How to Make a Quilt Panel

A quilt panel is the center formation of what is known as a panel quilt. It is a preprinted fabric that displays one large design or several designs that are not repeated until the panel is complete. These panels can be found in many design patterns at your local fabric store. Many times, there are coordinating fabrics that match the panel. The size of the panel does not determine the size of the quilt; it is merely the center portion of the quilt.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Quilt panel
• Fabric
• Thread
• Batting
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine

1. Measure the bed or decide on the size panel quilt you will be making.

2. Purchase your quilt panel as well as all the additional fabrics you will need for strips or blocks that will surround the quilt panel. If the panel is large enough, you may only need fabric for a border and binding. Also, purchase batting, backing fabric.

3. Attach the blocks or strips to both sides of the quilt panel with a 1/4-inch seam.

4. Cut and sew on the two side borders and then the top and bottom border around the panel quilt. The width of the borders depends on your preference and quilt size.

5. Sandwich the panel quilt with the backing fabric (face down), the batting and the quilt panel top (face up). Baste (long, loose stitches) the three layers together.

6. Hand quilt or machine quilt as you desire. Remove all the basting thread.

7. Cut and piece scrap fabric to make a binding, 1 1/2 inches wide. You will need two pieces as long as the quilt is and two more that are the width of the quilt, plus 1/2 inch. Press under 1/4 inch on one side of each of the binding pieces.

8. Sew the two side bindings to the panel quilt first. Using the unfolded edges (right sides facing), pin and sew a 1/2-inch seam. Sew the top and bottom bindings in the same manner, except fold under the two short sides to make a nice edge to the binding.

Resources

• Whole Panel Quilts