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Step 1
Cut your fabric into 8x8 squares. I used a ruler by June Tailor that are these exact measurements, so it acts as my pattern piece and my ruler to cut with. You will need a total of 35 squares but this will include your coordinating fabric also. Of your darker or printed fabric you should have 18 squares and for your white or cream fabric you should have 17 squares.
NOTE: If you fold your fabric you will only have to cut one time. Just cut through the layers of fabric to save time. -
Step 2
Iron on your photo pieces-This step assumes you have already printed out your photos on to your transfer paper and cut them out.
Center the transfer photo in the middle of your white or cream square and iron in place. Follow the directions on pack. Let cool and peel off the backing. When you are done you should have seven (7) photo squares ready to be sewn into place. -
Step 3
Sew your squares together. You will be making a train of squares alternating the darker or printed fabric and then the white or cream square next until you have five (5) squares sewn together. Repeat for the next rows.
Row 1 = printed square, white square, printed square, white square, printed
Row 2 = white square, printed square, white square, printed square, white square
Row 3 = printed square, white square, printed square, white square, printed
….and so on -
Step 4
Sew your train patches together. You should have seven (7) long sewn together rows that you will now sew together adding one at a time. Keeping them in the alternating pattern, pin together first and then straight stitch together. You now have your quilt top.
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Step 5
Lay out your quilt top on the floor. I used the floor because I don’t have a table wide and long enough to work on. Lay top fabric right side up and now lay backing fabric right side down on top of the top fabric. All corners should be even and fabric smoothed out.
Lay batting on top of the fabric pieces and smooth out until even with corners of fabric. The batting piece hangs over one side because it is usually wider. You will cut this off later. -
Step 6
Pin all 3 layers together putting each pin about 4 inches apart. You will pin all around the quilt leaving an opening to flip your quilt. So about mid-way on one of your sides put double pins on each end of your opening. Opening should be about 12 inches wide. I usually leave an opening at the end of my quilt to be sewn later after I turn it inside out.
Cut off the excess batting from the side. With all 3 layers pinned together you have one unit. Turn your piece over and lay back on the floor. You should have the fabric on top now and the batting touching the floor. This will make it easier to cut away the excess batting. -
Step 7
Sew your photo quilt. Straight stitch all four (4) sides of your quilt with a 5/8 seam allowance. Reinforce the stitch when you get to the double pins. DO NOT SEW YOUR OPENING CLOSED.
Birth your baby photo quilt. Reach up in the opening of your quilt a pull the top of the quilt through the hole that you left open. This should be fairly easy if you left a wide enough hole. With your fast and easy baby quilt on the right side push out the corners you’re your finger to make little points.
Top stitch the opening closed. Continue sewing around the edge of your baby quilt until you are back to the beginning.
Comments
athome said
on 5/17/2009 This is a really wonderful idea for a quilt.
gahazeleyes said
on 5/13/2009 Very nice article. My mother made quilts all the time when growing up. Brought back good memories.
kristara said
on 5/9/2009 A photo quilt is a great keepsake, I have one and love it! 5*
Merriment said
on 5/9/2009 Wonderful idea and great instructions. These would make such cute wall hangings!
billips said
on 5/1/2009 Nice article on a quilting project - certainly a great gift for Mom at any time - 5* - B.