the first time fabric converter follow these basic guidelines. They will provide the necessary steps in making the vintage quilt pattern a reality.
- Select a pattern that requires the use of squares, rectangles or long strips.
- Select a pattern that requires not more than two or three fabric colours.
- During any conversion exercise make lots of detailed notes. It is a must because trying to memorize these changes, even for the seasoned quilter, opens up a path for disaster.
The adaptation method used here, is based on the following scenario.
1. A portion of the pattern requires 142 rectangles.
2. Each rectangle is 4 1/2” long and 2 1/2” wide.
3. The total rectangles needed are to be made equally of two different colours of fabric.
4. The pattern asks for two yards of each colour of material. It does not state if this is all to be used for these rectangles or how much will be left over for use in the construction of the quilt.
All this information should be taken into account when using the conversion guidelines.
Conversion Guideline
1. Seventy-one (71) pieces multiplied by 4 1/2” equals 319 1/2” inches of material required of one colour.
2. Three Hundred Nineteen and a Half (319 1/2”) divided by 40 equals 8 strips - rounded up - of material needed. NOTE - Assuming the number 40 is based on the average fabric bolt width.
3. Eight (8) strips multiplied by the width of each strip (2 1/2”) equals 20".
4. Always round the numbers up.
From the calculations, the result shows that 20" of each of the two colours is required to make 142 rectangles. The balance will be used to cut other pieces used to make up the quilt.
This method of calculation may also simplify the understanding of other quilt patterns if the fabric and cutting instructions are unclear.
Converting an old pattern, can be time consuming. But, the end result gives us the opportunity to bring history to life.
Download a FREE conversion chart from our store. Offer good until April 30, 2016.
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